Raje condoles demise of Roop Muni Maharaj

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today condoled the demise of Jain Muni Roop Muni Maharaj.

Maharaj, 89, died yesterday in Pali district of the state.

Raje, in his condolence message, said Maharaj worked in eliminating social evils from the society for which he was revered not only by the Jain community, but also by the people of other faiths.

She prayed for peace to the departed soul and strenght to his bereaved devotees.

Maharaj was known for his contribution in cow protection, stopping animal sacrifice, promoting vegetarianism, building hospitals and rest houses.

He was born on August 14, 1929, and named Roop Puri Goswami by his parents.

Over 170 institutions are running in his name in various parts of the country, including the Marwar region of Rajasthan.

Maharaj's gurus (teachers) were Santokchand Masa and Motilal Masa.

He took 'diksha' (taking on of a serious spiritual discipline) in Jodhpur in 1942.

His last rites will be conducted today in Pali, where his devotees in large numbers have arrived to pay their last respects to the revered saint.