Vachanakara Sri Devara Daasimayya.

Sri Devara Dasimayya, a weaver and pioneer of Vachana literature, was born to Kamayya and Shankari in the village of Mudanuru, now in the Surapura taluq of Kalaburagi district in Karnataka.

According to the Devanga Purana, Sri Devara Dasimayya is considered an incarnation of Sri Devala Maharshi. He lived during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya ruler Jayasimha II (1015-1043 A.D.). Manuscripts such as Basavapurana, Devanga Purana, Shivatatva Chintamani, and Kathamani Sutra Ratnakara provide valuable insights into his life and contributions.

Sri Devara Dasimayya lived about a century before Sri Basavanna, who praised him in many of his vachanas, acknowledging his devotion, conduct, and charitable deeds as exemplary.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination

At birth, Sri Devara Dasimayya was blessed and named by a jangama.From childhood, he showed a deep inclination toward spirituality, particularly devotion to the Shiva temple at Mudanuru, known as Ramanatha. It was believed that Lord Rama himself had worshipped Shiva at this temple.

Despite popular belief that Vachana Sahitya originated in the 12th century, Sri Devara Dasimayya is regarded as the first vachanakara of Kannada literature.

Approximately 176 vachanas of Sri Devara Dasimayya have been discovered. In these concise yet profound verses, he conveys philosophical ideas, the discipline of conjugal life, gender equality, and the importance of charity.

Contributions to Sanatana Dharma

Queen Suggala Devi, the wife of Jayasimha II, was one of Sri Devara Dasimayya’s most famous disciples.

During his time, Sanatana Dharma faced challenges in various regions of India. The Chalukyas, in particular, actively promoted Jainism across vast parts of southwestern and central India.

While historians recognize Sri Adi Shankara as a key force in revitalizing Hinduism in the 8th century, many other saints, philosophers, and theologians also played significant roles in preserving and strengthening Sanatana Dharma.

Sri Devara Dasimayya was one such poet-saint who fought almost single-handedly against the influence of Jainism during the Western Chalukya era. His efforts aimed at re-establishing Hinduism in a society where Jainism was dominant. A century later, Basavanna emerged as a reformer, addressing the excesses of Hindu society in the 12th century through Vedantic thought.

Both Dasimayya and Basavanna were reformers of their times, offering different yet complementary perspectives on sanatana traditions. Beyond them, a long lineage of poets and saints emerged on society’s fringes, preaching virtue, piety, tolerance, and charity. Despite their diverse approaches, they shared a common philosophical foundation adherence to the Vedas and Sanatan Dharma.

Legacy and Recognition

Every year, the Government of Karnataka celebrates Sri Devara Dasimayya Jayanti across various districts. To facilitate participation, the government has declared the day a restricted holiday for its employees.

In remembrance of Sri Devara Dasimayya, a statue was installed under the auspices of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) at Bannappa Park, Cubbonpet, K.G. Road, Bengaluru. Additionally, a prominent road in Bengaluru’s central business district has been renamed Sri Devara Dasimayya Road (Avenue Road Cross, Bengaluru 560002).

A Vachana by Sri Devara Dasimayya:

"You have kept fire in the tree in such a way that it does not burn.
You have kept melted butter in foamy milk in such a way that its fragrance is hidden.
You have kept the soul in the body in such a way that no one can see it.
I am amazed at the way you fuse the differences."
O Ramanatha!
~ Sri Devara Dasimayya

Devanga's Vidhana:
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