BENGALURU: One of Karnataka's most revered and influential spiritual leaders, the 111-year-old Sri Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga mutt, passed away on Monday morning.
While he earned the sobriquet of 'Nadedaduva Devaru' or 'Walking God' for his pioneering social, educational and philanthropic activities spread over eight decades, it was the political influence he wielded that made leaders from all parties flock to his mutt, 70 km from Bengaluru, to seek his support and advice over decades.
Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa kept a vigil, on either side of the seer's body, till late Monday night as thousands thronged to pay their respects to the departed soul.
Though head of a powerful Lingayat mutt, he never openly associated himself with any political party, a reason why he was popular with Congress, BJP and JD(S) leaders. His impartial stance meant that he gave balanced guidance to all the leaders who visited him, said sources. A slew of national leaders of both BJP and Congress are expected to arrive for the final rites. There's a vociferous demand, cutting across party lines, to confer India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, on the pontiff.