Kalachuri - Virashaiva Movement and Emergence of Basavanna

Virashaiva Movement and Emergence of Basavanna

Main article: Panchacharyas

The Veerashaiva movement evolved in an attempt to simplyfy religion and create social order. The study of Calukya inscriptions indicates that rather than founding a new sect he in fact revived an existing one. Tradition claims that the sect was started by five saints and great Prophets namely, Renuka, Daruka, Ekorama, Panditaradhya and Vishwaradhya. Basavanna, the prime minister of king Bijjala who gave it momentum and inspirational direction.

Basaveshwara was born in 1105 in the town of Ingaleshwar, in Bagevadi in present day Bijapur district in Karnataka state. Some believe he was a Jain follower and later received enlightenment from a Brahmin and the son of Madiraja and Madamba. He is generally believed to have founded the veera saiva sect as set the required foundation for Veer Saiva Set to become popular. He travelled to Kalyani, a town in Bidar District of the state of Karnataka, India, during the rule of King Vijjala (1157-1167 AD). From an early age, Basavanna disliked religious rituals and tried to distance himself from it. He refused to undergo the brahminical thread ceremony. He left Basavana Bagevadi and went to Kudalasangama, a nearby town to study spirituality under Isanya Guru. He found employment in the treasury of king Bijjala and his efforts and hard work did not go unnoticed. He married the daughter of minister Baladeva. He often gathered around him large number of devotees of lord Shiva.

His maternal uncle Baladeva was a minister in the court of King Vijjala. There are multiple theories attributed to the appointment of Basava as a minister in the court of Vijjala. There are multiple theories attributed to the appointment of Basava as a minister in the court of Vijjala:

• When his uncle Baladeva fell sick and was bedridden, the latter's responsibilities was transferred to Basavanna.
• Another theory suggests that Basavanna successfully deciphered an inscription that disclosed the location of a treasure. This pleased King Vijjala who appointed Basava as a minister.

According to Basavapurana, when Basavanna assumed power, he began distributing gifts to all the devotees of Lord Shiva. The other people felt left out and began instigating King who later cruelly punished two devotees of Siva. Much to the discontent of the orthodox Brahmins of Kalyani, Basavanna preached his casteless beliefs even in the regal capital, Kalyani.

The Anubhava Mantapa, an academy of mysticism, a great centre of religious discussions, was founded at Kalyani. It was from here the Basavanna taught his teachings to a growing number of devotees of lord Shiva. During this time, he conducted a marriage between a lower caste man and a Brahmin girl, something the orthodoxy in Kalyani could not accept. They complained to King Bijjala II about this and wanted the parties involved punished. The king had Haralayya and Madhuvayya, the fathers of the groom and the bride executed. This atrocity of the ruler stunned the followers of Basavanna, and soon it became a signal for a widespread anger and discontent. In order not to kindle a raging fire among his followers, Basavanna moved back to Kudalasangama.

In the capital however, chaos reigned. King Bijjala was assassinated by Jagadeva, a cousin of Basavanna. This led to widespread resentment against the Virashaiva community which seemed to have suffered a setback, though only temporarily. The movement that had been inspired by Basavanna would regain its regal patronage during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire.