Comprehensive Overview
The unparalleled literature of Dasasahitya, embarked to articulate the true essence of Vedas by saint-poets known as ‘Smrithi-Shuranas’. The extraordinary significance lies in their ability to simplify and render the profound mystical subjects of Dharma Shastras, Tantra Shastras, and Vedanta scriptures in Kannada language for the common populace. This greatness finds its epitome in Kannada Haridasa Sahitya, wherein the efforts of Haridasas in elucidating the secrets of Upanishads and Puranas have been exceptionally fruitful. It’s inconceivable that the translations of Upanishads by Haridasas could be erroneous.
Within their works, one might discern a complete adherence to an Upanishad or a portion thereof.
Dasaru, in the folk style, have unraveled the secrets of scriptures and imparted the scriptural essence to the common masses. In the ambience of melodious tunes, Dasaru, through their musical style, not only illuminated the essence of the scriptures but also enraptured the minds of music connoisseurs.
In essence, it’s undeniable that Haridasaru have addressed a wide array of topics in their works, spanning from the mysteries of creation of the universe to morality and the ways of the world.
In comparison to Telugu and Tamil literature, it’s rare to find such richness and diversity of subject matter. While poets from various regions possess wisdom, it’s through dedicated effort for the betterment of society that they truly shine. Haridasaru haven’t merely delved into the depths of tantric scriptures like Sruti-Smriti-Purana; they’ve also made Vedic and worldly mysticism accessible to the common person through their writings.
Dasasahitya Divisons
- Works related to the secrets of the entire creation.
- Works elucidating the meanings of the Upanishads.
- Works narrating the stories from the Puranas.
- Works explaining the subjects of Tantra scriptures. (Chakrabja Mandala, Pooja paddathi, Mantra Swaroopa, Greatnes of Omkara, etc)
- Works on the subject of Upasane.
- Works on philosophical principles.
- Works on the subject of spiritual practices.
- Works on pilgrimage kshetras.
- Works in praise of Lord Srinivasa.
- Works on the stories and praises of Lord Krishna.
- Works on the praises of Lord Rama.
- Works on the praises of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
- Works on the praises of Lord Narasimha.
- Works on the praises of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu like Hayagriva.
- Works in praise of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
- Works in praise of Lord Hanuman (or Vayu Devaru).
- Works in praise of Lord Rudra (Shiva).
- Works in praise of other deities.
- Works in praise of the Guru Raghavendra.
- Works in praise of other Gurus.
- Works in praise of the Haridasaru.
- Works on the subject of condemning the association with evil & wicked people.
- Works on the subject of the association with virtuous people.
- Works describing the glory of chanting the name of Sri Hari (Vishnu).
- Works describing the glory of the Kali Yuga.
- Works on the subject of worldly ethics.
- Works on the description of pilgrimage merits.
- Narratives like Nalacharitra, Shakuntala, etc., and other classical poems.
- Plays like “Kakkaangada Charre” and other outdoor dramas.
HariKathamaruthasaara :
Jagannathadasa’s “Harikathamritasaara” epitomizes Dasa Sahitya, covering Kannada’s literary pinnacle to Acharya Madhwa’s teachings. It holds a revered place in Kannada literature, with numerous commentaries enriching its depth. Notable commentators like Sankarshana Odeyar and Guru Vijayadasa provide insights. Simplified verse commentaries in Sanskrit by Mandabodhini and “Parimala” by Guru Jagannathadasa further elucidate its teachings. The work, supplemented with illustrations depicting Jagannathadasa’s life and mentioned incarnations, will be accessible online. Regular sets of concise questions and answers, released every fifteen days, will cover its essence. Thus, this offering serves as a beacon of spiritual insight, resonating across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
śrīnivāsa nīne pāliso śritajana pāla gānalola śrī mukuṁdane || pa || dhyānamālpa sajjanara mānadiṁ paripālipa veṇugopālā mukuṁda vedavedya nityānaṁda ||apa||
both pallavi and anupallavi sections are present. This diversity highlights the dynamic evolution of keertana composition throughout history. In further compositions, charanas form a significant portion. Ancient keertanas typically consist of 3, 5, or 7 charanas. Even in these, the second akshara of the first line of the pada, consisting of 2, 3, 4, or 5 padas, can be identical, along with the end phrase. The padas share similar characteristics. While the pallavi serves as the main theme, the anupallavi functions like a commentary on the pallavi, with annotations for both pallavi and anupallavi passages. All keertanas related to Dasa Sahitya will be made available on this website for easy access, along with clear text and detailed explanations.
