History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v3.c41.s8.15

v3.c41.s8.15

His chief disciple was Channa Basava who is considered even higher than Basava, being looked upon as an avatāra of Śiva himself. As Basava was engrossed in state business, the religious movement was largely under his direction. It is said that after his uncle's death he was admitted to the royal favour. Other leading associates were Maḍivāla Māchayya, Prabhudeva and Sidaharāma of whom wonderful stories are told in Channa Basava and other Purāṇas.