Basava Jayanthi

Basava Jayanthi is an important festival celebrated in Karnataka and other parts of South India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Basavanna. This festival is of great significance to the Lingayat community, as Basavanna is considered the founding saint of this Hindu sect.

Who was Basavanna?

Basavanna was a 12th-century poet-philosopher and social reformer who founded the Lingayat tradition. He was born in the northern part of Karnataka to a family devoted to Lord Shiva. Basavanna was a visionary who believed in creating a society that was free of the caste system and provided equal opportunities for all. He also founded the Anubhava Mantapa, an academy that included Lingayat mystics, saints, and philosophers.

Basava Jayanthi Significance

Basava Jayanthi is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Basavanna, who is also known as Bhaktibhandari, Basaveswara, and Vishwaguru Basavanna. This day is significant for the Lingayat community as it serves as a reminder of Basavanna’s teachings, which emphasized the importance of social equality and human dignity.

Celebrations on Basava Jayanthi

On this day, people visit Lord Basaveshwar temples, offer prayers, and celebrate the occasion. Lingayat committees organize many events to celebrate this special day. Devotees also perform special poojas and abhishekams to Lord Basaveshwar.

Basava Jayanthi Date and Celebrations

Basava Jayanthi is usually observed on the third day of the Vaisakha month according to the Hindu calendar, which falls in either April or May in the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Basava Jayanthi falls on April 23, Sunday. The festival is primarily celebrated in South India, especially in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs