Hinduism is not a religion, consider Lingayat as an independent religion: Tondarya Siddarama Swamiji

Dr. Gadag Tontadarya Math said that we are not anti-Hindu, Hinduism is not a religion. Siddarama Swamiji said.

He spoke in Dharwad, only about the Hindu way of life. A religion can only be considered to have a founder. Religion means there should be a constitution under it. One God should be worshipped. In this context, Lingayat is an independent religion. Basavanna is said to be its founder.

Lingayatism is an independent religion. Basavanna is the founder of this. Vachana Sahitya is its constitution. We all worship the Ishta Linga. This is very important. Whatever we call Hinduism, there is no pioneer or prophet. There is neither a specific scripture nor God for it. 33 crore deities are worshipped. That is Vedic religion. He said that they have converted that to Hinduism today.

Today he will talk about Bhagavad Gita. But in none of the 18 verses of Bhagavad Gita, the word Hindu is used. Also, it has not been tried in Vedas and Upanishads. It is a way of life. So we will not become opponents of Hinduism by getting recognition of independent religion.

Lingayat religion should be recognized as an independent religion. He demanded that the state government should submit a proposal to the center in this regard.