Revered Jain monk Tarun Maharaj passed away at the age of 51 on Saturday morning. Tarun Sagar was a spiritual guide who was admired by many politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Tarun Maharaj was born as Pawan Kumar Jain in Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh on 26 June, 1967.
The spokesperson of Bhartiya Jain Milan told DNA, "He was not keeping well and was earlier admitted to a private hospital in Vaishali. A few days ago, he had decided to come to the Radhapuri Temple in Krishna Nagar, where he died at around 3.18 am Saturday morning."
His cremation took place on Saturday afternoon.
Along with being a spiritual guide, Maharaj also expressed his socio-political views, which often led to many controversies. Nevertheless, he was invited to grace many events and address public gatherings.
Some of his debated topics included terrorism, female foeticide, triple talaq and even self-styled godmen. A PTI report stated that he had asked for an investigation into the godmen and the wealth that they gathered.
One of Tarun Maharaj's most controversial remarks came when he compared dharma and politics to husband and wife. He said that how a wife must always obey her husband, politics must always obey dharma.
Bollywood musician Vishal Dadlani received widespread flak for criticising Tarun Maharaj on Twitter for which he later publicly apologised.
Many politicians took to Twitter to condole the passing away of the Jain monk.
Deeply pained by the untimely demise of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj. We will always remember him for his rich ideals, compassion and contribution to society. His noble teachings will continue inspiring people. My thoughts are with the Jain community and his countless disciples. pic.twitter.com/lodXhHNpVK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2018
जैन मुनि श्रद्धेय तरुण सागर जी महाराज के असामयिक महासमाधि लेने के समाचार से मैं स्तब्ध हूँ। वे प्रेरणा के स्रोत, दया के सागर एवं करुणा के आगार थे। भारतीय संत समाज के लिए उनका निर्वाण एक शून्य का निर्माण कर गया है। मैं मुनि महाराज के चरणों में अपनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ।
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 1, 2018
Pained to hear the sad demise of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj. His teachings and ideals will always inspire humanity.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 1, 2018
