Aiming for a PhD in Basava dharma and its philosophy? Wondering where you can get rare books on this subject? Dr Shivanna may just be the man you are looking for. He has shelves full of books relating to this subject in his unique library called, Basava Philosophy Propagation Centre and Research Library. Not many people are even aware of its existence. In fact, this is the only such centre in the whole of Karnataka, says Dr Shivanna.

Dr Shivanna, a retired Deputy Librarian from Bangalore University, has already put up a proposal to Bangalore University whereby a couple of students from there can pursue their PhD degree in the Veerashaiva Philosophy and its dharma by making use of this rare library. The library will be open from morning till late in the evening on all days. Dr Shivanna says a modest stipend will also be offered to those who aspire to pursue a PhD in this field.
Dr Shivanna’s library, also known as the Basava Thatva Prachaara Kendra Mattu Samshodhanaa Grantha Bhandaara (Basava Philosophy Propagation Centre and Research Library) in Rajarajeswari Nagar, Bangalore has nearly 4,000 books which are of great importance and which are very rarely available anywhere in the State in the field of Veerashaiva Dharma and its philosophy. 

Dr Shivanna proudly says that this is the library where one can find and read anything and everything about Veerashaivism down the ages.

Some of the rare books on Veerashaiva dharma and its philosophy in Dr Shivanna’s possession include: Veerashaiva Dharma, Allama Prabhu Sahitya, Akkamahadevi Sahitya, Basava Sahitya, Veerashaiva Dharma Mattu Mathacharane, Veerashaiva Dharma Mattu Pooja Vidhi, Veerashaiva Dharma Mattu Vachana Sahitya, Veerashaiva Dharma Mattu Mathagalu, Siddantha Sikhamani, just to mention a few.

In another section of the library, one can see hundreds of years old Vachana Samputa of many Veerashaiva saints and sages, along with books on Veerashaiva literature.

Some of them include Veerashaiva Dharma Darshana, Nijagunara Samagra Kruthigalu, Viveka Chinthamani, Sankeerna Vachana Samputa from 1 to 9 volumes (huge books); Basavannanavara Vachana Samputa, Allama Prabhu Devara Vachana Samputa; Channabasavannanavara Vachana Samputa; Siddarameshwararavara Vachana Samputa; Shiva Sharaneyara Vachana Samputa, etc.

One can also see Dr Mujagamravara Jeevana Mattu Saadhane (Big volume) and Vishwa Prabhe. Also, Shiva Thatva Ratnakara by Prof Mallepuram G Venkatesh, etc. Rashtra Dharma Drashtaara (1,348 pages), Hardekar Manjappa Memorial serial books, Kannada Visva Vidyalaya Viswakosha Charite, Kannada Viswakosha, etc., can also be found here.

Dr Shivanna feels sorry that many people of the new generation have forgotten about these great personalities and their sayings. To draw the attention of the modern people to the lives of these men, Dr Shivanna has published, edited and written many small booklets on great personalities especially those saints and sages belonging to Veerashaivism.

Mr Kalaghatgi, who belongs to Belgaum, looks after the library when Dr Shivanna is away to meet people and to bring books for the library.

Mr Kalaghatgi had rendered more than 30 years of service in the City Central Library, Bangalore, before he joined Dr Shivanna's library.

For details, contact: Dr G Shivanna, Basava Thatva Kendra Mattu Samshodhana Granthabhandaara, No. 597, 6th Cross, 4th Stage, BEML Layout, Rajarajeshwari Nagara, Bangalore 560098.