Kanchi mutt Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati dies at 82
The cause of death is not yet known.
Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati, the pontiff of the Kanchi mutt in Tamil Nadu, has died at the age of 82, The Hindu reported on Wednesday. The cause of death is not yet known.
The pontiff had been admitted to a private hospital in Porur area of Chennai in January with breathing problems, and was diagnosed with low blood sugar, the Deccan Chronicle reported. However, he was discharged soon.
The 82-year-old senior pontiff succeeded Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal as the 69th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in 1994.
The former pontiff was arrested in 2004 and charged in connection with the murder of a former temple manager named Sankararaman. Sankararaman had levelled several accusations against the Kanchi seers and the Kanchi Mutt about alleged malpractice and misuse of funds. In 2013, he and his junior pontiff Vijayendra Saraswathi were acquitted in the case, along with 22 others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other public figures expressed their grief at the death. Here are some of the reactions.
Deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. He will live on in the hearts and minds of lakhs of devotees due to his exemplary service and noblest thoughts. Om Shanti to the departed soul. pic.twitter.com/pXqDPxS1Ki
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2018
Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya was at the forefront of innumerable community service initiatives. He nurtured institutions which transformed the lives of the poor and downtrodden. pic.twitter.com/s1vTpSxbbl
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2018
I’m saddened to hear about the death of Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 28, 2018
He was revered by lakhs of believers all over the world for his teachings.
May his soul rest in peace.
I pay my respects to Kanchi peethadhipathi Shri Jayendra Saraswati who attained moksha. His contribution for the welfare of mankind and in promoting spirituality will always be an inspiration for others. #JayendraSaraswathi pic.twitter.com/2gcjDFgJmV
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) February 28, 2018
My respectful homage to Param Pujya Swami Jayendra Saraswati Ji who has attained mahasamadhi this morning. I was fortunate to have his blessings always.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) February 28, 2018
We regret to hear about the passing away of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi. May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts go out to his close associates and millions of his followers around the world.
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 28, 2018
Saddened at the Mahasamadhi of Kanchi Acharya Pujya Jayendra Saraswati ji
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 28, 2018
Deeply saddened by the demise of Jayendra Saraswati ji, the Shankaracharya of the Kanchipuram Kamakoti Peetam math. With his demise we have lost a great saint of present times, who has been a guiding force for the millions. My prayers for the liberated soul.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) February 28, 2018
Condole the demise of Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, the 69th pontiff of Kanchipuram Kamakoti Peetam Math. A guiding force, his passing is a great loss. My thought and prayers are with his followers.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) February 28, 2018
A saintly seer has left this world for the abode of Lord Shiva. His contributions as a pious, kind & affectionate Kanchi Mutt head will be remembered forever. Om Namah Shivay!
— GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) February 28, 2018
Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi passes away - Times of India https://t.co/nJJpUHoRZH via @timesofindia
Heartfelt tributes to Sri #JayendraSaraswathi Swamy as the seer of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam left for his heavenly abode this morning. May his blessings be with us always.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) February 28, 2018
Parampujya Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Maharaj ji attained samadhi today as he left his physical body. He was a father figure to me: a great source of strength and guidance always, and had presided over my wedding. May he watch over all of us forever... pic.twitter.com/9pWI69jVCC
— Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) February 28, 2018
#JayendraSaraswathi leaves behind a mixed legacy. His focus on starting educational institutions for poor students and his outreach programs for connecting with society were path breaking for the mutt. The Sankararaman case though indelibly marred his latter years.
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) February 28, 2018