Question

What is meaning of Virashaivism

Answer 1

As ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, the Virashaivas’ very name means “heroic” or “firm” worshippers of Shiva. They always wear about the body a small stone emblem (linga or ishtalinga) signifying the presence of Lord Shiva in the heart of each believer. Indeed, their alternate name, Lingayata, meaning “linga bearer,” derives from this characteristic practice. They also distinguish themselves from Brahminical Hindus by their rejection or renunciation of the caste system, their emphasis on the rights of women, their rejection or diminution of the Sanskrit shruti tradition, and their avoidance of elaborate temple rituals. Paradoxically, they often evince, across all strata, characteristics that Hindus expect of the highest caste or stage in life; for example, strict vegetarianism and burial (as opposed to cremation) of the deceased. At the heart of Virashaiva tradition lie the vachanas—Kannada-language devotional poems.