Above: Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi

One of the most revered Hindu seers, Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi, passed away on Wednesday (February 28) morning in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram.  He was 82.

Sources said that he was admitted to a hospital after he complained of breathing trouble.

Saraswathi became the Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Mutt in 1954. Born on July 18, 1935, his original name was Sri Subramaniyam. He was the 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Mutt.

He succeeded Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal and took the reins of the Mutt which was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and is revered by millions in South India.

The Mutt runs several charitable eye clinics, hospitals and eye clinics.

Vijayendra Saraswathi will succeed Jayendra Saraswathi as the next Shankaracharya of Kanchi.

Saraswathi shot into the limelight when he was made an accused in the murder of an accountant, Sankarraman, who worked in his mutt. His subsequent arrest in 2004 shocked the Hindu priests. Later in 2016, he was acquitted of the murder.

Saraswathi’s death evoked reactions from all over the world as tributes started pouring in from a wide cross section of society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. He will live on in the hearts and minds of lakhs of devotees due to his exemplary service and noblest thoughts. Om Shanti to the departed soul.”

“I pay my respects to Kanchi Peethadhipathi Shri Jayendra Saraswati who attained moksha. His contribution for the welfare of mankind and in promoting spirituality will always be an inspiration for others,” tweeted Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

There are four Shankaracharya mutts spread all across India. These are situated at Puri (Odisha), Joshimath (Uttarakhand), Shringeri (Karnataka) and Dwarka (Gujarat).

—India Legal Bureau