Devanahalli
The District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the Kannada and Culture Department jointly inaugurated the Shivayogi Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations at the District Collector’s Office Hall in the District Administration Building. The programme brought together officials, community leaders, scholars, and students to remember the contributions of Shivayogi Siddarameshwara to society and the Bhakti movement.
Speaking on the occasion, speakers highlighted that the 12th-century Bhakti movement placed strong emphasis on work, equality, and human values. Shivayogi Siddarameshwara envisioned a society where human beings lived with dignity and equality, without discrimination based on caste or religion. His philosophy stressed harmony, social justice, and moral responsibility, which remain relevant even today.
BJP district president V. Shanthakumar submitted a memorandum to the District Collector, urging the administration to allocate land for a community association and to name a circle in Devanahalli town after Shivayogi Siddarameshwara, as a mark of respect to his legacy and teachings.
Delivering a special lecture, retired teacher Sharaniah Hiremath elaborated on Siddarameshwara’s message of Karma Yoga, self-reliance, and social equality propagated through his vachanas. He noted that Siddarameshwara played a key role in the development of several villages by encouraging the construction of lakes, ponds, and wells, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods and community welfare.
Hiremath further explained that Siddarameshwara’s adherence to the principles of Kayaka (dignified labour) and the teachings of Basavanna is clearly reflected in vachanas signed under the pen name ‘Kapilasiddha Mallikarjuna’. These vachanas continue to inspire people to lead ethical and socially responsible lives.
