Controversy Reignites Over Shivling Worship at Laadle Mashak Dargah: Karnataka Court Approves for Mahashivratri
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Synopsis
The controversy over the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling worship at Laadle Mashak Dargah resurfaces as a Karnataka court allows Hindu activists to conduct rituals on Mahashivratri, amidst ongoing tensions between communities.
Key Takeaways
- Kalaburagi court permits Shivling worship on Mahashivratri.
- Hindu activists allowed 2-6 p.m. worship session.
- 15 participants must submit Aadhaar details.
- Raghava Chaitanya Shivling located at Laadle Mashak Dargah.
- Previous communal tensions led to arrests and unrest.
Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Feb 25 (NationPress) The debate over the worship of the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling, located within the Laadle Mashak Dargah, has come to the forefront again during Mahashivratri in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka.
On Tuesday, the Kalaburagi court evaluated a petition from Hindu groups and granted permission for the worship of the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling between 2 and 6 p.m. on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivratri.
However, the court has prohibited Andola Siddalinga Seer from participating in the worship.
Hindu activists had previously approached the court to seek approval for worshipping the Shivling at the dargah.
The court has allowed 15 Hindu activists, including petitioner Siddaramaiah Hiremath, to carry out the worship.
Furthermore, it has instructed the petitioner to provide a list of participants along with their Aadhaar cards to the district administration prior to the worship.
The Laadle Mashak Dargah is named after Laadle Mashak, a revered Sufi saint who gained popularity in the 14th century.
The dargah houses the Samadhi of Raghava Chaitanya, a Hindu saint from the 15th century.
Sources indicate that Raghava Chaitanya was the guru of Samarth Ramadas, who was honored by Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The Shivling has been placed on the Samadhi of Raghava Chaitanya and is referred to as the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling.
As tensions arose between the Hindu and Muslim communities, the dispute over land ownership has escalated to the courts.
Hindus who have visited the Laadle Mashaak Dargah have also engaged in worshipping the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling.
Last year, Shivratri and Urus were celebrated on the same day, with the court permitting both Muslims and Hindus to perform their rituals.
Muslim worshippers were allotted time from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Hindus were allowed from 2 to 6 p.m. The court restricted Hindu participation to 15 individuals.
In 2022, Karnataka Police arrested 167 individuals, including 10 women, following communal violence that erupted in Aland town during Mahashivratri. The district administration had enforced prohibitory measures due to widespread unrest.
The violence ignited during the 'Gangabhisheka' (holy cleansing) of the Shivling within the historic Laadle Mashak Dargah. As the worship commenced, one group initiated stone pelting, leading to chaos.
Authorities are actively pursuing suspects linked to the violence, and further arrests are anticipated.
Police have confiscated numerous stones, rods, and sticks from nearby rooftops.
Investigations continue into individuals suspected of orchestrating the unrest.
The situation remains tense, prompting comprehensive security measures throughout the city.
The violent mob targeted vehicles belonging to former Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, New and Renewable Energy, Bhagwanth Khuba, along with local legislators and BJP officials.
Damage occurred to the vehicles of the District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police due to the stone pelting.
Former BJP MLA Subhash Guttedar from the Aland constituency had previously called for government protection for the historically significant Raghava Chaitanya Samadhi and Shivling following allegations of desecration. This request sparked outrage among certain community members.
