Condemning the “errors” and “lies” in the introduction to the life and work of Basaveshwara in the revised Social Science textbook meant for Class XI, Lingayat maths have asked the State Government to correct the textbooks as per real history and reprint the textbooks.
In a letter written by the Forum of Heads of Lingayat Maths and addressed to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Basavalinga Pattadevaru, head of Bhalki Hiremath in Bidar district and president of the forum, warned of a State-wide agitation if the State Government fails to correct the contents on Basaveshwara in the textbooks.
“It is written that Basaveshwara moved to Kudalasangama after his Upanayana. But, the historical fact is that he rejected Upanayana which was denied to his sister Akkanagayi and moved to Kudalasangama. It is written that Basaveshwara was offered Linga Diksha by a Shaiva Guru and it is wrong. How could Shaiva Gurus, who are worshippers of Sthavara Linga, offer Ishta Linga Diksha? The concept of Ishta Linga was devised by Basaveshwara. It is written in the text that Basaveshwara developed Veerashaiva faith. That is also wrong. Veerashaiva is a branch of Shaiva tradition and is now listed as a sect of Lingayat. Varnashrama is prevalent in Shaivism and there is no Varna discrimination in Lingayat. It is an utterly unhistorical to say that Basaveshwara developed Veerashaiva faith,” the senior seer pointed out.
