Basava jayanti row escalates at Harihara panchamasali peetha, trust moves administration

Davangere : The ongoing internal conflict at the Harihara Panchamasali Peetha in Davangere district has intensified, with the mutt trust approaching the district administration to prevent expelled seer Vachanand Swamiji from conducting Basava Jayanti celebrations at the premises.

The dispute, which has been brewing for weeks, reached a flashpoint after the trust alleged that Vachanand Swamiji, despite being officially expelled from the peetha on April 13, continues to stay within the mutt premises and is preparing to organise Basava Jayanti on April 24. The trust has termed the move as a violation of established norms and questioned the moral authority of the seer to conduct religious events.

In a formal complaint submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, the trust’s chief trustee Umapathi and secretary Jyothi Prakash have urged authorities to deny permission for any such celebrations within the mutt. They warned that allowing the event could lead to unrest and potential law-and-order issues.

The complaint also raised concerns about possible untoward incidents, holding individuals including administrative overseer Dr Rajkumar and Lekka Kodi Abhiyana president Sirigere Parameshwar Gowda responsible if any disturbance occurs at the peetha. The trust has sought immediate intervention to maintain peace and uphold the sanctity of the institution.

Meanwhile, the trust has issued a strongly worded notice to Vachanand Swamiji, reiterating that he has no  authority to organise any events at the peetha following his expulsion. The letter stated that despite repeated requests to vacate the premises respectfully, the seer has continued to defy directives and allegedly made statements against the trust.

“We have observed through social media and media reports that you are inviting community members to participate in Basava Jayanti celebrations at the peetha. However, having been removed from your position, you hold no moral or administrative right to conduct such programmes here,” the trust stated in its communication.

The trust further cautioned that any meetings, press conferences, or public gatherings organised by the expelled seer within the mutt premises would be considered a violation and could attract legal consequences. It also made it clear that any damage to property or disruption within the peetha would be directly attributed to those involved.

The row has sparked concern among followers of the Panchamasali community, with many calling for a peaceful resolution. With Basava Jayanti approaching, authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation and take preventive measures to avoid escalation.