Hubballi: Dr Siddalinga Swamiji of Gadag Tontadarya Matha was laid to rest with full state honours on Sunday.
Seers of various mathas performed the funeral rites according to the Lingayat tradition.
A guard of honour was given by the state police who fired three rounds in the air as a mark of respect. Meanwhile, the seers have appointed Naganur Siddaram Swamiji as successor to the deceased seer.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and chairman of the ruling coalition’s co-ordination committee Siddaramaiah visited the matha to pay respects to the seer. Thousands of mourners thronged the matha and place of burial to get a last glimpse of the mortal remains. Businessmen and traders voluntarily downed shutters in Gadag to pay homage to the seer.
Addressing the media, Mr Kumaraswamy said that the government will take a decision at the next Cabinet meeting about naming Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University at Gadag after Dr Siddalinga Swamiji.
He said that a discussion will be held to institute an award in the name of the seer. Terming the seer as great rationalist, Siddaramaiah said that he played a major role in the Gokak movement and the campaign against setting up of the Posco steel plant to protect Kappattagudda hills in Gadag district. “Dr Siddalinga Swamiji made a great contribution not just in religious activities, but also in the literary world. His sad demise has sent shock waves among lakhs of devotees,” he added.
Anandapuri Mallikarjun Swamiji performed all rites as per Basava philosophy. Murugharajendra Swamiji of Chitradurga, Vachananda Shri of Harihar Panchamasali
Peetha, Jaya Mrithyunjaya Swamiji of Kudal Sangama, BJP leaders Janardhan Reddy, B. Sriramulu and several other political leaders attended.
