Revisiting the Vachana Literature: A Wisdom of Knowledge

Lingayat is one of the major religious communities in India. Lingayat is also known as Virasaiva. Lingayat have their own religion, culture, philosophy, literature, ideology, ritualism, code of conduct, social system, and a distinctive view of life and way of life. A great socio religious revolution took place in Karnataka in twelfth century under the leadership of Basavanna. It discarded all the man made barriers and main aim of this movement was to work for the welfare of all beings. As a result of which egalitarian society based on moral and spiritual values was established. Open University known as Anubhava Mantapa (a Hall of experience) came into existence. Here the principles were laid down for the development of both the inner and outer aspects of human personality. Teaching was through Vachanas (sayings) of Sharanas (saints) in mother tongue Kannada.The Anubhava Mantapa was a regular institution. The deliberations that took place in it sort of symposium. They are recorded in the form of Vachanas in Kannada. The Vachanas were written by Basavanna and other Shivasharanas. Kannada literature uses prose-poetry called Vachanas. We referred to the people who wrote the Vachanas as Vachanakaras or Shivasharanas. The Sharanas who welfare of every living creature, brought many progressive ideas, such as, labour, honest and pure: dignity of labour; equality to woman (with men); economic equality; removal of difference based on caste; condemnation of sacrifices involving the killing of animals etc. They wrote Vachanas.Thus Vachanakaras have covered themselves with immortal fame by bringing about a literary revolution. Vachanas are songs of experience; they belong to all time and place. The literature exceeds the limitations of time and place.These Vachanas teach us liberty, equality, fraternity and social justice and Non-violence. These Vachana movements brought all men on one platform. It removed the difference among men and women. Establishing Humanity is the basic aim of Vachana Movement. These Vachanas are holy texts for the Lingayat or Virasaiva Community. Vachana are the guiding principles of the Lingayat community from 12th century to 21st century. This study will help to preserve the Lingayat sect of India. Lingayat sect tradition and history will be brought to light and its culture will be seen in a broader view. It aids in writing the regional history.