Amit Shah expresses grief over Kanchi Shankaracharya's demise

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah condoled the demise of Swami Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, senior seer of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram, who passed away today at the age of 82-year-old.

"This feels very unfortunate to learn about the sad demise of Swami Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi. He will always be remembered for his teachings, wisdom and impeccable work towards educating the poor," a message from Shah read.

He added that Swami Jayendra Saraswathi was a spiritual beacon, who contributed immensely to the society and served mankind.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his grief over the demise of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati.

The 82-year-old seer was suffering from diabetes and had collapsed at the mutt with shortness of breath and was admitted to Chennai's Ramachandra hospital last month.

Later, the hospital and Mutt sources confirmed his demise.

Reportedly, Swami's health condition started deteriorating in January.

In 1954, Jayendra Saraswathi was given the title.

He was 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and was named by Chadrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal as his successor on March 22, 1954.

Now, Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi will be the 70th Jagadguru of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.