King-Saint Basavanna

© K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Sage Basaveshwara who founded the Lingayat cult in 12th century
Basaveshwara made the path of salvation available to all sections of the society, even to those condemned by the caste system (janitors, prostitutes), by teaching them the path to God through their vocation.

See also:
Town of Koodalasangam, History of Kannada Literature IV