The trust of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Gurupeetha has decided to present its accounts at an open meeting at the monastery on April 27 at 11 am and has invited devotees from across the state, along with Vachanananda Swamiji.
Background of the Decision
The decision followed demands by Vachanananda Swami, who was expelled from the Panchamasali Peetha on April 13, and his supporters seeking disclosure of accounts from 2008 to 2026. Responding to the demand, trustees said they would present details of donations and expenditure of the Peetha.
Security Arrangements
Police said adequate personnel would be deployed to maintain law and order at the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha at Hanagavadi in Harihar taluk on Monday. Authorities said they were monitoring the situation in view of a possible large gathering.
Expected Attendance
According to sources, more than 5,000 devotees and community members from across the state are likely to gather for the meeting. Trustees invited community members through the media, used social media platforms and circulated messages regarding the account presentation meeting. Trustees decided to demonstrate their strength through the meeting and planned to evict Vachanananda Swami from the Peetha.
Vachanananda Swami's Event
Meanwhile, Vachanananda Swami and his supporters held 'Basavotsava', the birth anniversary of social reformer Basavanna, at the Peetha premises on April 24 to display strength. They expected around 3,000 people to gather for the event, but only 600 to 800 devotees participated. The event was scheduled for 3 pm on Friday, but began at 6 pm due to empty chairs.
Trust's Stance
BC Umapathi, chief administrator of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Guru Peetha, said: "The trust has records of accounts from 2008 to 2025. These have been submitted annually to the income tax department. There is no necessity for a trust to publicly present accounts. This decision was taken to address the requests and doubts of devotees."
He further said that on April 11, accounts were presented at the monastery in the presence of community leaders. "Everything was explained to Vachanananda Swami, who was present at the meeting. After his dismissal, he supported the 'disclose accounts' movement, creating confusion. We request the seer to attend the meeting that day. As he has hurt the sentiments of devotees, we decided to respectfully relieve him of his position. However, he attempted to mislead people by raising certain issues about the accounts," Umapathi said.
Quotes from Officials
B Shankar, vice-president of Karnataka State Veerashaiva Panchamasali Sangha, said: "We are expecting more than 5,000 community members to gather at the account presentation meeting. We have made arrangements to serve prasada and buttermilk to everyone."
HT Shekhar, SP of Davanagere, said: "We will deploy additional force to maintain law and order at the Panchamasali Peetha in Hanagavadi on April 27."
