Virasaivism, also known as Veerashaivas, or more commonly Lingayats, this important sect of Hinduism represents a reform movement attributed to Basavanna in the 12th century. Basavanna lived and taught in what is now the Karnataka State in India.
Lingayats believe in a monotheistictic world where Siva is the supreme deity. They worship Siva as a lingam. Basavanna attempted to rid society of caste distinctions, although these can be found to a degree in modern Lingayats. Many of the reforms which Basavanna pushed for would be later adopted by Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and others.
The Lingayat sect continues to be strong in Karnataka, in southern India. The Lingayats play an important role in social and cultural life there.
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