Kanaka Dāsaru

Biography

Born Thimmappa Nāyaka, Kanaka Dāsa was a warrior turned saint whose sharp social conscience and piercing devotion produced immortal works like Mohana Tarangini and Nālacāri. His aṅkita Ādi Keśava proclaims Keśava as the origin of all. Denied entry to the temple at Udupi, he composed from outside — and tradition holds that the wall itself moved to grant him darśana.