Episode notes
Poet: Basavanna
English translation by A K Ramanujan | Speaking of Siva, Penguin Classics
Performed by M. D. Pallavi and Bruce Lee Mani
For Bhakti Republic with Amit Basole
Radio Azim Premji University, 2023
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The rich
will make temples for Siva.
What shall I,
a poor man,
do?
My legs are pillars,
the body the shrine
the head a cupola
of gold.
Listen, O Kudalsangamadeva,
things standing shall fall,
but the moving ever shall stay.
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Basava, also known as Basaveshwara and Basavanna, played a pivotal role in Vachana Sahitya during the Kalyani Chalukya and Kalachuri dynasties in 12th century Karnataka. Despite his Brahmin caste background, he vehemently opposed gender and social discrimination, superstitions, and rituals. Basava introduced the Ishtalinga necklace for all, promoting devotion to Shiva regardless of birth. As finance minister under King Bijjala II, he utilized the state treasury for social and religious reform. He established Anubhava Mantapa, a ‘parliament’ for individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in spiritual and existential discussions, emphasizing his philosophy centered on valuing the living human experience over static structures like temples. Basava's sharana philosophy emphasizes the body as a temple (Kayakave Kailasa) and as an instrument for honoring the divine.