New Delhi, March 31 (IANS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Srimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji of Sri Kashi Math Sansthan in Varanasi, saying that the revered saint had dedicated his life to service and spirituality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media platform
Highlighting Swami’s contributions, Prime Minister Modi said, “He established several institutes and research centers and was extremely passionate about spreading the joy of education among the people. His teachings emphasize simplicity, kindness and piety. Equally commendable are his efforts to preserve and popularize the culture and values of India, which had their origins in our land.”
Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji (31 March 1926 – 17 January 2016), also known as Sri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji, was the juridical and spiritual head (Mathdhipati) of the Kasi Math and the 20th continuing saint in its revered guru tradition.
He died in Haridwar early on Sunday morning at the age of 90. Widely respected for his spiritual leadership, he became the 20th head of the Kashi Math in 1949 and became its longest serving abbot.
He was born on 31 March 1926 in Ernakulam, Kerala to Ramdasa Shenoy and Draupadi and his original name was Sadashiv Shenoy. His father was a trustee of the Sri Venkatraman Temple, Ernakulam. He studied science, including physics and chemistry, at the Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam.
He took sannyasa initiation from his guru Sukritendra Tirtha Swamiji in 1944 during his college days and was later appointed his successor. After initiation, he left worldly life and set out on his spiritual journey.
Over the years, he played a key role in the installation and development of sculptures in many temples across the country, including Kasaragod, Gurupura, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Uppinangadi and Moodbidri, and left an enduring spiritual and cultural legacy.
–IANS
SAK/AS