Lingayat group seeks management of new Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan

Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha (JLM) is interested in day-to-day management of the Anubhava Mantapa being constructed in Basavakalyan in Bidar district.

At a meeting in Belagavi on September 20, members and office-bearers passed a resolution to request the government of Karnataka to entrust the complete management of the institution to JLM.

This resolution was adopted unanimously during the two-day Annual General Meeting and National Executive Committee meeting. Management of the institution would mean taking decisions regarding the activities to be conducted there, and what should or should not be included within the premises, they stated.

Responsibility for this initiative, including meeting Basava-aligned seers and contacting pro-Basava organisations, was entrusted to the National Vice-President Basavaraj Dhannur who hails from Bidar district.

Construction of the Anubhava Mantapa, initiated during the tenure of former chief minister Siddaramaiah, has already incurred an expenditure of ₹400 crore. It is estimated that at least another ₹450 crore is required to complete the structure.

Though officials are saying that the building will be completed by the end of coming March, JLM members claim that meeting the deadline is unlikely because the necessary funds have not been allocated in the current budget.

The JLM resolved to insist that the building not be inaugurated while in an incomplete state, and that the government of Karnataka should ensure timely release of funds and quick completion of the work.

National General Secretary S.M. Jamadar said that the Anubhava Mantapa was established in the 12^th century by people from across the country and served as a venue for profound discussions. “If it were to function in the same spirit today, it is important to ensure that its sanctity and dignity remain intact,” he said.

“We feel that the Anubhava Mantapa should operate on a model similar to the continuous activities seen at the Golden temple in Amritsar. To study this model, a visit to the Golden temple will be organised for all district presidents and office-bearers of the Global Lingayat Mahasabha. A decision was also taken to visit the site where the Anubhava Mantapa is currently being constructed,” he said.

N.S. Kempagowdar presided over the meeting. National Vice-President M.V. Gongadashetti conducted the proceedings, Belagavi district President Basavaraj Rotti delivered the welcome address. Parameshwarappa Kaginele, M. Mahadevappa, Basavaraj Harnal, and M. Shivakumar were among those present.