KAYAKAVE KAILASA REVISITED: MAHATMA BASAVESHWARA’S PHILOSOPHY OF WORK AS WORSHIP IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

Mahatma Basaveshwara, a prominent 12th-century Indian thinker and social activist, presented the deep idea of “Kayakave Kailasa,” which means “Work is Worship” or “Work is Paradise.” This concept raises everyday toil to a divine level, stressing respect, fairness, and commitment through routine tasks, regardless of one’s position in society. This article reexamines Basaveshwara’s doctrines using modern moral theories, such as virtue-based ethics, duty-based ethics, consequence-oriented methods, and current corporate morals like corporate social responsibility (CSR) and eco-friendly progress. By linking old Lingayat vachanas (poetic expressions) to present-day ethical ideas, the research investigates how “Kayakave Kailasa” might tackle urgent problems like disparities in employment, moral work standards, and blending faith into non-religious job settings. The examination shows that Basaveshwara’s concepts provide an enduring moral base for encouraging purposeful employment, fairness in society, and complete wellness in our interconnected world today. Through a contrasting method, this study illustrates the importance of native Indian thoughts in enhancing today’s moral discussions, supporting a blend that views work as a route to individual and group satisfaction.