Question

Who amongst the following was an exponent of Veerashaiva?
A. Shankaracharya
B. Basava
C. Ramanuja
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint There are four major Hindu denominations namely, Shaivism, Shaktiyan, Vaishnavism, and Smartism. These are mostly named after the major deity worshipped by the followers of each denomination. Veerashaivism is a sub-tradition within Shaivism. It was transmitted by Panchacharayas or five acharyas. It was first preached by Renukacharya to Agastya.

Complete step by step solution:
Veerashaivism is a sect of devotees of the Hindu deity Shiva. It is a subculture within Shaivism. The culture is preserved to date and is transmitted by five peethas namely, Rambhapuri, Ujjaini, Kedar, Shreeshail, and Kashi.
Basava is a twelfth-century saint of southern India and was a follower of Veershaiva sub- tradition under Shaivism. He was a Lingayat saint of the Hindu Bhakti Movement. He was a statesman, an eminent philosopher, and a poet. He worked as a social reformer and spread his messages through poetry known as Vachanaas. He rejected socials evils like caste discrimination, social and gender discrimination, superstitions, and outdated rituals.
Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher. He is credited for establishing the mainstream Hindu thoughts. He worked extensively to consolidate the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He was a follower of the Nirguna form of worship. He believed in the unity of Atma with the Brahman without attributes.
Ramanuja or Ramanujacharya lived during the 12th century. He was a theologist, philosopher, social reformer, and a follower of Vaishnavism. He was a devotee of the Hindu deity Vishnu. His philosophy around devotion was highly influential during the Hindu bhakti movement.

The correct option to this question is option B.

Note The Hindu bhakti movement consisted of saints who either followed the Nirguna form of devotion or the Saguna form. They could also be classified according to the deity they worshipped. Shaivite was a sect that worshipped Shiva.