Veerashaiva Lingayatism or Lingayatism

“I am writing this for my own interest not to hurt or advice others feelings…..”

            The tradition of Veerashaiva sect was founded by five ascetics- Revana, Marula, Ekorama, Panditaradhya, Vishwaradhya- who are held to have sprung from the five heads of Shiva, incarnate age after age, almost about 5500 -6000 years ago. These are regarded



as very ancient, and Basava is said to have been but the reviver of the faith in 12th century. These Panchacharya ruled the realm of Veerashaiva kingdom by establishing the five peethas in different places in India as follows :

Veerashimhasana of Rambhapuri in Balehonnuru (Karnataka)
Saddharma Shimhasana of Ujjaini (Karnataka)
Vairagya Shimhasana of Kedar (Uttaranchal)
Surya Shimhasana of Shrishaila (Andhra Pradesh) and
Jnana Shimhasana of Kashi (Uttar Pradesh)

The origin of Lingayatism was founded and built by Pachacharyas, its took many diversion from late 12^th century from basavanna who was born in basavana bagevadi. He was a Brahmin. He has introduced system of wearing “Shivalinga” upon one’s body.

Subsequently veerashaiva religion become Lingayatism.

            Basavanna though born a brahmin rebelled against the rigid practices of the caste system eventually began his own philosophy on god shiva with a casteless society at its core. His philosophy began attracting number of people. Many saints played major role in support of this during that season like allama prabhu, akka mahadevi and channabasavanna.

            The lingayaths worship Istalinga. Vishwaguru basavanna says in his vachanas, that god has no specific form, name and place. Lingayatism stands for fatherhood of GOD and Brotherhood of all Human beings, and compassion towards all living beings. While Hindus believe that one's sins can be washed away by bathing in the Ganges River, Lingayats do not believe in such practices. They also do not believe in rituals and astrology.

            The one interesting thing i like about basavanna is he has translated all vedas and sanskrit prayer and phylosophy to vachanas which were wrtten in common man language. In his defence he says for critics if you don't understand the meaning of the prayer you do then how you are going to fill the happiest and at most level for the things you do.

            Finally my words it may be any caste first and the at most is humanity!!

Life and practices must be simple for all, it should not take away someone’s breath!

                                               
                                                                                                                              Taranatha