Lingayat Theology
The Lingayats propound a primarily monotheistic conception of divinity through the worship of Lord Shiva. Lingayatism conceives of the self as emerging from and being in union with the divine. Being fundamentally egalitarian, it does not differentiate humankind on the basis of caste, creed, gender, language, country, or race. It rejects the authority of the Vedas and opposes the caste system of orthodox Hindu traditions. Early Lingayats placed importance on the Vachana sahitya, which was promulgated by Lord Basaveshwara.
Central to Lingayat theology are five codes of conduct (called Panchāchāras), eight "shields" (Ashtāvarana), and the concept of six levels of attainment that the devotee can achieve (known as Shatsthala).
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