Basava Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated by the
Lingayat majority in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on
the birthday of Basavanna. Prabhu Basavanna was the founder of Lingayatism and
his birthday is considered to mark the beginning of a new era, called Basavanna
Yuga or Basaveshwara Yuga. Basaveshwara's birthday usually falls on the third
day of the month of Vaishakh.
Basava Jayanti Infomation
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Topic
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Information
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Date
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14th
May 2024
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Festival
Name
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Basava
Jayanti
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| Significance
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Commemorates
the birth anniversary of Basavanna, a renowned 12th-century philosopher, poet, and social
reformer.
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Celebrations
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Worship
and All
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Duration
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1
Day
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Begins
Tithi
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On
the third day of month of Vaisakh
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Reason
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Lord
Basavanna
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Frequency
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Annual
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Spiritual
Importance
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Honors
the life and teachings of Basavanna, a philosopher and social reformer who advocated for
social equality, human rights and the total rejection of the caste
system. |
Lord Basava History
Basava, also known as Basavanna, was a 12th-century
philosopher, statesman, and saint who played a crucial role in the development
of the Lingayat sect in Karnataka, India. He is considered the founding saint
of the Lingayat tradition, which emphasizes devotion to the god Shiva. Basava
was born in the town of Bagewadi in present-day Karnataka, around 1105 CE. He
served as the chief minister of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II. However, he
eventually resigned from his political position due to differences in ideologies
and took up a spiritual path. One of Basava's significant contributions was his
effort to establish social equality and reject caste-based discrimination. He
advocated the idea of "Kayaka" (manual labor) as a means of attaining
spiritual growth, emphasizing that everyone's work should be treated
equally. Basava composed a large body of devotional poems known as Vachanas,
which are written in Kannada and express his devotion to Lord Shiva. These
poems are considered a crucial part of the Lingayat literature and emphasize
personal experience and direct communication with the divine. The Lingayat sect,
also known as Veerashaiva, emerged as a distinct religious community following
the teachings of Basava. Lingayats reject the caste system, idol worship, and
other traditional Hindu practices, placing a strong emphasis on personal
devotion and social equality. Basava's teachings continue to influence the
Lingayat community and have left a lasting impact on the cultural and religious
landscape of Karnataka. His legacy is celebrated annually during the festival
of Basava Jayanthi, commemorating his birth anniversary.
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How do we celebrate Basava Jayanti
It is a public holiday in Karnataka. Because Basavanna has
many followers in Karnataka.
- People from all the cities and towns of Karnataka
celebrated. On this day people visit Prabhu Basaveshwara temple and pray. It is a great day for farmers.
- The Lingayat tribe organizes many events which are common in
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
- People exchange sweets and wishes on Basava Jayanti. A
sermon is offered to celebrate the teachings of Basavanna.
- Many people like to visit Kudalasangama because it
celebrates Basava Jayanti for 6 to 7 days and organizes various cultural and
spiritual events.
Basava Jayanti Significance
Basava Jayanti Day has cultural and historical significance
in India as it commemorates the life and teachings of Basavanna, the
philosopher and cultural reformer who left behind ideas on equality, human
rights and the complete rejection of the caste system. Basavanna's teachings
changed over time and his thinking had a profound effect on the Indian people,
especially in the south.
Here are some key significances of Basava Jayanti:
- Birth Anniversary of Basavanna: Basava Jayanti marks the
birthday of Basavanna, who was born in the town of Bagewadi in present-day
Karnataka, India. It is an occasion to honor his life, teachings, and
contributions.
- Philosophical and Social Reformer: Basavanna was a prominent
figure in the Bhakti movement and played a crucial role in promoting social
equality and justice. His philosophy emphasized the worship of a formless,
transcendent God and rejected caste-based discrimination. Basava Jayanti is a
time to reflect on his teachings of compassion, inclusivity, and devotion.
- Spread of Lingayat Dharma: Basavanna was a key figure in the
development and spread of the Lingayat sect, which emphasizes the worship of
Lord Shiva. Basava Jayanti is an occasion for the Lingayat community to come
together, reaffirm their faith, and celebrate their unique cultural and
religious identity.
- Symbol of Social Equality: Basavanna strongly advocated for
social equality and condemned the caste system. His teachings inspired the
establishment of the Anubhava Mantapa, a forum for people from all walks of
life to discuss spiritual and social matters without discrimination. Basava
Jayanti serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of social justice and
equality.
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In conclusion, Basava Jayanti is a time to celebrate and
honor the life and teachings of Lord Basava, acknowledging the enduring impact
he has had on the Lingayat community and beyond. It is a time for spiritual
reflection, cultural festivities, and a reaffirmation of the principles that
Basava championed for a more equitable and compassionate society.