Patna: Acharya Kishore Kunal, the Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust and a retired 1972 batch IPS officer, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 74 due to cardiac arrest. He had been admitted to Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital late on Saturday night after complaining of breathing difficulties.
His mortal remains have been placed at his residence, "Sayan Nilyam," located in Patna's Gosain Tola, for people to pay their respects.
The news of his demise left the staff and devotees at Mahavir Mandir in shock. Many recalled his unwavering dedication to the temple's activities and his philosophy that the service to devotees should never stop, even in times of grief.
"Acharya ji's absence feels unreal, but we are committed to continuing the service to devotees as he always emphasized," said a temple volunteer.
Known for his devotion to Lord Hanuman, Acharya Kishore Kunal was a pivotal figure in transforming Mahavir Mandir into a major religious and social hub. A volunteer at the temple remarked, "His faith in Lord Hanuman was unparalleled. He resigned from his prestigious job to dedicate his life to the temple and its causes."
Acharya Kunal has also been the President of the Bihar State Religious Trust Board. He was the Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust of Patna. He is also the founder of a famous school named Gyan Niketan in Patna.
Kishore Kunal was the founder of Mahavir Mandir, Mahavir Cancer Hospital, and Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital in Patna. He was also one of the founding members of the Ayodhya Temple Trust. He passed away in the very hospital he had established.
Devotees highlighted his contributions to healthcare and social welfare. "From building hospitals for cancer patients to specialized facilities for senior citizens, he made medical care accessible to the needy," said Rampravesh, a devotee visiting the temple.
Acharya Kishore Kunal’s final journey will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday from his residence. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. at Konhara Ghat in Hajipur, with his procession passing through Mahavir Mandir as a tribute to his lifelong devotion.
Acharya Kishore Kunal will be remembered for his selfless service and commitment to social welfare, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Acharya Kishore Kunal was born on August 10, 1950. His early education took place in Muzaffarpur. After this, he graduated in History and Sanskrit from Patna University. Later he became an IPS officer of Gujarat cadre. He was also the Senior Superintendent of Police of Patna. After serving in the Home Ministry, he retired and also became the Vice Chancellor of Sanskrit University, Darbhanga. After this, he contributed to improving the education and health system in Bihar.
Played an important role in the Ram Mandir dispute
During his police career, Acharya Kishore was appointed as Special Duty Officer (Ayodhya) to mediate between the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Babri Masjid Action Committee on the Ayodhya dispute. He was given this responsibility by Prime Minister VP Singh. He took VRS due to his faith in Lord Mahavir. Despite a brilliant career, he did not complete his job and devoted himself to social work.
On the demise of Kishore Kunal, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "It is saddening for all of us. It's an irreparable loss for society. He was not just an administrative officer - when he took retirement - he left an imprint in the spiritual world. How temples can be in the service of the people - Hanuman temple of Patna is one such example."
Expressing condolences, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, "The demise of Acharya Kishore Kunal ji, former IPS officer, former president of Bihar State Religious Trust Board and founder secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust Committee is sad. He was an efficient administrator and sensitive officer. His demise has caused an irreparable loss in the administrative and social sectors. I pray to God for eternal peace of the departed soul."
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also expressed grief over the demise of a former IPS officer. "The demise of Acharya Kishore Kunal ji, founder member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust and Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the social and religious field. A humble tribute to him! I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet and provide strength to the bereaved family and well-wishers to bear this immense loss," he said in an X post.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed condolences on his demise and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Choudhary said that Bihar's state suffered a great loss due to his demise. "The news of the death of former IPS officer Acharya Kishor Kunal ji, President of Patna Mahavir Mandir Trust, due to a heart attack is extremely sad. Kishor Kunal ji has played an important role in the religious and social field. Bihar has suffered a great loss due to his departure. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti," Choudhary posted on X.
Bihar BJP President and Minister of State, Dilip Jaiswal also expressed grief over the passing away of Kishore Kunal. "The entire Sanatani community of Bihar and the entire country is heartbroken by his (Kishore Kunal-Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust of Patna) death and we pray to God to grant peace to his soul and we, the people of entire Bihar, are heartbroken to hear the news of his death," Jaiswal told reporters.
