A 22-year-old Lingayat seer, known as Nijalinga Swamy, has stepped down from his position at a newly established math in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district following objections from local residents after his birth identity as a Muslim was revealed.
Originally named Mohammed Nisar and hailing from Shahpur in Yadgir district, the young man had formally embraced the Lingayat faith five years ago. Under the spiritual guidance of Basavaprabhu Swamy of Basavakalyan, he adopted the name Nijalinga Swamy and devoted himself to the teachings of 12th-century reformer Basavanna, whose philosophy centres on personal devotion to Shiva, equality, and social justice.
He was recently appointed as the head of Gurumalleshwara Shakha Mutt in Chowdahalli village, a religious centre established by a local resident currently living abroad. For over a month, the young seer led rituals and preached Basavanna’s teachings to the local community.
The situation changed when a group of local youths reportedly obtained his SSLC (10th grade) certificate, which listed his birth name and religious identity. The disclosure led to protests from some villagers, who objected to a person of Muslim origin leading a Lingayat mutt.
Facing increasing pressure, Nijalinga Swamy announced his decision to resign from the position to avoid further controversy. Speaking to reporters, he stated that he had never hidden his background and had embraced Lingayatism out of genuine spiritual belief.
“I will continue to follow and spread Basavanna’s teachings wherever I go,” he said, after returning to his hometown in Yadgir.
No official statement has yet been issued by the math or local authorities.
(With inputs from News18)
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