Lingayat also often called Veerashaiva, is member of a Hindu sect who worships Siva (shiva Linga) as their only deity. Followers are also called Lingavantas and Sivasharanas. It is generally regarded that the growth of Lingayatism begins in the 12th century in Karnataka state in south India & is founded by Basavanna. But some scholars believe that he furthered an already existing creed. Basavanna
was a great saint, philosopher, religious teacher (Guru) and a social reformer. The other visionaries like Allamaprabhu, Akkamahadevi, Channabasavanna and a group of other Shiva Sharanas(saints) must also be credited for their effort in shaping up the Lingayat religion. The original ideals, however, remain embedded in Lingayat scripture, which is of three types: 1) the Vachanas, 2) historical narratives and biographies in verse and 3) specialized works on doctrine and theology. Among the most central texts are Basavanna's Vachanas, Allama Prabhu's Mantra Gopya, Chennabasavanna's Karana Hasuge, and the collected work called Shunya Sampadane. The Anubhavamantapa, which used to be called as Shivanubhavamantapa in 12th century, is considered to be glorious religious institution organized by Basavanna and other Sharanas and presided over by Allamaprabhu & the cradle for Lingayatism where they discussed aspects of Lingayatism .This institution is also the source of Veerashaivas literature & Vachanas literature. 12th century is also considered as the Birth of Vachanas literature era. Basavanna popularized his new movement by conveying the principles of religion in the language of the people, Kannada, which thus became the best means and medium of carrying conviction to them.Thus the Vachanashastra of Basavanna and Sharanas of 12th century as well as later centuries is the basic scripture of Veerashaivism. Their meaning and value never diminish in any century since they tackle social, philosophical, religious, and economical problems of the society
Veera Shaivism's means of attainment depends on the panchachara (five codes of conduct) and ashtavarana (eight shields) to protect the body as the abode of the Lord. The five codes are Lingachara (daily worship of the Sivalinga), sadachara (attention to vocation and duty), Sivachara (acknowledging Siva as the one God and equality among members), bhrityachara (humility towards all creatures) and ganachara (defense of the community and its tenets). The eight shields are guru, Linga, jangama (wandering monk), paduka (water from bathing the Linga or guru's feet), prasada (sacred offering), vibhuti (holy ash), rudraksha (holy beads) and mantra (Namah Sivaya). One enters the Veera Shaiva religion through formal initiation called Linga Diksha, a rite for both boys and girls which replaces the sacred thread ceremony and enjoins the devotee to worship the personal Sivalinga daily. Lingayats place great emphasis on this life, on equality of all members (regardless of caste, education, s*x, etc.), on intense social involvement and service to the community. Their faith stresses free will, affirms a purposeful world and avows a pure monotheism. The Lingayats' earlier overthrow of caste distinctions has been modified in modern times, but the sect continues to be strongly anti-Brahmanical and opposed to worship of any image other than the linga. In their rejection of the authority of the Vedas, the doctrine of transmigration of souls, child marriage, and ill treatment of widows, they anticipated much of the viewpoint of the social-reform movements of the 19th century. Holy Places of Lingayat
They are many places that are significant to Veerashaivas. These are a few among those
Basava Kalyana
Basava Kalyana in Bidar district in Karnataka state was once a capital for Chalukya dynasty and king Bijjala who ruled it in the 12th century. This was the birthplace for Veerashaivism & its literatures and center for shaping its philosophy. There are many monuments dedicating to Sharanas. Some of these are Basaveshvara temple; Basavanna's Mahamane, Parusha Katte, Tripurantaka temple and a lake. Some other famous ones are temples/monuments in honor of Allamaprabhu, Machayya, Siddarama, and Akka Nagamma. Lately, the Basava Samiti of Bangalore erected the Anubhava Mantapa. Kudala Sangama
Kudala Sangama, which is in Bagalkot district in Karnataka state, India is a pilgrim place for Veerashaivas Here is the confluence of two big rivers Krishna and Malaprabha. The holy Samadhi(Aikya Mantapa) of Basavanna with Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is situated in the place of confluence. Due to the construction construction of dam at Narayanpura the Mantapa is under water, but is well protected by a cylindrical shape concrete structure. The reservoir is named after Basavanna as Basava Sagar (ocean). On the bank of the confluence,is a temple dedicated to Lord Sangameshvara, worshipped in the form of Linga . The temple is an ancient monument built in the 11th century AD in Chalukyan style architecture;. It is believed that Basavanna during his early years has worshipped this Linga, the name of which "Kudala Sangamadeva" later he adopted as the insignia for his Vachanas
Shrishaila
Shrishaila is located in a beautiful hilly place in Andra Pradesh. This is the pontifical throne of Revanaradhya, one of the preceptors. It is famous for Mallikarjun temple where the presiding deity Mallikarjun was Akkamahadevi's unmatched Lord. She had an unsurpassed love and devotion to this God, which were expressed in many of her Vachanas as evidenced by her insignia "Channamallikarjun." Akkamahadevi and Allamaprabhu spent their final days here after Kalyana Kranti (chaos). At the end, Akkamahadevi was merged with her beloved God in a place called " Kadalibana." The tantalizing beauty of this place magnetized many other Sharanas of the 12th century. There is evidence to indicate that Siddarama, as a young boy, also visited this place. Ulavi
Ulavi is about 75 kms from Karwar is the famous pilgrimage center for Veerashaivas. Here lies the Samadhi (final resting-place) of Channabasavanna, the greatest twelfth century Sharanas, who was associated with Veerashaiva religious movement. After the Kalyana Kranti, Channabasavanna traveled from Kalyana to Ulavi and found solace here and took Aikya in Linga. Within walking distance one will find the Akka Nagalambike's Cave, named after the mother of Channabasavanna and sister of Basavanna. Yedeyur
Yedeyur is in Tumkur district in Karnatak State and has been known for temple and Samadhi (Tomb) of Siddalinga Shivayogi. He was the great Sharana of the 15th century who rekindled the Veerashaivism and rejuvenated its philosophy. He also compiled Vachanas and gave a systematic approach to Shatsthala philosophy.
