ANUBHAV MANTAPA: KARNATAKA
WHY IN NEWS?
- Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara lived for most of his life.
MORE INFORMATION
About the New Anubhava Mantapa
- It will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5-acre plot and represent various principles of Basaveshwara’s philosophy.
- It will showcase the 12th Century Anubhava Mantapa (often referred to as the “first Parliament of the world”) established by Basaveshwara in Basavakalyan where philosophers and social reformers held debates.
- The building will adopt the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture.
- On its top, the structure would have a Shiva Linga placed on a large pedestal.
- The project also envisages state-of-the-art robotic system, open-air theatre, modern water conservation system, terrace garden, library, research centre, prayer hall, yoga centre and so on.
BASAVESHWARA
- Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.
- The tradition of Lingayatism is known to have been founded by him.
- Philosophy:
- His spiritual discipline was based on the principles of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience) and it brought social, religious and economical revolution in the 12th century.
- This path advocates a holistic approach of Lingangayoga (union with the divine). This comprehensive discipline encompasses bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), and kriye (action) in a well balanced manner.
- He went to Kalyana (now called Basavakalyan) probably in the year A.D. 1154. His achievements in the short span of twelve or thirteen years of his stay at Kalyana are striking.
- The Gates of Dharma were thrown open to all without any barriers of caste, creed or sex (Kalyana Rajya – Welfare State).
- He established the Anubhava Mantapa, which was a common forum for all to discuss the prevailing problems of socio, economic and political strata including religious and spiritual principles along with personal problems.
- Thus, it was the first and foremost Parliament of India, where Sharanas sat together and discussed the socialistic principles of a Democratic set up.
- There must be an equal income for equal work.
- Vachana Reformist Movement:
- The main aim of the Vachana (poetry) movement, led by Basaveshwara in 12th century, was welfare of all.
- It attempted to address class, caste and to some extent gender issues in a given societal milieu.