‘Basava Jayanti’ 2019 observed on May 7

Basava Jayanthi was observed on birthday of Basavanna, a Hindu Kannada poet of 12th century. It was traditionally observed by the Lingayats (also called Virashaiva, are devotees of Shiva in southern India).

Basava Jayanti 2019

• It was celebrated across states like Karnataka (a government holiday), Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
• On occasion of Jayanthi people offers prayers to Lord Basaveshwar temples and Lingayat committees organise various events for celebration.
• At Kudalasangama, Basava Jayanti is celebrated for six to seven day. It is visited by many followers of Basavanna.
• In Basavanna temples several cultural and spiritual programs were also held.

About Basavanna ( Basava)

• The 12th-century saint-philosopher rejected ritualistic worship and pre-eminence of Vedas. He is believed to be founding saint of Lingayat section.
• He is also known as Bhaktibhandari (literally, the treasurer of devotion), or Basaveswara (Lord Basava).
• He was a great Kannada poet and philosopher.
• As a social reformer he spread awareness on social issues like gender and social prejudice. He also advocated that irrespective of castes all human beings are equal and all forms of manual labour were equally important.
• Birth: According to scriptures, Basavanna was born on third day of Vaisakha month of Anandanama (Samvatsara) in year 1134 A.D. His followers believe that with birth of prophet Basavanna, a new era began. People refer to year as ‘Basava Era’ or ‘Basaveshwar Era’.
• Life: He was born in Karnataka’s Ingaleshwar, Bagewadi town (20 km away from Hungund taluk). He grew up in Kudalasangama and married Gangambikel, who was daughter of Bijjala’s (famous Chalukya kings) prime minister.
• He later became chief minister of Bijjal’s kingdom, and started Anubhava Mantapae. ‘First Parliament Concept of the World’, which later became a commonplace for people of all classes to discuss spiritual topics.
• Literary Work: includes Vachana Sahitya. This includes various Vachana (meaning ‘that which is said’) like Kala-jnana-vachana (future forecast), Ghatachakra-vachana, Mantra-gopya, Shat-sthala-vachana (6 stages of salvation) and Raja-yoga-vachana.
• He is also known for introducing Ishtalinga (a necklace with a pendant that contains a small Shiva Linga).

NOTE: On 14 November 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated statue of Basavanna along bank of river Thames at Lambeth in London, UK. Moreover, Basavanna is first Kannadiga in whose honour a commemorative coin has been minted in recognition of his social reforms.