Vachana Mantapa construction to begin shortly in Kalaburagi, says Minister Sharan Prakash Patil during Basava Jayanti celebrations

Minister Sharan Prakash Patil made the announcement after paying floral tribute to the equestrian statue of Basaveshwara at Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi.

Government of Karnataka will construct a ‘Vachana Mantapa’ in Kalaburagi to spread the universal message of 12th century social reformer Basavanna and the vachana movement, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil announced during the Basava Jayanti celebrations in Kalaburagi on April 30.

He made the announcement after paying floral tribute to the equestrian statue of Basaveshwara at Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi.

The event was organised jointly by the district administration, Kalaburagi City Corporation, Department of Kannada and Culture, and the Basava Jayanti Celebration Committee.

“The project was included in the 2024–25 State budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed us to commence construction work immediately. The district administration is preparing the blueprint,” he said.

Highlighting the lifelong efforts of Basavanna and other sharanas of the 12th century to build a casteless and equitable society, the Minister said that the essence of the Sharana movement, rooted in compassion and equality for all beings and the transformative power of vachanas, should be passed on to future generations.

“We must preserve and nurture the practice of Ishta Linga worship and the cultural heritage of Basava philosophy,” he said.

Speaking on the inclusivity of Basava’s ideology, Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Vice-Chairperson B.R. Patil remarked that even those who do not wear the Ishta Linga can be followers of Basavanna.