2006 - Mahatma Basaveshwara | Commemorative Coin
The 2nd commemorative coin for the year 2006 was released in remembrance of Mahatma Basaveshwara.
Basava (also known as Guru Basavanna or Basaveshwara, 1134–1196) was not only a philosopher but also a visionary social reformer. Referred to as Vishwa Guru and Bhakti-Bhandari, his teachings transcend the boundaries of belief systems, advocating a universal perspective. Basava was a compassionate humanitarian who championed a transformative way of life, centering on the divine experience without regard for gender, belief, tradition, religion, caste, or social status. At the core of his preaching was the monotheistic concept of God, showcasing his foresight as a true visionary.
A mystic, idealist, statesman (serving as the Prime Minister of the Southern Kalachuri Empire in South India), man of letters, and social reformer, Basava left an indelible mark on society. His literary creation, Vachana Sahitya, sparked a literary revolution. Basava's movement attracted great yogis and mystics of his time, enriching it with the essence of divine experience in the form of Vachanas.
Through his poetry, known as Vachanas, Basava propagated rational and progressive social thoughts, challenging established perceptions of God in Hindu society. While some interpret the Vachanas as the essence of Vedic knowledge, attributing them to "Brahminical thought," this interpretation falls short in explaining why other renowned religious leaders like Shankaracharya and Madhwacharya, well-versed in Vedic knowledge, did not address the same issues as Basava did in the 12th century. Basava, much like Gautama Buddha, focused on teaching people how to live happily in a rational social order, laying the foundation for the Sharana movement.
Regrettably, the Lingayatha or Veerashaiva dharma, associated with Basava, has deviated from its original principles, evolving into another exploitative caste in the casteist Hindu society. This unfortunate transformation has overshadowed Basavanna's efforts, reducing him to just another deity.
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