Passing a resolution that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are the same, a convention of the community members, attended by seers of Pancha Peetha and Virakta Mutts, here on Monday sent a message that Lingayat Dharma will never become a separate religion.
The first large-scale convention saw the participation of heads of some Virakta Mutts and throughout the convention.
The speakers, predominantly from the Pancha Peethas, accused some of the Virakta Mutts of trying to divide the community. Seers from the Virakta Mutts concurred with them and said that Veerashaiva and Lingayat were synonymous.
“We must not pay heed to a small group of Virakta seers who are demanding a separate religion status for Lingayat Dharma. There is nothing called Lingayat. It is only Veerashaiva and if there has to be any independent religion, it has to be Veerashaiva-Lingayat,” declared Veera Someshwara Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha.
Terming the efforts by seers of some Virakta Mutts for a separate Lingayat Dharma as futile, he claimed that that the Constitution had no provision for creation of any new religion in the country. The seer urged people not to listen to those who were bent on dividing the community and added that such seers would automatically perish if the people stopped paying attention to them.
He also stressed on the need to stop the blame game and start working for the welfare of the community.
Sri Channasiddarama Swami of Srishail Peetha said that while a section of seers was creating a rift, another section was still waiting to take a stand.
“But we, Veerashaivas, are trying to douse the fire which has been set by a group of Virakta seers,” he said.
On why Veerashaivas were opposing the demand for independent religion, he said those seeking it could go ahead with their efforts but should stop following Basaveshwara and Vachanas as both were an integral part of Veerashaivism.
Mahantalinga Swami of Vibhutipura claimed the support of seers of Suttur Mutt and Siddaganga Mutt who, he said, wanted Veerashaiva-Lingayat to remain united.
“However some are giving false information that both seers are in favour of a separate Lingayat Dharma,” she said.
Ten resolutions, including demand for including Veerashaiva-Lingayata community under 2A category instead of the existing 3B category or reservation upto 15 % based on the population of the community, were passed.
