Karnataka: Basavajaya Mrityunjaya swamiji removed as president of Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha

In a significant development, the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha Trust has removed Basavajaya Mrityunjaya Swamiji from the post of President. The decision was finalized during an executive meeting of the Trust held at the Peetha premises.

Trust president Vijayananda Kasappanavar and secretary Neelkanth Asuti, along with other members, unanimously supported the move. Announcing the decision, Asuti said the removal was necessitated by multiple concerns regarding Swamiji’s conduct and approach.

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According to the Trust, during his tenure, Mrityunjaya Swamiji acquired properties in Davangere and other locations, raising questions about his adherence to the institution’s principles. Members also alleged that he had distanced himself from the core Lingayat ideology and instead leaned towards Hindutva politics, which they claimed was against the traditions of the Peetha.

Ignoring the collective advice of members

The Trust further accused him of ignoring the collective advice of its members and failing to remain present at the Peetha. “As a Swamiji, his active involvement in political activities contradicts the expectations of spiritual leadership,” the Trust statement added.

Highlighting these reasons, the Trust declared his expulsion from the position, emphasizing that the decision was taken in the larger interest of the Panchamasali community and its spiritual institution.

With this move, the Peetha now faces the task of reorganizing its leadership to maintain its influence and uphold its ideological roots.