Kanaka Dāsa
16th century · Karnataka · Haridāsa
Kanaka Dāsa, born in the Kuruba (shepherd) community, was a chieftain and soldier who turned to devotion and became a disciple of Vyāsatīrtha. A poet, philosopher and musician, he wrote kīrtanas signed “Kāginele Ādikeśava” and longer poems such as the Mohanataraṅgiṇi, the Nalacaritre and the Rāmadhānya Caritre — a fable in which millet (rāgi) wins against rice, a quiet lesson about the dignity of the poor.
His songs question caste pride and call for sincere devotion.
Tradition says Kanaka was not allowed into the Kṛṣṇa temple at Uḍupi because of his caste. He stood at the back wall and sang, and the wall cracked open and the image of Kṛṣṇa turned to face him. The window, “Kanakana Kiṇḍi”, is still shown to pilgrims, who view the Lord through it.
Kuruba community · Kanakana Kiṇḍi, Uḍupi · Rāmadhānya Caritre