Daijiworld Media Network - Tumakuru (SP)

Tumakuru, Sep 12: Siddaganga Math here has refused to endorse the statement made by state water resources minister, M B Patil, that the proposal to form separate Lingayat religion without including Veerashaiva in it has the support of Dr Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math. Math sources said that the opinion of the Swamiji has been wrongly analyzed.

After Patil announced on Sunday at Bengaluru that the said Swamiji had extended his support to the creation of Lingayat religion without including Veerashaivas in it. This has given rise to debate at various levels and confusion among Lingayats and Veerashaivas. At the same time, doubts had been expressed about the statement of the minister, as Siddaganga Math has not so far given its reaction to the demand for separate religion.

Some devotees feel that the minister would have construed the practice of the senior Swamiji in responding to whatever devotees say with a 'yes' as his support for what he stands for. The minister, who had visited Tumakuru on Sunday to take part in the inaugural of Siddaganga Hospital and Research Centre, had met Shivakumara Swamiji and sought his blessings. It is said that when Patil told the Swamiji that Lingayat should be made a separate religion, the Swamiji nodded and said that both Lingayat and Veerashaiva faiths are one and the same, before asking the minister to have Prasadam before leaving. Doubts are being expressed that the minister would have misconstrued what the Swamiji said.

The Math has refused to issue clarification on the issue. It just said that it is neutral in the matter of separate religion. However, the Math is expected to either issue clarification on the statement of Patil or clarify its stand on the issue within a couple of days.