Veerashaiva

Etymology

The terms Lingayat and Veerashaiva have been used synonymously. Veerashaivism refers to the broader Veerashaiva philosophy and theology as well as the movement, states Blake Michael, while Lingayata refers to the modern community, sect or caste that adheres to this philosophy. In the contemporary era, some state that Veerashaiva is a (sub)tradition within Lingayats with Vedic influences, and these sources have been seeking a political recognition of Lingayats to be separate from Veerashaivas, and Lingayats to be a separate religious community. In contrast, Veerashaivas consider the two contemporary (sub)traditions to be "one and the same community" belonging to Hinduism. The present-day dispute involves two opposing groups, one seeking separate status for the Lingayat community and the other wanting to keep the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community united.