We wish all our readers a very happy Kanakadasa jayanthi

Kanaka Nayaka being of the warrior community, his defeat in the field of battle, directed him to the path of devotion. He came to be called Kanaka Nayaka by the people as they found a treasure-trove of gold. Kanaka Dasa was well educated and capable of analyzing the society microscopically. He was also a social reformer and fought against caste system and untouchability. He used to criticize the caste system through his poems and bring social reforms. He has composed many songs in praise of Lord Krishna and other incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Kanaka Dasaru was great poet, philosopher, musician and composer from Karnataka. He is known for his Kirtanes and Ugabhoga compositions in the Kannada language for Karnataka Music.

* Original Name: Thimmappa Nayaka
* Caste: Kuruba (warrior community) family
* Parents: Father : Biregowda
Mother : Beechamma
* Birth Place: Kaginele in Haveri district.
* Period: 1509-1609 A.D

Celebration of Kanaka jayanthi in India

His writing started showing his innovativeness in using day to day activities of common man. For e.g. Ramadhyana Mantra is a poetic expression of conflicts between rich and poor classes where he uses ragi ( staple food of poor and high in nutrients) and rice(main food of rich but not as rich in nutrients) to synonymously to represent poor and rich.

Sri Kanaka Dasas compositions reveal a perfect mastery of Sanskrit and Kannada literature and show that he was well-versed in contemporary literature. He styles himself “Kanakadasottama” in his Mohana-Tarangini. Kanaka Dasa revels his compositions in a strong, fighting style that delivers the message directly. Unlike Purandara Dasa he was a “free-thinker” or “liberal thinker”. In his opinion Caste and creed were no barriers to moksha, where Bhakthi alone counted for it.

Kanakadasa has written about two hundred forty Karnataka music compositions. Here we list some of the major works:

* Nalacharitre (Story of Nala)
* Haribhaktisara (crux of Krishna devotion)
* Nrisimhastava (compositions in praise of Lord Narasimha)
* Ramadhanyacharite (story of ragi millet) and an epic
* Mohanatarangini (Krishna-river).

Besides many devotional songs including “Mundiges” he wrote the Mohanatarangini, Haribhakthasara, Ramadhyana Carite and Nalacarite. His portrayal of feelings is vivid and penetrating. He can be most homely and sublime as occasions demand and rises to inimitable perfection of art.

History of the Krishna temple in Udipi:

In the olden days where untouchablity and caste systems were in progress people of lower classes were not allowed inside the temple premises. The same happened to Kanakadasa, where he was not allowed into the shrine as he was not a Brahmin by birth. Kanakadasa wanted to have a ‘darshan’ of the Krishna idol in Udipi, but he was not allowed inside by orthodox Madhwas.

There is a story that Kanakadasa was siting at the back of the temple, he then started singing in favour of praise of Lord Krishna and was lost to the outside world. Suddenly there was a breach in the wall where Kanaka stood and Lord Krishna offered full darshan turning towards him. We can see the change in the idol even now.

How is Kanakadasa jayanthi celebrated in India:

Kanakadasa jayanthi is celebrated all over india. The announcement of celebrating Kanakadasa’s birthday was made in October, 2008. Following the announcement and subsequent orders issued, a government holiday has been declared at schools, colleges and government offices. This year it is the 515th birth anniversary of Saint Kanakadasa will be celebrated today.