Haralayya


Haralayya, a 12th-century lingayat saint and poet of Vachana sahitya.
He also joined, Anubhava Mantapa, the hall of fame created by Basava, where every caste was welcomed.

History

Haralayya was born in Kalyan town, Karnataka. He used to do cobbling and was an ardent follower of Basava. He was married with Kalyanamma, who was also a follower of Basava.
Both couples offered footwear made by their own skin to Basava because of misbhmehaviour they did with him by not repeating the salutation. Though Basava got impressed, in spite of taking shoes he honoured it by keeping footwear on head and kept them infront of god.
While returning Madhavarasa, a Brahmin minister of Kalchuris, tried to snatch the shoes and took it with him. But it doesn't made him happy for long time and he got caught leprosy. His maid took him to Haralayya to cure him and after bathing in water from Haralayya's tank he got cured. Madhavarasa apologized to him and took 'Istalingadiksha' and became follower of Lingayatism.
Basava fixed marriage of Madhavarasa's daughter 'Lavanya' with Haralayya's son 'Sheelavantha' which resulted in strong opposition by Bijjala II, the ruler of Southern Kalachuris. Being offended from the decision he killed both Madhavara and Haralayya's family.

In popular culture

In 2014, Kannada film director, Purushottam directed the movie, Mahasharana Haralayya.
Haralayya Tirth was built at the entrance of the town, Basavakalyan by Basava Dharma Peetha Charitable Trust.