Siddarama Swami of Naganuru Rudrakshi Mutt was anointed as the 20th pontiff of Tontadarya Mutt in a ceremony, held under the guidance of Gurusidda Rajayogindra Swami of Moorusavira Mutt, at the mutt premises here on Monday.
The anointment rituals were held as per the Basava tatva between 6.30 am and 9 am. As per the traditions, the new seer was handed over golden paduke (footwear) donated to the mutt by Keladi kings, a compilation of Vachanas and golden stick. The new seer was named Tontada Siddarama Swami.
A battalion of seers, elected representatives and the devotees from across the state witnessed the anointment ceremony. Later in the day, the seer was taken in a Adda Pallakki procession around the temple.
Tontada Siddalinga Swami, the 19th pontiff of the mutt, who died in his sleep on Oct 20, had finalised a will on March 10, 2008 naming Siddarama Swami as his successor.
Nijagunaprabhu Swami of Tontadarya Mundargi branch mutt said, “The reports about successor issue doing rounds in the social media are fabricated and far from the truth. Siddarama Swami has been anointed as per Siddalinga Swami’s wish. He has a big responsibility to carry forward the good work done by the previous seer. We should extend our support to the new seer.”