New Delhi:
The 69th pontiff of Kanchi Mutt, Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, died on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram. He was 82-years-old.
Jayendra was admitted to hospital after he complained of breathing problems. According to reports he died of cardiac arrest.
The Shankaracharya’s last rites will be performed tomorrow. The ritual is described as ‘Brindavana Pravesha Karyakramam’ in vedic parlance.
His mortal remains has been kept as Kamakoti Peetam for his followers to pay last respects.
He was born as Sri Subramaniyam on July 18, 1935. He headed the Kanchi Mutt, a Hindu monastery established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century and had a huge following in South India. He was named as the successor to the Mutt by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal, who have him the title Sri Jayendra Saraswathi on March 22, 1954.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolence.
PM Modi on Twitter wrote, “Deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. He will live on in the hearts and minds of lakhs of devotees due to his exemplary service and noblest thoughts. Om Shanti to the departed soul.”
