Sant Basaveshwara was a legendary saint, philosopher, social reformer, and founder of the Lingayat school of thought in the 12th century. He strongly opposed blind rituals, caste discrimination, and superstitions, and worked towards building a society based on equality and respect for labor (promoted Karma).
Birth and Early Life
Basaveshwara was born in 1131 AD in Bagewadi (now Basavana Bagewadi) in Karnataka, into a Veerashaiva Brahmin family. However, he refused to undergo the sacred thread ceremony (upanayana) and chose to reject ritualistic Vedic practices—though he never disrespected Vedic or any other form of knowledge.
He went to Kudalasangama for his education, where he studied different philosophies, scriptures, and languages. A deep devotee of Shiva, he promoted the practice of wearing the “Ishta Linga,” a symbol of direct connection with God.
Just like the saints of Maharashtra spread the message of unity beyond caste, Basaveshwara did the same in Karnataka, rejecting the caste system and promoting social equality.
Social Reforms and the ‘Anubhava Mantapa’
At Basava Kalyana in the Bidar district, Basaveshwara established the “Anubhava Mantapa”, a unique democratic forum where people from all castes and communities would gather to discuss and work on social reforms.
He promoted:
- Equality between men and women
- Dignity of labor (Kayaka is Kailasa – Work is Worship)
- Spirituality without discrimination
He wasn’t targeting any one group for political gain—his reform movement was inclusive. Interestingly, even those Vedic scholars whose rituals he rejected were welcomed and respected in the Anubhava Mantapa.
Lingayat Faith and Its Beliefs
Basaveshwara founded the Lingayat faith, which focused on devotion to a formless, attribute-less Shiva (Nirguna, Nirakara Shiva).
This faith rejected caste, rituals, and discrimination. Men and women had equal rights, and above all, emphasis was placed on action and service over religious formalities.
Difference Between Veerashaiva and Lingayat
Over time, Lingayatism, which began with Basaveshwara’s Veerashaiva-Lingayat philosophy, emerged as a separate path. While this evolution is not unusual within Hinduism, in recent years, some groups have tried to push the idea that Lingayats are not Hindus. These attempts seem to be part of a secular agenda aimed at dividing the Hindu community.
Even though many religious leaders of the Lingayat faith oppose this idea, media narratives continue to promote the belief that Lingayat is a separate religion from Hinduism.
How Can Those Who Reject the Vedas Still Be Hindu?
Hinduism is not based on a single prophet or book. It is a way of life, inclusive of many philosophies. People with differing views can still belong to the same spiritual family—that is the essence of Hindu thought.
Through the Anubhava Mantapa, Basaveshwara showed exactly this in action. So how can we separate him from Hindu traditions?
Rejecting Vedic rituals doesn’t mean rejecting Vedic wisdom. Many Hindu saints have questioned Vedic authority and still remained a part of Hindu tradition. Basaveshwara rejected ritualism, not thoughtful Vedic ideas. In fact, his monotheistic ideas are close to Swami Vivekananda’s Vedanta, which has its roots in the Upanishads—Vedic literature itself.
Conclusion
If Lingayats who worship Lord Shiva aren’t considered Hindus, then who can be? This is why we need to be cautious of politically driven media narratives. Time has come to unitedly assert that Lingayat Separate from Hindu campaign is a myth.
What Should Be the Focus of the Hindu Community?
Instead of debating whether Lingayats are Hindus or not, we should focus on how to take Basaveshwara’s legacy to the global stage.
Even in the 12th century, without social media, a princess from Kashmir—Bontadevi—was so inspired by Lingayat teachings that she traveled to Karnataka and composed vachanas (devotional poetry).
Today, when we speak of democracy, we name thinkers like Rousseau or Greek city-states. But we often forget Basaveshwara’s Anubhava Mantapa and the Marathas’ Maharashtra Mandal—both pioneering examples of grassroots democracy. Educated Hindus are partly to blame for this ignorance.
There is a strong need for universities to publish research papers on these aspects. Millions of educated Hindus excel in modern subjects, but they remain unaware of their own spiritual literature.
Do visit The Forbidden Voice, an English thought platform, and help the next generation read these ideas in English.
Best wishes on Basaveshwara Jayanti.
