Basava Jayanthi 2019: Who is Basavanna? Why do we celebrate him every year?
May 7 marks the birth anniversary of Basavanna and Lingayats across the world celebrate this day. We bring you its significance
FollowLingayats across the globe celebrate the birth anniversary of Hindu Kannada poet of the 12th century, Basavanna. May 7, this year is celebrated as Basava Jayanthi.
Basavanna was born on the third day of the Vaisakha month in the year 1134 AD. He was also a philosopher, is also believed to be the founding saint of the Lingayat community.
Basavanna was born to Madaras and mother, Madalambe.
Basava Jayanthi 2019 will witness various celebratory events across states like Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Basava Jayanthi is even a government holiday in Karnataka.
A staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, Basavanna himself is worshipped.
Lingayat communities organise various events to mark the day and even exchange sweets and greetings on the day. Lectures about the preachings and life of Basavanna are also held to remember him. Several cultural and spiritual programmes are also held on this day in Basavanna temples.
Many followers of Basavanna visit the Kudalasangama where Basava Jayanthi is celebrated over a span of six to seven days. The samadhi of Basavanna is in Kudalasangama.
According to historians, Basavanna was born in the 12th century in Karnataka's Ingaleshwar, Bagewadi town, which is 20 km away from Hungund taluk and grew up in Kudalasangama. Basavanna was not only a great poet, but also a social reformer and a philosopher. He spread awareness on social issues like gender and social prejudice.
Basavanna established spiritual democracy called Anubhava Mantapa in the 12th century.
This was also called the "first parliament concept of the world".
The Anubhava Mantapa gave practical solutions to all kinds of problems mankind was suffering at the time.
His teachings are time tested, scientific and proven. Basava tatva is never ending inspiration to achieve the welfare of mankind.
