Lingayat
/ˈlɪŋ.ɡə.jət/noun
A member of a Shaivite religious tradition originating in medieval Karnataka, whose adherents traditionally wear a personal linga.
Did you know?Many Lingayats traditionally wear an ishtalinga—a small personal linga kept in a case and worshipped daily—as a direct focus of devotion to Shiva.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅga
“A sign, mark, emblem, or characteristic symbol; in Shaivism, the emblem of Shiva.”
Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅgāyata
“A term formed with liṅga and āyata, associated with one devoted to or bearing the linga.”
12th Century
Kannada
Liṅgāyata
“Name associated with the Shaivite reform movement linked especially with Basava in Karnataka.”
13th–16th Century
Kannada
Liṅgāyat
“A member of the developing community whose devotional practice centered on the personal linga.”
Modern English
English
Lingayat
“A member of the Lingayat religious tradition or community.”
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