JOIN USThe mortal remains of Mathe Mahadevi, head of Basava Dharma Peeth, were laid to rest at Sharanaloka Samadhi Sthal here on Saturday with state honours.
Mahadeshwar Swami of Kudalasangama Peeth conducted the last rites as per Basava Jangama tradition.
Many Lingayat seers including Shivamurthy Sharana of Murugha Mutt, Chitradurga; Siddarama Swami of Thontadarya Mutt, Gadag; Basavalinga Pattadevaru of Bhalki; Jayamrutynjaya Swami of Panchamashali Peeth; Gurusiddarajayogendra Swami of Moorusavir Mutt, Hubballi and Gurumahanta Swami of Ilkal among others were present.
Thousands of followers from various parts of the state and neighbouring states Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana participated in the funeral.
Home Minister M B Patil laid a wreath on the mortal remains of Mathe Mahadevi on behalf of the state government after the state police paid three-round gun salute.
The members of Rashtriya Basavadal and Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha took a pledge, "We will follow the path laid out by you in the fight for separate religion status for Lingayats. It is our commitment."
Moments before Mathe Mahadevi was laid to rest, Murugha Sharana appointed Mathe Gangadevi as head of the Peeth by giving her the crown made of Rudrakshas and Shatsthala Dwaja.