State leaders, followers offer homage to Pejawar Seer

Udupi: A pall of gloom descended over the holy city of Udupi with the demise of Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt.

Several devotees thronged to Ajjarkad stadium to get a glimpse of the departed seer. A host of state ministers and senior BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders were among those who offered floral tributes.

Chief Minister Yediyurappa paid his respects to the departed seer and placed a national flag on his body, wrapped in saffron colour cloth and adorned with Tulsi garlands, even as police personnel gave a gun salute.

Expressing his grief over the seer’s demose Yediyurappa said: “Hindu religion has lost a major guide in the passing away of the seer.”

He had held ‘sahabhojana’ with Dalits, which was a step to lower the voice of inequality in Hindu religion.

“His contribution to the upliftment of Hindu dharma is immortal. It is saddening that he did not live to witness the construction of Rama mandir in Ayodhya,” the chief minister said in his message.

As many as 750 police personnel, seven DRP and five KSRP companies were deployed across the Ajjarkad stadium to monitor the situation.