Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Mar 14: Mathe Mahadevi, head of Basava Dharma Peetha at Kudalasangama, passed away here on Thursday, March 14.
The 74-year-old was admitted to Manipal hospital on March 10. She was suffering from lung infection, multi-organ failure and was in a critical condition.
The doctors on Thursday confirmed that she passed away failing to respond to treatment given at the hospital.
Mathe Mahadevi was born on March 13, 1946 at Sasalahatti in Chitradurga. Swami Lingananda had provided 'Deeksha' to her in 1966. In 1970 she was installed as a jagadguru, and became the first woman to hold this position in the Lingayat mutt.
Mathe Mahadevi was a BSc and MA degree holder. Inspired by the 12th century reformer, poetess Akka Mahadevi, she has written 20 books. An educational and religious institution called Jaganmata Akka Mahadevi Ashrama in Dharwad was started by her in by 1983.
Her mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Basava Mantap in Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar. It will then be taken to Kudalasangama for public viewing. Her last rites will be conducted on Friday afternoon at Kudalasangama.