Abhinava Murughendra Swami of Mamadapura Virakta Math, Masabinal, Sri Siddarama Shivayogi and Gunadal Vivekananda Devaru while talking to reporters in Vijayapur on Sunday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Some Lingayat seers opposed the Basavadi Sharanara Hindu Bruhat Samavesha at Babaleshwar in Vijayapura district scheduled for Monday.
Abhinava Murughendra Swami of Mamadapura Virakta Math, Masabinal, Sri Siddarama Shivayogi and Gunadal Vivekananda Devaru told reporters in Vijayapur on Sunday that the event was planned to support Sri Adrushya Kadasidheshwara Swami of Kaneri Math against some languages of Lingegaya seers who are facing all languages of Lingegaya sebus.
“No religion preaches hatred. All faiths talk about love, affection and coexistence. But seer Kaneri Math shows hatred towards people of some faiths. They also repeatedly insult Lingayat seers. This cannot be accepted. Real veerashaiva Lingayat seers will not support this,” said Murughendra Swami.
“The seer of Kaneri Math was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for using abusive words. This samavesha is being held to glorify a swami who insulted a swami with abusive words and for political purposes. None of the real swamis will participate,” Murughendra Swami added.
Siddarama Shivayogi of Masabinal said that the Babaleshwar event is a political rally and not a spiritual event. “It should be abolished if the community is to get a positive message. Otherwise the society will get the message that fortune tellers are creating problems in the community,” he said.
Sri Vivekananda Devaru of Gunadal said that the speeches of the seer of Kaneri Math are not suitable to become a role model for younger seers. He demanded that the older seers speak and act in a way that inspires the younger ones.
Meanwhile, Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal also opposed the event and said that some BJP leaders are using it for their political benefits.
BJP leader Vijugouda Patil, who has lost several times from Babaleshwar, is using the event to boost his chances next time. “He is not a great leader. He is organizing it for his selfish interest. I will not take part in any such event,” Mr Yatnal told reporters in Vijayapur on Saturday.
Earlier, Hindu activist Raghava Annigeri told reporters that over 300 Lingayat Hindu saints and seers will participate in the Hindu Samavesha.
“We are strongly against the travel ban of Sri Adrushya Kadasiddheshwara Swamij of Kaneri Math. Instead of punishing those who habitually insult Hindu Gods, the state government has banned the seer of Kaneri Math from entering certain districts. However, his ban on Vijayapur is now over and he is eligible to speak to those who spoke at Babalehulter. Hindu deities in their own language,” said Mr. Annigeri.
He rejected suggestions that it was a political meeting. “This is the Hindu Shakti Sangam. Hindus should work together because this is not the time for us to fight among ourselves. There is no need to attach importance to the statements of some people’s representatives who are against our interests,” he said.
Published – 28 Dec 2025 20:01 IST
