basava

Veersahiva Samaja of New York/New Jersey 

Esatblished in 1978

Event sponsors are needed for upcoming celebrations. If interested in sponsoring or donating, please email us at . Generous donations are very much appreciated.

About us ...

Veerasaivism is one of the ancient religions of India. It was obscured for many thousand of years because it was camouflaged with Shaivism. However, during the 12th century under the leadership of Basavanna, Chennabasavanna and Allamaprabhu, Veerasaivism was revitalized and was given new meaning and un-tarnishing shape. Thanks to 12th century visionaries, now it is in the forefront and predominately visible in Karnataka State, India and also to some extent in other parts of India as well as in other countries.

The following are the codes of Veerasaiva religion:
Do not steal.
Do Not Kill.
Do not lie. Do not lose your temper.
Do not hate other people.
Do not praise yourself. Do not blame the enemy.
This is the way to achieve purity within oneself and around us.
This is the way to please God.

Veerasaiva philosophy promotes Kayaka and Dasoha. Excess wealth is shared with Jangamas who perform dasoha for the well-being of the community. The excess wealth is earned through honest means by engaging in kayaka.

Vachanas (short-sayings) are valuable scriptures of Veerashaivsim, which are based on the life experiences of Sharanas. Most of the vachana literature was lost until the beginning of 20th century.  Thanks to P. G. Halakatti for unearthing and introducing the vachana literature.

History of our Samaja...

The year 1976 was not only the bicentennial year of the United States of America but also was the birth of the Veerasaiva Samaja (“Samaja”).  During this, year the seed of Veerasaiva Samaja sprouted with the mailing of a letter requesting all Veerasaivas living in the United States to join together in the formation of the Veerasaiva Samaja. Reply to this appeal, an overwhelming support was received from all over the United States to start an organization.

Soon after, the constitution of the Samaja was drafted and was duly approved by the members. The Internal Revenue Service approved the Veerasaiva Samaja of New York as a non-profit religious organization.  In addition, it was also registered in the Suffolk County, State of New York as a non-profit religious organization.

The first organized meeting of the Samaja was scheduled to take place at the residence of Dr. & Mrs. Veeresh Patil, Dix Hill, New York. But, due to tremendous willingness expressed by the Veerashaivas to attend the meeting, it was moved to the Community Hall of the Jamiaca Hospital, Jamaica, New York with the help of Dr. & Mrs. Shivamurthy.  The members of the Samaja attended were from states of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and part of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Some of the members responsible for the establishment and the growth of the Samaja are: Dr. & Mrs. Veeresh M. Patil(NY), Dr. & Mrs. Linga Raju(NY),  Dr. & Mrs. Mahadev Kumbar(NY), Dr. & Mrs. P. Mohan(NY), Dr. & Mrs. Channabasappa V. Angadi(NY) Dr. & Mrs. Veerabhadrappa(NY), Dr.& Mrs. Basalingappa Hunagund(NY), Dr. & Mrs. Shivamurthy(NY), Mr.& Mrs. Sadananda Desai(NY), Dr.& Mrs. Veerappa Byahatti(NJ), Mr. & Mrs. Prasannaswamy (NJ), Dr. & Mrs. Vijay Hiremat(NJ), Dr. Basavaraj Karjgi, Miss Sandya Karjgi and Dr. & Mrs. Guru S. Bale(NJ).

The Samaja celebrates Shivaratri on March, Basava Jayanthi in May and Deepavali in October of each year. Also the members meet during June or July for their annual picnic. Since the inception of the Samaja, many members contributed towards its nurturing and growth.  The members who contributed towards the growth came  from all the neighboring states – New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Currently all the activities of the Samaja are more New Jersey centric.  Since it was born in New York and over the years established a stronger foothold in the state of New Jersey, it is currently called as “Veerashaiva Samaja of New York / New Jersey (VSNY/NJ) “.
Please note that if any names have been left out contact the Board for inclusion of those members responsible for the growth of the samaja over the past several years.