The head of a mutt in Solapur, Sri Siddaram Hiremath Swamiji, was killed on the spot when the car in which he was travelling collided with a lorry near Farhatabad on the outskirts of Kalaburagi late on Saturday night.
The accident took place when the car driver lost control over the vehicle resulting in the collision at a narrow turning, with the lorry that was coming in the opposite direction.
Four others, who were grievously injured, are undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Kalaburagi.
The swamiji was travelling from Solapur to Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh to participate in a religious programme.
A case has been filed at the Farhatabad Police Station.