Patna: The last rites of Acharya Kishore Kunal, former IPS officer and founder of the Bihar State Religious Trust Board, were performed with state honours on Monday at Kaunhara Ghat in Hajipur. His son, Sayan Kunal, lit the funeral pyre as family, friends, and admirers gathered to bid farewell.
Earlier in the day, Acharya Kunal’s body was kept at Mahavir Mandir in Patna for about one and a half hours, allowing people to pay their final respects. A steady stream of devotees and dignitaries visited the temple to honour his memory. Among them was Ashok Chaudhary, a minister in the Bihar government, who personally carried the bier from the vehicle to the temple.
Nitin Nabeen, another state minister, also paid tribute and described Acharya Kunal’s passing as a personal loss. His wife, Anita Kumari, sat in silent grief during the last darshan, while his son and daughter-in-law were seen in tears.
A special door of Mahavir Mandir, which Acharya Kunal had transformed into a grand and iconic temple, was opened to facilitate the tributes. Known for his devotion, Acharya Kunal regularly attended the temple’s aarti during his lifetime. On this solemn occasion, his mortal remains were honoured with the same ritual.
Acharya Kishore Kunal passed away from a heart attack at 8 am on Sunday at the age of 74. He had been admitted to Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital in the early hours after experiencing breathing difficulties. His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey of service to the community, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and public service.
