Who is the founder of lingayatism?

Answer 1

It is believed that lord Shiva has founded Veerashaiva Philosophy, ever since the man is born on the earth. He has taken the form of Panchacharya, in the Different Yugas (ages).
The Philosophy of Veerashaivism was taught by Shree Jagadguru Renukacharya to Sage Agasthya in the Ancient Times.
Generally, one can observe that Veerashaiva sect of the society are comparatively educated, progress-oriented, enlightened & contributing significantly in various fields like education, trade, commerce, industry, Science & Technology, community development and social welfare etc.

Veerashaiva Religion was found almost about 6000 Year ago by five great pontiffs, who are known as Panchacharya (Pancha means five and Acharya means Pontiff). Those Five Prophets are
Renukaaradhya or Revanaaradhya
Marulaaradhya or Marulasiddha
Ekoramaaradhya or Ekorama
Panditharadhya
Vishwaradhya
It is believed that they sprang from the five great Shiva lingas.
Sl.no. Name of the Jagadguru (Peethas) Place of Origin of Panchacharya
1 Shri Jagadguru Renuka (Rambhapuri) Shree Someshwara Linga
2 Shri Jagadguru Dharuka (Ujjaini) Shree Siddheshwara Linga
3 Shri Jagadguru Ekoraama ( Kedar) Shree Ramanath Linga
4 Shri Jagadguru Panditaradhya ( Shreeshail) Shree Mallikarjuna Linga
5 Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya (Kashi) Shree Vishwanath Linga

Five Face of Lord Shiva
It is also belived that these Panchacharyas represent five face of lord Shiva. One of the favoutite deities of Hindus.
Sadhyojata
Vaamadeva
Aghora
Tatpurusha
Ishaana

In 12th century Basavanna a social reformer adpoted to veerashivasm and publicised it..there is a misconception that Basavanna founded veerashivaism actualy it is not.

V S Manjunath