Swami Prakashananda, the previous head of the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, has died.

Swami Prakashananda, the previous head of the Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala, died on July 7 at the age of 99. Prakashananda was hospitalised to the Sree Narayana Mission hospital in Varkala due to an age-related disease and died on Wednesday morning, according to reports. Swami Prakashananda is credited with popularising Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage site dedicated to social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. He also served as the previous President of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.

Many notable people, including writers, actors, and politicians, have expressed their condolences. Swami Prakashananda’s death, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is an irreparable loss to progressive Kerala. “He had committed his life to realising Sree Narayana Guru’s vision of a time when everyone lived as brothers without regard for caste or religion hatred,” Pinarayi Vijayan stated in a condolence letter.
Swami Prakashananda’s services as president of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, according to the Chief Minister, are historic. “He was able to elevate the Sree Narayana culture to new levels through altruistic and dedicated work,” the CM stated.

“Experienced his humble presence when I attended the cultural conference at the Sivagiri pilgrimage decades ago,” writer Sethu posted on Facebook.

K Surendran, the President of the BJP in Kerala, too expressed his condolences. “Swami Prakashananda dedicated his life to giving people darshan of Sree Narayana Guru,” he remarked. He was the chief of Sree Narayana Dharma sangham for a long time, and he was always concerned with social responsibility.”

Congress leader and MLA PT Thomas also expressed sympathy.

Swami Prakashananda, according to actor Manoj K Jayan, played a critical role in spreading Sri Narayana Guru’s message over the world. And he went on to say that his life is a model for any other ascetic.