Vishwesha Theertha Swami passes away

He was admitted to the Kasturba Hospital in Manipal for the treatment of extensive pneumonia on Dec 20 and was shifted to the Pejawar Mutt in Udupi on Sunday on ventilator after his health condition worsened on Saturday.

He was shifted from the hospital to the Pejawar Mutt in a special ambulance. Tight security has been in place on the Car Street in Udupi, where the Pejawar Mutt and the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple are located.

A health bulletin issued by the Kasturba Hospital said here on Saturday: "The condition of Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji is very critical and there is further decline in his health condition. He remains unconscious and continues to be on life support systems. Tests done showed severe brain dysfunction."

State Chief Minister B S Yeddiyurappa, who visited mutt, said that the seer passed away at 9:30 AM.

He added that the body of the seer will be airlifted to Bengaluru and will be kept at National College Grounds for the public view.

The final rituals will be held at Bengaluru mutt, he said.

Swamiji is the 32nd in the lineage of Pejawar Mutt following Vishvamanya Tirtha.

The Pejavara mutt is one among the 'Ashta' Mutts of Udupi.

CM Yediyurappa has announced three days of mourning. All state respects will be paid to the seer.

"The country and state lost of great soul. He consecrated the Ram Mandir and wanted to see Ram Mandir being built in Ayodhya. Unfortunately he is no more and won't be able to see the temple being built," he said.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that the body will be kept Ajjarakadu Ground so that people can offer their last respects.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will pay homage at Ajjarakadu ground. Rituals related to bathing the seer and offering "aarathi" will be performed at the mutt.