History of Lingayatism

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The Lingayatism/Veerashaivism is founded by the Panchacharyas. The Panchacharyas or the 'Five Prophets' consisted of Sri Revanaradhya or Revanasiddha, Marularadhya or Marulasidhdha, Ekoramaradhaya or Ekorama, Panditaradhya and Vishwaradhya. Historical evidence for existence of veerashaivism before basava are available in Kashi Jangamawadi math. The great Veerashaiva philosophy gives at most respect to guru, It preaches no moksha without guru, hence there are Gurupeethas and Virakta peethas. Jagaduru Renuka and other 4 acharyas belongs to Guru Parampare, and Basava belongs to Virakta Parampra founded by both Allama prabhu, Basavanna and other Sharanas. Basavanna is responsible for spread of veerashaivism in 12th century in large scale mainly in Karnataka. Basavanna(1105 - 1167 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.