Karnataka's 111-year-old revered seer Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga mutt of Tumakuru is stable and is responding to medication, said the seer’s personal physician. However, the seer continues to remain on ventilator at the makeshift hospital set up at the mutt. He was brought back on early Wednesday morning from the Siddaganga Hospital and Research Centre, where he was treated for lung infection and other age-related ailments.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Dr Parameshwar, the seer’s personal physician, said, “As of now Swamiji's condition is stable, it's been fluctuating because of age but the parameters are stable. Whatever medicines we are giving they are reacting.”
He added, “As per tests today morning there are no problems. Last night there was some variation in the blood pressure and heart rate. We treated him for it and also gave injections, and the parameters have become normal now. There is no abnormal parameter now. Blood report is normal, albumin level is same as before - 2.6 to 2.7. Kidney and Liver functions and other tests are also normal.”
On Thursday, a host of high-profile personalities paid a visit to the seer including Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Home Minister MB Patil among others. On Wednesday, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and Congress’ floor leader in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge and the Yaruveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja, the scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family had paid a visit.
However, for regular followers, access to the Swamji has been restricted. There is heavy security presence in and around the mutt.
Referred to as a “walking god” by his followers, the 111-year-old Swamiji has been in and out of hospitals of late for treatment of symptoms related to his advanced age.
He was flown to Chennai in December where had recently undergone a successful liver operation at a private hospital after he was diagnosed with liver and bile duct infection.
Prior to this, in early December, he was admitted in the BGS Hospital in Kengeri after doctors found that three of his stents had come off.
A Padma Bhushan awardee, he’s worshipped as a reincarnation of 12th century renowned social reformer Basavanana. The swami heads the Sree Siddaganga Education Society, which runs about 125 educational institutions ranging from engineering to business schools/colleges in the state.
Born on April 1, 1907, in Veerapura village of Ramanagara district in Karnataka, the seer is involved in philanthropic activities, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Union government in 2015.