From PM Modi to Rahul Gandhi: Indian leaders pay tribute to Shankaracharya of Kanchi Jayendra Saraswathi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi were amongst those who offered tributes and paid homage to Jayendra Saraswathi, the Shankaracharya of Kanchi, who died earlier this morning, aged 82.

“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,” the PM tweeted.

Here are some of those who paid homage.

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. pic.twitter.com/pXqDPxS1Ki

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2018

I’m saddened to hear about the death of Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

He was revered by lakhs of believers all over the world for his teachings.

May his soul rest in peace.

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 28, 2018

Sad to hear of the passing of Jayendra Saraswatiji, the Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Our country has lost a spiritual leader and social reformer of rare eminence. My condolences to his countless disciples and followers #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 28, 2018

Paying tributes to Jagadguru #JayendraSaraswathi, the seer of Kanchi Mutt. Pujya Swami ji will be remembered for his immeasurable contribution to the society. A great loss to the Spiritual World. pic.twitter.com/6abIngrqK2

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 28, 2018

Anguished to learn about the sad demise of Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi ji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Generations will remember him for his teachings, wisdom and exemplary work towards educating the poor. pic.twitter.com/XbZpMS2AGr

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 28, 2018

Sad news of the Mahasamadhi of Kanchi Acharya Pujya Jayendra Saraswati maharaj. He was a reformist saint, kept himself engaged in nation-building initiatives. Reverential pranams to d departed holy soul.

— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) February 28, 2018

Pained to learn about demise of Jagadguru Jayendra Saraswathi, Shankaracharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam . With his demise, the humanity has lost a great saint who inspired and blessed his devotees around the world during his illustrious presence. Om Shanti

— Sumitra Mahajan (@S_MahajanLS) February 28, 2018

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. #JayendraSaraswathi pic.twitter.com/2gcjDFgJmV

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) February 28, 2018

Jayendra Saraswathi died on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardia arrest. He was 82.

According to reports, the Shankaracharya was ailing for sometime and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital at Kancheepuram.

Born on July 18, 1935 as Subramanyam Mahadeva, Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi shankaracharya  was the 69th Shankaracharya Guru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. He was nominated by his predecessor, Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal, as his successor and was given the pontifical title Sri Jayendra Saraswathi on March 22, 1954.

The Kanchi Shankaracharya was one of the earliest religious leaders to speak about the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, stating that the construction of the temple would result in communal harmony. "I am taking efforts to find an amicable settlement to the Ayodhya issue,” he had said in 2000.

In 2004, he was arrested for his alleged role in the muder of the manager of the temle trust. The trial involved examining 189 witnesses during the trial period of 2009 to 2013, out of which 89 turned hostile. On November 27, 2013, all the 24 accused were acquitted by the Puducherry Principal District Session, quoting lack of incriminating evidence against them. The Puducherry court that pronounced the verdict on the trial noted that fair and proper trial was not performed in the case by the investigation officer due to the active involvement of SP of Kanchipuram Premkumar IPS in the case beyond what is specified law.

"Neither substantial nor reliable evidence is available on record to corroborate the testimony of hostile witnesses or evidence of prosecution witnesses, who conducted the identification parade to fix the identification of the accused. No incriminating evidence is available against the accused. Material objects seized from the accused are not proved," the judge said while acquitting the seer.