Suladis :
Suladis are a remarkable contribution of Haridasa literature. The revolution in Suladi creation began with Sri Shripadarajaru. They introduced a characteristic to the structure of composition by adhering to the taala and raga. Karnataka Haridasaru typically have pallavi and anupallavi in a structured sequence of charanas. Charanas consist of regular lines, starting with the same number of padas from the initial phrase. If the first charana has 4 padas, subsequent ones also have 4 each. However, there’s no strict rule. Suladis lack uniformity. Initially, there are no pallavi and anupallavi in Suladis; instead, a composition called ‘jate’ appears at the end. Adi prasa is crucial in Suladis, and charanas follow a specific structure. Yet, there’s no fixed rule regarding the number of padas in charanas; some have as many as 20 or 25. The complexity arises from the desire of the Dasaru to elaborate comprehensively on their themes.
Today, Suladi singing primarily focuses on rhythmic patterns. Old manuscripts hint at the raga over each Suladi. The wealth of Suladis in Dasasahitya is abundant. These Suladis will be made available on this website with precise text and detailed explanations, categorized by subject and accompanied by commentary.
Ugabhogas :
These Uga Bhogas are also a new creation of the Haridasas. However, their composition is inspired by the teachings of Shivasharanas. In Uga Bhogas, only the second letter of each line is fixed. There is no rule regarding the number of padas, with some having 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 padas. Dasaru did not specify the ragas and talas for Uga Bhogas; they can be sung in any desired raga. Today, there are over 800 Uga Bhogas available. These Uga Bhogas will be made available on this website with precise text and detailed explanations.
Bayalaata (Open Theatres) :
Bayalāṭagaḷu are visual representations, usually accompanied by music and dance, depicting scenes, events, and characters from mythological and historical narratives. These bayalāṭagaḷu are often synchronized with rhythmic movements (gestures) choreographed to songs and verses. They are based on stories found in Puranas, epics, and historical texts. Today, these bayalāṭagaḷu are available in digital format. They will be made accessible on the website for clear reading and interpretation.
Khandakavyas :
Several Dasaru have composed many epic poems. For example, Kanakadasa composed the Nalacharitre and Ramadhanya Charite, while Bhimamma has composed stories like Shakuntalopakhyana. Guru Jagannatha Dasaru has composed works like Rakhavendravijaya and Bhavishyottara Purana. These will be copy-edited and made available on this website for readers.
Harikathe :
Based on the stories from Puranas, there are many divine stories in the treasury of Harikathas in the literature of Dasaru. Khadri has composed three unique Harikathas: Krishna Leela, Kuchelopakhyana and Hanumaddleela. Pranesh Dasaru has composed about ten Harikathas. Several other Harikathas like Srinivasa Kalyana are also renowned. All of these will be copy-edited and made available on this website.
Bruhati :
Jalakreede, Rasakreede, Muyyadapada, Kelupada, Vaikunthavarnane, Gundakriya, Seetha Swayamvara, Rama Bhajane, and hundreds of other compositions are available. These will be copy-edited and presented with information about the authors on this website.
Philosophical texts (Prameya Granthagalu):
Aadyatmamala, Sandhyarahasya, Panchabedha, Paraparatattvadeepika, Srishtirahasya, Prameyaparichaya, and other extraordinary texts, composed by Haridasaru in prose form. Works like Aadyatmamala are published by Gorebalarayaru Hanumantarayaru. There are many philosophical texts that need to be published. All of these will be researched and released on this website with clean text.