New Anubhava Mantapa

New Anubhava Mantapa

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Culture

In news 

• Karnataka Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan.
• It is the place where 12th century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara lived for most of his life.

Key takeaways 

• The ₹500 crore project would be completed within two years. 
• The project would highlight the teachings of Basaveshwara.
• Basavakalyan is an important pilgrim centre for Lingayats.
• The New Anubhava Mantapa, will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5 acre plot and represent various principles of Basaveshwara’s philosophy.
• It will showcase the 12th Century Anubhava Mantapa (often referred to as the “first Parliament of the world”) established by him in Basavakalyan, where philosophers and social reformers held debates.
• The building will adopt the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture.

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.