History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v3.c41.s8.11

v3.c41.s8.11

Basava taught that men of all castes and even outcasts were eligible to enter the Lingayat sect. Other peculiarities are that they do not cremate their dead but bury them; and they permit the remarriage of widows. Their scriptures consist of 28 Śaivāgamas. Śivagītā is also highly placed. Their leading doctrines are aṣṭāvaraṇam and shaṭsthala. Reverence is paid to 63 ancient saints (Tamil), only eight of whom are Vīraśaivas. Among the later saints are Basava and his chief disciples. Their principal Maṭha is at Chitaldrug in Mysore territory.