Lingayat Seer Strongly Denies Allegations of Disrespecting Hindu Scriptures
In a significant escalation of a simmering religious controversy, Thontada Siddarama Swamiji of the Dambal-Gadag Thontadarya mutt has issued a forceful rebuttal to allegations made against him by Kadasiddeshwar Swamiji of the Kaneri mutt in Maharashtra. The dispute centers on claims that Siddarama Swamiji has shown disrespect towards Hindu sacred texts while engaging in interfaith activities.
Baseless Allegations and a Pointed Rebuttal
Responding to what he termed "baseless and misleading" personal allegations recently made in Bagalkot district, Siddarama Swamiji expressed deep anguish. The Kaneri mutt seer had allegedly accused him of translating the Quran into Kannada for distribution and showing disrespect to the Bhagavad Gita.
Siddarama Swamiji offered a detailed clarification: "It was neither the Quran nor a Marathi text, and it was not published by our mutt as alleged. I only translated a Hindi work titled 'Islam Dharm Sandesh,' which was scripted by the noted spiritual leader Vinoba Bhave."
He further revealed that the book's release occurred in the presence of the late Siddeshwara Swamiji of Vijayapura and that the Kaneri seer himself had been invited to the event, adding a layer of irony to the current accusations.
A Challenge for Evidence and Allegations of Malicious Intent
Dismissing the claims as a repeated attempt to tarnish his reputation, Siddarama Swamiji directly challenged his critics. "If there is any proof that I have disrespected the Bhagavad Gita, let it be presented. Such claims are aimed at character assassination and spreading disharmony," he asserted. He noted this marks the third instance of similar accusations originating from the Kaneri mutt seer.
Reiterating his unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue and peace, Siddarama Swamiji stated he has never insulted any religion, deity, or sacred text. To counter the narrative, he highlighted his own scholarly contributions, including translating sections on the Bhagavad Gita and editing discourses of revered seers, as clear evidence of his deep reverence for Hindu scriptures.
Criticism of Language and Warning of Social Unrest
The seer also questioned the underlying motives behind the persistent false allegations and criticized the use of what he called "uncivilised language" by the Kaneri seer against Lingayat religious leaders. He warned that such inflammatory statements risk creating confusion and unrest within society, undermining communal harmony.
In a striking revelation, Siddarama Swamiji claimed that courts, including the high court and supreme court, had previously reprimanded the Kaneri seer over similar contentious issues. "It's disappointing that, despite that judicial history, he continues to make such statements," he remarked, expressing frustration at the cyclical nature of the controversy.
Clarification Issued to Combat Misinformation
According to Siddarama Swamiji, the current public clarification was issued at the insistence of his devotees. The primary goal is to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure the public is not misled by what he described as "false narratives" designed to sow discord. The statement serves as a firm defense of his life's work dedicated to spiritual scholarship and bridging religious divides.
