| Sages,Rushis & Saints |
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| Biographies of Great Indians & Hindus |
BASAVESHWARA |
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| Anubhava
Mantapa Even at the time he came to Kalyana, Basavanna had chalked out in his mind a program of spiritual awakening. Beliefs of high and low had broken the society into pieces. Meaningless rituals had become important. And there was no equality in the society, no social and economical justice But Basavanna studied all these very well. The essence of religion had slipped to the background. Real devotion and virtuous life had disappeared. All did not have the right to perform 'Puja' (worship) or to receive religious education. So Basavanna made the principle of the equality of all, the basis of his religious life. He formed a new spiritual institution on a democratic foundation. And that was 'Anubhava Mantapa'. Any one, whatever his caste by birth, could become a member. Women, too, were allowed to join it. Piety and good character alone were required of any one who came to Anubhava Mantapa. Everybody was to take up some work or the other for livelihood. They were not to have any caste feelings or feelings of untouchability. These were some of the principles they were expected to follow. Anubhava Mantapa soon became popular. Many devotees from different parts of Karnataka and India came to Kalyana and joined the new order. These devotees were provided with food and facilities for puja in 'Mahamane'. The residence of Basavanna. The two wives of Basavanna, his sister Akkanagamma, his nephew Channabasavanna and some other devotees were in charge of various arrangements both in the Anubhava Mantapa and in the Mahamane. Discussions on religious and spiritual matters were held in Anubhava Mantapa. The number of participants increased every day. People in the King's court who were jealous of Basavanna got an idea. They reported to the King that Basavanna was feeding a large number of his followers -the Shaiva devotees - out of the money taken from the King's treasury. Bijjala asked Basavanna about it. Basavanna's answer was clear: "The expenses of Mahamane are met by the earnings of several devotees. I am a devotee of Shiva and do not want other people's money. If you have suspicions, well, I shall tender my resignation this very moment. Before that let there be a detailed inquiry about these charges. The cash and all accounts of the treasury may be checked this moment." Upon this Bijjala himself checked the accounts and the cash. Everything was absolutely correct. Bijjala begged to be forgiven. He also requested Basavanna to continue as the chief officer. Thus the false charges made by the jealous courtiers only established Basavanna's perfect honesty and increased his fame. After the death of Baladeva, Bijjala made Basavanna his minister. Basavanna proved very efficient in this new office. He led his usual simple life. But his thoughts were always high and his heart was pure. His utterances were like a string of pearls. He was polite and civil, 'with folded hands and bowed head' while moving with the common people. In matters of justice he was always firm and never yielded to personal considerations. He was fearless even in the face of great difficulty and danger. |
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