Uravakonda Gavimath Pontiff Passes Away
Anantapur: Sri Chennabasava Rajendra Mahaswamy (98), the eighth pope of the historic Uravakonda Gavimath Sansthan in Anantapur district, passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ballari, Karnataka, on Saturday.
Founded in the 18th century, Uravakonda Gavimath has a network of around 770 branches across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. The institution runs various educational institutions and supports poor students through its branches.
Sri Chennabasava Rajendra Mahaswamy was appointed seer of Tumakuru Mutt in 1960. In 1984, he became the seventh Uttaradhikari of Uravakonda Gavimath and took over as Peethadhipathi in 1996.
The Pope was suffering from age-related ailments and was residing at Ballari Mutt for the last few months. His body was brought to Gavimath in Uravakonda where the last rites will be performed as per mutta traditions. The body was kept for devotees, students, religious leaders and public representatives to pay their last respects.
The seer’s death caused pessimism among devotees in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. He was widely respected for his spiritual guidance and religious service spanning several decades.
Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav visited Gavimath on Sunday and presented flowers to the deceased pope. Hundreds of devotees and followers also paid their respects.
