Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru (born 11 April 1958) is an Indian seer and pontiff belonging to the prominent Lingayat community mainly based in the state of Karnataka. He became the head of Muruga Rajendra Mata in 1991, succeeding Mallikarjuna Murugharajendra Swami. The seer has influenced peers of groups and mainly worked toward the eradication of the evils of the caste system and the removal of inequality and poverty, and helped to find homes for orphan children and elderly people. He has strengthened voices for reservations and requirements for the community and has led protests seeking the same.[1]
Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru | |
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Born | Godabanahal, Chitradurga, India | April 11, 1958
Alma mater | University of Mysore |
Occupation(s) | Philanthropy, educator, Head of Murugha Mutt |
Years active | 1991–present |
Organization | Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra Vidyapeetha |
Predecessor | Sri Mallikarjuna Murugharajendra Swamiji |
Honours | Honorary Doctarate |
Early life
editShivamurty was born in a village called Godabanahal, in Chitradurga where he completed his early education. He graduated from the University of Mysore before returning to his hometown and being influenced by the Murugha Mutt. He was named successor to the throne of Murugha Mutt by his predecessor Sri Mallikarjuna Murugharajendra Swami, who witnessed his dedication and spiritual attitudes and the works towards the Mutt. He succeeded his predecessor in 1991.[2]
Career
editAfter taking in-charge of office as the seer, he revoked all the religious blind practices held in the mutt, as per the Basava philosophy. He also indulged himself in service to the society, by bringing in progressive thinking and outlooks towards practices. There has nearly been 12 institutions, including schools, hostels, hospitals and other organizations around the city of Chitradurga. Presently he is serving as the president of spiritual Vidyapeeth under which around 150 institutions are running.[3]
Criminal charges
editIn August 2022, two minor high school girls who studied and lived in the Murugha Mutt's hostel in Chitradurga accused the seer of sexual assault and harassment. An FIR filed on behalf of the two girls accused the seer of 'sexually abusing' them for a couple of years. Four associates of the seer were also accused of abetting and colluding.[4] A POCSO case was registered, and the seer was house-arrested from Bankhapura town and brought for questioning on the Mutt's premises. The seer proclaimed that he would settle if the girls confessed to a false accusation or would fight the case legally. The seer dubbed the matter a "big conspiracy against him, and the truth will be revealed soon." In response, the Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who hails from the Lingayat community, affirmed that the charges would be investigated. In early September, the seer was officially arrested and remanded to police custody by the district magistrate.[5][6]
In October 2022, while the seer was still in prison, two more cases of sexual assault on minors were lodged, by the parents of the children, and fresh FIRs were filed under the POCSO act. In this circumstance, calls for change in the head of institution arouse and a retired judge was given Power of Attorney.[7]
References
edit- ^ "SJM Math Chitradurga". www.sjmmath.in. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- ^ "Dr. Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru | Anathasevashrama Trust (R) Malladihalli". Official Web - Murugha Mutt. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
- ^ "Who Is Karnataka Lingayat Leader Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru And What Is The Case Against Him". IndiaTimes. 2022-09-01. Retrieved 2022-09-02.
- ^ "Murugha Mutt seer case: Investigation will reveal truth, says CM". The Hindu. 2022-08-28. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- ^ "Chief Pontiff of Karnataka's Murugha Mutt Arrested for Sexually Assaulting High School Girls". News18. 2022-08-29. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- ^ "POCSO case against Murugha mutt seer: Officials record statements of children in hostel". Deccan Herald. 2022-08-27. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- ^ "Another case against Karnataka's Lingayat seer Shivamurthy for sexually assaulting minor girls". India Today. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
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