Devotees seek Bharat Ratna to the ‘Walking God’

There was joy and smile among the devotees of Siddaganga Mutt as its senior Pontiff Dr. Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, who is considered as the ‘Walking God’ among his followers, turned 110 years old today. The devotees have also been seeking the Union Government to confer ‘Bharat Ratna,’ the country’s highest civilian award, on the Swamiji.

Special programmes were organised at the Siddaganga Mutt premises since this morning to mark the birthday celebrations of the Pontiff. Siddaganga Mutt Junior Pontiff Siddalinga Swamiji, Governor Vajubhai R. Vala, Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Seers of various Mutts across the State and prominent political leaders visited the Mutt and took part in the special programmes.  

Dr. Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, was born on  Apr. 1, 1907 in Veerapura near Magadi Taluk. He studied English in college and is proficient in Kannada and Sanskrit. He has established the Siddaganga educational institutions which offer courses in traditional learning of Sanskrit as well as modern science and technology. In recognition of his humanitarian work, Swamiji was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by Karnatak University in 1965.

He was conferred with the State’s highest civilian award ‘Karnataka Ratna’ during 2007, on his 100th birthday. He has been providing free food, shelter and education to over 8,000 students. The Karnataka Government has also recommended his name for the prestigious ‘Bharat Ratna’ award. Swamiji has also been conferred with the country’s third highest civilian award ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 2015.

Devotees of Siddaganga Mutt had organised celebrations in Mysuru with various Veerashaiva organisations coming together to offer special prayers to pray for Swamiji’s long life. The devotees had erected pendals at various places across the city and offered buttermilk, kosambari and other sweets to the general public.

A special eye check-up camp was also organised for the public.