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Kanaka Dasa was a key figure in the Bhakti movement who opposed strict caste-based systems in places of worship, prevalent back at that time.
The Karnataka Government has declared the birth anniversary of Kanaka Dasa a public holiday.(File pic)
Every year, Karnataka observes Kanakadasa Jayanti as a public holiday in remembrance of the poet and saint Kanaka Dasa. Kanaka Dasa was a poet, composer and philosopher from the 16th century who played a significant role in the Indian Bhakti movement.
According to the Hindu Lunar Calendar, Kanakadasa Jayanti is celebrated on the eighteenth day of Kartik Month. For Kannadigas, the occasion is a day of devotion and spiritual significance, marked by prayers and rituals performed in temples and homes. This year, Kanakadasa Jayanti falls on November 18.
Why is Kanakadasa Jayanti celebrated?
A significant figure in the literary world, Kanaka Dasa raised social awareness through his writings. He opposed the caste system and socioeconomic inequalities. He composed Ramadhaanya Charite, which addressed the issue of class division. In his kirtans, Kanaka Dasa promoted equality for people from all walks of life, which were frequently parodies of social topics.
The Karnataka Government has declared the birth anniversary of Kanaka Dasa a public holiday. Government agencies, universities, schools and banks are closed on this day. Cultural events are planned and people offer flowers to Kanakadasa’s paintings and idols.
Facts On Kanaka Dasa
Kanaka Dasa was born on December 3, 1509. He was originally called Thimmappa Nayaka.
Kanaka Dasa’s Carnatic-style compositions are held in high acclaim.
He wrote all of his songs under the pen name Kaaginele Adikeshava.
Some of his well-known compositions are Ramadhaanya Charite, Haribhakthisara, Nalacharithre, Mohanatarangini and Nrisimhastava.
Born in a Kuruba (shepherd) family, Kanaka Dasa was a warrior before he became a saint.
Kanaka Dasa’s devotees believe that he gave up being a warrior after miraculously surviving grave injuries in a battle.
Kanaka Dasa’s life underwent a significant spiritual shift after meeting Saint Vyasatheertha, the leader of the Krishna Math in Udupi.
Inspired by Vyasatheertha’s teachings, he gave up all of his materialistic pursuits and committed his life to devotion.
Later on, he also followed in Vyasatheertha’s footsteps and studied Hindu philosophy and texts.
Kanaka Dasa was a key figure in the Bhakti movement who opposed strict caste-based systems in places of worship, prevalent back at that time.
Since most songs of faith were in the Sanskrit language which was inaccessible to the masses, Kanaka Dasa and fellow writers-composers Purandaradasa and Haridasa composed kirtans in the Kannada language so that the ordinary people could understand them.
His songs defied the norms and caste distinction.
Kanaka Dasa was a devotee of Lord Krishna.
He became an important member of the Dasakoota — a community of Haridasas.
Haridasas are devotees of Lord Krishna devotees who dedicate their entire lives to spirituality and music.
Kanaka Dasa passed away in 1606.
