Mention your religion as ‘Lingayat’, seer tells community members

Seer of Sanehalli Taralabalu Mutt Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami has called on the members of Lingayat community members to get their religion recorded as ‘Lingayat’ after mentioning ‘others’ in the religion column of the forthcoming socio-economic and educational survey in the State.

He was speaking at the public function organised as part of the ‘Basava Samskruti Abhiyana’ in Dharwad on Friday evening, which was attended by a scores of Lingayat seers from various Mutts from across the State. “There is some confusion among the community members regarding the nomenclature. As ‘Lingayat’ is not mentioned as a religion in the census column, you should get ‘Others’ written in the religion column and then mention your religion as ‘Lingayat’ and then your sub-caste in the respective column,” he said.

Elaborating on the life and contribution of twelfth century social reformer Basavanna, whom he termed as the founder of Lingayat religion, the seer said that the campaign was being held across the State to spread awareness on the ideology of Basavanna and other ‘vachanakaras’ of 12th century and the values they propagated.

“However the success of the campaign is giving sleepless nights to some in the State, who are making incoherent remarks and also allegations. But the all the Lingayat seers are focussed on social reforms with devotion and commitment. Some of them change their colours like chameleon and their attire accordingly. But we are not like that,” the seer said without naming anyone.

Rubbishing remarks that the campaign was being funded by the State government, he said that the seers on the dais had contributed money from their respective Mutts along with contribution from community members for organising the State-wide event.

Siddarama Swami of Tontadarya Mutt elaborated on the significance of ‘Vachana Literature’ and Basavanna’s ideology of establishing an egalitarian society. He said due to consistent efforts more people were now getting to know more about Basavanna and his contribution to the world.

Earlier delivering a lecture on ‘Addiction free society’ writer H.S. Anupama dwelled at length on the ‘Sharana Patha’, the path of the 12th century sharanas, who upheld the concept of ‘kayaka’(work).

A host of seers including Mallikarjun Swami, Ganga Mata, Nijagunanand Swami, Immadi Siddarameshwar Swami, Basavalinga Swami and others were present. A book on ‘Historicity of Anubhava Mantapa’ was released on the occasion.