Basava

Basava Biography

Basava was a philosopher, Kannada poet and social reformer who lived in the 12^th century. He was devoted to Hindu deity Shiva and focused on Shiva Bhakthi movement. His life and philosophy were narrated in Basava purana, the sacred book of Hindu Lingayat community. Basava preached his ideologies through Vachana – a branch of poetry. He was also known by the names – Bhaktibhandari, Basaveshwara and Basavanna.

Basava was born in Bagavadi town of Karnataka about 1105 CE into an upper caste Brahmin family, devotees of Siva. He was named Basava in honour of holy bull, Vrishabha (Nandi). Basava grew up on the banks of river Krishna in Kudalasangama. He spent 12 years in a temple and later at a Shaivite school where he learnt more about Lakulisha-Pashupata tradition. He married his cousin Gangambike, daughter of the prime minister of the Kalachuri king. Following the death of his minister uncle, king invited him to become the minister. He even married Basava's sister. As the prime minister, Basava brought new religious reforms focusing on Shaivism. He started Anubhava Mantapa, a public assembly and gathering, where irrespective of gender, anyone can openly discuss spiritual, economic and social issues of life.

He also composed poems in the form of Vachana and preached among the locals. His verses - Kayakave Kailasa became immensely popular. His works - Shat-sthala-vachana, Kala-jnana-vachana, Mantra-gopya, Ghatachakra-vachana and Raja-yoga-vachana enriched Vachana branch of literature. After his death, many authenticated works were written about Basava’s life and teachings of which Basava Purana written by Palkuriki Somanatha in 13th-century is immensely popular. Basava is a part of the culture of Hindu Lingayat community that exists in Karnataka even now. They believe that Basava was the founder of their tradition. Mala Basava-raja-charitre and Vrishabhendra Vijaya are other legends written upon him. Basava personalized direct worship of Shiva through practices and to wear icons and symbols like a small linga.

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Updated: November 11, 2015