Nijalinga Swamy, a 22-year-old Lingayat seer from Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, was recently forced to resign from his position as head of the Gurumalleshwara Shakha mutt after his Muslim background prior to conversion to Lingayatism was revealed. Born Mohammed Nisar in Yadgir district, he embraced Lingayatism at age 17, inspired by the teachings of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna.
The discovery came when a mutt employee accessed Swamy’s old mobile phone and found his Aadhaar card along with photos of him before his initiation, including images wearing a skull cap and holding a beer bottle. This revelation led to protests from some devotees who claimed they had been unaware of his previous identity, pressuring him to step down after just six weeks in his role.
Nijalinga Swamy has denied ever hiding his past and remains committed to Basavanna’s philosophy, finding shelter at another Lingayat mutt in Haveri district to continue his spiritual work.
Discovery and Immediate Reaction
The controversy erupted when a staff member at the Gurumalleshwara Shakha mutt requested Nijalinga Swamy’s old mobile phone due to technical issues with their own device. Upon searching the phone, the employee found Swamy’s Aadhaar card displaying his birth name and previously listed religion as Muslim.
Additionally, photos on the phone depicted him wearing a skull cap, a traditional Islamic headgear, and holding a beer bottle, which intensified concerns among some devotees. These facts led to heated protests from villagers who asserted that they had not been informed of Swamy’s origins before his appointment. In response, Nijalinga Swamy openly admitted his former Muslim identity, explaining that he had renounced Islam and taken Basava Deeksha as a sincere spiritual and personal transformation.
He strongly denied engaging in any “unholy” acts after conversion and expressed pain over false allegations against his character, including accusations of financial impropriety that surfaced following the controversy. Despite the backlash, he reiterated his dedication to spreading Basavanna’s teachings of social equality and reform.
Community Context and Broader Support
This incident highlights sensitivities surrounding religious identity within the Lingayat community, which is known for its origins in social reform inspired by Basavanna, emphasizing inclusivity beyond caste and creed. Notably, this is not an isolated case; in 2020, Diwan Sharief Rahimsab Mulla, a former Muslim convert, became the fourth Muslim-origin individual to lead a Lingayat mutt in 300 years, demonstrating a precedent for religious conversion and leadership in the community.
While some devotees protested Nijalinga Swamy’s leadership based on his background, several spiritual leaders and other community members have voiced support, emphasizing that Basavanna’s philosophy transcends religious origins. The police have reported no formal complaints, reflecting an attempt to manage communal tensions without legal escalation.
This division in response underscores ongoing debates within the community about identity, tradition, and acceptance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The episode underscores the challenges faced by religious communities when confronted with rigid sectarian attitudes, even in groups historically associated with reform and inclusion. Basavanna’s teachings advocated breaking down barriers of caste, creed, and social division, championing empathy, coexistence, and social justice as spiritual imperatives.
The Logical Indian views the controversy as a call to reaffirm these inclusive values and transcend parochial prejudices that threaten harmony. In a diverse and pluralistic society, fostering dialogue rooted in kindness, acceptance, and mutual respect remains critical.
The story invites readers and communities to consider how they can embody the spirit of unity promoted by their spiritual traditions, ensuring such values guide actions in contemporary social life.
