Lingayat seer sparks controversy in Karnataka with 'Paada Puja' ritual on Shivalinga | WATCH

A shocking video has surfaced from Karnataka which has been widely criticized. As per recent developments in Kalaburagi district of the state, a contentious ritual involving a Lingayat seer has drawn widespread attention. Siddaveera Shivacharya Swami, the head of the Panchagraha Hiremath of Diggaon, has found himself at the center of controversy following a ritual performed in Mahagaon village, Chittapur taluk.

The ritual in question involved the seer participating in a 'paada puja' (washing of feet) with his feet placed on a Shivalinga. Devotees engaged in the ceremony washed his feet with milk, followed by the application of vermillion. The seer’s feet were then adorned with flower petals and Bilva leaves, traditional symbols of devotion in Hindu worship.

In #Karnataka's #Kalaburagi, a Lingayat seer has courted controversy by getting ‘paada puja’ (washing of feet) done by devotees with his feet placed on a #Shivalinga at #Mahagaon village in #Chittapur taluk.

Siddaveera Shivacharya Swami, the head of the Panchagraha Hiremath of… pic.twitter.com/7sK16QPwlO

— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) September 10, 2024

The incident quickly went viral on social media, generating a flurry of reactions. Critics of the ritual argue that it breaches traditional norms and shows a lack of respect for religious practices. Conversely, defenders of the seer and the ritual assert that it is consistent with the established traditions of the math (monastic institution). They claim that this ritual is symbolic of the 'prana prathishtapana' (installation of life force) of a Shivalinga, a sacred act in the Lingayat tradition.

In response to the backlash, the math authorities have defended the ritual. They maintain that it adheres to the math's traditions and practices. According to them, the ritual is an integral part of their religious observances and should be understood within the context of their established customs.

The video has turned controversial as it highlights the ongoing tension between traditional practices and modern interpretations. While the ritual has its supporters within the religious community, it has also sparked significant debate and criticism from outside observers.