Why in News?
Jagadguru Basaveshwara (popularly known as Basavanna) is recently in the news because April 20, 2026, marked his 893rd birth anniversary, celebrated as Basava Jayanthi.
About
- State-Wide Grandeur: Large-scale religious ceremonies and rallies took place in Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Hyderabad, organized by committees like the Basava Jayanti Utsav Samiti 2026.
- Democratic Inspiration: Continued government emphasis on the Anubhava Mantapa (the first Parliament of the world) as a model for modern Indian democracy and the design of Bharat Mandapam.
Life and Background
- Era: 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and poet (born 1131 AD in Basavana Bagewadi, Karnataka).
- Political Role: Served as a Chief Minister in the court of King Bijjala I of the Kalachuri dynasty.
- Lingayat Founder: He is the founding saint of the Lingayat sect, which emphasizes a direct, personal connection with the divine through the Ishtalinga.
Social and Religious Reforms
- Caste Abolition: Fought against the rigid caste system, believing human worth is determined by conduct, not birth.
- Gender Equality: Pioneered women’s empowerment; women were encouraged to participate in spiritual and philosophical debates.
- Kayaka (Work is Worship): Preached that all honest manual labour is divine and carries equal spiritual value.
- Dasoha (Service): Promoted the concept of selfless service and sharing the fruits of one's labour with society.
- Vachanas: Spread social awareness through simple Kannada poetry known as Vachanas, making complex philosophy accessible to common people.
- Anubhava Mantapa: Established a spiritual assembly in Kalyana, often cited by the Ministry of Culture as the world's first parliament for open social dialogue.
- Rejection of Rituals: Opposed blind superstitions, elaborate temple rituals, and the authority of priestly intermediaries.
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