Shivakumara Swami was an Indian spiritual leader and humanitarian. He was the director of the Siddaganga Matha in Karnataka, India and was the founder of the Sri Siddaganga Education Society. Swamiji is considered the most respected follower of Lingayatism, a sect of Shaivism in the Hindu religion.
Biography/Wiki
Shivakumara Swami was born on April 1, 1907 (Age: 111 years, 295 days in January 2019) in Veerapura, a village near Magadi in the Kingdom of Mysore (now in Karnataka). His childhood name was Shivanna. When he was eight years old, his mother passed away. He completed his primary education at an Anglo-vernacular school in Nagavalli, a village in present-day Tumkur district, Karnataka. In 1926, he approved the registration of him. Meanwhile, he too was a student at Siddaganga Matha (or Mutt) in Tumkur district of Karnataka. For his higher education, he enrolled in Bangalore Central College to study art and science. He had to drop out of college, as he was appointed successor to Uddana Shivayogi Swami to head the Siddaganga Matha (or Mutt).
Shivakumara Swamiji
Family
Shivakumara Swami was born to Honnegowda (father) and Gangamma (mother). He was the youngest of his parents’ thirteen children.
Career
In 1930, when he was taking his graduation, he was elected as the leader of the Siddaganga Matha or Mutt, but he did not take office until the death of the incumbent leader, Shivayogi Swami in 1941. On that occasion, he changed his name from Shivanna to Shivakumara. In the same year, on March 3, he entered the order of monks, ‘viraktashram’ and assumed a pontifical name, Shivkumara Swami.
Throughout his life, Swami laid the foundation for 132 educational institutes. For his philanthropic works, he was respected by all the communities. His philanthropic activities helped people of all religions, castes and creeds. He also set up some shelters and provided food for the poor. In 2007, the Karnataka Government praised his works and celebrated the centenary of Swamiji’s birth. Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam also visited Swamiji in Tumkur and praised Swamiji’s humanitarian and social works.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Shivakumara Swamiji
Awards/Honors
In 2007, Swamiji was awarded the Karnataka Ratna, the highest civilian award in the state of Karnataka. In 2015, the Government of India awarded it to the third highest civilian award in the country, Padma Bhushan.
Then, the Additional Chief Secretary of the State government, V. Umesh, presented the Padma Bhushan Award to Shivakumara Swami.
Death
During the past two or three years, he suffered from many illnesses one after another. On December 1, 2018, he was hospitalized for a liver tube infection. On December 8, he underwent gallbladder removal surgery. The same year, on December 28, he was diagnosed with a lung infection. On January 11, 2019, he was placed on life support as his condition worsened. At 11:44 am on January 21, 2019, he passed from this life at the age of 111.
Thousands of people gathered for Shivakumara Swamiji’s funeral
The Karnataka government announced a state holiday on January 22, 2019 to mourn the death of Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swamiji.
Facts
- His other names were; Siddaganga Swamijigalu, Nadedaduva Devaru, Kayaka Yogi, Trivida Daasohi, etc.
- His followers and disciples used to call him ‘Walking God’. It was also his nickname.
- At the time of his death, he was one of the oldest people in the country.
- India’s 14th Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised his humanitarian work and visited him in September 2014.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting with Shivakumara Swamiji
- Congress President Rahul Gandhi also praised his works and met him in 2018. On Swamiji’s death, he also offered his condolences.
Rahul Gandhi met Shivakumara Swamiji in 2018 in Karnataka
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji, Pontiff of Siddaganga Mutt. Swami Ji was respected and revered by millions of Indians, from all faiths and communities. His passing leaves a deep spiritual void. My condolences to all his followers.
—Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 21, 2019
Categories: News
Source: dienchau2.edu.vn
