In a momentous display of unity, spiritual leaders from both the ‘Guru’ and ‘Virakta’ traditions of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community converged at the ‘Veerashaiva Lingayat Ekata Samavesh’ in Hubballi on Friday. The event aimed to unequivocally declare that ‘Veerashaiva’ and ‘Lingayat’ are synonymous, symbolizing a unified identity. Yet, despite this powerful show of solidarity, the convention concluded without a definitive consensus on the crucial matter of how the community should identify its religion in the upcoming Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, set to commence on September 22.
Hundreds of seers embarked on a historic procession from the revered Moorusavir Mutt to Nehru Stadium in Hubballi. This unprecedented march underscored their collective aspiration for unity. The esteemed Panchacharyas of Pancha Peetha, representing the ‘guru’ tradition, walked alongside the ‘Virakta’ tradition seers, collectively advocating for the community to unite under the banner of “Veerashaiva Lingayat.”
Political Figures Present, Divided on Key Issue
The platform was shared by prominent political figures from both the Congress and BJP, including Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, former Chief Ministers Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai, alongside Prabhakar Kore and Vijayanand Kashappanavar. However, a significant divergence of opinion emerged concerning the appropriate entry for the “religion” column in the upcoming survey.
Setting the tone, Mr. Khandre, the national vice president of the Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, passionately urged for community cohesion. He recommended that attendees specify “Veerashaiva Lingayat” under the “Others” category for religion. “For the caste column, you may choose either ‘Lingayat’ or ‘Veerashaiva,’ and then detail your specific sub-caste in the designated section,” he clarified. His stance found support from influential figures like Sri Siddalinga Swami of Siddaganga Mutt and Sri Annadaneshwar Swami of Mundaragi Mutt.
Legal and Procedural Concerns Raised
Conversely, Mr. Shettar and Mr. Bommai, both from the BJP, voiced concerns regarding the legal implications of declaring a religion not officially recognized as independent by the government. Mr. Shettar specifically questioned the Mahasabha on clarifying the position for those who might prefer to list ‘Hindu’ as their religion. Mr. Bommai subtly echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of aligning the Mahasabha’s decision with legal frameworks.
Despite these differing viewpoints, State president of Mahasabha Shankar Bidari reaffirmed Mr. Khandre’s initial recommendation. Lingayat Panchamasali leader Vijayanand Kashappanavar also lent his support to this position. Manohar Dhonde, a prominent Veerashaiva Lingayat leader from Maharashtra, underscored the necessity of backing the Mahasabha’s collective stand.
However, Sri Veerasomeshwara Shivachara Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha, while asserting the congruence of Renukacharya’s and Basavanna’s philosophies, expressed reservations about entering ‘Veerashaiva Lingayat’ under the religion column. He suggested that the Mahasabha seek advice from legal experts and proposed that ‘Veerashaiva Lingayat’ might be more appropriately listed under the caste column. Sri Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swami of Moorusavir Mutt and Fakira Siddarama Swami of Shirahatti Fakkireshwar Mutt, however, aligned with the Mahasabha’s proposed course of action.
Awaiting Final Decision
Ultimately, the convention concluded without passing a final resolution. Fakira Dingaleshwar Swami, who skillfully coordinated the event, announced that a decisive determination regarding the nomenclature for the upcoming survey would be made in due course.