FOCUSING on breaking the dominant Linagayat community’s allegiance to BJP in Karnataka, Opposition Congress has started wooing the community ahead of Assembly polls in 2023.

Giving clear hints about the plans, former AICC President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday not only visited and sought blessings of Lingayat seer Dr Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, but also got “Istalinga Deeksha” from him.

Rahul Gandhi, who reached Karnataka on Tuesday night, reached Murugha Mutt in Chitradurga and sought the blessings of Dr Shivamurthy Muruga Sharanaru. He also met another prominent Lingayat seer of Moorusavura Mutt and 20 seers belonging to different backward communities. During the meet, the Congress leader asked Dr Shivamurthy seer on “Istalinga” (symbolic representation of formless God, in the form of shivling, presented by a guru and always worn on body by Lingayats). Rahul Gandhi inquisitively asked questions on “Istalinga” or “Lingadeeksha”. Dr Shivamurthy Sharanaru gave him a demo of how to practice the worship of “Istalinga”. Dr Shiuvamurthy Sharanaru of Murugha Mutt stated that they have carried out “Istalinga” dharana for Rahul Gandhi.

“Former AICC President Rahul Gandhi asked about ‘Basava’ philosophy. He also with all the respect and love got the Vibuthi (bhasm) on his forehead. Got the “Istanlinga’’ tied to his neck and asked for guidance to carry out its worship everyday” the seer said.