Basava (1131–1196), also called Basavēśvara and Basavaṇṇa, was a great philosopher, poet, and social reformer of medieval India who played a leading role in the Bhakti Movement. As the founder of the Virashaiva movement, he promoted social equality, religious reform, and the use of Kannada vachanas to spread spiritual knowledge. His ideas, developed during the rule of King Bijjala II of the Kalyani Chalukya/Kalachuri dynasty, remain vital for students preparing for history and culture exams.
He emphasized devotion to Shiva, equality across castes, and spiritual liberation through bhakti. His teachings in the form of Vachanas continue to inspire Indian spirituality.
Basava’s childhood and early studies shaped his spiritual outlook. His exposure to Kudalasangama Shaivism and the Lakulisha-Pashupata tradition laid the foundation for his later reforms.
Basava was born in 1131 CE at Basavana Bagewadi in Karnataka to Maadhavarasa and Madalambike, an orthodox Brahmin family devoted to Shiva.
At Kudalasangama, Basava studied scriptures and philosophy for twelve years, gaining knowledge of Shaiva practices. This exposure inspired him to reinterpret spirituality in an accessible way.
Basava created a distinct Virashaiva philosophy that rejected ritualism and emphasized direct devotion to Shiva through the Ishtalinga.
The Virashaiva movement promoted personal devotion by wearing the Ishtalinga, making every individual a temple of Shiva.
Basava opposed sacrifices and caste-based rituals, advocating ahimsa, bhakti, and self-realization as the true path to liberation.
As chief minister under King Bijjala II, Basava used his position to implement reforms and reduce social inequality.
Anubhava Mantapa, founded by Basava, was a forum where saints, poets, and citizens discussed social justice, spirituality, and economic issues freely.
Basava’s famous phrase “Kayakavé Kailása” (Work is Kailasa) taught that honest labor is equal to worship.
Basava left behind a vast literary and spiritual legacy, preserved in Vachanas and later biographies like the Basava Purana.
His Vachanas are short Kannada poems that challenged orthodoxy and promoted equality.
He was called Bhaktibhandari or “Treasurer of Devotion” for spreading devotional literature and spiritual reform.
Basava’s teachings can be summarized through his symbols and key concepts that guided the Lingayat faith.
Basavanna (1105–1167 CE), a predecessor of Basava, pioneered the Lingayat movement with similar ideals of equality and devotion.
Basava and Basavanna were visionary reformers who reshaped medieval Indian spirituality through the Lingayat movement. Their teachings emphasized bhakti, social equality, and ethical living. For students preparing for history and culture exams, understanding their legacy is essential, as it reflects both Karnataka’s cultural heritage and the Bhakti era’s philosophical depth.
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