Panchamasali mutt row escalates into open conflict in Harihar

Davangere : The simmering dispute between the administrative trust of the Panchamasali Mutt in Harihar and seer Vachananda Swamiji has escalated into an open confrontation, with serious allegations being exchanged publicly. Members of the Dharmadarshi committee have now issued a stern warning to the seer, demanding financial accountability and even asking him to vacate the mutt.

Addressing a press conference near Hanagavadi village in Harihar taluk, trustee H S Nagaraj stated that all financial records are in their possession and will be presented publicly. “We have sought accounts, and we will present them tomorrow. After that, the Swamiji must vacate the mutt,” he asserted, signaling a major escalation in the internal feud.

Nagaraj further alleged that similar conflicts had already unfolded at the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha and claimed that the current developments in Harihar reflect a continuation of that discord. He emphasized that a  list has been prepared to disclose the financial records transparently in the presence of the public.

Responding to the allegations, chief Dharmadarshi B C Umapathi said that detailed accounts of the mutt’s transactions from 2008 to 2026 would be presented. “We will disclose all details related to donations, assets, and financial dealings,” he said. He also questioned the authority of the Panchamasali state association in removing trustees.

“There are 11 trustees, including two seers and nine members. Recently, 13 individuals claimed to have removed the Swamiji. Now, three trustees are said to have been expelled. However, neither the trust nor the state Panchamasali association has the authority to remove us. They can only advise,” Umapathi clarified.

He also alleged that the annual “Hara Jatre” festival had turned into a political event this year. “The Swamiji invited only selected individuals and has stopped communicating with us. He even claims we have no authority to question the festival accounts,” Umapathi charged.

Meanwhile, Somanagouda Mali Patil, president of the Panchamasali state association, has entered the fray, intensifying the conflict. Addressing a separate press conference, he confirmed that three trustees had been removed, invoking provisions that allow intervention in case of irregularities in mutt administration.

“If there are financial irregularities, the association has the right to step in. We have exercised that authority to remove three trustees,” he said.

Adding a sensational dimension to the controversy, Parameshwar Gowda alleged large-scale financial misappropriation within the mutt. “There were verbal claims of ₹27 crore irregularities, but based on available information, around ₹25 crore misappropriation is suspected,” he revealed.

The escalating conflict within the influential Panchamasali mutt has triggered widespread concern among followers and the community. With both sides preparing to present financial records and defend their positions, the dispute appears set to intensify further in the coming days.