In a powerful act of defiance, Sri Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swami has flatly rejected the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Trust’s decision to remove him from the esteemed Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha.
Speaking to reporters in Kudalasangama, Bagalkot district, on Monday, the revered seer declared that the trust holds absolutely no sway or authority over the spiritual seat, and therefore, its resolutions are not binding on him.
“My allegiance lies solely with the Almighty God and the devoted followers of this peetha,” he stated emphatically. “I refuse to step down now. I shall remain here, serving the peetha, for as long as my faithful devotees wish for me to do so.”
“The trust’s decision to remove me has deeply pained my followers, and their pain, in turn, pains me,” the Swami expressed. “However, I am not personally troubled by attempts to evict me from Kudalasangama. In fact, I feel a sense of independence and relief now that I am free from the trust’s dealings. Rest assured, I am not leaving. I will stay in Kudalasangama, dedicated to uniting and strengthening our community.”
Later that evening, he convened a meeting with his supporters right on the peetha premises.
Interestingly, the seer also revealed that he is considering plans to establish an entirely new spiritual center for the community. “Several community leaders have proposed the idea of founding a separate peetha,” he explained. “I will engage in further discussions with them before making a final decision.”
When questioned about the trust’s power to remove him, he reiterated, “No earthly entity, save for our creator, possesses the right to expel me. Moreover, the trust has no genuine connection to this peetha. I haven’t built this spiritual home with mere bricks and cement, but with the boundless love and devotion of its followers. Their collective will regarding my presence here will be the ultimate deciding factor.”
Addressing accusations from trust members that he had acquired private property instead of holding assets in the peetha’s name, the Swami acknowledged, “It is true that I possess some property, generously donated by devotees, located in Kudalasangama and Davangere.”
“Beyond these, I own no other land anywhere,” he clarified. “Had I intended to accumulate assets, I could have done so extensively, across every district, taluk, and village in the state. But that was not my path.”
He also firmly dismissed claims by certain trust members regarding the existence of any ‘intimate videos’ of him, labeling them as fabricated. “It’s entirely possible that some individuals with ulterior motives might have created such videos using advanced AI technology,” he commented. “However, I fear no one and nothing of the sort. My conscience remains absolutely clear.”