Hubballi: In a move aimed at fostering unity within the community, a group of over 30 Veerashaiva-Lingayat seers has decided to hold Veerashaiva-Lingayat Ekta Samavesha in Hubballi on Sept 19. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Fakir Dingaleshwar Mahaswamiji of Shirahatti Sansthan Math said the convention aims to address ongoing confusion within the community. “Some individuals are making attempts to divide the community, but the fact is Veerashaiva and Lingayat are one and the same. Our stance aligns with that of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, which was established in 1904. Some individuals are advocating for separate religious status for Lingayats. They are misusing the Basavanna’s name,” he lamented.He further said, “Some people with vested interests are conducting Basava Samskruti Yaatre to oppose Vaidik culture, while running Vaidika Pathashalas. We oppose any move to classify Lingayat as a separate religion.”Providing further details, he said seers from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and various districts across Karnataka will participate in the event. “A 30-minute procession will be taken out before the convention. Another meeting will soon be held to finalise the structure of the convention. On Sept 19, Hubballi will be decked in saffron,” he stated.He also appealed to community members to enter Veerashaiva-Lingayat in the caste column during the ongoing govt census. Among the seers present at the press conference were Somalinga Shivacharya Swamiji of Bichakunda Sansthan Math, Andhra Pradesh; Srikantha Shivacharya Swamiji of Brahmalingeshwar Math, Maharashtra; Prabhu Sarangadhara Shivacharya Swamiji; Muktimandir Swamiji; Hukkerimath Swamiji of Haveri; Jayashanta Lingeshwar Swamiji; and seers from Sindagi, Bantanal, Madana Hipparagi, Aminagad, Muktimandir, Bidagundi, Nagansur, Kerur, Kalachur, Maidargi, Akki Alur, Kudal, Hattigudur, Kudagi, Bailhongal, Munavalli, Guledgudd, Kanakagiri, Hire Nagav, and Basavur.
