Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan: Karnataka

Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan: Karnataka

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, recently laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th-century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara (Saint Basavanna) lived for most of his life.

About the New Anubhava Mantapa:

Basaveshwar established “Anubhava Mantapa”, a spiritual institution at Basavakalyan in Bidar district. Its objectives are: Discussing social, economic and religious problems without discriminating between castes or gender. Advocating equality and independence for women.

The New Anubhava Mantapa 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. The grand structure supported by 770 pillars will have an auditorium with a seating capacity of 770 people.

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.

About Basaveshwara:

India’s 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara’s fight for equality made him one of the greatest philosophers and stalwarts of India. Born in 1134 AD, following the Bhakti movement, Basaveshwara dedicated his life to taking on the caste system that dominated Indian society back then.

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.

Vachana Reformist Movement:

Vachana sahitya is a form of rhythmic writing in Kannada that evolved in the 11th century CE and flourished in the 12th century, as a part of the Sharana movement.

The major aim of the Vachana (poetry) movement, led by Basaveshwara in the 12th century, was the welfare of all. It spoke against untouchability and stood for the eradication of the caste system, which resulted in a wider social renaissance not only in Karnataka but also across India.

It attempted to address class, caste and to some extent gender issues in a given societal milieu.