Some seers oppose Babaleshwar Basavadi Sharanara Bruhat Hindu Samavesha

Some Lingayat seers have opposed the Basavadi Sharanara Hindu Bruhat Samavesha in Babaleshwar of Vijayapura district planned on Monday.

Abhinava Murughendra Swami of Mamadapura Virakta Math, Masabinal, Sri Siddarama Shivayogi and Gunadal Vivekananda Devaru told reporters in Vijayapura on Sunday that the event has been planned in support of Sri Adrushya Kadasiddheshwara Swamij of Kaneri Math who is facing allegations of using abusive language against some Lingayat seers.

“No religion preaches hate. All faiths speak of love, affection and coexistence. However, the Kaneri Math seer has been displaying hatred towards people of some faiths. He has also insulted Lingayat seers repeatedly. This cannot be accepted. True Veerashaiva Lingayat seers will not support it,” Murughendra Swami said.

“The Kaneri Math seer has been reprimanded by the Supreme Court for his use of abusive words. This samavesha is being held to glorify a swami who has insulted swamis with abusive words and for political purposes. None of the real swamis will participate in this,” Murughendra Swami added.

Siddarama Shivayogi of Masabinal said that the Babaleshwar event is a political rally and not a spiritual event. “It should be cancelled, if the community is to get a positive message. Otherwise, the society will get a message that seers are creating problems among the community,” he said.

Sri Vivekananda Devaru of Gunadal said that the speeches of Kaneri Math seer are not fit to be a role model for younger seers. He demanded that senior seers speak and act in a way that inspire younger ones.

Meanwhile, Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has also opposed the event saying it is being used by some BJP leaders for their political benefits.

BJP leader Vijugouda Patil, who has lost from Babaleshwar several times, is using the event to increase his chances the next time. “He is not a great leader. He is organising it for his selfish interest. I will not attend any such event,” Mr. Yatnal told reporters in Vijayapura on Saturday.

Earlier, Hindu activist Raghava Annigeri told reporters that over 300 Hindu saints and Lingayat seers will attend the Hindu Samavesha.

“We are strongly opposed to the travel ban of Sri Adrushya Kadasiddheshwara Swamij of Kaneri Math. Instead of punishing those who routinely insult Hindu Gods, the State government has banned the entry of Kaneri Math seer to some districts. However, his ban to Vijayapura is ending now and he is eligible to speak at Babaleshwar. The Kaneri Math seer has replied to those who spoke insulting Hindu deities in their own language,” Mr. Annigeri said.

He denied suggestions that it is a political meeting. “This is a Hindu Shakti Sangam. Hindus should work together as this is not a time for us to fight among ourselves. There is no need to give importance to the statement made by some people’s representatives who are against our interests,” he said.