Swami Sugrivanand Maharaj cremated with state honours

The mortal remains of Swami Sugrivanand Maharaj, the seer of the revered Dera Baba Rudranand Ashram, situated at Nari village in Una district, were confined to flames with full Vedic rituals and State honours near the ashram today. The 98-year-old spiritual leader had passed away at the PGI, Chandigarh, on Sunday.

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As the news about the demise of the spiritual leader spread, thousands of people began thronging the ashram to pay their last respects to the seer. By Monday morning, about 1sq km area around the ashram was teeming with people and a police force had to be deployed to control the gathering.

Una Deputy Commissiner Jatin Lal declared a local holiday on Monday in the district to allow people to attend the funeral. The cremation was held at an open space near the Dera and Acharya Hemanand Maharaj, the heir to the Dera’s seat, lit the pyre.

Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri laid a wreath on the body on behalf of the state government, followed by laying of wreaths by DC Jatin Lal and SP Rakesh Sharma. Kuldip Kumar, Chairman of the State Scheduled Caste Commission, Una MLA Satpal Satti, Chintpurni MLA Sudarshan Babloo, Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma and Gagret MLA Rakesh Kalia were also present on the occasion.

In his condolence message, the Dy CM said Swami Sugrivanand’s life and preachings were directed towards the good of humanity, simplicity and respect for all.