Daijiworld Media Network 

Tumkuru, Jan 22: While Shivakumara Swami, the chief pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt is no more, the residents of Tumkuru are all set to make his teachings immortal by practicing the humanitarian work he has always advocated.

The commercial establishments are shut on Tuesday as a mark of respect but at the same time, food distribution counters for the needy have mushroomed across different parts of the city.

The Basaveshwara Ground next to Siddaganga high school has turned into a collection centre, where people are dropping donations. However, it’s not just Tumkuru that is upholding the seer’s teachings. In a matter of fact, donations are pouring in from different corners of the state.

“We just received a call from Byadgi. They are sending 2 tonnes of chilly powder. We already have 400 quintals of rice. There is no shortage of any material. Whatever remains unutilised will be sent to Siddaganga Mutt," former MLA Sogadu Shivanna told media.

The humanitarian work has broken religious barriers. At Mandipet and Santepet, two busiest markets of Tumkur, members of the Muslim community are distributing food for the needy after paying respects to the late seer’s photo.

The portraits of the seer can be seen in almost every street and junction of Tumkuru.

While on one hand the town is mourning with tears being seen in many people’s eyes, on the other the people are celebrating the glorious life of the seer whom they referred to as ‘walking god’ by upholding his principles.