The Lingayatism Way of Thinking and Doing

What is Lingayatism/Lingayat?

Lingayatism is an unmistakable Shaivite strict practice that started in the twelfth hundred years in Karnataka, India. It is based on what the philosopher and social reformer Basavanna taught in the 12th century. In the Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, this religious movement has a large following. In this article, we will investigate the way of thinking and practices of Lingayatism exhaustively.

Lingayatism or Lingayat is a religion like Buddism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and so on by righteousness of having its own powerful hypotheses, which contrast from Advaita, Dvaita, and ,Visistadvaita of Vedanta. Saktivisistadvaita is the name of the religion's philosophical system. In it, god is thought to be qualified by sakti, or cosmic energy. Lingangyoga/Sivayoga is a form of meditation-based yoga that stands out from all other Indian yogas. but simultaneously combines all of the other types of yoga, including Kundalini yoga. Lingayatism differs from traditional Hinduism and all other Indian religions in both its ritualistic pattern and socio-cultural practices. The Vachana and literature based on the Vachana are the Scriptural texts of Lingayatism. Lingayath society is not one caste but rather a group of people from multiple castes who work in a variety of fields.

The religion is known by the name "Lingayat Dharma," and its adherents are referred to as "Lingayat." The terms "Lingavanta Dharma," "Basava Dharma," and "Vachana Dharma" are additional terms that are used interchangeably. Lingavata' refers to a person who wears an Istalinga, which is a miniature globular symbol of worship that is worn around the neck, either in a silver box or on a piece of cloth. Lingayat's meaning is more profound than the previous one. It indicates that the follower has not only obtained the Istalinga through an initiation or Diksha ceremony but is also wearing it. The term "Basava Dharma" refers to the religion established by Lord Basava, a great prophet of the 12th century. The Vachana literature, which serves as the original and authentic scriptural source for this religion, is where Vachana Dharma's meaning is conveyed.

The Lingayatism Tradition:

In the 12th century, during a time of social and political change in India, Basavanna's teachings came to light. The general public was profoundly isolated in light of the standing framework, which directed a singular's social and financial status in view of their introduction to the world. Basavanna opposed this system and advised individuals to place more of an emphasis on their individual devotion to God than on their social standing. He supported for social uniformity and the strengthening of the majority.

The Vachana Sahitya, a collection of poems written in Kannada, contains the teachings of Basavanna, who was also a poet and writer. The poems in the Vachana Sahitya, an important work of Lingayat literature, convey the fundamental principles of Lingayatism.

Lingayatism's philosophy:

The five standards of Panchacharyas are at the core of Lingayatism. The fundamental practices and beliefs of Lingayatism are represented by the Linga, Jangama, Padodaka, Prasada, and Mantra. The ultimate reality, or God, is represented by the Linga, or Shiva symbol. Jangamas are ascetics who wander around and are regarded as living representations of God. Padodaka, or water of feet, is a representative ceremony that underscores the significance of modesty and regard for other people. Sharing one's blessings with others is done through prasada, also known as food offerings. In daily worship and meditation, sacred utterances known as mantras are used to connect with God.

Lingayatism underlines the significance of individual dedication and rejects the conventional Hindu position framework. The individual's relationship with God is the most important thing, and there is no need to connect with God through a priest or other intermediary. Lingayatism's ultimate objective is spiritual liberation, or moksha.

Lingayatism's Methods:

Day to day love or puja is a fundamental practice in Lingayatism. Lingayats attend Lingayat temples for communal worship in addition to performing puja rituals at home. Lingayatism likewise has an extraordinary inception function called the Linga Diksha. A guru gives a disciple a linga during this ceremony to signify their acceptance into the Lingayat community.

Lingayat mathas, also known as monasteries, are educational institutions where followers can receive instruction and instruction. Training and education are profoundly esteemed in Lingayatism, and Basavanna stressed the significance of perusing and writing in the Kannada language. The mathas likewise give food and haven to poor people and destitute.

Lingayatism and Society:

In particular in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in the south, the Lingayat community has had a significant impact on Indian society. In these states, lingayats have had an impact on politics, business, and culture. Many Lingayat leaders have contributed significantly to the growth of the state, including the former chief minister of Karnataka.

Lingayatism has likewise been a power for social change. The principles of social equality that Basavanna taught have had a significant impact on Indian society. The Lingayat community has been at the forefront of efforts to give Dalit and women more power. Lingayatism emphasizes the equality of all people and rejects the caste system.

According to the Madras Census Report from 1901, Lingayats do not smoke, consume alcohol, or consume meat. Every morning, male and female lingayat members cover their foreheads with vibhuti, or sacred ashes.

Lingayatism :- A general term, meaning one who wears a lingam, for Lingayat.

Lingayat is the anglicized form of Lingavant, which is the common vernacular term for any community member. The Lingayats have been suitably portrayed as a tranquil. Their religion is straightforward. They do not accept the other two members of the Hindu Triad and only acknowledge one God, Siva. They love the Vedas, yet dismiss the later analyses on which the Brahmans depend. They proclaim that there is no requirement for penances, repentances, pil-grimages or diets. An unwavering belief in the efficacy of the lingam, the image that has always been regarded as a symbol of God, is the central tenet of the faith. In order to distinguish it from the sthavara, or fixed lingam, of Hindu temples, this image, which is referred to as the Jangama lingam or moveable lingam, is always carried on some part of the body, typically the left arm or neck, and is placed in the left hand of the deceased when the body is buried. Even though the loser can, in practice, be invested with a new one after a few ceremonies, men and women of all ages, wealth and poverty alike wear this symbol of their faith. Its loss is considered spiritual death. When it comes to food and drink, they are strict disciplinarians. No true Lingayat is allowed to touch any kind of meat or drink liquor. This Puritan straightforwardness brings them up in the social scale, and has brought about delivering a consistent well behaved race, who are moderate of the traditions of their progenitors, and have until now gone against a genuinely solid front to the propelling tide of unfamiliar thoughts.

