Basava Jayanthi: Birth anniversary of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara

Basava Jayanthi: Birth anniversary of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Ancient Indian history; Socio-cultural reform movements

In News:

• Recently, The Prime Minister of India greeted the people on Global Basava Jayanthi
• It is celebrated on April 26 to honour the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara. 

Important value additions:

Basaveshwara

• He was born in Bagevadi (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka) during 1131 AD. 
• He was the 12th century philosopher and social reformer who gave a unique spiritual path to mankind.
• He is the founding saint of the Lingayat sect.
• His spiritual discipline was based on the principles of:
  • Arivu (true knowledge), 
  • Achara (right conduct), 
  • Anubhava (divine experience) 
• His practical approach and act of establishment of ‘Kalyana Rajya’ (Welfare state) brought a new status and position for all the citizens of the society, irrespective of class, caste, creed and sex.
• He established the Anubhava Mantapa, which was a common forum for all to discuss the prevailing problems of socio, economic and political areas. 
• It was the first and foremost socio-religious Parliament of India. 

• On 14th November 2015, the Prime Minister of India also inaugurated the statue of Basavanna along the bank of the river Thames at Lambeth in London.