Sri Siddaramanand Puri Swamiji, Peethadhipathi of Kanaka Guru Peetha (Gulbarga division), who died due to a heart attack following a chest pain, was cremated at the Kanaka Guru Peetha’s ground in Tinthini bridge, in Deodurga taluk of Raichur district, on Thursday (January 15, 2026) with a state honour after police personnel opened a third round of fire in the air to pay a gun salute as a final mark of respect to the departed soul.
The last rites of 55-year-old Swamiji were followed by Halumath culture. A traditional puja with applying Bhandar was performed to the Swamiji’s body, which buried according to religious norms.
Minister Suresh Byarati, who represents the State government, Sharan Prakash Patil and N.S. Boseraju were present at the funeral.
Mr. Byrati presented the national flag which draped the body of Swamiji, as several thousands of followers and devotees of Kanaka Guru Peetha paid their last respects to their most respectful religious guru.
“Swamiji’s social work will remain for years in the hearts of thousands of his followers. Everyone who admired him should follow the principles, thoughts and social works that he spread and did throughout life as Peethadhipathi of a Peetha.” Mr. Byrati told the reporters, adding, that because he was sick, , Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was unable to attend the funeral.
Siddaramanad Puri Swamiji hailed from a village in Chitradurga district’s Challakere taluk. Born as the second son to a middle-class family, he was identified by his earlier name as Mohan Pradan but changed it to Sri Siddaramanad Puri Swamiji after becoming the Peethadhipathi.
He completed his initial education at Challakere taluk. He left home after he was attracted to spirituality at the age of 18. He studied not only Sharana Sahitya but also Jainism, Christianity and Brahmakumari, a spiritual movement, and also was a student of Murughamutt in Chitradurga.
“Swamiji was known for his social work, free education and Dasoha (mass food distribution) service to hungry people. Having a deep concern over society and excess expenditure for marriages that put a heavy financial burden on poor families, Swamiji had conducted free mass marriages, health camps and blood donation camps, helping needy people and economically weaker ones,” a devotee of the Peetha, who came to attend the funeral, remembered Swamiji.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge, who was influenced by Swamiji’s social service and thoughts, expressed his condolences.
MLA Amaregouda Bayyapur, Manappa Vajjal, Karemma Naik, Raja Venugopal Naik, former Minister H.M. Revanna, K. Shivanagouda Naik, Bandeppa Kashampur, Raghunath Rao Malkapure and B. Sriramulu were among others who paid their last respects and participated in the funeral.
Published – January 16, 2026 07:46 am IST
