Basavanna and the Virashaivas

Leadership: Basavanna, a Brahmana and minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler, led the movement in Karnataka in the twelfth century.
Followers: His followers were known as Virashaivas or Lingayats, meaning "heroes of Shiva" or "wearers of the linga," respectively.

Lingayat Beliefs and Practices

Worship of Shiva: Lingayats worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga, with men often wearing a small linga in a silver case over the left shoulder.
Funerary Practices: Rejecting cremation prescribed in the Dharmashastras, they ceremonially bury their dead, believing that the devotee will be united with Shiva after death and will not return to the world.
Challenge to Caste and Pollution: Lingayats challenged the caste system and the idea of pollution attributed by Brahmanas to certain groups.
Rejection of Rebirth: They questioned the theory of rebirth, gaining followers among those marginalized within the Brahmanical social order.
Promotion of Progressive Practices: Lingayats encouraged practices disapproved in the Dharmashastras, such as post-puberty marriage and the remarriage of widows.

Transmission of Tradition

Vachanas: Our understanding of the Virashaiva tradition is derived from vachanas, sayings composed in Kannada by both men and women who joined the movement.

Practices:

Linga Dharana: Wearing the Ishtalinga as a symbol of devotion and connection to Shiva.
Ashtavarana: Eightfold path of ethical living and spiritual discipline.
Vachana Sampradaya: Devotional poetry and oral teachings in Kannada by Virashaiva saints like Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi.
Guru-Shishya Parampara: Lineage of spiritual masters who guide disciples on their spiritual journey.
Kulachara: Family-based rituals and traditions, including Linga puja (worship of the linga) and Guru puja (respect for the teacher).
Kayakave Kailasa: Transforming daily work into spiritual practice, emphasizing social service and ethical conduct.
Lingadevaru: Reverence for Jangamas, wandering monks who embody Shiva's renunciation and spiritual freedom.

Social Impact:

Challenged Caste System: Virashaivism challenged the caste system, promoting social equality and individual merit, offering marginalized communities a path to spiritual upliftment.
Empowerment of Women: Women actively participated in the movement, composing Vachanas and holding leadership roles, challenging traditional gender norms.
Literary and Artistic Legacy: Vachana literature continues to be cherished for its devotional and philosophical insights, while Virashaiva art and architecture showcase the tradition's rich symbolism.

Bhakti Sufi Traditions Questionbank