Udupi:Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of the Pejawar Mutt passed away in Udupi on Sunday. He was 88.He was admitted to the Kasturba Hospital in Manipal for the treatment of extensive pneumonia on December 20 and was shifted to the Pejawar Mutt in Udupi on Sunday on ventilator after his health condition worsened on Saturday.
He was shifted from the hospital to the Pejawar Mutt in a special ambulance. Tight security has been in place on the Car Street in Udupi, where the Pejawar Mutt and the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple are located.
A health bulletin issued by the Kasturba Hospital said here on Saturday: "The condition of Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji is very critical and there is further decline in his health condition. He remains unconscious and continues to be on life support systems. Tests done showed severe brain dysfunction."
State Chief Minister B S Yeddiyurappa, who visited mutt, said that seer was passed away at 0930 hours.He added that the body of the seer will be airlifted to Bengaluru and will be kept at National College Grounds for the public view.The final rituals will be held at Bengaluru mutt, he said.
Swamiji is the 32nd in the lineage of Pejawar Mutt following Vishvamanya Tirtha.The Pejavara mutt is one among the 'Ashta' Mutts of Udupi.CM Yediyurappa announces 3 days mourning.
All state respects to be paid to the seer. He said that he has had the luck to receive his blessings for many years and has taken his advice regularly.
"The country and state has lost of great soul. He consecrated the Ram Mandir and wanted to see Ram Mandir being built in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court also decided that the temple is to be built but he unfortunately is now not alive to see the temple being built now," he said.
MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that the body will be kept Ajjarakadu Ground from 10 hrs so that people can offer their last respects. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will pay homage at Ajjarakadu ground. Rituals related to bathing the seer and offering "aarathi" Will be performed at the mutt. (UNI)