Muslim youth to be head of Lingayat math: \'Humanity is the biggest religion\'
Hubballi: A 33-year-old Muslim youth is all set to become the head of a Lingayat math in Asuti village of Ron taluk in Gadag district of Karnataka.
Influenced by the preachings of 12th century social reformer Basavanna, Deewan Sharief Rahimansab Mulla received sanyasa deeksha in November last year. On February 26, he will be formally appointed seer of the newly constructed Murugharajendra Koraneshwar Shantidhama, a math which will become a branch of the more than 300-year-old Koraneshwara Samsthan Math situated in Aland taluk of Kalaburgi district.
Rahimansab, the late father of the Muslim youth, was a staunch follower of Basavanna’s philosophy and Khajuri math for more than three decades. He used to treat patients with herbal medicine as per the guidance of the seer as he was also an Ayurveda expert.
The youth came into contact with the Khajuri seer after the demise of his father and expressed his willingness to receive Lingaya Deeksha as per the Lingayat tradition. The Muslim family has also donated two acres of land in Asuti to build a branch of the Khajuri math in the village.
The seer has taught the Muslim youth, who has studied up to 3rd standard, the philosophy of saint Basavanna and the Lingayat tradition. The youth has already built a lake adjacent to the land donated by his family and the construction of the new math is also underway.
“I took Linga Deeksha as I am attracted to the principles of saint Basavanna and realized that humanity is the biggest religion. Everyone has the freedom to follow the religion of his choice. Lingayat religion treats all as equals without causing any discrimination”, Deewan Sharief Mulla told Deccan Chronicle.
Meanwhile, the seer of Khajuri math Murugharajendra Koraneshwar Swamiji said that Sharief will become head of the Lingayat math at a grand ceremony in the presence of many seers and leaders. He also said that an annual fair and mass marriage programme is being held on this occasion.
“Ours is a religious institution following Basava tradition and people of all castes and religions are allowed to follow it. Our Constitution has provided the right to all to follow the religion of their choice”, Khajuri mutt seer said.
