Swami Vachanananda Ordered to Vacate Monastery by April 23 Amid Trust Dispute
In a significant development, HS Nagaraj, a trustee of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Gurupeetha, issued a stern ultimatum on Thursday, demanding that Vachanananda Swami, who was recently expelled from the Harihara Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Gurupeetha, must leave the monastery honourably by April 23. Nagaraj warned that if the seer fails to comply, thousands of devotees will gather to forcibly remove him, escalating tensions within the religious community.
Trustee Warns of Consequences for Non-Compliance
Nagaraj emphasized that Vachanananda Swami cannot continue residing at the monastery against the trust's official decision. He stated that any attempts by the seer to rally devotees against the trust are doomed to fail. "If the seer does not leave voluntarily, he will have to face the consequences," Nagaraj cautioned, highlighting the trust's resolve to enforce its expulsion order. He explained that the seer was brought to the Gurupeetha eight years ago with the mission to religiously and socially organise the dispersed community across the state. However, concerns arose as devotees visiting the Mutt were consistently unable to meet him, leading to suspicions about his conduct and commitment.
Allegations of Misconduct and Fund Misuse Surface
Nagaraj further elaborated on the reasons behind the expulsion, pointing to specific allegations of misconduct. He referenced a donation made two years ago by Murugesh Nirani, amounting to Rs 2 crore, intended for the development of the monastery. According to Nagaraj, the seer allegedly diverted these funds for his personal interests, a serious breach of trust that has angered the community. In response to questions about the seer's background, Nagaraj asserted that individuals involved in criminal activities should not be allowed to continue in the Gurupeetha, implying that such issues may be at play in this case.
Call for Devotees to Boycott the Monastery
In light of these unresolved issues, Nagaraj urged devotees to take immediate action. "Devotees should not visit the monastery until these matters are fully resolved," he advised, also recommending that parents refrain from sending students to the hostel associated with the Gurupeetha. This call for a boycott underscores the trust's efforts to isolate Vachanananda Swami and pressure him into leaving. Nagaraj suggested that the seer should depart the Gurupeetha and pursue his interests elsewhere, allowing the institution to restore its integrity and focus on its spiritual and social missions.
The situation remains tense as the April 23 deadline approaches, with the potential for large-scale gatherings by devotees if Vachanananda Swami does not comply. The trust's firm stance reflects broader concerns about governance and accountability within religious institutions, highlighting the need for transparency and ethical conduct in such settings.
