A recent video circulating on social media has ignited widespread outrage among devotees of Lord Shiva. The footage features Siddhaveera Shivacharya, the head of Panchagriha Hiremath from Diggaon village, placing his feet on a Shiva linga. This linga was intended for installation at the Isha Basaveshwar temple in Kalakamba village, located in Sedam taluk.
The video captures a scene where Swamiji is seated on a chair, with a black Shiva linga positioned in a large pot. Devotees are shown reverently washing his feet with milk, applying kumkum, and offering bilvapatra (leaves) and flowers. Despite this display of devotion towards Swamiji, the act of placing his feet on the Shiva linga has provoked intense criticism from the Shiva devotee community.
Many devotees have expressed their anger and disappointment, labelling the act as sacrilegious. For them, the Shiva linga is a sacred symbol of their faith, and any form of disrespect towards it is deeply offensive. The video, which has rapidly gone viral, has led to calls for action against Swamiji, who is accused of showing disrespect towards this revered symbol of Lord Shiva.
The incident has not only caused distress among the faithful but has also spurred discussions about the conduct expected of spiritual leaders. Devotees are demanding a formal explanation and apology from Swamiji, perceiving the act as an affront to their religious beliefs.
The controversy surrounding the video has sparked a heated debate. Some individuals defend Swamiji’s actions, interpreting them as a demonstration of his spiritual authority. They argue that the act could be symbolic, representing a form of profound spiritual practice rather than an act of disrespect.
Conversely, a significant portion of the Hindu community condemns the incident, viewing it as a blatant disregard for traditional customs and religious sensitivities. For many, the placement of feet—considered the lowest part of the body in Hindu tradition—on a sacred object such as the Shiva linga is seen as a clear violation of religious norms.
The matter has prompted an official investigation to determine the context and implications of Swamiji’s actions. Authorities are looking into the incident to address the concerns raised by devotees and assess whether any actions should be taken against the head of Panchagriha Hiremath.
As the investigation progresses, further developments are anticipated. The incident has emphasised the need for sensitivity and respect in the handling of religious symbols, especially by those in positions of spiritual authority.
The video incident has triggered significant unrest among Shiva devotees, raising questions about the respect afforded to sacred symbols and the behaviour of spiritual leaders. As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits a resolution that addresses their concerns and upholds the sanctity of their faith.