Noted spiritualist Kandukuri Sivananada Murthy, fondly known as Sadguru Sivananda Murthy, passed away here in the early hours of Wednesday.
He was 87 and is survived by two sons and two daughters. Born in 1928 at Rajahmundry into a rich zamindari Brahmin family to Kandukuri Basavaraju, he distributed all his properties to the poor and embraced spiritual path.
Drawn towards Shaivism, he chose Warangal, where Shaivism thrived for centuries, as his destination over 50 years ago.
After serving the Police Department administrative wing, he opted for voluntary retirement as secretary of Planning and Personnel (Administration) to DGP and established an ashram Gurudham on the outskirts of Hanamkonda town and one at Bheemli near Vishakhapatnam.
Sadguru Sivananda Murthy dedicated his life to preserving and propagating Indian culture and customs. Floating different trusts, he encouraged artistes in the fields of music and dance and generously supported them. He performed hundreds of yagams for world peace. He has a large following all over the country.
He was awarded honorary doctorate by the Andhra University in recognition of his services.
He authored scores of books on Indian philosophy and delivered discourses wherever he went, endearing himself as spiritual guru to large number of people from different walks of life including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He helped revive several ancient libraries and temples all over the country.
Sensing his end, Sadguru Sivananda Murthy shifted to Warangal one month ago and was waiting to leave his body. He ordered for construction of his Samadhi, which was completed few days ago.
He loved Warangal most and wanted his body to be buried here at his ashram Gurudham.
Scores of IAS and IPS officers, politicians, film personalities made a beeline for Warangal on Wednesday to pay homage to their spiritual master.