Lingayatism, also known as Virashaivism, is a distinctive Shaiva Hindu tradition that emerged as a revolutionary reform movement in 12th-century Karnataka, South India. Founded by the social reformer and philosopher Basavanna, it challenged orthodox Brahminical Hinduism by rejecting caste distinctions, temple worship, and elaborate rituals while emphasizing direct devotion to Shiva.
Core Beliefs
Theological Framework
- Supreme Deity: Worships Shiva as the supreme reality, particularly in the form of the ishtalinga (personal linga)
- Monistic Philosophy: Shatsthala doctrine explaining the soul's journey toward union with Shiva
- Rejection of Dualities: Emphasis on overcoming distinctions between sacred and profane, pure and impure
- Egalitarianism: Radical rejection of caste system and gender discrimination
- Ethical Living: Strong emphasis on moral behavior and honest work as spiritual practice
Key Concepts
- Ishtalinga: The personal linga worn on the body representing the unity with Shiva
- Shatsthala (Six Stages): Progressive spiritual path toward union with Shiva
- Bhakti (devotion)
- Mahesha (service)
- Prasadi (grace)
- Pranalingi (life force awareness)
- Sharana (surrender)
- Aikya (oneness)
- Kayaka: Dignity of labor and working for the community
- Dasoha: Sharing with others as a spiritual practice
- Vachanas: Poetic expressions of spiritual wisdom
Sacred Texts
Lingayatism draws from various textual sources:
- Primary Texts:
- Vachanas: Prose-poems composed by Basavanna and other Sharanas (devotees)
- Shoonya Sampadane: Compilation of dialogues among Sharanas
- Karana Hasuge: Text attributed to Cennabasavanna
- Mantra Gopya: Collection of esoteric teachings
- Secondary Sources:
- Siddhanta Shikhamani: 13th-century systematic exposition by Shivayogi Shivacharya
- Veerashaiva Agamas
- Basava Purana: Hagiography of Basavanna
- Works of later Lingayat philosophers and poets
Historical Development
Origins and Founding
Lingayatism emerged in the 12th century as a response to rigid Brahminical orthodoxy:
- Basavanna (1105-1167 CE): Prime minister in the court of King Bijjala II of the Kalachuri dynasty in Kalyana (modern Karnataka)
- Allama Prabhu: Mystical poet and contemporary of Basavanna
- Akka Mahadevi: Female mystic poet who exemplified radical devotion and spiritual courage
Basavanna assembled a community of like-minded individuals called Sharanas who challenged conventional religious and social norms.
The Revolution
Key revolutionary aspects included:
- Rejection of caste discrimination
- Equality for women
- Critique of empty ritualism
- Establishment of Anubhava Mantapa (Hall of Experience) as a spiritual parliament
- Widespread use of vernacular language (Kannada) instead of Sanskrit
Later Developments
After initial revolutionary phase:
- Systematization of teachings in the 13th-16th centuries
- Establishment of monasteries (mathas)
- Development of more structured philosophical framework
- Continuing tension between revolutionary ideals and institutionalization
- Growth as a major religious and political force in Karnataka
Practices and Observances
Central Practices
- Ishtalinga Worship: Daily veneration of the personal linga worn on the body
- Panchacharas (Five Codes of Conduct):
- Lingachara: Daily worship of the ishtalinga
- Sadachara: Good conduct
- Sivachara: Recognizing Shiva in all beings
- Bhrityachara: Service to the community
- Ganachara: Defense of the community
- Ashtavarana (Eight Shields): Spiritual protections including guru, linga, jangama (wandering teacher), padodaka (holy water), prasada (sacred offering), vibhuti (sacred ash), rudraksha (prayer beads), and mantra
Distinctive Features
- Rejection of Temple Worship: Focus on personal devotion rather than temple rituals
- No Image Worship: Except for the abstract form of linga
- No Pilgrimages: Emphasis on inner journey rather than external pilgrimage
- No Fasting or Extreme Austerities: Balanced lifestyle advocated
- No Pollution Concepts: Rejection of ritual purity and pollution ideas
- Communal Dining: Sharing food across all social divisions
Institutions and Organization
Monastic System
Lingayatism developed a monastic system called Virakta Mathas:
- Led by Jangamas (wandering teachers)
- Five main Peetha (seats) associated with five different aspects of Shiva
- Numerous subsidiary monasteries throughout Karnataka and neighboring states
Sociopolitical Influence
Lingayats have been a significant force in Karnataka:
- Major political constituency
- Influential in education through establishment of schools and colleges
- Cultural preservation through literature and arts
- Continuing advocacy for social reform
Contemporary Presence
Today, Lingayatism remains vibrant in South India:
- Approximately 20% of Karnataka's population
- Active community with both religious and political influence
- Debate over status as separate religion or sect within Hinduism
- Strong educational and social service institutions
- Cultural contribution through literature, music, and arts
Modern challenges include:
- Tension between revolutionary ideals and institutionalization
- Balancing tradition with contemporary needs
- Identity questions (Hindu sect vs. independent religion)
- Preserving philosophical depth while maintaining broad appeal
Major Figures
- Basavanna (1105-1167): Founder and primary philosopher
- Allama Prabhu: Mystical poet contemporary of Basavanna
- Akka Mahadevi: Female mystic who exemplified radical devotion
- Cennabasavanna: Basavanna's nephew and systematizer of teachings
- Siddharama: Contemporary of Basavanna who established numerous mathas
- Nijaguna Shivayogi (15th century): Author of Kaivalya Paddhati and other works
- Shivayogi Shivacharya (13th century): Author of Siddhanta Shikhamani
Philosophical Contributions
Lingayatism made several distinctive contributions to Hindu thought:
- Radical Monotheism: Focus exclusively on Shiva without acknowledging other deities
- Practical Mysticism: Integration of mystical experience with everyday life
- Socioreligious Reform: Unification of spiritual and social revolution
- Vernacular Philosophy: Development of sophisticated philosophy in Kannada language
- Existential Quest: Focus on lived experience rather than abstract speculation
Global Influence
While primarily concentrated in Karnataka and neighboring states, Lingayatism has:
- Inspired modern social reform movements
- Provided models for integrating spirituality with social justice
- Contributed to interfaith dialogue through its universalistic elements
- Established diaspora communities in major urban centers globally
Related Pages
- Shaivism - The broader tradition
- Shiva - The central deity
- Basavanna - The founder
- Hindu Reform Movements - Related traditions
- Bhakti Movements - Related devotional traditions