Lingayats, also known as Veerashaivas, are a religious community in India who follow the teachings of the 12th-century philosopher and social reformer, Basavanna. They consider themselves as a separate religious group within Hinduism, with their own distinct beliefs and practices. Lingayats worship Lord Shiva as their primary deity.

Shiva Worship:
Lingayats believe in monotheism, with Lord Shiva as the supreme deity. They emphasize the worship of Shiva in his formless, all-pervasive aspect called "Linga." The Linga is a symbolic representation of the divine energy and is often represented as a cylindrical stone or a lingam. Lingayats believe that the Linga represents the formless and eternal nature of God.

Importance of Guru:
Lingayats place great importance on the role of a spiritual leader or guru in their religious practice. They believe that the guru is a direct link to God and helps them in their spiritual journey. The guru is considered as a guide, mentor, and a source of divine knowledge.

Basava's Teachings:
Lingayats follow the teachings of Basavanna, who emphasized the principles of social equality, rejection of caste system, and the importance of individual spiritual experience over external rituals. Basava's teachings are compiled in the Vachana Sahitya, a collection of poetic works.

Key Beliefs:
Lingayats believe in the equality of all individuals, irrespective of their caste or social status. They reject the traditional Hindu caste system and promote social justice and equality. They also believe in the concept of "Kayaka" which emphasizes the importance of honest labor and service to society.

Rituals and Practices:
Lingayats have distinct rituals and practices that revolve around the worship of Shiva. They wear a small pendant called "Ishtalinga" that contains a small Linga, which they consider as a symbol of their devotion to Shiva. They also perform daily prayers, meditation, and recite sacred texts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lingayats worship Lord Shiva as their primary deity. They consider Shiva as the ultimate reality and focus on the formless aspect of God represented by the Linga. Lingayats also emphasize the importance of a spiritual guru, follow the teachings of Basavanna, and promote social equality and honest labor.