Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Aug 3: “Pejawar Math seer Shri Vishweshateertha Swamiji had recently invited me for an open discussion on separate Lingayat religion. However, I cannot go to Mysuru, as I am conducting Chaturmasa. The seer may visit me in August. I will invite him with a letter,” said Sanehalli Math seer Dr Panditharadhya Shivacharya Swamiji in a press conference.

Speaking at a news conference held on the sidelines of a programme held in Ajjarkadu auditorium, here on August 2, the seer said, “Lingayat is not a part of Hinduism. It is an independent religion like Christianity, Islam, Jainism etc.”

“The vachanas of Basavanna are its base. The matter cannot be solved by discussions. We are prepared for legal recourse. Only that is suitable in this case. We will not burden Yediyurappa or Siddaramaiah in this connection,” he said.

“We have plans to take 20 students to Sanehalli and train them in the religious doctrine. Lingayat and Veerashaiva religions are not the same. They were thought as one, once upon a time. But the tradition of Basavanna has formed a new doctrine. Pejawar seer thinks that Shiva means an idol in the temple. But it is not. The knowledge and awareness on Basavanna makes humanity possible,” said Sanehalli swamiji.