Biography of - Basaveshwara



(1131 - 1167)

The revolutionary who taught that right conduct is heaven was Basaveshwara. He preached that work is worship and taught the ideals of simple living and the equality of all men.

Basaveshwara was born in a village called Bagewadi in the 1131 at Bijapur District in Karnataka in a very religious family. Madarasa, the family guru, predicted about Basaveshwara that he was no ordinary babe. By the grace of God Shiva, Nandi (Vrishabha) himself has been born as Basaveshwara. His education began under the guidance of the guru. After sometime he felt the presence of God everywhere and in all things, in the linga he wore on his body, in the image of Sangameshwara and in the entire world. He keenly studied all the branches of learning.

His philosophies were easily comprehendible and pragmatic. There 15 only one God. Compassion is the root of all religions. Treat all living being with kindness. Do not live for selfish and personal interests. Everyone should take up a fair and honest means of livelihood. He died in 1167.