Jain muni Tarun Sagar dies

Jain Muni Tarun Sagar died after a prolonged illness on Saturday. He was 51. Tarun Sagar breathed his last at about 3 am at Radhapuri Jain temple situated in Krishna Nagar area of east Delhi. His last rites would he held at Tarunsagaram, Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh later today.

Tarun Sagar, who had a massive following in the Jain community, was suffering from jaundice. He was admitted to a private hospital some 20 days back, however, his health failed to improve. Tarun Sagar had reportedly stopped taking medicine for the past few days following which he was brought to Radhapuri temple where he opted for 'Santhara' - the Jain ritual of fast unto death.

Expressing grief over the sudden demise of Tarun Sagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ​noted his contribution to society. Modi said the Jain monk's noble teachings will continue to inspire people.

"Deeply pained by the untimely demise of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj. We will always remember him for his rich ideals, compassion and contribution to society," the prime minister tweeted.

Deeply pained by the untimely demise of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj. We will always remember him for his rich ideals, compassion and contribution to society. His noble teachings will continue inspiring people. My thoughts are with the Jain community and his countless disciples. pic.twitter.com/lodXhHNpVK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2018

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Jain monk's death has left a massive void. Rajnath Singh said Tarun Sagar as a source of inspiration.

जैन मुनि श्रद्धेय तरुण सागर जी महाराज के असामयिक महासमाधि लेने के समाचार से मैं स्तब्ध हूँ। वे प्रेरणा के स्रोत, दया के सागर एवं करुणा के आगार थे। भारतीय संत समाज के लिए उनका निर्वाण एक शून्य का निर्माण कर गया है। मैं मुनि महाराज के चरणों में अपनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ। — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 1, 2018

Born on June 26, 1967 in Madhya Pradesh's Dahoh district, Tarun Sagar's original name was Pawan Kumar Jain. Tarun Sagar left his home on March 8, 1981 to accept celibacy and lead a life of a Muni (monk).

Also read: India has more traitors within than number of terrorists in Pakistan: Jain Muni Tarun Sagar

The Digambar Jain monk was hugely popular for his sermons which were termed 'kadve pravachan' because they can be critical of common practices and views.

Tarun Sagar's 'kadve pravachan' in Haryana Assembly in 2016 had triggered a huge row.

Bollywood music composer Vishal Dadlani's scathing remarks questioning Tarun Sagar's lecture at Haryana Assembly had earned him court cases by the Jain monk's followers.

After a barrage of criticism, Dadlani had tendered an apology for his tweet and deleted it. He had also apologised to the Jain monk on Twitter.

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