Bengaluru: One of Karnataka's most revered and influential spiritual leaders, the 111 years old Sri Shivkumara Swami of Siddaganga mutt, passed away on Monday morning.
While he earned the sobriquet of 'Nadedaduva Devaru' or 'Walking God’ for his pioneering social, educational and philanthropic activities that spread over eight decades, it was the political influence he wielded that made leaders from all parties flock to his mutt that was 70 km from Bengaluru, to seek his support and advice over decades.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa kept a vigil, on either side of the seer's body, till late Monday night as thousands flocked to pay their respects to the departed soul.
From Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi to H D Deve Gowda and Narendra Modi and senior leaders Sonia Gandhi to Amit Shah, everyone made it a point to visit the mutt and exchange pleasantries with him each time they touched down in Bengaluru.