The followers of our sect gave great prominence to the Shiva linga and the Nandi, the bull. We are predominantly engaged in agriculture, trade and industry has also been a lucrative occupation for us. The members of our community deal in grain, cloth, groceries, and spices. We, in fact, play a dominant role in the economic, educational, social, and political life of Karnataka.
Vachana, a unique form in Kannada literature, has its origin in the Shivasasharanas of the 12th century. It gives utterance to liberal values such as the dignity of labour, liberty, fraternity, and freedom from caste. The rich literary tradition of the Virashaivites is being kept alive today by many writers of our community even today.
We are very much proud of our glorious past and our 'steeped in tradition' roots. Even today we find great pride in carrying forth the values and tradition taught to us by our forefathers.
Over 80 % of the educational institutions in Karnataka are supported by the members of our community as are many associations and societies that look after the educational needs of the people. Outstanding educationists from our community have played a special part in the development of education.
As rulers, ministers and soldiers, our brethren were moulders of the political scene in the past. The Kakatiya kings of Andhra Pradesh, the Sangama kings of the Vijayanagar Empire and others were all from our community. Lingayat queens like Rudrama Devi, Chennamma of Kaladi kingdom and others have made a mark in history by their heroism..
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