Shri Basaveshwar Temple Jatra mahotsav,Basavana Bagevadi,Vijayapura

Basavana Bagewadi is a historic town that is famous as the birthplace of the 12th-century saint, poet, and social reformer Basavanna, also known as Basaveshwara. He is believed to have founded the Lingayat sect, which is devoted to Shiva worship. Basava was born in the town of Basavana Bagewadi in the year 1131 CE to Maadarasa and Madalambike who belonged to an orthodox Brahmin family. At a young age, Basava left home to devote 12 years of his life to studying and meditating at the feet of his Guru in Kudalasangama. Basava later married Gangambike who was the daughter of a minister in the court of the Kalchuri king. On the death of his father-in-law, Basava became the minister in the court. He used his position to initiate many social reforms and spread Shaivism. He composed simple poems with deep meaning, known as Vachanas in the local language, to spread the message of Shaivism. Basava attained nirvana at Kudala Sangama, the same place where he had started his spiritual pursuit. There is an ancient temple in Basavana Bagewadi that has been restored and renovated recently. The temple seems to date back to the Chalukyan era and is similar to the temple at Kudala Sangama. The temple is an east-facing temple with Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, an Antharala, Natyamantapa and Sabhamantapa. It is a sandstone structure barring the front portion which is of granite stone. There is an idol of Basavanna (Nandi) facing the Shivaling in the sanctum. In the temple complex, there is a school building and also rooms for pilgrims. A few stone arches or Torangalu can be seen at the entrance of the temple