Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji, the head of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt who was revered by millions and enjoyed the total allegiance of the powerful Vokkaliga community, died on Sunday evening following a massive heart attack at a hospital near Kengeri. He was 67.
The pontiff was admitted to the BGS Global Hospital, run by the mutt, on Saturday morning after he complained of chest pain. He had also been suffering from kidney ailments and undergoing dialysis for the past four years.
The Swamiji’s condition deteriorated on Sunday evening after his blood pressure shot up. He was put on ventilator around 6.30 pm, but in vain. He breathed his last at around 7 pm, according to Dr N K Venkataraman, vice-chairman, BGS Hospital.
The Swamiji’s mortal remains will be kept at the Vijayanagar branch of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt here till 9 am on Monday to enable devotees to pay their last respects.
Then the body will be taken to Adichunchanagiri Mutt headquarters at Bellur in Mandya district for the final rites as per the Swamiji’s wishes. The final rites will be performed at 4 pm.
Born in 1945 in Ramanagaram district, Swamiji was a science graduate and anointed the 71st pontiff of the mutt in 1974.
Since then he not only expanded the mutt, but also established several educational institutions for people in the Old Mysore region. Now, the BGS Educational Trust runs over 450 educational institutes, including medical and engineering colleges, with a strength of around 85,000 students.
The Swamiji became a rallying point for the Vokkaligas when he led a movement to secure backward class status for it in the early 90s.
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