Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt pontiff in Karnataka passes away at 73

HASSAN: Swasthishri Jagadguru Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami, pontiff of the renowned Shravanabelagola Mutt in Karnataka, passed away on Thursday. He was 73.
The spiritual leader of the Digambar Jain faith, who was honoured with the title 'Karma Yogi' by the then PM Indira Gandhi during her visit to the Mutt in 1981, was unwell for the past couple of months.
He collapsed during his morning walk on Thursday and was rushed to the Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences at Bellur Cross, Mandya district, where he was declared dead. tnn
The pontiff, who took over as head of the mutt in 1970, is credited with the development of Shravanabelagola Jain Pilgrimage Centre, home to the 57-ft statue of Lord Gometeshwara, one of the world's tallest free-standing monolithic statues, and 40 other Jain basadis (shrines). He also hosted the Mahamastakabhisheka - held once in 12 years - a record four times in 1981, 1993, 2006, and 2018.
The final rites of the pontiff were conducted in the evening atop Chandragiri Hills with state honours. A sea of devotees attended the last rites at the temple town, which remained shut to mark his demise.
Seers of several Jain mutts lit the pyre. Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami focused on health, education, and social sectors, besides adopting many villages around Shravanabelagola and expanding basic facilities.
The mutt funded educational institutions, construction projects and established schools, polytechnics, and engineering colleges. He set up the Prakrit University and National Prakrit Study Research Institute to carry out research. He also established an ayurvedic hospital and a children's hospital.
Born in Varanga village in Karkala taluk of Udupi district, his name before taking sanyasa was Ratnavarma. An alumnus of the University of Mysore and Bangalore University, he was well-versed in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada, and English.
Earlier, the mortal remains of the seer were taken out in a procession through the main road of the temple town. Residents stood on either side of the road to offer their last respects. Agama Keerthi Bhattaraka Swami, 22, from Sagar in Shivamogga district will be the new head of the mutt as per the wishes of the deceased seer.
Full report: toi.in