Jayendra Saraswathi -- the 69th Shankaracharya of the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam -- passed away today following a cardiac arrest Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.
"Anguished to learn about the sad demise of Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathiji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Generations will remember him for his teachings, wisdom and exemplary work towards educating the poor. He was a spiritual beacon, who contributed immensely to the society and served mankind," Shah said in a condolence message.
As the head of Kanchi Mutt, he expanded its spiritual and social welfare activities manifold in different parts of India, he and recalled his association with him during the first NDA government when he was the Union home minister.
"Swamiji proactively initiated a dialogue with various religious and social leaders of the Muslim community to evolve an amicable solution to the Ayodhya dispute. This dialogue helped a lot in promoting mutual trust and goodwill between Hindu and Muslim communities," he said.