45th pontiff of Ahobila Mutt passes away

The 45th pontiff of Sri Ahobila Mutt, Narayana Yadindra Mahadesigan, passed away at nearby Srirangam tonight after a prolonged illness, Mutt sources said.

The 87-year-old pontiff was brought to Srirangam about one week ago from Selaiyur and was being treated by a team of doctors.

He breathed his last at around five minutes past midnight at Dasavathara Sannidhi temple in the town, surrounded by his devotees, they said.

His successor was also near the pontiff when he breathed his last, the sources said.