His followers were known as Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva) or Lingayats (wearers of the linga). Lingayats continue to be an important community in the region to date. They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga, and men usually wear a small linga in a silver case on a loop strung over the left shoulder. Those who are revered include the jangama or wandering monks. Lingayats believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world.
The lines left out after the last sentence of the passage describe a Lingayat practice. Which of the following is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → They ceremonially bury their dead instead of cremating them.
Option (1) They cremate the dead with the rites prescribed in the Dharmashastras. — Incorrect. Cremation is the rite the Dharmashastras prescribe, and the Lingayats give it up.
Option (2) They immerse the dead in a river after a prayer to Shiva. — Incorrect. Lingayat custom keeps the body of the dead and buries it with ceremony.
Option (3) They ceremonially bury their dead instead of cremating them. — Correct. Lingayats believe the devotee is united with Shiva at death and will not return. So they skip cremation and bury their dead with ceremony.
Option (4) They hand over the dead to the jangama for cremation. — Incorrect. The jangama are wandering monks whom Lingayats revere. Lingayats give up cremation altogether.
NCERT (2026-27): “3. The Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka … |