GS I-Culture
The Panchamasali Lingayats, a subgroup within Karnataka’s Lingayat community, are advocating for inclusion under the OBC reservation category.
Who Are the Lingayats?
- Lingayats are followers of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and saint.
- They oppose the caste hierarchy and Vedic traditions, adhering to monotheistic worship centered on Linga (Shiva).
- Although categorized under the Hindu sub-sect Veerashaiva Lingayats, they distinguish themselves from Hindu Veerashaivas, who uphold the Vedas and caste-based divisions.
Basavanna (Basavesvara) and His Teachings
- Basavesvara was a philosopher, poet, and reformer who founded the Lingayat movement.
- He initiated a revolutionary anti-caste ideology, challenging orthodox Hindu rituals.
- His philosophy emphasized three core values:
- Arivu (true knowledge)
- Achara (right conduct)
- Anubhava (divine experience)
- His teachings harmoniously blended bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), and kriya (action).