Increased Security Measures Implemented for Shivling Worship at Laadle Mashak Dargah in Karnataka's Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Feb 26 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have enhanced security measures around Laadle Mahak Dargah on Wednesday following a court ruling that permits devotees to conduct Raghava Chaitanya Shivling worship during the Maha Shivaratri festival.

This security is being overseen by the Superintendent of Police (SPs) from Kalaburagi and Raichur districts, with a deployment of 1,150 police personnel to prevent any incidents. Enhanced security protocols are also established in Aland town.

The issue surrounding the worship of the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling, located within the Laadle Mashak Dargah, has sparked controversy. On Tuesday, the High Court, after reviewing a petition from Hindu groups, authorized the worship of the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling between 2 and 6 p.m. on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. However, access for Andola Siddalinga Seer to participate in the worship has been denied.

Hindu activists had approached the court to seek permission for the ritual at the dargah.

The court has granted permission for 15 Hindu activists, including petitioner Siddaramaiah Hiremath, to engage in the worship.

Moreover, it has instructed the petitioner to provide a list of attendees along with their Aadhaar cards to the district administration prior to the event.

The Laadle Mashak Dargah is named after Laadle Mashak, a revered Sufi saint from the 14th century.

The dargah grounds also house the Samadhi of Raghava Chaitanya, a Hindu saint from the 15th century, who is believed to be the spiritual teacher of Samarth Ramadas, honored by Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The Shivling is placed atop the Samadhi of Raghava Chaitanya and is referred to as the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling.

As tensions arose between the Hindu and Muslim communities, the question of land ownership has escalated to legal proceedings.

Historically, Hindus visiting Laadle Mashaak Dargah have also worshipped the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling.

Last year, Maha Shivratri and Urus coincided on the same date, and the court had authorized both communities to conduct their rituals.

Muslims were allotted time from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Hindus were granted access from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The court restricted attendance to only 15 individuals from the Hindu community for the worship.

In 2022, Karnataka Police detained 167 individuals, including 10 women, due to communal disturbances that erupted in Aland town during Maha Shivratri. The district administration imposed prohibitory orders amidst widespread unrest.

The unrest began during a 'Gangabhisheka' (purification of the Shivling with water from the sacred River Ganga) and worship at the Raghava Chaitanya Shivling on Maha Shivratri. Violence erupted when one faction initiated stone-throwing.

The police confiscated large quantities of stones, rods, and sticks from rooftops. The violent group targeted vehicles belonging to former Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, New and Renewable Energy Bhagwanth Khuba, local MLA, and BJP leaders.

Vehicles belonging to the District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police were also damaged during the stone-throwing incident.

Former BJP MLA Subhash Guttedar from Aland had previously urged the government during the Winter Session in Belagavi in 2021 to safeguard the historically significant Raghav Chaitanya Samadhi and Shivling following alleged desecration incidents, which sparked outrage in certain community factions.