High drama at Harihara panchamasali mutt over accounts row, clashes erupt between factions

Davanagere : A major confrontation broke out at the Harihara Panchamasali Peetha in Davanagere district on Monday as an ongoing dispute over alleged financial irregularities escalated into open clashes between the mutt administration and supporters of Vachananda Swamiji.

The tension stemmed from allegations that there had been mismanagement and irregularities in donations and government grants received by the mutt. Vachananda Swamiji had been demanding a detailed financial audit, insisting that the trust publicly disclose all accounts. Responding to the pressure, the trust members convened a public meeting within the mutt premises and presented financial details covering the period from 2008 to 2026.

According to the trust, a total of ₹27.61 crore was collected as donations from devotees over the last 18 years. Additionally, the state government is said to have provided ₹12 crore in grants for development works. The trust also claimed that ₹10 lakh was generated through sand-related activities, while silver worth approximately ₹4.5 crore, weighing 174 kilograms, was received through “Tulabhara” offerings and has been securely stored in bank lockers.

However, the disclosures failed to calm tensions. Vachananda Swamiji and his supporters outright rejected the accounts, terming them “fabricated” and “unacceptable.” As the financial details were being presented, slogans were raised by both sides, quickly turning the spiritual venue into a battleground. What was meant to be a religious gathering witnessed heated arguments, abuses, and physical scuffles.

The situation worsened when supporters of the swamiji attempted to storm the stage, alleging lack of transparency. Police personnel deployed at the site intervened to prevent further escalation. Former MLAs H. S. Shivashankar and Arun Kumar Pujar were also present during the incident, adding to the political attention surrounding the dispute.

The conflict has its roots in the earlier expulsion of Vachananda Swamiji from the mutt by the trust, citing multiple reasons. However, the swamiji refused to vacate the premises and instead launched a campaign demanding transparency in financial matters. Monday’s public accounts presentation was seen as a response to that campaign, but it only intensified the standoff.

Adding another layer to the controversy, the trust invited another seer to preside over the programme, fuelling speculation about a possible leadership change at the mutt. Trust secretary B.C. Umapathi stated that the swamiji had been asked to leave the mutt respectfully, warning of further action if he failed to comply. In response, Vachananda Swamiji hit back, asking the trust members themselves to vacate the premises.

The drama did not end there. After the meeting, when another seer visited the mutt for darshan, some agitated devotees allegedly hurled a bottle, triggering yet another round of chaos. The incident highlighted the deepening rift within the Panchamasali community, one of the largest Lingayat sub-groups in Karnataka.

With the dispute now spilling into the public domain and tensions running high, authorities have maintained tight security at the mutt. Observers say the conflict, rooted in leadership and financial transparency issues, could have wider social and political implications if not resolved soon.