Veerashaiva-Lingayats have received a new direction from Davanagere: MP Basavaraj Bommai

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Share

Davanagere: All Veerashaiva-Lingayat gurus and devotees must unite—if that happens, no one can stop them and the community has received a new direction from Davanagere, said former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.

He was speaking today at the Veerashaiva Peethacharyas and Shivacharyas Summit held under the divine presence of Jagadguru Panchapeethadheeshwaras at Shri Mad Abhinava Renuka Mandira in Davanagere on Tuesday.

“We are going through a complex time. We have a vast history—and equally, a strong future. This is a time for introspection, not for self-praise. We must think deeply. Along with our great history, we have inherited profound culture and values. We operate with our own philosophy and framework. Our thinking lies within the bounds of religion, justice, and morality. The world does not operate within the boundaries we adhere to. So we must consider—should we go beyond these frameworks, or bring others within them?, Bommai noted.

The MP said from Renukacharya to Basaveshwara, we have inherited a philosophy rooted in knowledge and meditation. Now is the time to rejuvenate that philosophy. The strength to lead society lies with the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Our ideology is based on humanistic values. The time has come to leave behind debates about gurus and monks being different, and instead focus on guiding all humanity. Renukacharya spoke of victory to human dharma; Basavanna said compassion is the foundation of dharma. Where is the difference in these ideas? If these great souls thought alike, why should we be divided? ” We must recognize the spiritual impact such differences have on society. When the Linga is held in one’s palm, all differences dissolve. The revered saints, Siddhanta Shikhamani, Basavanna’s Sharanas—all spoke about unification in the Linga. Some people are trying to create divisions among us,” he added.

Wealth of the Heart

He said they possess the wealth of the heart. When intellect and heart align, that moment is nectarous. When thought and feeling unite, that is the nectarous moment. Today, the Panchapeethadheeshwaras have ushered in such a nectarous moment. The unity of all the gurus is a great inspiration and strength to them. If they all walk together, not only the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community but the entire nation will walk with them.

The MP said the relationship between guru and devotee is one of love and affection—the highest form of love is unconditional. To receive such pure love, one must surrender completely to the guru, must become one with the guru. In the words of the gurus, he had experienced that affection. When they called him ‘Basanna’, he was emotionally overwhelmed. There is no place for rank or authority between guru and devotee. Observing the needs of the time, the message given by the revered ones must be spread. All gurus and devotees must unite—only then can no one stop us. They are unaware of their own strength. That power lies within them. From Davanagere, the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community has received a new direction.

He said they need a philosophy of life that includes mental discipline and reflective thinking. When both come together, it benefits society and humanity at large. For the triumph of human dharma, Veerashaiva-Lingayats must be united. There are discussions about internal divisions. Caste groups based on profession have emerged. If their foundation is to be strong, they must face challenges together. Once, wealth was considered supreme. In the days ahead, it is hard work that will be supreme. Those who work will never be poor. A society that teaches the value of hard work is the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. As long as there is belief in hard work, this community will remain vibrant. “We will move forward united, under the guidance of the gurus, adapting to the needs of the time. As long as the sun and moon exist, the power of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community will continue,” he affirmed.

State Railway Minister V. Somanna, Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, former MP G.M. Siddeshwara, MLAs B.P. Harish, C.C. Patil, and other prominent leaders were present.