Veerashaiva Lingayat community is Hindu! – H.H. Shri Sh. Br. Pr. 108 (Dr) Virupaksha Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Abbot, Mathadhipati, Ganacharya Math Sansthan, Mukhed, Nanded, Maharashtra
Ramnath Devasthan – Lingayat is a dialect. So the appropriate term is ‘Veerashaiva Lingayat’. Their methods of worship are according to Hindu Dharma and are all Hindus. Veerashaiva Lingayats are not a separate religion but integral to Hinduism. We will always be involved in this work of Hindu Rashtra. Also, if there is an attack on Hindu Dharma anywhere in the southern states, we all are with you there too, assured H.H. Shri Sh. Br. Pr. 108 (Dr) Virupaksha Shivacharya Mahaswamiji.
Mahaswamiji further said, “Akhand Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra. But there is an attempt to redefine it as a secular country. Although there are various sects in India, all of them practice Hindu Dharma. So all are Hindus. For the last 10 years, there have been attempts to alienate Lingayats and Veerashaivas. Not only this, they are trying to separate them from Hindu Dharma by employing the divide and rule policy. A Lingayat is a worshiper of Shiva. By adorning the linga around the neck, he is called Lingayat. Linga is a symbol of Shiva. So he is Veerashaiva. Veerashaiva is one who learns the Knowledge of uniting Shiva and Jeeva (soul).”