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- Founder Shaivite sect called Lingayats, also known as Veershaivism or ‘ardent, heroic worship of Shiva’. His movement is also known as Sharana movement. He was the prime minister during the reign of Kalachuri dynasty king Bijjala (I) in Karnataka.
- He advocated equality of all human beings, irrespective of caste and that all forms of manual labour are equally important.
- He rejected temple worship and rituals led by Brahmins and replaced it with personalized direct worship of Shiva through practices such as individually worn icons and symbols like a small linga. Basava is also known as Ishtalinga.
- His poetry was known as Vachanaas and primarily focused socio-cultural reforms. He rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions, and rituals.
Concepts of Lingayatism
- Anubhav Mantapa: Considered to be first parliament in history of mankind. Proceedings of Anubhav Mantapa are recorded in the form of Vachana Literature.
- Kaayaka: Working for survival with divine mindset which is mandatory to every individual. Without Kaayaka nobody has right to live.
- Daasooha: Part of the earning from Kaayaka must be spent on the welfare of the poor called Dasooha. It is a voluntary contribution from one’s own earned wealth.
- Sharanas are common laity followers of Lingayat beliefs. Jangamas are preachers of Lingayat faith to the people.
