Lingayatism
/ˌlɪŋɡəˈjɑːtɪzəm/noun
A religious tradition originating in medieval Karnataka that emphasizes devotion to Shiva and the personal wearing of a linga.
Did you know?Lingayat devotees traditionally wear a small linga in a pendant called an iṣṭaliṅga, treating it as a direct, portable focus of worship rather than relying solely on a temple image.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅga
“A mark, sign, characteristic, or distinguishing symbol; later also a phallic emblem of Shiva.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅgin
“One who bears or is characterized by a mark or sign; formed from liṅga, “mark” or “symbol.””
12th Century
Kannada
liṅgāyata
“A person associated with or wearing the linga; the term became associated with the movement linked to Basava.”
13th–16th Centuries
Kannada
Liṅgāyat
“A member of the Shaiva devotional community that developed in Karnataka.”
19th Century
English
Lingayat
“The name used in English for a member of this religious tradition.”
Modern English
English
Lingayatism
“The religious system or tradition of the Lingayats, formed with English “-ism,” meaning a doctrine, practice, or movement.”