Dr. Santosh Hanagal, a scholar, a researcher and an acknowledged writer. The very title of the book is impressive and impactful. It carries with it a sense of divine grace and illumination. The book is comprised of 13 chapters. In these chapters, the author has referred to and reflected upon the salient and significant aspects of the contributions of Bhalki Hiremath and its Peethad-hyakshas. Though the book is not large or bulky in size, it is rich in knowledge and deep in impact, with a distinct flavor of divinity.
"The most significant institution of the 12th century was the Anubhava Mantapa, widely recognized as the world's first parliament. It served as a powerful platform for the spiritual and social discourses of the Sharanas, upholding the core values of freedom, equality, brotherhood, and social justice. The venerable Channabasava Pattadevaru made a heroic resolution to re-establish this historic institution."
His Holiness Basavalinga Pattaddevaru has greatly expanded and developed the Hiremath into a scientific and ideological center for the realization and practice of Basavatattva in its true sense and spirit. He has established several socially relevant institutions for the welfare of humanity. His efforts in serving the needy, the sick, the suffering, and the poor are relentless.
This book reflects the hard work, sincerity, and commit-ment of Dr. Santosh Hanagal. I hope and wish that this book will be well received. I also wish Dr. Hanagal many more such worthy contributions in the future. While congratulating him for writing this book, I extend my best wishes to him.
Justice Shivaraj V. Patil
Former Judge, Supreme Court of India