Which of the following statements are true about the followers of Basavanna:

(A) His followers were known as Virashaivas or Lingayats.
(B) They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga.
(C) They believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world.
(D) They practise funerary rites such as cremation, prescribed in the Dharmashastras.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (B) and (C) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B) and (C) only

(A) His followers were known as Virashaivas or Lingayats. (True)
(B) They worship Shiva in his manifestation as a linga. (True)
(C) They believe that on death the devotee will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world. (True)
(D) They practise funerary rites such as cremation, prescribed in the Dharmashastras. (False). They do not practise funerary rites such as cremation, prescribed in the Dharmashastras. Instead, they ceremonially bury their dead.