<p>Hindu is not a religion, but a way of life as stated by Dr S Radhakrishnan. Some treat the Vedic religion as Hindu religion and hence, said Gadag's Tontadarya Mutt pontiff Dr Tontada Siddalinga Siddarama Swami.</p>.<p>"Lingayats can't become Hindus just because Hinduism is treated as a religion. Lingayat is non-Vedic religion as it is opposed to Vedas, Agamas and Puranas. Practices and rituals of Lingayats and Vedic followers are different and contradictory," he told reporters.</p>.<p>He added," Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs and followers of Vedas and Lingayats in this country are regionally Hindus. However, Lingayats have a separate identity in religious sense." </p>.<p>He claimed that the word Hindu had its roots in the Persian language.</p>.<p>The pontiff said that the Lingayat religion comprised 108 sub castes and he was not opposed to demands of reservations for them.</p>.<p>"The movement seeking an independent religious status of Lingayat faith is still active. This time is not the appropriate time as its sub-castes are protesting demanding reservation facilities, he added.</p>
<p>Hindu is not a religion, but a way of life as stated by Dr S Radhakrishnan. Some treat the Vedic religion as Hindu religion and hence, said Gadag's Tontadarya Mutt pontiff Dr Tontada Siddalinga Siddarama Swami.</p>.<p>"Lingayats can't become Hindus just because Hinduism is treated as a religion. Lingayat is non-Vedic religion as it is opposed to Vedas, Agamas and Puranas. Practices and rituals of Lingayats and Vedic followers are different and contradictory," he told reporters.</p>.<p>He added," Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs and followers of Vedas and Lingayats in this country are regionally Hindus. However, Lingayats have a separate identity in religious sense." </p>.<p>He claimed that the word Hindu had its roots in the Persian language.</p>.<p>The pontiff said that the Lingayat religion comprised 108 sub castes and he was not opposed to demands of reservations for them.</p>.<p>"The movement seeking an independent religious status of Lingayat faith is still active. This time is not the appropriate time as its sub-castes are protesting demanding reservation facilities, he added.</p>
