"Even if you search, you will not find such a devotee of Shiva immersed in his meditation... The Shiv devotee is now at Shiva's feet... My deepest respects to the family and admirers on the passing of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare," said Thackeray.

The PM described Babasaheb Purandare with whom he had the honour of interacting very closely over the years, including his birth centennial in July  as "witty, wise and had rich knowledge of Indian history".

In a special gesture, the CM has directed that the last rites of Babasaheb Purandare conferred the Padma Vibhushan should be performed with full state honours, later in the day in a Pune crematorium.

Besides, top leaders across the political, theatre world and literary spectrum have condoled the death of Babasaheb Purandare, who breathed his last around 5 a.m. at a private hospital after a brief illness.