Gadag, Feb 20 ((ANS): A Muslim youth who was ordained as a priest at a Lingayat Math in Karnataka's Gadag district on Wednesday, has said he felt blessed and that no body had opposed his decision to accept the Mutt offer.

"I am blessed today. I will walk the path of my guru (Basaveshwara). Nobody opposed my decision and choice. The members of the Math and my friends helped me," said the 33-year-old Dewan Sharif.

Sharif said his parents donated their property as well as him for the betterment of the society, according to the teachings of Basaveshwara.

"Anyone who follows the teachings of Basaveshwara is welcome. It does not matter what religion you come from," said Murugharajendra Koraneshwar Shivayogi, head of the Math.

He said one is not born into a religion but only chooses one later.

Basaveshwara was a 12th century saint from Bagevadi. He was born to Madarasa and Madalambike in 1131. The social reformer fought against the caste system in Karnataka.

Located in North Karnataka, Murugharajendra Koraneshwara Shantidama Math lies in Asuti village, falling under the purview of 350-year-old Koraneshwara Sansthan Math of the village in Kalaburagi.