The Lingayat people are known for wearing a linga, an object representing a god; in this case, Shiva. Lingayat are a numerous group in India, especially in the state of Karnataka. This group formed in the 12th century by Basava Bagewadi (1134-1196), a philosopher and a social reformer. He taught against the caste system and its regulations. He envisioned a casteless society, though the resulting society eventually began drawing up lines of caste distinctions again, creating Lingayat own hierarchy of social status after Basava's death
Shri N. Thippanna
Ex-MLC
Senior Vice President
All India Veerashaiva
Mahasabha
& President, Karnataka State Unit
It gives me great pleasure to part of Veera Shaiva Mahasabha. First of all, I pay my respectful homage to the sacred memory of His Holiness Hanagal Kumar Swamiji, the founder of this great institution in 1904. I respectfully remember Sri Renukacharya and Sri Basaveshwara, founders of the faith of Veershaiva - Lingayaths.
We should be thankful to all the leaders for their effort for the success of this Organisation. I sincerely express my thanks to all the presidents of this organisation. I personally thanks Sri. Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Sri.Bheemanna Khandre, Sri. N.Thippanna, all office bearers and members for the achievements we have today. We are pride on Indian civilisation. Every era, and every part of this holy land of ours, has had saints and social reformers. They strove to unite the society and lead it along the path of righteousness with their enlightened thoughts and conduct.