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Bhakta Kanakadas
Bhakta Kanakadas (1488-1578) was a mystic, saint and singer of Karnataka. The son of Beerappa, A 'danayaka' (army chief) who controlled 78 villages, and Bachamma, Helearnt the arts of war and administration. Succeeding his father at the age of seventeen, he made his mark both as chief and as warrior. But the early death of his wife and a traumatic experience on the battlefield when he was at death's door changed his life completely. He became a disciple of Sri Vyasaraya and joined the galaxy of the 'dasakoota' or Servants of the Lord, and became one of its brightest stars. He was sometimes humiliated by foolish men because he was a shepherd by birth; but by the flame-likepurity and radiance of his life, he won golden opinion from the truly enlightened like his Master vyasaraya and Sri Purandaradasa. A born poet, he composed a number of poems ranging from the ornate 'Mohanatarangini' and the immensely popular 'Nala Charitre' to the simple lucid and philosophical 'Haribhaktisara' and another on 'Ramadanya charitre'.At once a great mystic and a fitted composer, he sang the logry of the Liord andspread the message of Riught living. He was a chieftain who had served the Vijayanagar Empire in the days of its dazzling gloryl he saw it crushed and humiliated. He had known pompo and power, but had given them up for a life dedicated to the Lord and to his service.
His was a life rich in experience. His teachings reached every heart and every home on the wings of music. A great soul seeking salvation, a wise teacher of mankind, an outspoken mentor of society, a revered music and musician, Kanakadas has become the teacher of the learned and the masses.Some of his songs, denouncing caste and embodying the message of Right Conduct, are on everybody's lips. His life and works shed their effulgence across the centuries, guiding men and women along the path of wisdom and serenity.
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