February 28, 2018: Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, the 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Mutt, passed away on Wednesday in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
He was 82 and was admitted to a hospital after he complained of breathing problems. He breathed his last at nine Wednesday morning.
According to the mutt, His last rites will be performed from 8 am on Thursday.
The mortal remains of Sankaracharya has been kept in a sitting posture amidst Vedic chants.
Shri Jayendrar will be interred at the Mutt. The temple has been closed for darshan on Wednesday.
Born as Sri Subramaniyam on July 18, 1935, at Irul neeki in Tiruvarur, Jayendra Saraswathi was the head of the Kanchi Mutt established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
He became the younger pontiff on March 22, 1954 and became elder pontiff in 1994. Jayendrar wanted to solve the Ayodhya issue in a peaceful manner.
He will be succeeded by the 70th Shankaracharya of Kamakoti Peetam traditionally referred to as Kamakshi.
The Kanchipuram mutt is a pilgrimage for Hindus all around the world and particularly in south India.
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed sadness on the passing of Shankaracharya of Kanchi.
In a tweet, Mr Kovind said, with his demise, the country has lost a spiritual leader and social reformer of rare eminence.
Also, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed their condolences on his demise.
Mr Naidu said in a Twitter message that his contribution for the welfare of mankind and in promoting spirituality will always be an inspiration for others.
Prime Minister said he was deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya Saraswathi.
He said in a tweet message that the Shankaracharya will live on in the hearts and minds of lakhs of devotees due to his exemplary service and noblest thoughts.
Mr Modi said that he was at the forefront of innumerable community service initiatives. He nurtured institutions which transformed the lives of the poor and downtrodden.
The mutt which was founded by Shri. Adi Shankaracharya in 482 BC and was managed as a place of heritage.
The mutt was well administered by the 82-year-old Sri Jayendra Saraswathi since 1994.
The Kanchi mutt manages a lot of educational institutions, Goshalas, Veda schools, university, hospital, architecture and activities connecting with the Hindu Dharma.
Lots of epigraphs have been protected and preserved in this mutt. Following the death of Shri Jayendrar, Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi.will become the 70th Sankaracharya to take up the reins hereafter.
Security has been tightened around the Kanchi Mutt as there is already a stream of visitors longing to get a glimpse of the Kanchi pontiff. (AIR News)
