The twelfth century witnessed the emergence of a new movement in Karnataka, led by Basavanna (1106-68 CE) who was a minister in the court of a Kalachuri ruler. His followers were known as :

Basavanna (1106-1168 CE) led a major socio-religious reform movement in 12th century Karnataka, founding the Virashaiva or Lingayat tradition. Basavanna served as a minister in the court of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II. His followers, the Virashaivas (also known as Lingayats), worship Shiva in the form of a linga worn on the body, reject caste hierarchy, idol worship in temples, ritualism, and the authority of Brahmins. The movement's teachings are preserved in vachana literature. Pushtimargis follow Vallabhacharya, Nathpanthis are a Shaiva yogic sect, and Avadhoots are a class of ascetics.