Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 20: "Both Veerashaiva and Lingayat belief systems are one and the same although there are some basic ideological differences," said Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math here on Monday March 19.

The Swamiji mentioned about differences between Dwaita, Adwaita, and Vishishtadwaita philosophies prevailing within Vedic belief system. "Even though there is difference in the idea we have about Brahma, all of us accept that we are Vedics, Vaishavaites, and Hindus at the same time. Likewise, although there are differences between Veerashaiva and Lingayat, as both of them accept Lord Shiva as the ultimate god, they are the same. Although there are differences in the forms of Lord Shiva, they fall under the category of Hindus," he opined.

Pejawar Swamiji also wondered whether Vaishnavaites, people following Advaita philosophy and Madhwas can call themselves as minorities. "If this argument is accepted, all others will become minorities. And Muslims will remain as the only majority community. In such a scenario, the government will have to provide reservation benefit to all of them. But these arguments are not justified. This will result in injustice to backward classes and Dalits in passing on reservation benefits. Veerashaiva and Lingayat are like our brothers. I am saying so because of sublime relationship we share with them. I urge the state government to withdraw the decision taken by it differentiating between these two sects. I also ask the union government not to adopt the decision of the state government on this issue," he added.