Vachana sahitya is a form of rhythmic writing in Kannada (see also Kannada poetry) that evolved in the 11th century and flourished in the 12th century, as a part of the Sharana movement. The word "vachanas" literally means "(that which is) said". These are readily intelligible prose texts. These writings are notable for their simplicity and directness, often addressing social issues and personal devotion.[1] They were composed in Kannada by saints of the Lingayat faith, most notably Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, and Allama Prabhu.[2] Vachanas critique rituals and caste discrimination, advocating a form of worship centered on Shiva, envisioned as a universal god.[3]
^Shivaprakash, H.S. (2010), I Keep Vigil of Rudra: The Vachanas, London: Penguin Classics, ISBN 9788184752830
^Ramanujan, A.K. (1973), Speaking of Siva, Penguin Classics, ISBN 0-14-044270-7
^Ishawaran, K. (1992), Speaking of Basava: Lingayat Religion and Culture in South Asia, Westview Press, ISBN 978-0813383897
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