Jain Muni Tarun Sagar dies after prolonged illness in Delhi at 51

51-year-old Jain Muni Tarun Sagar was suffering from jaundice.

NEW DELHI: Jain Muni Tarun Sagar - a revered seer - died after a prolonged illness in the wee hours on Saturday in the national capital. He was suffering from jaundice and other ailments.

The revered Jain seer breathed his last at about 3 AM at Radhapuri Jain temple situated in Krishna Nagar area of east Delhi.

He was 51 years old. 

His last rites would be held at Tarunsagaram, Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh later today. 

PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several top politicians condoled the demise 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,'' the PM said in his condolence message.

Born on June 26, 1967, in Madhya Pradesh's Dahoh district, the Digambar Jain monk had a massive following in the Jain community.

Tarun Sagar was admitted to a private hospital nearly three weeks back, however, his health failed to improve.

Tarun Sagar had reportedly stopped taking medicine for the past few days following which he was brought to Radhapuri temple where he opted for 'Santhara' - the Jain ritual of fast unto death.

Tarun Sagar's original name was Pawan Kumar Jain.

He left his home in the year 1981 to accept celibacy and lead a life of a muni (monk).

The Digambar Jain monk was hugely popular for his sermons which were termed 'kadve pravachan' since they were critical of common practices and views.

Tarun Sagar's 'kadve pravachan' in Haryana Assembly in 2016 had triggered a huge row.

Bollywood music composer Vishal Dadlani had courted a controversy by questioning Tarun Sagar's lecture at the Haryana Assembly and had to face legal trouble by the Jain monk's followers.

After a barrage of criticism, Dadlani tendered an apology for his controversial tweet on the Jain monk and deleted it.

He had also apologised to the Jain monk on Twitter.