Kalaburagi: Sharanbasavappa Appaji, the 8th Peethadhipathi of Sharanbasaveshwara Samsthana, passed away on August 14, 2025 in Kalaburagi after a brief illness. Appaji, who was months short of his 91st birthday, was a revered philosopher and educationalist credited with transforming the Kalaburagi region into a hub of learning.
Final rites & public homage
- Thousands of devotees paid their respects at the Sharanbasaveshwara temple premises.
- He was laid to rest with state honours on August 15, 2025, inside the temple premises opposite the sanctum sanctorum and to the right of the mausoleum of his father, Pujya Doddappa Appaji (7th Peethadhipathi).
- Early on August 15, 2025, devotees — especially women — gathered for darshan. After rituals, his mortal remains were placed in a flower-decorated enclosure at Shivanubhava Mantapa, near the main entrance of Dasoha Palace, for public homage. Police implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure orderly darshan.
Dignitaries in attendance
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, Kalaburagi South MLA Allamaprabhu Patil, Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Tarannum, and Commissioner of Police Dr. Shranappa S.D. attended the final rites at Dasoha Mahamane.
Succession & legacy
- Appaji had earlier handed over the reins of the samsthana to his child, Chiranjeevi Dodappa Appaji (now the 9th Peethadhipathi), during a coronation ceremony held a few years ago. All rituals were performed according to Veerashaiva Lingayat customs.
- National leaders also expressed condolences following his passing, underscoring Appaji’s wider influence in education, social service, and spiritual life.
