Lingayatism is a monotheistic religious sect of Shaivism within Hindu denomination. Lingayats are also known as liṅgāyataru, liṅgavanta, vīraśaiva, liṅgadhāri. Lingayatism is known for its unique practice of Ishtalinga worship, where adherents carry a personal linga symbolizing a constant, intimate relationship with Parashiva. A radical feature of Lingayatism is its staunch opposition to the caste system and advocacy for social equality, challenging societal norms of the time. Its philosophical tenets are encapsulated in Vachanas, a form of devotional poetry. The tradition also emphasizes Kayaka (work) and Dasoha (service) as forms of worship, underscoring the sanctity of labor and service to others. Unlike mainstream Hinduism, Lingayatism rejects scriptural authority of vedas, puranas, superstition, astrology, vedic priesthood ritualistic practices, and the concept of rebirth, promoting a direct, personal experience of the divine.
Basava (1131–1167), also called Basavēśvara and Basavaṇṇa, was an Indian philosopher, poet, Lingayat social reformer in the Shiva-focused bhakti movement, and a Hindu Shaivite social reformer during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty. Basava was active during the rule of both dynasties but reached the peak of his influence during the rule of King Bijjala II in Karnataka, India.
Akka Mahadevi was an early poet of Kannada literature and a prominent member of the Lingayatism founded in the 12th century. Her 430 vachanas, and the two short writings called Mantrogopya and the Yogangatrividh are considered her known contributions to Kannada literature. The term Akka was an honorific given to her by saints such as Basavanna, Siddharama, and Allamaprabhu as an indication of her high place in the spiritual discussions held at the "Anubhava Mantapa". She is regarded to be a major female figure in Kannada literature and in the history of Karnataka. She considered the god Shiva as her husband.
The Jangam or Jangamaru are a Shaiva order of religious monks. They are the priests (Gurus) of the Hindu Shaiva sect, Gurus of Veerashaiva sect and are disciples of Shiva as mentioned in Basava Puranas. The meaning of word Jangam is 'moving linga'. Jangama is one who is endowed with true spirit of Agamic knowledge, and has sacrificed his life for giving Samskara (good) character building practices in all sections of the Hindu society.
Basavakalyana is a historical city and municipal council in the Bidar District of the Indian state of Karnataka. It was the capital of two dynasties—Kalyani Chalukya and Kalachuris of Kalyani. It is famous for the world's tallest Basavanna statue, which stands 108 feet high. It is one of the major cities and industrial hubs of Bidar district.
Allamaprabhu was a 12th-century mystic-saint and Vachana poet of the Kannada language, propagating the unitary consciousness of Self and Shiva. Allamaprabhu is one of the celebrated poets and the patron saint of the Lingayata movement that reshaped medieval Karnataka society and popular Kannada literature. He is included among the "Trinity of Lingayathism", along with Basavanna, the founder of the movement, and Akka Mahadevi, the most prominent woman poet.
Balligavi a town in Shikaripura taluk Shivamogga district of Karnataka state, India, is today known as Belagami or Balagame. Its ancient names are Baligrama, Dakshina Kedara, Valliggame and Valligrame. Dakshina Kedara means Kedarnath of the South. A place of antiquity, it is known for its ancient monuments. Balligavi is located 72 km from Shivamogga city and 21 km from Shikaripura town and 2.3 km from Shiralakoppa in Shikaripura taluk. Balli in Kannada means creeper or vine.
Channabasavanna also known as " Guru Channabasaveshwara " was Basava's nephew and one of the foremost Sharanas of the 12th century. He, along with Basava, Allama Prabhu and Akka Mahadevi, played a pivotal role in the propagation of the Lingayat faith. He was the youngest among the sharana leaders and grew up in the household of Basavanna as he was the son of Nagalambike, Basava's own sister. He also wrote the Karana Hasuge which is one of the most sacred texts of the Lingayats, among many vachanas. He propounded the "shatasthala" philosophy associated with the six holy places of Veerashaiva Lingayat creed. He succeeded to the Shunya Simhasana at Anubhava Mantapa, Kalyana after the departure of Allama Prabhu, circa 1162ad. His young shoulders carried on the legacy of Basava after the latter's departure to Kudalasangama in 1162ad. He is credited to have systematised the entire manual of simple rituals for the followers. He was a strong advocate of the Ishtalinga wearing and expounded the material as well as the esoteric meaning of that divine symbol. He held together the nascent group of Shivasharanas and Jangmas in tumultuous times of clashes with the orthodox Brahmins and heretic Jains. Following the assassination of Kalachuri King Bijjala II in 1167 A.D, Channabasava along with his followers migrated to Ulavi safeguarding the Vachana literature. He attained Samadhi state there at the age of 25 passing on the leadership of the movement to Siddarama.
