Shivakumara Swami was a highly respected spiritual leader and humanitarian from India. His life was dedicated to service and education, leaving an enduring legacy.

Biography/Wiki

Born Shivanna on April 1, 1907, in Veerapura, near Magadi in Karnataka, he lost his mother at the young age of eight. He completed his primary education in Nagavalli and matriculated in 1926. His early life intertwined with Siddaganga Matha in Tumkur, where he later pursued higher education at Central College in Bangalore, studying arts and science.

However, his academic pursuits were cut short when he was chosen as the successor to Uddana Shivayogi Swami, to lead the Siddaganga Matha. This pivotal moment led him to leave college and embrace his spiritual destiny.

Family

Shivakumara Swami was the youngest of thirteen children, born to Honnegowda and Gangamma.

Career

Officially becoming the head of Siddaganga Matha in 1941, upon the death of Shivayogi Swami, he adopted the name Shivakumara Swami and entered the monk order (‘viraktashram’). His leadership saw the establishment of 132 educational institutions. His philanthropic endeavors touched countless lives across various religions and castes.

His work extended to creating shelters and providing food for the impoverished. The Government of Karnataka celebrated his centennial birth anniversary in 2007, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions. Prominent figures, including former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, recognized and lauded his humanitarian efforts.

Awards/Honours

Shivakumara Swami received numerous accolades. These include:

• Karnataka Ratna (2007), the highest civilian award in Karnataka.
• Padma Bhushan (2015), the third highest civilian award in India.

Death

Following a period of declining health marked by several illnesses, including a liver infection and lung infection, he was hospitalized in December 2018. After undergoing gallbladder surgery, his condition deteriorated, leading to his passing on January 21, 2019, at the age of 111.

Facts

His impact transcended his lifetime. He was affectionately known by various names including Siddaganga Swamijigalu, Nadedaduva Devaru, Kayaka Yogi, and Trivida Daasohi. Many affectionately referred to him as the “Walking God.”

At the time of his death, he was one of the oldest people in India. His humanitarian work was praised by numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

Educational Institutions Founded

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