Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday mourned the demise of Jain religious leader Tarun Maharaj, noting his contribution to the society.

“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,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

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Modi said the Jain monk’s noble teachings would continue to inspire people.

“My thoughts are with the Jain community and his countless disciples,” he said.

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

Jain monk Tarun Sagar died on Saturday at Radhapuri Jain temple in Delhi at the age of 51 after a prolonged illness. He was, reportedly, suffering from jaundice and other ailments. Sagar, who had a massive following in the Jain community, died around 3 am. He was earlier admitted to a private medical centre in Delhi.

Tarun Sagar was born in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district on June 26, 1967 and his original name was Pawan Kumar Jain.

His last rites will be performed in Uttar Pradesh’s Muradnagar later in the day.

Among other leaders, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed grief over his demise.

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

Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Jain Muni Tarun Sagar ji Maharaj earlier today. His teachings and principles will continue to guide us on the right path. In this moment of loss, our prayers go out to his followers and devotees.

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 1, 2018