History of Lingayatism

The history of the Lingayat faith goes back to the Basavanna(1134 - 1196 AD) of the 12th century. It is said that Basavanna, though born a "Brahmin" rebelled against the rigid practices of the caste system then prevalent and eventually began expounding his own theosophy with a casteless society at its core. Soon, his philosophy began attracting large numbers of people into the fold. Saints like Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi, Channabasavanna also played pivotal roles in founding and spearheading the sect.

Basavanna lived and taught in the northern part of what is now Karnataka State. This movement found its roots during the brief rule of the southern Kalachuri dynasty in those parts of the state. Some believers believe that Basavanna is an incarnation of Nandi, Shiva's greatest devotee.

However, according to one school of thought Basavanna only brought about a renaissance in an already existing sect. They attribute the founding of the sect to the "Panchacharyas". The "Panchacharyas" or the 'Five Prophets' consisted of Sri Revanaradhya or Revanasiddha, Marularadhya or Marulasidhdha, Ekoramaradhaya or Ekorama, Panditaradhya and Vishwaradhya. This theory however, is not historically attested and Basava is widely held as having founded this sect.

;Sources of Lingayat historyTo reconstruct the historical context, origin and development of the Lingayat faith, one will need to draw upon several sources. The various sources that are involved here include folk literature, inscriptions, historical facts, post-Basava developments, the Vachanas, reminiscences, Ragale literature, the lingayat and Jaina puranas and the doctrinal and philosophical works like the "Shoonya Sampadane". Following a holistic and comparative study of all these sources, it is possible to reconstruct the origin and development of the Lingayat faith across time and space. Of all the sources, particularly important is the epigraphical evidence. The Arjunavada inscription in particular establishes the historicity of Basava beyond dispute. The "Vachana" literature, especially the "vachanas" composed by Basava himself are of vital importance in this studya. Harihara's "Ragale" is yet another invaluable source.