Agency
Kancheepuram: Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, hailed as a social reformer and known for his efforts for resolution of the vexed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, died at a hospital here today at the age of 82.
The Hindu seer, who was the 69th acharya of the mutt, which many believe was founded by Adi Shankaracharya nearly 2,500 years ago, had his share of both glory and controversy, as he was arrested in 2004 connection with the murder of a temple manager.
He was acquitted by a sessions court in the case in 2013.
Jayendra Saraswathi had been unwell for the past few months.
He complained of uneasiness this morning and was rushed to the nearby Adi Bhagavadpada Cardiac and Dialysis Centre, a facility sponsored by the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. He breathed his last at the hospital, according to mutt officials.
His mortal remains, in a traditional seated posture as followed for seers, have been placed at the mutt for people to pay their last respects.
Tributes poured in for the revered seer, with many recalling his contribution to philanthropic activities and his efforts to reach out to dalits and other socially backward communities.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP Chief Amit Shah, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other leaders condoled the death of the seer.
