The countdown for Dasara durbar has begun and Chikmagalur district is all set to welcome visitors from various places for the celebrations.
In an interview to Deccan Herald on various issues, he said that whether Veerashaivism and Lingayathism are sects of Hinduism or independent religion by themselves is a debate.
Confusions between followers of Veerashaivism and Lingayathism will be solved only when both understand that Basavanna had accepted, followed and lived the principles of Veerashaivism and Lingayathism was started by him not as a parallel cult to Veerashaivism.
Rich language
With regard to setting of Sanskrit University, he said that the word Sanskrit brings to mind richness and purity. He said that a rich language like sanskrit is on the verge of dying. This language of the scholars should survive and in this direction having an University is a must in Karnataka.
Religion and politics
He said that caste and religions are being used by politicians for their own benefits. Today’s politicians believe in nurturing caste and sub caste rather than looking at the progress of society.
“We have to understand that no caste or religion is in a position to rule or manage the country alone. One religion is invariable and inevitably dependent on the other. It is only with this kind of dependence that political field in our nation will develop,” he said.
He opined that in recent past it is seen that Dharmapeethas are interfering in politics and politicians inturn are involving into the functioning of the mutts.
“It is better if two different entities mind their own business to maintain a healthy society,” he said.
Relevance of Padapuja
Pontiff opined that padapuja and addapallaki utsavs are apart of religious belief system of the people and religious beliefs are very personal. The belief of one persons should not be imposed on others. In Veerashaivism Guru is considered as a form of ‘Paramathma’. Addapallakki utsav is performed by only few Mutts which have great historical past and hence this utsav should not be made a matter of discussion.
Women’s reservation
“There can be no debate on the issue whether women must be given place in politics or not. On one hand I feel that women should not only be given equal rights but they must be vested with greater responsibilities than men but on the other hand I fear that this might increase family problems,” he said.
DH News Service
