Jayendra Saraswathi attains Mahasamadhi at 82: Kanchi seer expanded mutt's social reach, mediated in Ayodhya issue
Jayendra Saraswathi, who broadened the activities of the Sankara Mutt with inclusive activities, died in Kanchipuram at the age of 82.
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Jayendra Saraswathi, who broadened the activities of the Sankara Mutt with inclusive activities, died in Kanchipuram at the age of 82. Image courtesy: KA Vishwanathan
Born Subramaniyam Mahadevan on 18 July, 1935, Saraswathi was anointed successor to the Mutt by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal and was given the title on 22 March, 1954. Prasanna Venkatesh/101Reporters
The Kanchi seer was admitted to a private hospital early on Wednesday after he complained of breathlessness. Doctors said the pontiff died following cardiac arrest. Image courtesy: KA Vishwanathan
The mortal remains of Saraswathi were kept at the Nandavanam in Kanchi mutt for devotees to offer their prayers. He would be given 'maha samadhi' at the Nandavanam, near the Chandrasekarendra Sarawathi Swami's. Image courtesy: KA Vishwanathan
Meanwhile, junior pontiff Vijayendra Sarawathi was elevated and given the charge of heading the mutt. Image courtesy: KA Vishwanathan
Saraswathi had a huge following in South India and had sought to play the role of a mediator in the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute during the BJP governments headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 1998 and 2004. Image courtesy: KA Vishwanathan
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among those who expressed their condolences. Modi said he was deeply 'anguished' by the passing away of Jagadguru Shankaracharya. Twitter @narendramodi
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