All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha’s Belagavi unit has resolved to change its name to All India Lingayat Mahasabha.
At a meeting of community leaders here on Wednesday, Sri Siddharam Swami of Naganur Rudrakshi Mutt called upon the faithful to accept this change. The resolution was passed unanimously.
He said that such a proposal was put forward in 1941 itself. It was approved in the annual meeting of the mahasabha. But it was not implemented due to various reasons, the swami said.
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He said that the existence of the Pancha Peetha Swamis or their mutts would not be affected in any way, with this change. In fact, it will crystallise the ideology of the heads of these mutts who keep saying that they are part of Hinduism and not Lingayatism, he said.
He said that Sri Kumarswami of Hangal, who founded the mahasabha, used the term Veerashaiva as that was usage at that time. If he were to be around now, he would prefer the term Lingayat and not Veerashaiva, the swami said.
He blamed the Pancha Peetha Swamis and some university wits for spearheading a smear campaign against Lingayat mutt heads, accusing them of dividing the community. “In fact, if anyone is trying to unite the community by saying Lingayatism is a distinct religion, it is us,” he said.
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He said that Basaveshwara was the founder of the faith and his philosophy was not only different but also opposed some of the Vaidika tenets.
The All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha has been expressing the wishes and aspirations of the Lingayat community, protecting its interests and upholding its values. It is, therefore, justified to call it the Lingayat Mahasabha, he said.
He said that the claims that Sri Renukacharya, the founder of the Pancha Peetha Mutts, had ordained Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma into spirituality were unverified.