Udupi, September 18, 2025 – Lingayat religion is not a derivative of Sanatan Dharma but an independent faith born to oppose caste and varna systems, declared Dr. Basavalinga Pattaddevaru of Bhalki Hiremath Sansthana. Speaking at a Vachana Samvada event for college students and the public, organized by the Lingayat Mathadipathigala Okkuta at Udupi Town Hall on Thursday, he emphasized that Lingayat is a distinct religion, not a caste. “Lingayat is a complete religion, not a caste. Caste is like darkness, and religion is like light. The light of religion is essential to dispel the darkness of caste,” he said.

Shivananda Swamiji of Handigunda Math reiterated this, demanding constitutional recognition for Lingayat religion akin to Sikhism and Jainism. “This is not a fight but our right. Lingayat is not part of Hindu or Sanatan Dharma. Basavanna is our religious guru, Vachana literature is our holy text, and Basava Dharma/Lingayat Dharma stands alone,” he clarified.

The event saw participation from prominent Lingayat leaders, including Shri Shivananda Swamiji (Hulasooru Shri Math), Shri Shantaveera Mahaswami (Hosadurga Kunchitiga Mahasansthana Math), Gurubasava Pattaddevaru (Bhalki Hiremath), Shri Basavalinga Swamiji (Dharwad Navalagunda Gavimath), Shri Veerasiddha Devaru (Kalaburagi Shanmukha Shivayogigala Math), Shri Veerabhadra Shastrigalu (Raichur), Shri Shivabasava Devaru (Belagavi), Shri Basavaraja Devaru (Basavakalyan), and Basavananda Swamiji (Mammigatti).

Dr. Mahantha Prabhu Swamiji from Belagavi Segunise coordinated the dialogue. Notable attendees included Dr. G.S. Chandrashekar, Honorary President of Akhil Bharatiya Veerashaiva Mahasabha (Udupi District), and Niranjan Cholayya, President of Sharana Sahitya Parishat (Udupi District). Discussions were also joined by Ramesh Kanchan (President, Udupi Taluk Panch Guarantee Implementation Committee), Dasansa leader Sundar Master, Billava leader Geetanjali Suvarna, and others.