Kanchi Mutt’s Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi died on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram.The 82-year-old pontiff was suffering from poor health for over a year.
He was admitted to a hospital on Wednesday morning after he complained of breathing problems. But, while in hospital, he suffered a cardiac arrest leading to his death. Vijayendra Saraswathi will succeed Jayendra Saraswathi now.
Tributes have been pouring in after the news of Saraswathi’s death became public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “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.” Modi also posted an old photo of him with the religious guru.”
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, “I’m saddened to hear about the death of Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. He was revered by lakhs of believers all over the world for his teachings. May his soul rest in peace.”
I’m saddened to hear about the death of Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
He was revered by lakhs of believers all over the world for his teachings.
May his soul rest in peace.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 28, 2018
A statement by the Congress party said, “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.”
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
West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, wrote, “Saddened at the Mahasamadhi of Kanchi Acharya Pujya Jayendra Saraswati ji.
Saddened at the Mahasamadhi of Kanchi Acharya Pujya Jayendra Saraswati ji
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 28, 2018
In 2004, Saraswathi was charged with murder of a Kanchipuram temple employee. But he was acquitted in 2013 along with 22 others.