Lingayats likely to be free from multiple idols as mutts break silence

Bengaluru, Sept 3: The movement for a separate religion for Lingayats got a boost with two prominent mutts —Siddaganga and Suttur — expressing their willingness for exit from the Hinduism. The two mutts in south Karnataka were steadfastly silent even as a debate was raging about the whole idea. Both the pro-and anti-separate religion factions were hoping that the two mutts would voice their support in their favour.

SM Jamdar, secretary of the Lingayat Movement, said Lingayats should trudge a path totally different from Hinduism. Community leaders have decided that Lingayat religion will be free of temples, idols and Sanskrit hymns. Pressing for constitutional recognition for the religion that was set up by Basaveshwara in 12th century, the leaders have vouched that the new religion will oppose building temples, worshipping idols and chanting Sanskrit hymns. Ironically, most of the Lingayat mutts and pontiffs are running temples, following Hindu traditions.

Both the mutts, despite tracing their origin to ‘Virakta Tradition’ practised Shaiva culture and supported study of vedas, upanishads and had even set up Sanskrit colleges besides worshipping ‘Shiva’ However Basaveshwara, opposing the idol worship and other superstitious beliefs of Hinduism, propounded Lingayat religion and called for equality of all.

SM Jamdar, Secretary of the Lingayat Movement, said: “I agree some mutts are closely following Hindu traditions. Now with the separate identity under the Constitution we hope that the Lingayat religion will be free from temples, idols and Sanskrit hymns. Even though we cannot say that there will be complete change but most of the Lingayats will change themselves and owe their allegiance to Vacahanas, literary work by Sharanas of 12th century.”

Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchamasali Peetha said, “Siddaganga seer said he would support any movement intended to do good to the community. Similarly, the junior pontiff said that Basava philosophy is our philosophy and all of us must go together and achieve the common goal of getting constitutional recognition for separate religion.” According to Jamadar, Suttur seer also suggested to resolve the differences and go together. However, there was no official statement in this regard by the seers of either mutt.

The leaders of the movement have also claimed that the Panchapeethas which initially showed resistance have also mellowed down their opposition by showing signs of compromise. “What we did not see for nearly 300 years we are witnessing now in the last few days,” Jamadar said.