Shivakumara Swami

Shivakumara Swami Biography

Shivakumara Swami was a spiritual leader and Hindu monk from Veerapura, Karnataka. He was also known as an educationalist and humanitarian. He served as the head (seer) of the Siddaganga Matha in Karnataka till his death on January 21^st, 2019. He was a Hindu religious figure of the Lingayatism sect, and one of the most prominent spiritual leaders belonging to this sect. His believers call him Nadedaduva Devaru. He passed away on January 21^st, 2019 aged 111. Government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 2015 and he was also a recipient of Karnataka Ratna in 2007 and many more honours.

Shivakumara Swami was born on 1 April 1907 in Veerapura, Magadi in the Kingdom of Mysore. He studied from Veerapura & Nagavalli, followed by Tumkur and Bangalore University. He was proficient in Sanskrit, English as well as his mother tongue Kannada. Later he dedicated his whole life for the need of poor, spirituality, religion and education. Lingayat seer was well known for his philanthropic activities. He has cleared his stand that Lingayatism should be treated as a separate religion.

He was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Literature by Karnataka University in the year 1965. The 111-year-old pontiff of the mutt passed away on January 21^st, 2019. He was battling with lung infection and had been put on ventilator, and his treatment was going on in his matt. Several senior politicians have expressed their condolences. A bypass surgery was done only in the last month. Tumukara road was named in his honour and there were recommendations for giving him Bharat Ratna. He established several educational institutions where Sanskrit as well as modern technology & science are being taught.

Published: January 22, 2019

Updated: January 22, 2019