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Published: January 5, 2015 00:00 IST | Updated: January 5, 2015 05:40 IST

Lingayat Dharma is independent of Hinduism

Girish Pattanashetti

A convention, Lingayat as Independent Religion, in which seers of various Lingayat mutts, including Sri SiddalingaSwami of Tontadarya Mutt, took part here on Sunday, highlighted the need to make concerted efforts and continue themovement for achieving independent religion status based on historical documents for Lingayat Dharma.

Apart from Sri Siddalinga Swami, Sri Siddarama Swami of Naganoor Mutt, Belagavi, Sri Nijagunanand Swami ofNishkal Mantapa, Bailur, Sri Basavalinga Swami of Rudrakshi Mutt, Hubballi, and Sri Korneshwar Swami of Usturi,Latur in Maharashtra, and the other speakers at the convention highlighted the fact that Lingayata Dharma orLingayatism was not part of Hinduism but had its own identity and ideology, which basically differed from what is

being presented as Hindu religion. Clarifying that their arguments were not based on any mythological facts buthistorical documents and basic tenets of the Lingayat Dharma founded by 12th century social reformerBasaveshwara, the seers elaborated on how Lingayatism was different from Hinduism and its practices.

Veerashaiva, Lingayat

Sri Siddalinga Swami clarified that Veerashaivism was being wrongly used as a synonym for Lingayatism. But thefact is that Veerashavism is in reality a sect of Shaivism whereas Lingayatism is a religion that totally differs fromHinduism. Lingayat Dharma was founded by Basaveshwara and the Vachanas of the 12th century Sharanas are thereligious texts of the religion, the swami said.

While Sri Siddarama Swami highlighted the need for achieving independent religion status through pursuing thematter within the legal framework, Sri Nijagunanand Swami elaborated the secularism of Lingayat Dharma. Theswami said that some of the heads of the Lingayat mutts were encouraging Vedic culture and practices and urged themto shun such practices and follow only what Basaveshwara advocated.

Sri Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swami suggested making an attempt to impress upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi onthe need for according independent religion status to Lingayatism. Let us submit a detailed petition backed withhistorical documents to the Prime Minister through our MPs from the State. And if nothing materialises, then be readyto take the path of agitation, he told the community members.

Printable version | Jan 5, 2015 9:36:16 PM | http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/lingayat-dharma-is-independent-of-hinduism/article6755340.ece

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