Prez, PM, others condole demise of Kanchi seer

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and a host of other leaders expressed their deep condolences at the demise of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi today.
"Sad to hear of the passing of Jayendra Saraswatiji, the Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Our country has lost a spiritual leader and social reformer of rare eminence, My condolences to his countless disciples and followers," Kovind said on Twitter.
The senior pontiff of the Kanchi Sankara Mutt passed away in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, today following a cardiac arrest. The 82-year-old seer was rushed to a private hospital after he complained of uneasiness.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness at the demise of Jayendra Saraswathi, saying he will live on in the hearts and minds of devotees due to his exemplary service to society.
"Pay my respects to Kanchi peethadhipathi Shri Jayendra Saraswati who attained moksha. His contribution for the welfare of mankind and in promoting spirituality will always be an inspiration for others," Naidu tweeted.
"Deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya," Modi said in a tweet.

"He will live on in the hearts and minds of lakhs of devotees due to his exemplary service and noblest thoughts. Om Shanti to the departed soul," he said.

Jayendra Saraswathi was at the forefront of innumerable community service initiatives, the prime minister said in a tweet, adding, "he nurtured institutions which transformed the lives of the poor and downtrodden."
Congress president Rahul Gandhi in his message said, Jayendra Saraswathi was revered by lakhs of believers all over the world for his teachings.
"I'm saddened to hear about the death of Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. He was revered by lakhs of believers all over the world for his teachings. May his soul rest in peace", Gandhi said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami in his condolence message said Sankaracharya was appointed as 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Mutt in 1994 following the demise of then pontiff Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi.

"Jayendra Saraswathi showed concern in spiritual as well as social welfare initiatives," he said in a statement.
Expressing condolences at the pontiff's demise, Palaniswami conveyed his sympathies and condolences with the followers of Sankaracharya and the employees of the Kanchi Mutt.
Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam expressed shock over the passing away of of the seer.
DMK working president MK Stalin expressed his "deep condolences" at the demise of Sankaracharya.
Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani expressed regret over the seer's death. "Dravidar Kazhagam expresses its deep condolences though the party has huge differences with him and the Mutt over their policies," he said in a statement.

BJP Tamil Nadu president Tamilisai Soundararajan, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su Thirunavukkarasar, PMK leader S Ramadoss and DMDK chief Vijaykant also expressed their condolences.