INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Lingayatism is generally considered a Hindu sect because their beliefs include many Hindu elements. Worship is centered on Shiva as the universal god in the iconographic form of Ishtalinga.

Detailed explanation-2: -Lingayat worship is centered on Lord Shiva in his iconic form of ‘ishtalinga’. Lingayatism or Veerashaivism is considered as a Shaivite religious sect inside Hinduism. It was founded by the philosopher Basava in the 12th century and spread by his followers, who are known as ‘Sharanas’.

Detailed explanation-3: -The followers of Lingayat tradition had stated that they did not accept the caste system in Hinduism, he said. But even the followers of Sri Ramakrishna Mission and Arya Samaj did not accept the caste system and so also various other traditions of Vaishnavism and Shaivism.