<P> Basava established, in 12th - century, Anubhava Mantapa, a hall for gathering and discussion of spiritual ideas by any member of the society from both genders, where ardent devotees of Shiva shared their achievements and spiritual poems in the local language . He questioned rituals, dualism and externalization of god, and stated that the true god is "one with himself, self - born". </P> <P> How can I feel right about a god who eats up lacquer and melts, who wilts when he sees fire? How can I feel right about gods you sell in your need, and gods you bury for fear of thieves? The lord of the meeting rivers, self - born, one with himself, he alone is the true god . </P> <P> While Basava rejected rituals, he encouraged icons and symbols such as the wearing of Istalinga (necklace with personal linga, symbol of Shiva), of Rudraksha seeds or beads on parts of one body, and apply Vibhuti (sacred ash on forehead) as a constant reminder of one's devotion and principles of faith . Another aid to faith, he encouraged was the six - syllable mantra, Shivaya Namah, or the shadhakshara mantra which is Om Namah Shivaya . </P> <P> The Basava Purana, in Chapter 1, presents a series of impassioned debates between Basava and his father . Both declare Hindu Sruti and Smriti to be sources of valid knowledge, but they disagree on the marga (path) to liberated, righteous life . Basava's father favors the tradition of rituals, while Basava favors the path of direct, personal devotion (bhakti). </P>

Who led a new religious movement in karnataka