Basaveshwara Puja is a devotional ritual performed in honor of Sri Basaveshwara, also known as Basavanna, the 12th-century philosopher, social reformer, and the founding saint of the Lingayat tradition. He is revered as an incarnation of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, and is celebrated for promoting equality, devotion, and spiritual wisdom through his Vachanas (poetic teachings).

This puja is commonly observed on Basava Jayanti, which marks his birth anniversary, and also during personal or community gatherings of Lingayat devotees. The ritual emphasizes simplicity, devotion, and inner purity rather than elaborate rituals.

The puja begins with the cleaning of the home or temple space and taking a purifying bath. An image or statue of Sri Basaveshwara, often depicting him holding a Kamandala and wearing the Ishta Linga, is placed on a clean altar. The puja starts with lighting a lamp and offering flowers, sandalwood paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), betel leaves, and fruits.

Devotees chant Basavanna’s Vachanas, which convey deep spiritual truths in simple language, focusing on devotion to Lord Shiva, moral integrity, and the rejection of caste discrimination and materialism. Lingapuja is also performed by devotees who wear the Ishta Linga, signifying a personal and direct connection with the divine.

Offerings include simple vegetarian food, especially prasad like jaggery, banana, and ragi dishes, symbolizing humility and purity. The puja concludes with Aarti and sharing of the prasadam among family or community members.

Basaveshwara Puja is not just a ritual but a celebration of a profound spiritual legacy. It inspires devotees to live a life of truth, service, equality, and devotion. By honoring Basavanna, devotees are reminded of the path of inner awakening and the importance of seeing the divine in every being.