Muslim to head Lingayat mutt in Karnataka

A Lingayat mutt in Gadag district of Karnataka is set to make a Muslim man its pontiff. Dewan Sharief Mullah said that he was influenced by the teachings of 12th-century reformer Basavanna during his childhood days. The locals have been supportive as this rite has set an example of communal togetherness.

Gadag: A 32-year-old Muslim man from Gadag participated in the ritual of Linga Deeksha- a baptism process done in order to become a member of the Lingayat community, on February 19.

Dewan Sharief Mullah said that he was influenced by the teachings of 12th-century reformer Basavanna during his childhood days and decided to work towards bringing social justice and harmony in the society.

“Basavanna's philosophies are universal and we embrace followers irrespective of their caste and religion," said Murugharajendra Korneshwar Swamiji who blessed Mullah and accepted him as his disciple.

In addition to this, Mullah also donated two acres of land to build a Lingayat mutt in the district which will be headed by him.

"I have received blessings from Swamiji. I will follow his guidance and teachings. My mother's land was donated to build a mutt. She has not only given the land but also her son for the noble cause of bringing peace," told Mullah to ETV Bharat.

Dewan Sharief Mullah told that his parents are also followers of Basavanna and they want him to work for world peace and prosperity.

The locals have been supportive as this rite has set an example of communal togetherness and secularism.