RAICHUR: Siddaramananda Swamiji, the head of the Kanaka Gurupeetha at Thinthani Bridge in Raichur passed away at 3.30 am on Thursday after suffering a heart attack. He was 50 years old.
The swamiji was a prominent figure in the Halumatha community and had worked tirelessly for the welfare of the community. He had established the Kanaka Gurupeetha in 2011 and had been instrumental in promoting the Halumatha culture and traditions.
The swamiji’s mortal remains were taken in a procession through the streets, with thousands of devotees participating. The final rites were performed with full state honors, and a police team fired three rounds in the air as a mark of respect.Several dignitaries, including ministers Byrathi Suresh, N S Bosaraju and MLA Basanagouda Turvihal paid their last respects to the Swamiji. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was unable to attend due to illness.
The seer was known for his simplicity and dedication to social service. He had established several educational institutions and had worked for the upliftment of the marginalised sections of society. The Halumatha community has announced that the seer’s successor will be decided soon. The community is in mourning, and several programmes have been cancelled as a mark of respect to the Swamiji.
Born to Mahadevaiah and Jayamma, the swamiji was originally named Mohan Pradan. He hailed from Kalamarahalli in Challakere taluk in Chitradurga district. With a strong inclination towards spirituality, he left home at the age of 18 and began his spiritual journey. He was influenced by various faiths, including Jainism, Christianity, and Brahma Kumari, before settling on his spiritual path.
The swamiji established the Kanaka Gurupeetha in Sindhanur in 2009 and later shifted it to Thinthani Bridge in 2011. He was instrumental in promoting the Halumatha culture and traditions, and his efforts earned him recognition and respect from the community.
Swamiji was a strong advocate for education and had established several educational institutions, including a primary school, a degree college, and a postgraduate college. He also worked tirelessly for the welfare of the marginalized sections of society, providing free food and education to underprivileged children.
The swamiji’s mother, Jayamma, was overwhelmed with grief and remembered her son’s simplicity and dedication to social service. She recalled how she had donated a kidney to save his life during a transplant operation seven years ago.
The seer’s demise has left a void in the community, and his legacy will be remembered for his tireless efforts towards social service and promoting the Halumatha culture.
