Information About ™Lingayatism |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT LINGAYATISM | |
| lingayatism | |
| hindu denominations | |
| karnataka societylingayatism | |
| hindu denominations | |
| karnataka society | |
| karnataka society | |
| shaivism | |
|
Lingayatism is a religious movement in India . The adherents are more commonly known as '''Lingayats'''. This religion represents a reform movement attributed to Basavanna in the 12th Century . Basavanna lived and taught in what is now Karnataka State. Some believers believe that Basavanna is an incarnation of Nandi , Shiva 's greatest devotee. Nandi serves Shiva perpetually as Garuda does for Vishnu . Lingayats believe in a Monotheis tic world where Shiva the supreme God and self are one and the same. They meditate with Linga in their palm and Lingayats wear the linga on their body to constantly remind its followers that they are seeking to realize this union with God . Basava nna attempted to rid society of Caste distinctions, although these can still be found to a severe degree in modern Lingayats. Many of the reforms which Basavanna pushed for would be later adopted by Gandhi , Swami Vivekananda , and others. Also, the Lingayats favor gender equality and in fact, have women gurus. However, unlike practically all Hindus, Lingayats reject the Vedas but rather focus more on the Hindu Agamas , specifically, the Shaivite Agamas. Some Lingayats view the Vedas to be polytheistic in nature while the Agamas are strictly monotheistic and devotional in nature. The term Lingayat is derived from the linga or the abstract symbol of Shiva in which God is worshipped without form. Basavanna tried to bring Social change in society by encouraging equality amongst people irresective of their cast, creed and profession and hence supported inter- Caste marriages between untouchables and people of other castes, though he himself couild not follow that and had to be married as a brahmin. The Revolution he brought about helped people of many low castes and Untouchables who eagerly became followers of basava to attain equal Social status. GENERAL PHILOSOPHICAL OUTLOOK Veera Shaivism's means of attainment depends on the panchāchāra (five codes of conduct) and '''ashtāvarana''' (eight shields) to protect the body as the abode of the Lord. The five codes are:
The eight protections are: Guru , Linga , Jangama (wandering monk), Pāduka (water from bathing the Linga or guru's feet), Prasāda (sacred offering), Vibhuti (holy ash), Rudrāksha (holy beads) and Mantra (Namah Sivaya). SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES GENERALLY ADVOCATED Ishta-linga is worn on the body; and is regularly worshipped. By leading noble life and dedicated service, one can attain the liberation. SOCIAL FIELD The Lingayat community has been very active in the field of imparting free education. Thousands of schools are run by local mathas, where free education, many a times with boarding facilities is provided to students of all sections of Hinduism . In modern days also, several of the major educational institutes are run efficeintly by them. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|