Allama Prabhu is a 12th century poet-saint from Karnataka. He wrote riddle-like couplets called vachanas which spread the message of Advaita and monotheism, as practised by the Lingayats. He adopted the pen name ‘Guheshwara’ (‘Lord Residing in the Caves’, an allegory to the heart). Allama Prabhu’s verses brought about immense reform as they emphasised on the breakdown of social barriers and single-minded devotion towards Lord Shiva.