Rift emerges in the seer hierarchy of Durdundeshwar Mutt

Belagavi

A deepening rift between senior seer Panchamalingeshwar Swamiji and junior seer Nijalingeshwar Swamiji of the 250-year-old Durdundeshwar Mutt in Nidasosi, Hukkeri taluk, has reached a tipping point over issues related to succession and financial authority.

Nijalingeshwar Swamiji started his hunger strike on April 15, demanding formal coronation and the transfer of administrative and financial powers.

Due to advancing age, senior seer Panchama Shivalingeshwar Swamiji decided to name a successor in 2023. He selected Nijalingeshwar Swamiji, and formally registered a letter in March 2023 confirming his appointment.

The letter stated that all rights, including financial authority such as cheque-signing powers, would be transferred to the successor within a month. However, no such transfer has occurred so far.

Speaking to the media, junior seer Nijalingeshwar Swamiji said, this is my fourth hunger strike. I am now on an indefinite fast because I am deeply hurt by the senior seer's behaviour. The selection committee held over 30 meetings, and even seers from Suttur Mutt and Anantpur Mutt intervened. Coronation dates were fixed thrice, only to be postponed by the senior seer. Many local political leaders are aware of the situation.

Responding to these accusations, senior seer Panchama Shivalingeshwar Swamiji stated, according to our tradition, a successor is named only after the current seer's demise. While I did name a successor during my lifetime and registered the decision,

I now realise that may have been premature. Since the successor started acting against me, I have chosen to maintain the status quo. He is not engaging with the disciples as expected but is instead focused on blaming me. The committee will decide on the handover of educational institutions. If he chooses a legal path, it will not be in anyone's interest.