Sadguru Sivananda Murthy passes away

Warangal: Noted spiritualist, Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy, reverently called ‘Sadguru Sivananda Murthy’ passed away here on Wednesday morning. He was 87. He was born on December 21, 1928 at Rajahmundry in a Brahmin Zamindari family of Urlam estate of Srikakulam district. Yet he renounced all his riches to pursue spiritual life and joined a sub-ordinate service in police department in Hanamkonda.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters. He was said to be fond of ‘Shivaradhana’ and wanted to live in Warangal where Shivaradhana is a common feature, besides dedicating his life exploring various aspects of spirituality. He performed more than 600 Rudra Yagnas.

He was a voracious reader, a prolific author and a versatile speaker. He had written as many as 450 articles and scores of books on a wide range of topics. He delivered discourses on spirituality, religion Upanishads, Geetha and ancient system of Yoga. His commentary on Kathopanishad ‘Katha Yoga’ was highly appreciated by Bharati Theertha Mahaswami of Sringeri Peetham.

Besides spiritual activities Sivananda Murty supported numerous philanthropic activities through Sanatana Dharma Charitable Trust and promoted classical music through Andhra Music Academy. He took voluntary retirement as secretary of Planning and Personnel (Administration) to DGP and established ‘Gurudham’ ashram on the outskirts of Hanamkonda town and one at Bheemili near Visakhapatnam.

Sivananda Murty was awarded honorary doctorate by Andhra University in recognition of his services and conferred the title ‘Desikothma’ by Sri Kanchi-Kamakoti Peetham in 2011. He toured extensively across the length and breadth of India and visited many many foreign countries.

“Despite having high profile followers like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others, Guruji, lived a simple life. He mainly spread the message of love for humanity and his preaching will live forever,” said AP Endowments Minister Manikyala Rao.