Twelfth century enjoys a unique place in the history of Karnataka. That century happens to be an era of social transformation and revolution. This is more so in the history of Indian religion, philosophy & literature. The literary works of 'Sharanas' played a key role role in giving this special status to twelfth century. There is no bettere analogy that can posit the true life in a proper perspec
tive that that of literary works of Sharanas. Emancipation of human life from the clutches of consumerism, rituatism, non-secular forces and dogmas was the main motto of these works. Basaveshwara became the mantle of a new awareness. He and his followers took literary forum as the medium of a new awareness. He and his followers took literary forum as the medium for a total change in the society on the principles of secularism. They cleansed the society with their 'Vacahanas' to refurburish a casteless, creedless society of equality on the doctrine of 'Work is Worship'. their writings, full of rich experiences, aimed at freeing the humanity from the iron chains of fanatism. Those writings have gained universal acceptance because of their democratic approaches. Their ideals and practices have to be extended beyond geographical limits amd permeate throughout the world. Realising this significant aspect, Dr. Shri Shri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamji of the Suttur Mutt, Mysore, founded this Parishath to act as as catalyst and a a nodal center. Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahitya Parishath was inaugurated on 29th August 1986, on his 70th birthday to propagate these ideals.
