Karnataka: Lingayat Seer Steps Down After Revelation of Muslim Background Sparks Controversy

 In a deeply polarising turn of events, a 22-year-old Lingayat seer, known as Nijalinga Swamy, has stepped down from his spiritual post at a newly established mutt in Karnataka after his birth identity as a Muslim was publicly revealed, prompting backlash from a section of the local community.

Originally born as Mohammed Nisar in Shahpur, Yadgir district, the young spiritual leader had embraced the Lingayat faith five years ago, inspired by the egalitarian philosophy of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna. Under the mentorship of Basavaprabhu Swamy of Basavakalyan, Nisar was initiated into Lingayatism and given the name Nijalinga Swamy, dedicating himself to its core principles of equality, social justice, and devotion to Lord Shiva.

In recognition of his spiritual commitment, Nijalinga Swamy was recently appointed head of the newly constructed Gurumalleshwara Shakha Mutt in Chowdahalli village, Chamarajanagar district. The mutt, established by an overseas-based philanthropist Mahadev Prasad, was envisioned as an inclusive spiritual centre rooted in the reformist values of Lingayatism.

For nearly six weeks, Nijalinga Swamy led religious services, conducted rituals, and shared the teachings of Basavanna with the local community. However, tensions emerged after a group of villagers obtained his SSLC (10th-grade) marks card, which listed his birth name and previous religious identity. The revelation sparked resistance from a section of villagers who expressed discomfort with a person of Muslim origin heading a Lingayat religious institution.

Confronted with growing opposition, Nijalinga Swamy addressed the concerns publicly. He clarified that he had never concealed his background and had adopted the Lingayat faith out of deep spiritual conviction. Nonetheless, in deference to the sentiments of the local community and to preserve communal harmony, he voluntarily resigned from his position and returned to his hometown in Yadgir.

In a statement to local media, he reaffirmed his enduring commitment to the teachings of Basavanna: “I embraced Lingayat philosophy with a pure heart. I will continue to live by and spread Basavanna’s message, wherever I am,” he said.

The episode has reignited conversations around religious identity, conversion, and the inclusive ideals professed by Lingayatism, which has historically welcomed followers from diverse social and religious backgrounds. As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tension between doctrinal inclusivity and societal prejudice in contemporary religious discourse.