Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached Paramhansi Ganga Ashram Jhoteshwar in Narsinghpur district this afternoon and paid his last respects to Shankaracharya of Shri Dwarka Shardapeeth, Param Pujya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati.

Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati passed away on Sunday.

Chouhan said that Swami ji was the flag bearer of Sanatan Dharma and the nurturer of our culture and values, besides being a warrior and ascetic. He also fought for the freedom of the country.

He inspired the people to walk on the right path and initiated many projects for the poor, tribals and dalits.

He was an outstanding scholar and a remarkable saint. Chouhan, while bowing at the feet of Swami ji said that he was the Sun of Sanatan Dharma. With his departure a vaccum created in the state.

He instructed the officers of the district administration to perform the last rites of Bramhalin Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand ji with full state honours.

Chouhan said that we will all make humble efforts to follow the path shown by Swamiji. Many public representatives, officials, citizens and devotees were present on the arrival of Chief Minister Shri Chouhan.