Bengaluru, Dec 29 (TIWN) Karnataka's revered Hindu pontiff Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt passed away at the state's coastal Udupi town on Sunday, an official said. He was 88.

Thousands of people bid a tearful adieu to the seer in Bengaluru where his last rites were held.  "The seer''s body was interned in a sitting posture at the mutt''s Vidyapeetha centre in the southern suburb as per his wish, amid chanting of Vedic hymns by scores of priests," an official told IANS.  Before the last rites were performed, a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute were accorded to the seer at the National College grounds here, where his body was kept for public homage after it was flown in a military helicopter from Udupi, about 400 km west of Bengaluru.  Among those who paid floral tributes to the seer were Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress leader Siddaramaiah, state ministers and other dignitaries.  "Paid respects to #PejawarSeer in Bengaluru at the National College Grounds. Placed a wreath each on behalf of @PMOIndia @narendramodi and @AmitShahOffice Home Minister @AmitShah. A saint who guided all is no more among us," tweeted Sitharaman, who is a Rajya Sabha member from the state.