Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c15.65

v2.c15.65

We have till now been discussing the earlier forms of Śaivaism; but India has not been idle since then. Newer sects of Śaivaism sprang from time to time and gathered a large following. Two such stand out prominently, namely the Vīraśaivas of Southern India and the Pratyabhijñās of Kashmere. The former was started by Basava, a Brāhmaṇ who occupied a high position in the Court of the Kaḷachūri, king Bijjaṇa or Bijjaḷa. Basava was born of Brāhmaṇa parents but refused to undergo the Upanayana ceremony, proclaiming that he was a special worshipper of Śiva and that he was born to