Lingayat Religion
Lingayat Religion, also known as Veerashaiva religion, is a major religious movement founded by the 12th-century social reformer and saint Basaveshwara in the state of Karnataka in South India. This religion is based on Shiva devotion and is different from many traditions of Hinduism.
The teachings and ideals of Lingayat religion emphasize equality, devotion, and morality in society. The Lingayat community is mainly located in Karnataka and Maharashtra, but also has a presence in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Origin and History of Lingayat Religion:
Lingayat emerged in the 12th century, when social reformer Basaveshwara raised his voice against social inequalities, caste discrimination and religious rituals. Basaveshwara established a religion that was free from rituals and based on devotion to Shiva. He tried to establish a society where all people enjoyed equality and justice.
Basaveshwara’s contribution:
Basaveshwara was born in Karnataka and was born in a Brahmin family. He challenged the caste discrimination and exploitation among different sections of society. Basaveshwara carried forward the tradition of wearing a linga, which is a prominent symbol of Lingayat religion. The Linga signifies the presence of Shiva in a symbolic form, and it connects the bearer to Shiva. Basaveshwara spread the belief that all human beings are equal and there should be no discrimination on the basis of any caste or religion.
Lingayat Movement: Under the leadership of Basaveshwara, the Lingayat movement became an important social reform movement. He, along with his followers, initiated a social and religious revolution, advocating for the rights of women and lower castes. The Lingayat movement opposed the caste-system, idol-worship and religious rituals, and gave importance to personal Shiva devotion. Through this movement, Basaveshwara tried to create a society where religious and social inequality could be eliminated.
Main principles of Lingayat religion:
Monotheism: The major tenet of Lingayat is monotheism, which means that God is one and He is Shiva. Lingayat followers consider Shiva as the supreme God and express their boundless devotion towards him.
Ishta Linga: Linga has special significance in Lingayat religion. The Linga is considered a symbol of Shiva, and every follower wears it on his body. This is called the ‘Ishta Linga’, which denotes the personal relationship of the individual with Shiva.
The Linga is worshipped at an individual level and does not require any temple or priest. Religious rituals have been opposed in Lingayat religion. Basaveshwara believed that rituals are not required for the attainment of God, but true devotion and morality are most important. That is why devotion, sadhana and virtue are given priority over rituals in Lingayat religion.
Equality and Justice: Basaveshwara and his followers advocated equality and justice in society. He opposed caste discrimination and demanded equal rights for all people. According to him, all human beings are children of God and there should be no discrimination among them.
Simple Living and Morality: Lingayat religion emphasizes on living a simple and moral life. It is said to lead a simple and balanced life by staying away from material comforts. This religion expects its followers to follow honesty, virtue and religious discipline.
Lingayat Religion and Hinduism:
Lingayat religion is often considered a part of Hinduism, but its followers recognize it as an independent religion. Many principles and ideals of Lingayat religion are different from Hinduism. For example, the caste system has an important place in Hinduism, while the Lingayat religion strongly opposes it.
Moreover, idol worship and religious rituals have significance in Hinduism, while these are opposed in Lingayat religion. In Lingayat religion, Shiva is worshipped on an individual level, and temples and priests have less role to play in it.
Lingayat Religion followers have long demanded that they be recognized as an independent religion separate from Hinduism. It has also been a major political and social issue in Karnataka and has been debated at times.
Impact of Lingayat Religion on Society:
Lingayat has had a profound impact on South Indian society. Lingayat Religion challenged social and religious inequalities and established equality and justice in the society. The Lingayat movement played an important role in empowering the rights of the lower strata of society, women and Dalits.
The followers of Lingayat religion have also made notable contributions in the fields of education, art, and social reform. There have been many prominent leaders, thinkers and reformers of Lingayat society in Karnataka, who gave a new direction to the society.
Modern References to Lingayat Religion:
In modern times, the influence of Lingayat religion is seen not only at the religious level, but also at the political and social level. The Lingayat community plays an important role in Karnataka politics and there have been many movements for the identity and rights of this religion.
In recent years, Lingayat followers have been demanding the government to separate their religion from Hinduism. In 2018, the Karnataka government had recommended recognizing the Lingayat community as an independent religion, but it could not get national recognition. Nevertheless, the Lingayat community is constantly striving to establish their religion independently.
Conclusion:
Lingayat occupies an important place in Indian religious and social traditions. This religion promotes the values of equality, devotion and morality in the society. This movement started by Basaveshwara is still relevant in society today and has a deep impact on religious, social and political levels.
The principles and ideals of Lingayat guide the lives of millions of followers even today and inspire to give a new direction to the society.