Jamakhandi Virakta Ole Math seer dies of heart attack

BAGALKOT: The seer of the Virakta Ole Math at Jamakhandi, Sri Abhinava Kumara Chennabasava Mahaswami (65) passed away after suffering a heart attack around 9.30 pm on Thursday at the math branch at Goravinakolla in Savadatti taluk of Belagavi district.

The seer had been ailing from high blood sugar, blood pressure and heart ailments for the last two years. On Friday morning, the mortal remains were taken out in a procession at Goravinakolla and later shifted to Jamakhandi town where it was kept for public viewing.

In the evening, a procession was taken out in Jamakhandi town and the last rites will be conducted as per Lingayat traditions later.

The seer, who had a PhD from Hampi University, was well-versed in five languages and had authored over 70 works including four literary treatises. He was also part of the agitation to demand separate district status for Jamakhandi.