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Purandara Dasa’s and Kanaka Dasa’s Timeless Devotion to Lord Srinivasa

Author:

D P Anantha
Ph.D Research Scholar,
Karnataka Samskrit University,
Bangalore, Karnataka

Co-Authors:

Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi,
Vice-Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University (Research Guide)

Dr. Vinay P
Assistant Professor, (Research Co-Guide)
Head of the Department of Vedanta,
Karnataka Samskrit University,
Bangalore, Karnataka

Introduction

Purandara Dasa, the father of Carnatic music, was not just a musical genius but also a profound devotee of Lord Srinivasa, the presiding deity of the Tirumala Tirupati temple. Through his devotional songs composed in Kannada, Purandara Dasa captured the essence of his unwavering faith in Lord Srinivasa. In this article, we will explore Purandara Dasa’s references to Lord Srinivasa, accompanied by Kannada quotations, shedding light on the spiritual connection he shared with the deity.

Purandara Dasa’s Devotion

Purandara Dasa, whose original name was Srinivasa Nayaka, lived in the 15th century. He is known for his immense contribution to Carnatic music and his equally deep devotion to Lord Srinivasa. His compositions are a testament to his profound love and unwavering faith in the divine.

Kannada Quotations by Purandara Dasa

“ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ ನಾಮ ಕೊಟ್ಟನವರು ಕೆಂಕಣಕೆ ಆಗವಾದರು.”

Translation: “Venkatarmana (Lord Srinivasa) is the giver of His name, and He has come to reside in my heart.”

“ಪುರಂಧರ ವಿಟ್ಟಲನು ಪುಣ್ಯವೇ ಅವತಾರ.”

Translation: “Purandara Vittala (a form of Lord Srinivasa) is the incarnation of purity.”

“ಪಾಪನು ನಮಗೆ ಪೀಡೆಯನು, ಪುರಂಧರವಿಟ್ಟಲನು ಪ್ರಾಣನಾಥನು.”

Translation: “Sin may cause us suffering, but Purandara Vittala is the Lord of our souls.”

“ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ ಪ್ರೇಮಸ್ತವ ಕಣಕೆ, ಕಂದರಕೆ ಆದುರು ಆನಂದಪ್ರೇಮಕೆ ಕರುಣಿಸು.”

Translation: “Lord Venkatesha, shower your compassionate love on me, for I am your devotee and long for your divine grace.”

“ಕೊಯ್ತಲ ನಾಯಕಾ ನನ್ನ ನಾಯಕಾ, ಕೊಯ್ತಲನ ರಾಜಪಥದಲಿ ಬೇರನು ನಾನು ಕೈಹಾಕುವೆ.”

Translation: “The Lord of Koysala (Srinivasa), you are my master. I place my faith only in your royal path.”

Purandara Dasa’s compositions in Kannada are an integral part of Karnataka’s devotional and musical heritage. His deep connection with Lord Srinivasa, evident in these Kannada quotations, continues to inspire devotion and reverence for Lord Venkateswara at the Tirumala Tirupati temple and beyond.

Kanaka Dasa: A Devotee and Poet

Kanaka Dasa, a prominent 16th-century Bhakti poet and philosopher from Karnataka, was known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Srinivasa, the presiding deity of the Tirumala Tirupati temple. Through his Kannada compositions, Kanaka Dasa expressed profound love and reverence for Lord Srinivasa, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Karnataka. In this article, we will delve into Kanaka Dasa’s references to Lord Srinivasa, featuring Kannada quotations that encapsulate his deep spiritual connection with the deity.

Kanaka Dasa, originally named Thimmappa Nayaka, underwent a profound transformation in his life when he became a devotee of Lord Krishna. He composed a vast body of devotional poetry in Kannada, and his compositions are celebrated for their spiritual depth and social messages. Kanaka Dasa’s devotion to Lord Srinivasa was an integral part of his spiritual journey, and it continues to inspire countless devotees to this day.

Kannada Quotations by Kanaka Dasa

“ಸಿರಿಯ ಕಣಿವೆ ನೆಡವೆ ಸಿದ್ಧರಸಾನಂದಲಹರಿ, ಹೆತ್ತ ಗೋವಿನೆ ಪಾಲಿಸು.”

Translation: “O Lord Srinivasa! Guard my humble offerings and bestow the nectar of divine bliss upon me.”

“ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಕುಶಲಗೋವಿಯಾ ಹುಡುಗನ ಪಾಡು ದಯೆಯೆಂದೀನೆ.”

Translation: “I consider myself a child of Lord Srinivasa; His grace is my only refuge.”

“ಆದಿತ್ಯ ಹುತ್ವಾ ಸವಿತೃಜಯ ಕುಂಡದಿ ಬಿತ್ತರೆ ಪಾಪಕರ್ಮಗಳು ಹತವಾಗುತತಿ.”

Translation: “By planting the seed of devotion to Lord Srinivasa in the well of the sun, the weeds of sin are destroyed.”

“ಕನಕದಾಸ ಪಾಡಿಲುವರು, ಮತ್ತೆ ಆ ಸ್ಥಾನದಲಿನ್ನು ನಾನು ಬಾರಲಾಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.”

Translation: “Kanaka Dasa’s devotees will reach the divine abode, and I will not be born again.”

Kanaka Dasa’s compositions in Kannada are a testament to his deep love for Lord Srinivasa and his devotion to the divine. His profound spiritual insights and devotion continue to resonate with devotees, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance in their spiritual journeys.

Conclusion

Purandara Dasa’s devotion to Lord Srinivasa, expressed through his Kannada compositions, remains an enduring source of inspiration for devotees. His heartfelt expressions of love and faith in the deity continue to resonate with those who seek solace and spiritual guidance at the Tirumala Tirupati temple, reinforcing the temple’s role as a center of devotion and cultural significance.

Kanaka Dasa’s devotion to Lord Srinivasa, as expressed through his Kannada poetry, stands as a cherished part of Karnataka’s cultural and spiritual heritage. His heartfelt verses and profound faith in the deity continue to inspire and uplift those who seek solace and spiritual connection at the Tirumala Tirupati temple, reinforcing its significance as a center of devotion and cultural richness.

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