Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the senior seer of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, passed away on Wednesday.

The 82-year-old seer was admitted to a hospital near Kamakshi Amman temple on Wednesday due to breathing problems. The hospital and Mutt sources confirmed his demise.

His health condition had reportedly deteriorated in January after which he was admitted in a hospital and later discharged. In 1954, Jayendra Saraswathi was given the title. The senior pontiff succeeded in 1994 as the 69th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam after Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal, hailed as Maha Periyava.

The junior pontiff, Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi will be the 70th Jagadguru of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.

Prime Minister condoles death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he was "deeply anguished" by the passing away of the Seer. In a series of Twitter posts, Mr. Modi said: "Deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. 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."

"Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya was at the forefront of innumerable community service initiatives. He nurtured institutions which transformed the lives of the poor and downtrodden," he added.

Country has lost a spiritual leader, social reformer: President

President Ram Nath Kovind said the Kanchi pontiff was a rare eminence of spiritual leader and social reformer. "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," he said.

Seer promoted spirituality: Vice President

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu recalled the contribution of Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi in promoting spirituality.

“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,” he tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi expresses grief

Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “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.”

Telangana Governor, CM condole Kanchi Shankaracharya’s demise

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today expressed sadness at the demise of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi.

Mr. Narasimhan in an official statement conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the countless devotees of the Jagadguru and said “it is an irreparable loss to humanity at large“.

Rao in an official statement praised the great services rendered by Jayendra Saraswathi for the development of Kanchi Peetham.

The Chief Minister instructed Commissioner Endowments department to depute a senior officer on behalf of the Telangana government to attend the last rites of the Swamiji, the statement said.

L.K. Advani mourns death

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said he was deeply saddened by the news of the Sankaracharya's demise.

"I had the privilege of knowing Jayendra Saraswathi Swami ji very closely," Mr. Advani said recalling his association with the Seer during the rule of NDA-1. The Mutt head initiated dialogue with various leaders of the Muslim community to amicably resolve the Ayodhya dispute, Mr. Advani said.

Tamil Nadu CM, Governor pay tributes

Expressing condolences on the Kanchi Acharya's death, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said, "apart from spiritual work, he [Jayendra Saraswati] also showed a lot of interest in furthering issues of societal importance."'

In his condolence message, Governor Banwarilal Purohit said "His death is a great loss to society, particularly his followers." Mr. Purohit paid a visit to the Seer only yesterday.

Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam expressed shock over the passing away of of the seer.

DMK working president M.K. 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.

Kanchi Shankaracharya a spiritual beacon, says Shah

“Anguished to learn about the sad demise of Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathiji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Generations will remember him for his teachings, wisdom and exemplary work towards educating the poor. He was a spiritual beacon, who contributed immensely to the society and served mankind,” BJP president Amit Shah said in his condolence message.