Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jul 5: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math here has clarified about the stand taken by him on Veerashiva Lingayat religion with reference to his statement at Harihara in which he had said that Veerashaiva Lingayat religion does not have an identity different than that of Hinduism. He noted that he has given his response in the past too about the stand taken by some that he does not have the locus standi to speak about Lingayat religion. "My only purpose was that all Hindus should stay together and none of the siblings in the religion should part ways, which might weaken Hindu religion," he said, duly requesting people not to mistake his initiative.
On the question raised by people whether he is ready to follow Lingayat traditions, he pointed out that Advaita and Dvaita philosophies are part of Hinduism but there is no need or compulsion for the followers’ one philosophy to observe the formalities of the other. Each group can follow its own set of beliefs but stay together like a family. "Veerashaivas and Lingayats too should stay united. I have been having good relationship with Veerashiva and Lingayat Swamijis since 1954 and out of that affection, I am expressing myself," he stated.
The Swamiji said that all devotees of Lord Shiva who worship the Lord and the Linga fall under Hinduism. There might be differences in the notion about the form of Lord Shiva they believe in, but all Shaivas are Hindus, he asserted. He also pointed out that Ramakrishna Ashram, Arya Saman, Swami Narayana sect etc do not follow caste system but they are HIndus. He mentioned about the arguments placed by Ramakrishna Ashram in the past claiming it to be separate religion in order to avail of certain facilities, but the Supreme Court had held that it falls under Hindu religion.
"I am prepared for any interaction and discussions on the matter. I have read statements made by various people including Sanehalli Swamiji, M B Patil, Vinay Kulkarni, Jamdar etc. I am prepared for friendly discussions on all issues. Such a programme can be organized at Poornaprajna Vidyapeeta Bengaluru or elsewhere before July 28 as I will be undertaking Chaturmasya Vratha thereafter at Mysuru," he said.
Speaking to media persons, he invited all spiritual leaders to come together for discussion but in an atmosphere of bonhomie without any noise.
On the issue of not choosing a Shishya (disciple) for Shiroor Math, he said that currently the financial condition of the Math is not good as there is debt running into crores of rupees. "Without setting these things right, we cannot choose a successor to the Math. We are doing our best to bring the Math on tracks as early as possible," he explained.
On the question of construction of 'Brindavan’ (tomb) for the late Sri Laxmivarateertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math, he said everything will happen when the time comes.
On political front, he said that Operation Lotus is not on in Karnataka now and all talk about it is just a rumour. He felt that the experiment of all party government can be tried in Karnataka which he feels is better as compared to options like President's rule. Recollecting that an all-party government had ruled England during the Second World War, he said the same concept can be put to use here if leaders of all parties are willing.