Lingayats

25 Nov 2022 Lingayats

Posted at 15:07h in Daily current-affairs by sharad 0 Comments

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Relevance in Prelims: History of India

Relevance in Mains: Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times

Key facts for UPSC Exam

Who are Lingayats?

Origin: From 12th-century social reformer Basava ‘s sect. Word Lingayats is derived from linga and ayta which means ‘the people who bear a small stone, the linga (phallic symbol), generally around their neck.’ They are followers of the 12th-century philosopher Saint Basavanna, who rejected the supremacy of Brahman priests, ritualism, and caste system. At present Lingayats are a dominant community of Karnataka and smaller sections live in Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
Worship: Shiva as a formless entity. Lingayats are monotheists who worship only one God, namely, Linga (Shiva), as a formless entity. But as per modern practice, Lingayats have also started to worship a few other gods in addition to Shiva.
Belief: Basava’s Vachanas. Does not believe in the caste system.As Saint Basavanna was against the caste system, and Vedic rituals and led revolt against Brahmanical Hinduism. Hence, they do not believe in the caste system rather they follow equality, fraternity, and individuality. They held that all wearers of the linga should be considered equal.
Religious Institutions: Bans Temple and Icon Worship.

Key facts about Guru Basaveshwara/Basavanna

About:

Basaveshwara was 12th-century Philosopher, Statesman and a Shaivite social reformer and Lingayat saint of Bhakti era. He grew up in a Brahmin family with Shaivism tradition.
He was contemporary to the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty King Bijjala I.
Other Names: Bhakti Bhandari (literally, the treasurer of devotion), or Basaveswara (Lord Basava).

Important works/Contributions:

Basavanna spread awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas which means sayings or utterances such as the Shat-sthala-vachana, Kala-jnana-vachana, Mantra-gopya, Ghatna Chakra-vachana and Raja-yoga-vachana.
He established Anubhava Mantapa (the “hall of spiritual experience”) to openly debate spiritual and ordinary life concerns which laid the foundation for social democracy. It allowed men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds to discuss spiritual and mundane questions about human life.
He initiated the Sharana movement, which drew individuals from all classes and fought vehemently against the practice of the caste system.

Current Contributions:

Several Lingayats are now farmers, and some of them are providing the services like carpentry, blacksmithing, leatherworking, and oil-pressing. Small educated section is also represented in government service and the professions. In urban areas in Karnataka, Lingayats dominate small trade, commerce, and the textile industry.
Further, the lingayat or Veerashaiva sect has many Mutts which are presided over by Swamis. They have done some social services like the establishment of educational Institutions, hospitals, etc.

Mains Questions: Discuss the contribution of Basavanna during the Bhakti movement.

Sources: The Hindu; The Print; PIB

Article Link:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/why-parties-are-going-all-out-to-woo-lingayats-ahead-of-2023-polls/article65783675.ece

https://theprint.in/theprint-essential/who-are-lingayats-veerashaivas-and-why-they-matter-in-karnataka-polls/43421/

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1618510