Lingayat / Veerashaiva Tradition

A Shaiva tradition of Karnataka shaped by Basavanna and the Sharanas in the 12th century, known for the Vachana literature and worship of the Ishtalinga.

Overview

Followers wear an Ishtalinga on the body and value devotion, work (kayaka) and equality, as expressed in the Vachanas.

History

Basavanna and the Sharanas gathered at the Anubhava Mantapa at Kalyana in the 12th century. The relationship between the terms Lingayat and Veerashaiva is debated; both are recorded here.