How did an accountant in the Kalachuri dynasty become Lord Basaveshwar? Why is Basveshwar Jayanti celebrated? You will get the information on these questions and much more.
This article will introduce you to Basveshwar Jayanti,
its traditions, style of celebrations, Lingayat community, and teachings of Basaveshwara.
Mahatma Basaveshwar is one of the most revered saints of Karnataka who raised the movement against inequality.
You will be enlightened about the journey of Sri Basaveshwara from being a royal chieftain in the court of King Bijjala I to a great saint, poet, reformer, and philosopher after reading the article.
Basaveshwar Jayanti
As per Hindu Calendar, Basveshwar Jayanti is celebrated on the 3rd day of Vaisakha month in the Shukla paksha. Basveshwar or Basava Jayanti date in 2023 will be celebrated on Sunday, 23rd April, and on Friday, 10th May in 2024.
Basaveshwara, colloquially known as Basavanna, the founder of Lingayatism, is celebrated and held highly by the Lingayat community. On Basaveshwar Jayanti, followers of the saint Basaveshwara worship him and greet each other with sweets.
Basveshwar Jayanti is celebrated with joy and glee primarily by Lingayats in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra on the birth anniversary of Lord Basveshwar.
Basveshwar Jayanti is celebrated on account of the birth anniversary of Saint Basaveshwara. Being sharp, he was promoted from royal accountant to Prime Minister in the Kalachuri dynasty.
But distressed by inequality and casteism, he left his royal post. Basveshwar Jayanti is celebrated to assimilate the teachings of Lord Basveshwar around equality, compassion, and universal brotherhood.
Celebrations of Basveshwar Jayanti are held for a day in different regions of Southern India. However, in Kudalasangama, celebrations last for seven days since Kudalasangama is the site of Basavanna's holy Samadhi.
During Basaveshwar Jayanti, people visit the nearest Lord Basaveshwar temples for prayers and celebrations. The Lingayat committees organise many events to celebrate this wonderful day, and everyone exchanges greetings and sweets.
To witness the grand celebration of Basava Jayanti you can visit Aikya Mantapa at Kudala Sangama, 450 km from Bangalore and 51 km from Bagalkot. In the temple, various lectures on Basavanna's life are organised, and the teachings of Basveshwar are remembered.
You can also participate in processions held across the Karnatak in and around Lingayat temples, with artists rendering performances and chanting the teachings of Mahatma Basaveshwar.
Conclusion
Saint Basava studied for 12 years in a Shaivite learning school within a Hindu temple and was influenced by Shiva. Saint Basava introduced Ishtalinga, the living and moving divinity for his followers.
He served in the court of King Bajila under the Kalachuri dynasty but left disgruntled against the prevailed injustice and religious discrimination. Lord Basaveshwar fought against inhuman cast culture, inequality, and untouchability for his whole life.
He spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas and inspired his followers to become one with Shiva. Basavenshwar Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the divine Basaveswara and his teachings with great enthusiasm.
I hope you liked our article on basaveshwar jayanti , if you have any comments or suggestions do share them in the comments below.
Happy Basaveshwar Jayanti to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is Basava Jayanti?
Basaveshwara Jayanti marks the birth of the great philosopher, poet, and revolutionary saint Basaveshwara. He established lingayatism and taught the lesson of universal brotherhood, equality and compassion to the world.
Q2. What is the date of Basava Jayanti 2023?
Basveshwar or Basava Jayanti in 2023 will be celebrated on Sunday, 23rd April.
Q3. When was Basaveshwara born?
Basavanna was born in Basavana Bagewadi in 1134 A.D. on the third day of the Vaisakha month of Anandanama (Samvatsara). According to his followers, a new era began with the birth of Basavanna. The year is known as the Basava Era or Basaveshwar Era.
Q4. Who established Anubhava mantapa?
Anubhava Mantapa, established by Basaveshwara, is a spiritual institution at Basavakalyan in the Bidar district. The objective of Anubhava Mantapa was to hold discussions around religious, social and economic issues with any discrimination of case and gender.