Veerashaivism is a sect within the Shaivism fold of Hinduism. According to tradition, it was transmitted by Panchacharyas, (Kannada: ಪಂಚಾಚಾರ್ಯರು, romanized: paṃcācāraya from Sanskrit: पंचचार्य, romanized: pañcācārya), or five acharyas: Renukacharya, Darukacharya, Ekorama, Panditharadhya, Vishwaradhya, and first taught by Renukacharya to Agastya, a Vedic seer. The preachings of Jagadguru Renukacharya Bhagavadpada to rishi Agastya is recorded in the form of a book, Shri Siddhantha Shikhamani, which is regarded as an important holy book for the Veerashaivas. This text is likely an 8th century work, and it likely contains the earliest reference to Veerashaivism in literature.[1]
A small manuscript named Vira-Saiva-Guru-Parampara details the following guru lineage for Veerashaivism in order of priority: Visvesvara Guru, Ekorama, Viresaradhya, Virabhadra, Viranaradhya, Manikyaradhya, Buccayyaradhya, Vira Mallesvaradhya, Desikaradhya, Vrsabha, Aksaka, and Mukha Lingesvara.[1] Viranaradhya is the father of the 18th century Telugu Veerashaivite acharyaMulugu Papayaradhya.[2]
In the Virasaiva Agama, it is mentioned that in four main pontiff seats (Yoga Peetha, Maha Peetha, Jnana Peetha, and Soma Peetha), there are four gurus of different priority: Revana, Marula, Vamadeva, and Panditaradhya.[1]
Veerashaivism is continued to this day and is preserved and transmitted by five peethas (Rambhapuri, Ujjaini, Kedar, Shreeshail, Kashi), who play an essential role in the Veerashaiva tradition.[6]
The philosophy of Veerashaivism is explained in Siddhanta Shikhamani. While the Veerashaiva-tradition incorporates Vedic elements, the origin of panchacharyas has been explained in Sivagamas, especially in Svayambhuva Agama, Suprabhedagama and Viragama. The earlier portions of Agama literature are the fundamental source of Saiva religion, while the latter portions are of special importance to Veerashaivism. However, Veerashaivism differs from Agamic Shaivism and Pasupata Shaivism in its philosophy, in its doctrine of sthala, in the special kind of lingadharana, and in certain ritualistic elements.[1][7][8]
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