Panchamasali Trust Issues Ultimatum to Swami Over Bengaluru Peetha
In a significant development, leaders of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Gurupeetha Trust have officially set March 24 as the final deadline for Vachanananda Swami to communicate his decision on relinquishing the Shwasa Yoga Peetha located in Bengaluru. This action stems from a commitment the Swami allegedly made during his ascension to the Panchamasali peetha, which the Trust now insists must be honored to ensure proper community engagement.
Trust's Demands and Swami's Alleged Neglect
BC Umapati, the chief secretary of the Trust, addressed reporters on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "He should leave Shwasa Yoga Peetha and fully engage in community organization," Umapati stated firmly. He revealed that this demand has been communicated to the Swami on six separate occasions, as decided in Trust meetings, yet without any compliance. "It is unacceptable to be elsewhere for a month and only spend a day or two at the gurupeetha. This place will not be allowed to become a guesthouse," he added, highlighting concerns over the Swami's prolonged absences.
Trustees expressed frustration over the Swami's behavior, noting that he claims to be on foreign tours for a week but often does not return even after 40 days. They rued the lack of visible concern or cultural regard for the poor people of the community, suggesting that his priorities are misaligned with the Trust's mission of service and leadership.
Trust's Stance on Accountability and Future Actions
In response to potential accusations, the trustees clarified that there has been no misconduct from the Trust itself. They pointed out that every year, they have provided detailed accounts to both the government and the community, ensuring transparency and accountability. "There is no intention to remove Swami from Gurupeetha," they assured, indicating that their goal is not to oust him entirely but to redirect his focus.
The Trust believes that the Swami will voluntarily leave the Shwasa Yoga Peetha and commit to staying at the gurupeetha to better serve the community. However, if he fails to do so by the March 24 deadline, the officebearers of the Trust have stated that they will take a decisive call on the matter. This could involve further actions to enforce the demand, though specifics were not disclosed, leaving the outcome dependent on the Swami's response.
This ultimatum underscores ongoing tensions within the Panchamasali community regarding leadership roles and responsibilities. The Trust's firm stance reflects a broader effort to maintain discipline and dedication among its spiritual leaders, ensuring that peethas are used for their intended purposes of community welfare and not as temporary residences. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Vachanananda Swami's next move, which could significantly impact the dynamics of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Gurupeetha Trust and its operations in Karnataka.
