lingayatism

Glossaries

Term	Definition
lingayatism	Lingayatism is a religious movement founded in the 12th century in India, emphasizing personal worship of Shiva through the linga and rejecting the caste system. Lingayatism is a religious and philosophical tradition that emerged in the 12th century in Karnataka, India. Initiated by the social reformer and philosopher Basava, this movement promotes direct devotion to Shiva through the personal linga (a symbolic representation of Shiva), while rejecting the caste system and Brahmanical rituals. Rooted in the principles of equality and personal devotion, Lingayatism teaches that every devotee can attain spirituality without the mediation of priests. It emphasizes asceticism, ethical work, and community service. Followers, known as Lingayats, adhere to the teachings of the Vachanas, philosophical poems composed by Basava and his disciples. Over time, Lingayatism has become an influential tradition in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Today, it exists in different forms, some integrating aspects of mainstream Hinduism, while others assert a distinct religious identity.

Term

Definition

Lingayatism is a religious movement founded in the 12th century in India, emphasizing personal worship of Shiva through the linga and rejecting the caste system.

Lingayatism is a religious and philosophical tradition that emerged in the 12th century in Karnataka, India. Initiated by the social reformer and philosopher Basava, this movement promotes direct devotion to Shiva through the personal linga (a symbolic representation of Shiva), while rejecting the caste system and Brahmanical rituals.

Rooted in the principles of equality and personal devotion, Lingayatism teaches that every devotee can attain spirituality without the mediation of priests. It emphasizes asceticism, ethical work, and community service. Followers, known as Lingayats, adhere to the teachings of the Vachanas, philosophical poems composed by Basava and his disciples.

Over time, Lingayatism has become an influential tradition in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Today, it exists in different forms, some integrating aspects of mainstream Hinduism, while others assert a distinct religious identity.