Adichunchanagiri swami's favourite painter was a muslim
The entire ceremony of the burial of Adichunchanagiri seer Balagangadharanatha Swami was held according to Hindu traditions. However, it would not have been complete without the efforts of a Muslim artist.
Assadullah Khan, a resident of neighbouring Bellur, has been the mutt artist for the past 26 years. He decorated the place designated for the samadhi with omkara, swastik, trishul, BGS and other symbols and rangoli using turmeric, vermilion and other colours — as per the instructions of the purohits.
Khan said: “Even though I am a Muslim by faith, the swamiji recognised my art and utilised my services. I have been painting pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses in the mutt for the past few decades. I have also been decorating the Bhairava raths (cars) bound for branch mutts.”
