‘Walking God’ Siddeshwara Swamiji laid to rest with full state honours

VIJAYAPURA: Jnanayogashrama seer Siddeshwara Swami of Vijayapura, popularly known a a ‘walking god’, was laid to rest with full state honours on the ashram premises on Tuesday evening after about lakhs of people, including commoners, politicians and celebrities paid their last respects.

The police presented a gun salute while the music band played the national anthem, as a mark of respect. The mortal remains of the seer were clad in white cloth in a sitting posture as per the mutt custom. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai laid a wreath and handed over the Tricolour to Suttur Mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami. Several other ministers and political leaders too laid wreaths.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai paying his last respects to Siddeshwara Swami on Tuesday.

The last rites held as per his wishes noted down in his will, at the mutt premises. A funeral pyre was created by the mutt authorities for cremating the seer. The CM and other ministers poured ghee on the pyre while seers of other mutts consigned the mortal remains to flames.

The body of Siddeshwara Swami was brought to the cremation site in a decorated cortege from the Sainik School grounds where it was kept for public viewing and for people to pay their last respects.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai himself was seen making arrangements for the last rites from Tuesday morning till the pyre was lit. Other political leaders, spiritual leaders and celebrities also took part in the funeral.

Opposition leader Siddaramaiah described Siddeshwara Swami as a philosopher and scholar who dedicated his life to preaching.

The CM said, “Siddeshwara Sri has left behind a culture and way of life for people to follow. The people of Vijayapura cooperated in a big way. When I see the way the people conducted themselves, we can understand how much love, trust and culture guru has left behind. He was a man who really stood up to his words. People themselves offered help, cooperation and arranged for food and water. He may be no more physically, but he will always be with us in our thoughts. The words he wished for me are always ringing in my ears”. He also thanked all the people of Vijayapura for the smooth conduct of the last rites.

Devotees came in large numbers to pay their last respects.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah, after paying his tribute to Siddeshwara Swami, said, “He was a scholar and a philosopher. He led a simple life and became ideal to others. He was engaged in creating awareness about religion among people and spent his life in preaching”.

Earlier, the mortal remains of the seer was kept at the Sainik School grounds till 5 pm for the public to pay their last respects and then a procession was arranged. Devotees thronged both sides of the road in large numbers and showered flowers petals throughout the way till the funeral site and cheered his name. Devotees in several other districts too mourned the passing away of the seer.