Bengaluru: Diwan Sharief Mulla, a Muslim has been chosen as the head of a new Lingayat Mutt, Gadag in North Karnataka. He hails from the family which respects the teaching of Basava. Basava is the founder of Lingayat faith in the 12^th century.

Sri Pala Eshawara Was born in Ron Taluk of Gadag district, where the Murugendra Pouraneshwara institution is being established, Govind Bhatt put on the cross threat on a Muslim and put the responsibility of the world on me. In the same way the institution’s Kajuri Swamiji has given me the Ishta Linga. The Ishta Linga is a symbol of the Lingayat faith. The founder of the faith, 12^th century poet-saint, Basava had spoken of unity between people and the need to remove social barriers.

The Lingayat Mutt of Gadag is one of the 361 Monasteries belonging to the Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra Matha of Chitradurga, which draw lakhs of follower from across the country. Two acres of land for the Mutt had been donated by Diwan Sharief’s parents, who had been influenced by the teachings of Lingayat leaders. ‘Everyone has supported me. Nobody has opposed me. Going ahead, let the teachings of Basava grow’, said Diwan Sharief.