Pejwar math head Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji is dead; 3-day

Pejawar Math head Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji, one of the prominent religious leaders of South India, died here on Sunday after a brief illness, math sources said.

The 88-year old swamij, a prominent face of the VHP's Ramjanmabhoomi movement, breathed his last at the premises of the Pejawar math in this holy town, they said.

The Karnataka government announced a three-day state mourning. The last rites of the seer will be performed at the Vidyapeetha in Bengaluru, founded by him, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said.

Vishwesha Theertha, the most senior pontiff of the Ashta (eight) maths here established by Dvaita philosopher Sri Madhwacharya 800 years ago, was admitted to KMC Hospital in nearby Manipal with respiratory problems on December 19.

On Saturday night, he suffered multi-organ failure following which he was shifted to the Pejwar Math here as per his wish expressed earlier, the sources said.

From there, the mortal remains of the swamiji were taken in a bamboo basket to the eight centuries old Udupi Sri Krishna Math where a bath was given in Madhawa Sarovara (holy tank).

After a darshan of Lord Krisha, the body of the swamiji kept in the bamboo basket was taken in a procession in an open jeep amid chants of "Govinda" "Govinda" to Ajjarjad stadium where a large number of public gathered.

Yediyurappa paid his respects to the departed seer and placed a national on his body, wrapped in saffron colour cloth and adorned with Tulsi garlands, even as police personnel gave a gun salute.

A host of state ministers and senior BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders were among those who offered floral tributes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yediyurappa condoled the death of the seer, who was the 33rd swamiji in the lineage of the Pejawar Math heads.

"Udupi will remain in the hearts and minds of lakhs of people for whom he was always a guiding light. A powerhouse of service and spirituality, he continuously worked for a more just and compassionate society. Om Shanti," Modi tweeted, condoling the death of the swamiji.

Yediyurappa said: "Hindu religion has lost a major guide in the passing away of the seer."