The Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka
The Virashaiva tradition, initiated in the twelfth century by Basavanna, a Brahmana minister to a Kalachuri ruler, represents a significant movement in Indian religious history. Followers of Basavanna became known as Lingayats, emphasizing the worship of Shiva in the form of a linga, which they wear on their bodies as a symbol of their devotion.
Lingayats reject traditional funerary rites mandated by the Dharmashastras, believing instead that upon death, their souls will unite with Shiva without reincarnation. This belief led them to conduct ceremonial burials rather than cremations.
Among their practices was the use of vachanas—poetic expressions that conveyed deep spiritual insights and critiques of the caste system prevalent in society. These vachanas, composed in Kannada by both men and women, challenged the orthodox Brahmanical interpretations and rituals, advocating for social inclusivity, such as post-puberty marriage and widow remarriage.
The Virashaiva movement also aligned many ideas from Tamil bhakti traditions into the larger spectrum of Sanskritic traditions, which promoted religious reform and social justice. The traditions established by Basavanna and his followers significantly influenced the socio-religious fabric of Karnataka, allowing for communal worship and a critique of caste hierarchies. As a result, the Virashaiva tradition remains an essential aspect of Karnataka's cultural identity today.