Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka

In the 12th century AD a new movement came to emerge in Karnataka. This movement known as Veerashaivism or Lingayatism was led by Basava, a Brahmana minister of King Bijala Kalchuri who had founded a new dynasty after usurping the throne of the Chalukyas of Kalyani in A. D. 1156. The followers of Basava were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga).

This Shaivite sect is famous more for its cult and social doctrines than for its theology, which is a “qualified monism”.

Basava opposed idolatry. In Lingayatism the only scared symbol is the linga of Shiva, a specimen of which is always carried on the person of the believer. Those who are revered include the Jangama or wandering monks.

Radical in his view, Basava completely rejected the Vedas and authority of the Brahmin class, and priesthood.

Apart from opposing pilgrimage and sacrifice he instituted complete equality among his followers, even to the equality of women who were permitted to remarry on the death of their husbands.

Among other Aryan practices which Basava condemned was cremation, and his followers are still buried. According to the Lingayats after the death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world. So funerary rites such as cremation, as prescribed in the Dharmashastras, are not practised by them.

Their sacred literature of the Lingayats is mainly in Kannada and Telugu. It consists largely of Vachanas (literally sayings) by women and men who joined the movement.

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