NEW DELHI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- An 111-year-old revered seer, Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga Mutt, died Monday in India's southwestern state of Karnataka, officials said.
The saint had been unwell for a while and was on life support for the past two weeks at a hospital in Tumakuru, about 70 km northwest of Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka.
"His holiness Swamiji passed away at 11:44 a.m. today at the Mutt during treatment for lung infection," H D Kumaraswamy, the chief minister told media.
Local government officials said the last rites would be held on Tuesday with full state honours.
Described as "the walking god" on earth by his followers, Swami was suffering from lung infection and had been in and out of the hospitals for last few years in wake of his advanced age.
Swami, the senior leader of Lingayat faith, has following among millions of people and was credited for changing lives of people with his efforts in the field of education and providing food to needy.
Top political leaders cutting across party lines mourned the death of seer.
Kumaraswamy and his rival former chief minister of Karnataka, B S Yeddyurappa came together to express their grief and addressed the media jointly .
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter to pay tributes to the seer.
"His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu lived for the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. He devoted himself towards alleviating ills like poverty, hunger and social injustice. Prayers and solidarity with his countless devotees spread all across the world," Modi wrote on twitter.
The local government of Karnataka has announced a three-day mourning period as a mark of respect to the departed seer.
"The state government declares a three-day state mourning and one-day holiday for all schools, colleges and government offices, an official said.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said the seer's passing had left a "deep spiritual void."
Authorities have made massive security arrangements around the mutt to regulate hundreds of devotees that have been pouring in Tumakur to catch a glimpse of their spiritual leader.
