‘Walking God’ Of Karnataka No More: Siddaganga Math’s Shivakumara Swamiji Passes Away At 111

Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, 111, and popularly known as ‘Nadedaduva Devaru’ (Walking God) passed away in Tumakuru at 11:44 am on Monday (21 January) due to ill health. He was the seer of the Siddaganga Math and has been revered for his humanitarian work that has benefited thousands.

Chief Minister of Karnataka H D Kumaraswamy has been quoted by Times of India as saying, “Sri Shivakumara Swamiji's demise is an immense loss to the state, country. We all have lost a guiding force. Tuesday will be a government holiday on account of his death. On Tuesday till 3 pm, the mortal remains of the seer will be kept open in public for darshan.”

Karnataka’s Deputy CM G Parameshwara and former CM B S Yeddyurappa have urged the Centre to honour the seer with a posthumous Bharat Ratna for the contributions he made to social development and well-being.

Apart from the one-day government holiday announced by the Chief Minister, the state will observe mourning for the next three days. The cremation will take place at 4:30 pm on Tuesday (22 January).

Swamiji headed the Sree Siddaganga Education Society that ran over 125 educational institutions in Karnataka.