Bengaluru, January 21: Karnataka was plunged into grief on Monday, as the one of the tallest spiritual leaders of the state, seer Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, died to age-related ailments. The 111-year-old godman breathed his last at 11:44am at the Siddaganga Hospital, where he was being treated over the past few days. Before his demise, Swamiji's blood pressure and protein levels were found to be alarmingly low.

The mortal remains of Swamiji were brought back to the Mutt, where leaders cutting across the political spectrum, and other sections of the society, arrived in large numbers to pay their antim darshan or last tributes. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Leader of Opposition BS Yeddyurappa cancelled all their scheduled programmes and rushed to the Siddaganga Mutt to pay homage to the late leader.

Authorities at the Siddaganga Mutt have confirmed to the press that the last rites of Swamiji is scheduled to be held on Tuesday at 4:30pm.

Shivakumara Swamiji Passes Away: Watch Live Streaming of The Lingayat Seer's Final Journey on TV9 Kannada Below.

CM HD Kumaraswamy has announced a three-day mourning period across the state. All schools, colleges and offices will remain shut for one-day period, the Chief Minister told reporters.

A meeting was held by Kumaraswamy, Deputy CM G Parameshwara,  Home Minister MB Patil and top district officials to discuss the security arrangements for the funeral processions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the demise on social media.

"HH Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu remained at the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education facilities for the marginalised. He represents the best of our traditions of compassionate service, spirituality and protecting the rights of the underprivileged," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 21, 2019 03:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).