Which of the following statements about Virashaivism is/are correct? 1. The Virashaivism traces its origin to the five great religious teachers—Renuka, Daruka, Ghantakarna, Ekorama and Vishvakarma. 2. The Virashaiva philosophy is called Shaktivishishtadvaita—the non-duality of God. 3. Ashtavarana are the eight rules of the Virashaivism to be observed by the followers. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Virashaivism, a prominent Shaivite tradition, traces its spiritual lineage to the five great Acharyas (Panchacharyas): Renuka, Daruka, Ghantakarna, Ekorama, and Vishvakarma. These teachers are believed to have emerged from five great Shiva lingas to establish the faith. The philosophical foundation of the tradition is known as Shaktivishishtadvaita, which posits a unique form of non-duality where the individual soul (Anga) and God (Shiva) are unified through the mediation of Shakti. This philosophy emphasizes the monotheistic worship of Parashiva. Furthermore, the tradition prescribes the 'Ashtavarana' or the eight 'shields' or rules of protection—Guru, Linga, Jangama, Padodaka, Prasada, Vibhuti, Rudraksha, and Mantra—which serve as the essential spiritual disciplines for every follower to observe. These elements collectively define the ritualistic and philosophical framework of the Virashaiva or Lingayat movement in Karnataka.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 10: Advent of Arabs and Turks > Religion > p. 149