Barkur (The Hindu) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that the 12th century philosopher and social reformer Sri Basaveshwara, the saints, the “sharanas” and the “dasas” had explained religion and its tenets in simple language which people could understand. He was speaking after inaugurating the Sri Barkur Maha Samsthanam, here.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said that compassion was the essence of religion. People could understand religion and philosophy, which had been explained in a simple manner by the “sharanas” and the “dasas.”

Caste discrimination should be shunned. “God has never discriminated anyone because of his or her caste. Hence it was wrong for people to do so against their fellow beings,” he said.

The Bunt community was progressive as it followed the matrilineal system. The people of this community were also adventurous.

When they lost lands during the land reforms, they went to Mumbai, Bengaluru and the Gulf and made a name for themselves in different businesses and professions. The members of this community preferred to create jobs than search for jobs.

It was apt that the Sri Barkur Maha Samsthanam had been established here. It was here that the legendary King Bhootala Pandya ruled. This place once had 365 temples, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

Four persons were presented with the Bhootala Pandya Awards. They are: N. Santosh Hegde, former Lokayukta, Jaya C. Suvarna, President of Billava Mahamandal, Shashikiran Shetty, businessman, and K. Chinnappa Gowda, scholar.