Veerashaiva
Veerashaivism is a form of Shaivism sect of Hinduism. It is predominantly found in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Veerashaivas are also found in other states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and around the world.
Veerashaivism is enshrined or enhansed in the Shivagams. The complete philosophy of Veerashaivism is explained in Siddhanta Shikhamani.
The terms Veerashaivism and Lingayatism, a Shaivite denomination which also includes wearing Ishtalinga as a significant ritual of observance, have been used synonymosly, both by public and recognized by Governments, though validity of its correctness is the biggest contemporary theological and historical debate related to Lingayatism and Veerashaivism.
Origin
It is believed that lord Shiva founded Veerashaiva philosophy some 60,000 years ago by five great pontiffs (Pancharaya).
- Renukaaradhya or Revanaaradhya
- Marulaaradhya or Marulasiddha
- Ekoramaaradhya or Ekorama
- Panditharadhya
- Vishwaradhya
The Philosophy of Veerashaivism was first taught by Shree Jagadguru Renukacharya to Sage Agasthya in ancient times. It is believed that they sprang from the five great Shiva lingas.
| Name of the Jagadguru (Peethas) | Place of Origin |
|---|---|
| Shri Jagadguru Renuka (Rambhapuri) | Shree Someshwara Linga |
| Shri Jagadguru Dharuka (Ujjaini) | Shree Siddheshwara Linga |
| Shri Jagadguru Ekoraama ( Kedar) | Shree Ramanath Linga |
| Shri Jagadguru Panditaradhya ( Shreeshail) | Shree Mallikarjuna Linga |
| Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya (Kashi) | Shree Vishwanath Linga |
Five Face of Lord Shiva
These Panchacharyas represent the five faces of Lord Shiva.
- Sadhyojata
- Vaamadeva
- Aghora
- Tatpurusha
- Ishaana
Pancha Ganaadhushwara
Similarly, five gods are responsible for safeguarding and maintaining life on earth from different directions:
- Renuka
- Daruka
- Ghatakarna
- Dhenukarna
- Vishwakarna
| Name of the Jagadguru (Peethas) | Name of the Sage |
|---|---|
| Shri Jagadguru Renuka (Rambhapuri) | Agasthya |
| Shri Jagadguru Daruka (Ujjaini) | Dadhichi |
| Shri Jagadguru Ekorama (Kedar) | Vyasa |
| Shri Jagadguru Panditharadhya (Shreeshaila) | Sananda |
| Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya (Kashi) | Durvasa |
| Panchacharya | Flag Colour | Symbolism | Gift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shree Jagadguru Renukacharya | Green | Prosperity | Green bangles |
| Shree Jagadguru Darukacharya | Red | Sacrifice | Kumkum |
| Shree Jagadguru Ekoramaradhya | Blue with black tinge | Vastness | Karimani / black beads |
| Shree Jagadguru Panditharadhya | White | Purity / integrity | Mooguthi / nose ring |
| Shree Jagadguru Vishwaradhya | Yellow | Perfection | Mangallya / gold thali |
| Name of the Peethas | Panchagothras | Panchasuthras |
|---|---|---|
| Shree Rambhapuri | Veera | Padwidi |
| Shree Ujjaini | Nandi | Vrushti |
| Shree Kedar | Brungi | Lambhana |
| Shree Shreeshaila | Vrushabha | Muktha Guchcha |
| Shree Kashi | Skanda | Pancha Varna |