Bangalore : Pejawar Math seer Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji, whose offer to provide Vaishnava deeksha to Kurubas has attracted criticism from Kuruba religious leaders on the grounds that they belonged to the Shaiva tradition, on Wednesday alleged that some intellectuals were trying to mislead the Kuruba community by misinterpreting his statement. Addressing a press conference here, the seer said that he was ready to provide deeksha to all Hindus, including Kurubas.

“But I am being targeted by some ‘progressive’ people who are trying to mislead the community,” he said and invited the leaders of the Kuruba community for a meeting.

However, he defended his statement that Kanakadasa, a Kuruba saint-poet, was a Vaishanavite and that the saint’s followers would be insulting him if they did not adopt his principles. He also made it clear that he had accepted the caste-based system in Indian society. “But I am for ensuring equality among all,” he said.

Terming the row over his offer to provide deeksha as unnecessary, he said that whoever was interested in receiving deeksha could come forward.

About the speculation that the government may take over the Udupi Krishna Temple/Math, he said in that case, a similar yardstick would have to be applied to several other religious institutions, including the Srikshetra Dharmasthala temple, Sringeri Math and Adichunchanagiri Math. “But is it practically possible to take over all these religious institutions?” he wondered.