The Genesis of Shri Basveshwar Veerashaiva Vidyavardhak Sangha

Inspired by his holiness Pujya Revanashiddeshwar Mahaswamiji of Tikimath, Bagalkot and his holiness Shrimad Ghanalinga Chakravarti Kahalli swamiji and assisted whole heartedly and ardently by the local Veerashaiva leaders and merchant community. His holiness, Pujya Gurubasava Mahaswamiji of Bilur established Shri Basaveshwar Vidya Vardhak Sangha on 18.10.1906. The Sangha is named after Shri Basaveshwar, a visionary, a mystic, a religious leader, a social reformer and leader of literary revolution par excellence of 12 th century. As its appellation suggests, the Sangha has been dedicating itself to the noble cause of dissemination of knowledge ever since its inception.

The Sangha’s affairs are guided by a Mahaswamiji as its president ever since its establishment. The founder President his Holiness Pujya Gurubasava Mahaswamiji of Bilur from 1906 to 1936, His Holiness Pujya Basavaling Mahaswamiji of Navalgund from 1936 to 1974 and since 1974 till date his Holiness Shri Mahaswamiji Chittargi Samasthanamath, Ilkal have been blessing the Sangha as Presidents with their enlightened guidance. His Holiness Shri Prabhuswamiji Charantimath (His Holiness Jagadguru Shri Panchama Shivalingeshwar Mahaswamiji, Sinddha Samsathanamath, at Nidsoshi) and His Holiness Shri Murughendra Mahaswamiji, Bilur are extending guidance as Vice Presidents in the multifarious development of the Sangha. B.V.V. Sangha will remember with deep sense pf gratitude the help extended by his Holiness Pujya Mrityunjaya Mahaswamiji of mudhol and his Holiness Shri Shivamurti Murugha Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Chitradurga. B.V.V.Sangha has been striding progressively with the munificent blessing and guidance of his Holiness Shri Abhinava Annadan Mahaswamiji Halakere, His holiness Shri Revanashiddeshwar Swamiji, of Bagalkot and his holiness Shri Jagadguru Devaru Guru Mrityunjaya swamiji of mudhol.

The Sangha which started its educational venture with a Sanskrit pathashala in 1907 has grown over years into a citadel of education with a network of 52 institutions at Bagalkot, Kudal Sangam, Mudhol and Ramdurga. Its spectacular buildings and sprawling campuses (Old and New) present an impressive glimpse of a veritable university. With its primary, secondary and higher educational institutions the sangha has become avertual boon and blessing of lord Basaveshwar for the students of this religion. In all, 1500 teaching and non teaching staff are engaged in imparting education to 1800 students.