 As per record, this form exchange of experience of the realization of the God in group discussion has happened only in Karnataka by the sharanas mainly under the guidance of Basavanna the founder of Lingayth religion, Channa Basavanna Allama Prabhu and Siddarameshwar.This fact has been attributed to the popularity of the movement.More than 200 Vachana writers ("Vachanakaras") have been recorded and more than thirty of whom were women.