Lingayat

Context: PM bows to His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu on his Jayanti. He was a Lingayat religious figure.

About Lingayatism:

• Lingayatism is a Shaivite Hindu religious tradition in India.
• Initially known as Veerashaivas, since the 12th century adherents of this faith are known as Lingayats.
• Lingayatism was founded, or revived by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman Basava in Karnataka.
• Lingayatism is generally considered a Hindu sect as their beliefs include many Hindu elements.
• Worship is centered on Shiva as the universal god in the iconographic form of Ishtalinga.
• Lingayatism emphasises qualified monism, with philosophical foundations similar to those of the 11th–12th-century South Indian philosopher Ramanuja.
• Lingayatism rejects any form of social discrimination including the caste system.

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