Anubhava Mantapa

Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakalyan, Bidar district, Karnataka, is a modern memorial and cultural centre built on the site of the 12th-century spiritual parliament founded by social reformer Basavanna. It commemorates the Anubhava Mantapa where Lingayat saints and Sharanas discussed philosophy and composed Vachanas. The complex features halls, exhibits, and statues dedicated to Basavanna and his contemporaries, and is a significant pilgrimage and heritage site for followers of Lingayatism.

Visitors can expect a large modern complex with a pillared hall, exhibition galleries, statues and portraits of Basavanna and prominent Sharanas, and displays related to Vachana literature and Lingayat philosophy. The site is set within Basavakalyan town, with open courtyards, landscaped grounds and a calm, contemplative environment. Visitors can explore the main hall, view informational panels and sculptures, and learn about the 12th-century spiritual and social movement associated with the original Anubhava Mantapa.

The original Anubhava Mantapa was established in the 12th century in Basavakalyan, then known as Kalyana, by the social reformer and poet Basavanna (Basaveshwara), who served as minister to King Bijjala of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty. It functioned as a spiritual parliament where Sharanas including Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Akka Mahadevi gathered to discuss philosophy, social equality and devotion, and composed Vachanas. The present structure is a modern memorial built to commemorate that institution.

Anubhava Mantapa is regarded as the cradle of the Lingayat faith and Vachana literature. It symbolizes principles of equality, social reform and devotional worship of Shiva as Ishtalinga. The site is a major pilgrimage and cultural centre for the Lingayat community and hosts gatherings, exhibitions and educational displays about Sharana philosophy and Kannada devotional literature.