Daijiworld Media Network - Gadag (SP)
Gadag, Oct 21: Dr Thontada Siddalinga Swamiji (69), spiritual head of Thontadarya Math here passed away due to massive heart attack in his sleep on the night of Friday October 19. Thontadarya Swamiji was known for his immense contributions to the cause of Kannada language, communal harmony, and his stress on putting in hard work.
The Swamiji's end came on the night of Friday, which is considered auspicious as it coincided with Vijayadashami. The Swamiji had received Banni (Shami) leaves from the devotees till 11 pm on Friday from devotees as it is customary for people of Karnataka to exchange Banni leaves as a mark of lasting brotherhood, mutual respect and harmony on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Thousands of people received his blessings on Friday, but he did not live to see Saturday.
Sources say that the volunteers of the Math went to wake the Swamiji up as he did not come out even at 8.30 am on Saturday, which was unusual. Even after knocking at the door, the Swamiji did not open the door. They left, feeling that the Swamiji might be in deep sleep, having slept late the previous night. But when he did not respond to repeated knocks on the door at 10.30 am, they felt something fishy. Concerned, the devotees and volunteers broke open the door of his room and found that their reverred spiritual guide and inspiration was no more. The Swamiji was immediately taken to nearby Chirayu Hospital but by then his end had come.
The doctors who checked on the Swamiji guessed that his end would have come at around 3 or 4 am due to massive heart attack. Thereafter, the news spread like wildfire and dignitaries, heads of various Maths, people's representatives, and others rushed to the Math to pay their last respects.
The Swamiji was born on February 21, 1949 in Korwar village of Sindagi taluk, Vijayapura district. He completed his post graduation through Karnatak University in 1974. He pursued his spiritual education in Sindagi, Shivayoga Mandir, and Hubballi. Even though he had initially taken over charge of Sindagi Math with the name, 'Siddarama Deva', under affectionate pressure from devotees and wishes of Jagadguru Sri Shivakumar Swamiji, who was heading the Thontadarya Math then, he took over as head of Thontadarya Math on July 29, 1974.
The Swamiji was an avid reader and supporter of literature. Under his guidance, over 500 works were published by the Math. He started over 80 schools and colleges at various places including the town. He also had provided shelter and other facilities to a large number of poor students in the Math.
The Swamiji was active in the field of agriculture and social service too. He was well-known for his communal harmony initiatives. The central government, in recognition of his contributions, had honoured him with National Communal Harmony and Unity Award in the year 2001. He was bestowed with the Kannada Rajyotsava award by the state government in 1995, while Kannada Books Authority awarded the 'Best Publishing Concern' award to him in 2010. He was conferred with honorary doctorate by Gulbarga University.
The Swamiji's mortal remains have been kept in the premises of the Math to enable people and devotees to have a last glimpse and pay him last respects since Saturday evening. The police department too accorded him respect by draping the national flag. The funeral is scheduled to take place at 4 pm on Sunday October 21 in the Math premises.