Virasaivism
Virasaivism is a religious movement of Hinduism in India. The adherents are known as Veerashaivas, or more commonly Lingayats. This important sect of Hinduism represents a reform movement attributed to Basavanna in the 12th century. Basavanna lived and taught in what is now Karnataka State.
Lingayats believe in a monotheistic world where Siva is the supreme deity. They worship Siva as a lingam. Basavanna attempted to rid society of caste distinctions, although these can be found to a degree in modern Lingayats. Many of the reforms which Basavanna pushed for would be later adopted by Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and others.
The term Virasaiva is derived from vira (heroic), and saiva (worshipper of Siva). The term Lingayat is derived from the lingam, or the symbolic phallus of Siva.
The Lingayats continue to be strong in Karnataka, and play an important role in social and cultural life in the state.
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