Lingayatism , is a distinct
Shaivite denomination practiced in
India. It makes several departures from mainstream
Hinduism and propounds
monotheism through worship centered on Lord
Shiva (formless, infinite god) in the form of
Ishtalinga. Like
Buddhism,
Jainism,
Śramaṇa,
Cārvāka and
Sikhism, it rejects the authority of the
Vedas and the
caste system. However, Lingayatism does share some beliefs with Hinduism, such as
reincarnation and
karma. Lingayatism was founded by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman
Basava and spread by his followers, called
Sharanas. The adherents of this faith are known as
Lingayats. Both the terms
Lingayatism and
Lingayats are derived from Kannada word
lingavanta for the "one who wears a
iṣṭaliṅga ". The Lingayat
iṣṭaliṅga is an oval-shaped emblem symbolising
Parashiva, the absolute reality, and is worn on the body by a cord hung around the neck. The terms
Lingayatism and
Veerashaivism, which is a
Vedic Shaivite cult founded by the
Panchacharyas which also includes wearing
Ishtalinga as a significant ritual of observance, have been used synonymosly, both by public and recognized by Governments, though its validity is the source of the biggest contemporary theological and historical debate related to Lingayatism. Nevertheless, Lingayats are also invariably identified and referred as
Veerashaivas.