"They bury their dead and do not burn them, and they do not recognize the five kinds of pollution caused by birth, death, spittle, and so on," consequently, they do not bathe to eliminate such pollution. Widow remarriage is permitted even where the widow has kids, however these are given over to the family members of her most memorable spouse. When a widow remarries, no other widows are permitted, and when a maiden marries, no widows are permitted. Not at all like most Hindus, Linga Balijas shave off the entire of the hair of their heads, without leaving the standard lock at the back. They don't believe in metempsychosis and say that the soul reunites with the divine spirit after death. Some of their customs are very specific, like not drinking alcohol or eating flesh, and they always eat in private, where no one can see them."

Lingayat caste:

In India, there is a distinct religious community known as the Lingayat, which is primarily found in the state of Karnataka. They follow the lessons of the twelfth century social reformer and logician Basavanna and are viewed as a faction of Hinduism. In any case, the Lingayat people group sees itself as isolated from Hinduism and has been pushing for a different strict personality for a long time.

Lingayats don't follow the customary station arrangement of Hinduism and put stock in correspondence among every single person. They place a high value on social justice and community service and do not practice idolatry. Lingayats are basically associated with agribusiness, business, and different exchanges. 

Despite the fact that the Lingayat are a distinct community, they do not belong to any caste. Rank alludes to the conventional social order in India, while Lingayat is a strict local area that doesn't follow the customary position framework.

Veerashaiva Lingayat:

The Veerashaiva Lingayats are a subgroup of the Lingayat community, which began in India's Karnataka in the 12th century. Veerashaivas adhere to the ideas of Basavanna, a social reformer and philosopher who lived in the 12th century and is regarded as the founder of the Lingayat religion.

Veerashaiva Lingayats are well-known for their firm commitment to social justice, equality, and community service. They reject the customary standing framework and don't trust in icon love. All things considered, they have confidence in the love of Shiva, and the Ishtalinga (individual linga) is viewed as the main image of their confidence.

Karnataka is home to the majority of Veerashaiva Lingayats, who make up a sizeable portion of the state's population. They work in a variety of fields, including education, business, and agriculture. They have been involved in a variety of social reform movements and contributed significantly to Karnataka's cultural, social, and political life.

Conclusion:

All in all, Lingayatism is an extraordinary Shaivite strict custom that stresses individual dedication and social equity. In the southern states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Lingayatism's philosophy and practices have had a significant impact on Indian society. The Lingayat community continues to be a major contributor to the growth of these states and the empowerment of underrepresented groups.

FAQ:

Q.1 Who was the founder of Lingayatism?

Ans. The sect is generally regarded in South Indian oral tradition as having been founded by Basava in the 12th century, but some scholars believe that he furthered an already-existing creed.

Q.2 How is Lingayat different from Hinduism? 

Ans. The followers of Lingayat tradition had stated that they did not accept the caste system in Hinduism, he said. But even the followers of Sri Ramakrishna Mission and Arya Samaj did not accept the caste system and so also various other traditions of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

Q.3 Is Lingayat a Brahmin?

Ans. According to the sociologist M. N. Srinivas, Lingayats traditionally believed themselves to be equal in status to Brahmins, and some orthodox Lingayats were so anti-Brahmin that they would not eat food cooked or handled by Brahmins.

Q.4 What is the history of Lingayatism?

Ans. The Lingayats emerged as a reactionary force against Hinduism in the twelfth century. While it rejected most of the broad Hindu traditions, it also assimilated aspects of it, making the demand for a separate religious status a rather complicated affair.

Q.5 What are the 5 peethas of Lingayat?

Ans. Peethas. Veerashaivism is continued to this day and is preserved and transmitted by five peethas (Rambhapuri, Ujjaini, Kedar, Shreeshail, Kashi), who play an essential role in the Veerashaiva tradition.

Q.6 Who was the father of Lingayat movement?

Ans. Lingayatism or Veerashaivism is considered as a Shaivite religious sect inside Hinduism. It was founded by the philosopher Basava in the 12th century and spread by his followers, who are known as 'Sharanas'.

Q.7 Can Brahmins marry Lingayats?

Ans.Yes, you can. Veerashaiva-Lingayat religion is the most liberal religion that you can come across.

Q.8 Can a Dalit become a Lingayat? 

Ans. Even Dalits are also heading Lingayat mathas in the last 25 years. Many point out that Ram Vilas Paswan, who challenged Lingayat Swamijis to coronate Dalits as pontiffs, in a national level event held in Bidar in 1996, was instrumental in making Lingayat mathas to appoint Dalits as pontiffs.

Q.9 Is Lingayat a Jain caste?

Ans. Founded by Basava in the 12th century, the Lingayat dharma set itself as distinct from the existing Brahminical sects, the Jains as well as local “folk” religions. Composed in Kannada, the verse sayings of the Lingayat saints (vacanas) affirm their faith only in Shiva and show a clear rejection of polytheism.

Q.10 Are the Lingayats not Hindu?

Ans. The Veerashaivas sect of the community also worships Shiva idols and practises other Hindu customs. The Lingayats consider the Veershaivas to be part of Hinduism as they follow Hindu customs while the Veerashaivas think the community was an ancient religion established by Shiva and Basavanna was one of its saints.