Chennabasava Swamiji of the Ingaleshwar Viraktamath in Basavana Bagewadi taluk has attained Lingaikya (passed away) at the age of 97. The revered seer had been battling age-related illness for some time. His demise marks the end of an era for the devotees and followers who looked up to the spiritual guidance and social work initiated by the math.
Dignitaries Offer Condolences to the Late Seer
News of the Swamiji's passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from political and religious leaders across the state. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with ministers M.B. Patil and Shivanand Patil, and numerous other dignitaries, expressed their deep sorrow at the loss. They acknowledged the significant contribution of the Swamiji to promoting Lingayat philosophy and fostering social harmony.
ವಿಜಯಪುರ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಬಸವನ ಬಾಗೇವಾಡಿ ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕಿನ ಇಂಗಳೇಶ್ವರ ವಿರಕ್ತ ಮಠದ ಚನ್ನಬಸವ ಮಹಾಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳು ಲಿಂಗೈಕ್ಯರಾದ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಿಳಿದು ದುಃಖವಾಯಿತು.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 11, 2025
ಇಂಗಳೇಶ್ವರದ ವಚನ ಶಿಲಾಶಾಸನ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲ್ಲುಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ವಚನಗಳನ್ನು ಕೆತ್ತಿಸಿ, ಶರಣರ ಪರಂಪರೆ ಹಾಗೂ ವಿಚಾರಧಾರೆಯನ್ನು ಸಮಾಜಕ್ಕೆ ಸಾರುವ ಕಾರ್ಯವನ್ನು ನಿಸ್ವಾರ್ಥದಿಂದ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ಬಂದವರು.… pic.twitter.com/dQWISmyZ2P
Champion of Vachana Literature and Equality
Chennabasava Swamiji was deeply committed to spreading the core messages of the Basavadi Sharanas, particularly their famous Vachanas (spiritual poetry). His teachings centered on the timeless messages of humanity, equality, and social justice. A lasting testament to his devotion was his initiative to have the Vachanas and messages of equality etched onto stone tablets (Shila Mantapa), playing a major role in the installation and preservation of these philosophical tenets for future generations.
Spreading the Vachana Message Through Foot Pilgrimages
The Swamiji was not confined to the boundaries of the Math; he actively took the spiritual message to the grassroots. He is particularly remembered for organizing and participating in an arduous foot pilgrimage (Padyatra) from Ingaleshwar to Shrikshetra Ulavi. This pilgrimage was undertaken with the explicit aim of sowing the seeds of Vachana Sara (the essence of Vachanas) among the common people, making the profound spiritual wisdom accessible to all sections of society.
State Honors for Final Rites Tomorrow
The funeral rites for the late Chennabasava Swamiji have been scheduled for tomorrow. The ceremony will be conducted with full state honors in the presence of government officials, political representatives, and thousands of devotees expected to gather at the Math. The final rites will serve as a respectful farewell to a respected spiritual leader who dedicated his life to promoting the values of the 12th-century social reformers.
