Explanation:

The early medieval period saw the emergence and increasing popularity of the Virashaiva or Lingayat movement. This sect originated in north-western Karnataka in about the 12th century. x Although its leadership was largely Brahmana, its main social base comprised artisans, traders, and farmers. It rejected the Vedic tradition, sacrifices, rituals, social customs, and superstitions. They were also opposed to idol worship. Hence statement 1 is not correct. x The movement had an anti-caste and anti-Brahmanical orientation. The Virashaivas argued strongly for the equality of all human beings and against Brahmanical ideas about caste and the treatment of women. Hence statement 2 is correct. x The sect traced its lineage to five legendary teachers—Renuka, Daruka, Ghantakarna, Dhenukarna, and Vishvakarna. However, the great popularity it achieved in Karnataka was to a large extent due to the contribution of Basavanna. Akka Mahadevi was a woman saint belonging to this tradition. Hence statement 3 is correct. x From the Karnataka region, the Virashaiva movement spread to other parts of South India. Male as well as female members of this sect wear a linga called the ishta-linga on their body. x While loving kindness towards all was a feature of the teachings of some of the saints, the greatest emphasis was on devotion towards Shiva. x The Virashaivas accepted many of the doctrines of other Shaiva schools, but their core ideas are encapsulated in free verse lyrics known as vachanas, composed by the saints.