Virashaiva

Virashaiva is a historical group of Hindu reformers and pilgrims who lived in southern India in the 12th to 13th centuries. They were primarily devotees of the linga, a symbol of the Hindu god Shiva, and believed in the unity of the self and the ultimate reality, much like the Advaita philosophy of Adi Shankara. The name "Virashaiva" is derived from "Vir," meaning "hero" or "brave," and "Shaiva," referring to the god Shiva.

The Virashasivas were influenced by the theological and philosophical ideas of the Shaiva Siddhanta system, which was prevalent in southern India during their time. They also borrowed concepts from Buddhist ideas, including the concept of the importance of the Self. However, they did not believe in the tenets of the Buddhist faith such as the existence of karma and rebirth. Virashaivas also believed in a heterodox religious system, one that stood apart from the mainstream Brahmanical practices.

The message of the Virashasivas, primarily through their charismatic leaders known as Jogis, included their socially standalone institutions, a concept of lay renouncers called "Virashaivas" and their unions, and manifest rituals such as ascetic action on the cultivation of worldly and spiritual goals. The language used in these movements was mostly Kannada, though also there were prevalent preeminences for languages like Tamil.