Shivakumara Swamiji

Social work The Swami founded a total of 132 institutions for education and training, which range from a nursery school to colleges for engineering, science, arts and management as well as vocational training. He established educational institutions which teach traditional Sanskrit as well as modern science and technology. The Swami's gurukula houses more than 10,000 children from ages five to sixteen years. The houses are open to children from all religions, castes, and creeds who are provided free food, education, and shelter (Trividha Daasoha). Pilgrims and visitors to the mutt also receive free meals. The Government of Karnataka announced the institution of Shivakumara Swamiji Prashasti from 2007, the centennial birth anniversary of Swamiji.

Illness and death Starting in 2016, Swami was repeatedly hospitalised in Bangalore for various infections, also repeatedly recovering fully after treatment. The hospitalizations were reported in area newspapers. On 3 January 2019, he was hospitalised again. On 11 January, he was placed on life support as his conditions deteriorated. On 16 January, despite a complete lack of recovery, the Swami was moved back to Siddaganga Matha at his own request. On 21 January, it was reported that he was in a critical condition. He died at 11:44 a.m. local time that day. The Government of Karnataka declared a public holiday on 22 January as part of the three-day state mourning period in a mark of respect.

Awards and recognitions In recognition of his humanitarian work, Karnatak University awarded the Swami an honorary Doctor of Literature in 1965. On his centenary in 2007, the Government of Karnataka awarded Swami the Karnataka Ratna, the highest civilian award of the state. In 2015 the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan.

In 2017, the Government of Karnataka and his followers sought Bharat Ratna for him for his social service.