Kudalasangama in India is an important centre of pilgrimage for Lingayats. It is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the Almatti Dam in Bagalkote district of Karnataka state. The Krishna River and Ghataprabha River merge here and flow east towards Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The Aikya Mantapa or the holy Samādhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayatism along with Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is here. The Kudala Sangama Development Board takes care of the maintenance and development.
Anubhava Mantapa, established by Basavanna in the 12th century C.E., is a religious complex located in Tipranth, Basavakalyan, in the Bidar district of Karnataka. It is the first religious parliament in the world, whose name is literally translated as "experience pavilion", and was an academy of mystics, saints and philosophers of the lingayat faith in the 12th century. It was the source of essentially all religious and philosophical thought pertaining to the lingayat, and was presided over by the mystic Allama Prabhu, with numerous Sharanas from all over Karnataka and other parts of India participating.
A large body of Western Chalukya literature in the Kannada language was produced during the reign of the Western Chalukya Empire in what is now southern India. This dynasty, which ruled most of the western Deccan in South India, is sometimes called the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty after its royal capital at Kalyani, and sometimes called the Later Chalukya dynasty for its theoretical relationship to the 6th-century Chalukya dynasty of Badami. For a brief period (1162–1183), the Kalachuris of Kalyani, a dynasty of kings who had earlier migrated to the Karnataka region from central India and served as vassals for several generations, exploited the growing weakness of their overlords and annexed the Kalyani. Around 1183, the last Chalukya scion, Someshvara IV, overthrew the Kalachuris to regain control of the royal city. But his efforts were in vain, as other prominent Chalukya vassals in the Deccan, the Hoysalas, the Kakatiyas and the Seunas destroyed the remnants of the Chalukya power.
Chamarasa was a 15th century Virashaiva poet in the Kannada language, during the reign of Vijayanagar Empire, a powerful empire in Southern India during 14th - 16th centuries. A contemporary and competitor to a noted Brahmin Kannada poet Kumara Vyasa, Chamarasa was patronised by King Deva Raya II. The work is in 25 chapters (gatis) comprising 1111 six-line verses (arupadi).
Vachana sahitya is a form of rhythmic writing in Kannada that evolved in the 11th century and flourished in the 12th century, as a part of the Sharana movement. The word "vachanas" literally means "(that which is) said". These are readily intelligible prose texts. These writings are notable for their simplicity and directness, often addressing social issues and personal devotion. They were composed in Kannada by saints of the Lingayat faith, most notably Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, and Allama Prabhu. Vachanas critique rituals and caste discrimination, advocating a form of worship centered on Shiva, envisioned as a universal god.
Vijayanagara literature in Kannada is the body of literature composed in the Kannada language of South India during the ascendancy of the Vijayanagara Empire which lasted from the 14th through the 16th century. The Vijayanagara empire was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I. Although it lasted until 1664, its power declined after a major military defeat by the Shahi Sultanates in the battle of Talikota in 1565. The empire is named after its capital city Vijayanagara, whose ruins surround modern Hampi, now a World Heritage Site in Karnataka.
Harihara was a noted Kannada poet and writer in the 12th century. A native of Halebidu in modern Hassan district, he came from a family of accountants (Karnikas) and initially served in that capacity in the court of Hoysala King Narasimha I. Later, he moved to Hampi and authored many landmark classics. Among his important writings, the Girijakalyana written in champu metre is considered one of the enduring classics of Kannada language.
Yediyuru Siddhalingeshwara Temple is a pilgrimage centre situated in Yedeyuru Village, Kunigal Town of the Indian state of Karnataka State.
The term Shiva Sharanas/Sarana can be roughly explained as devotees of Shiva. The 12th century Vachanakaras are also known by this name. Sharana is somebody who has surrendered oneself to the will of the Lord. Sharanu is derived from this term and it denotes the action of surrendering to or an act of respecting others. This term is seen in many Vachanas composed by the Vachanakaras namely Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi and Madivala Machideva. The Vachanakaras, surrendering themselves to the will of Lord Shiva, have glorified and praised the forms of Lord Shiva. Not only this, the term signifies profound philosophical meanings. A sharana is given a prime place in the schematic world of Vachanas. An example for elevated position of a sharana is the following vachana of Basavanna.
Allama is a 2017 Indian Kannada musical drama Historical film directed by T. S. Nagabharana. The film stars Dhananjaya and Meghana Raj in the lead roles. Principal photography of the film started in late 2015. It was released theatrically on 26 January 2017.
Siddheshwar Temple is a temple in Solapur district, Maharashtra, India. It is sacred to Hindus and members of the Lingayat faith. There is a lake within the temple complex.
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