Veeragollala (ವೀರ ಗೊಲ್ಲಾಳ)

The stone is not linga
it breaks at the edge of chisel;
the tree is not god, it burns in fire;
clay is not god, it melts in water.
the mind that knows all these is not god;
coming within the power of the senses
it has lost its value.
Thus the way to preserve the Thing is:
not to associate with all and sundry;
not mixing the ritual one adheres with something else;
not dealing with any other than the true linga one believes in.
Such a one is he
whose whole self is linga;
he is the sharanas
who is within Virabeereshwaralinga. [Vachana No.2027] ^[1]

Veeragollala belonged to Golageri village in Sindagi taluk of Bijapur district. His original name was Kaatakuta. He was a shepherd. He has earned fame as a devotee of Shiva. Several texts have recorded his story. 10 of his vachanas with the signature Veerabeereshwara Linga have been found. Because of his innocent nature, he has earned a permanent place in the minds of the common people. There is a temple in his name in Golageri and yearly festival takes place in his honor.