Kanakadasa Jayanthi celebrates the birth anniversary of Saint and Poet Kanakadasa, one of the greatest social reformers of Karnataka and who is equally noted for his musical compositions. In 2026, Kanakadasa Jayanthi date is on November 27. This year it is the 526th birth anniversary of Saint
Kanakadasa. He belongs to the Haridasa literary movement, which composed songs in praise of Lord Krishna and other incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The devotional songs he composed became very popular, and the philosophical ideas in his compositions were presented in a simple language that made them accessible to the common people.
From a young age Kanakadasa had to bear the brunt of the notorious caste system and untouchability and he fought against the evil through his poems, which exposed the futility of external rituals and stressed the need for promoting of moral values in life.
"ಮಾನವ
ಜನ್ಮ ದೊಡ್ಡದು, ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾನವತ್ವ ಇನ್ನೂ ದೊಡ್ಡದು."
Mānava janma doḍḍadu, adaralli mānavatva innu doḍḍadu.
Human birth is great, but humanity within is greater still.
"ಕುಲ
ಗೊತ್ರ ವಿಚಾರವಿಲ್ಲ ಹರಿಭಕ್ತಗೆ."
Kula gotra vichāravilla Hari bhaktage.
A true devotee of Hari knows no caste or lineage.
Poems of Kanakadasa dealt with every aspect of life and he was highly critical of the caste system. In one such poem, Ramadhanyacharite, he suggests that the difference between the higher and lower castes is similar to the difference between rice and millet. Rice is used by high caste people and for religious rituals. Millet is the staple food of the poor. But Millet is much higher in status in the eyes of God (Lord Ram).
Great Bhakti poet, philosopher, musician, social reformer, composer are some of the titles often associated with Kanakadasa. A society like ours, which has lost its moral values and is divided on communal, language and caste lines, more than ever before, need the message and teachings of the social reformer Sri Kanaka Dasaru.
Kanakadasa was born in 1509 in the village of Bada in the Haveri district of Karnataka. His parents were Beerappa and Bachamma. Kanakadasa's real name was Timmappa Naikudu. From a young age, he embraced Vedantic philosophy and became a great devotee.
He wrote many devotional texts, including Narasimha Stotra, Mohana Taringini, Nalacharitra, and Hari Bhakti Sara.
Kanaka Jayanthi is annually observed on Kartik Krishna Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Karnataka.
Kanakadasa and Udupi Temple – Kanaka’s Window
Kanakadasa was an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna from a young age.
Kanakadasa had a special connection with Udupi.
At the request of Vyasaraja Swamiji, he went to Udupi. During this time, society was deeply rooted in the caste system, and certain groups were considered impure. When Kanakadasa tried to enter the temple, the priests did not allow him to. Even though Vyasaraja Swamiji had instructed them, they refused to let him in. As a result, Kanakadasa sat outside the temple and, with deep devotion, sang praises of Lord Krishna. For several weeks, he remained outside, immersed in his devotion.
One day, cracks appeared in the temple wall. Through these cracks, Kanakadasa had a vision of the deity, and the idol seemed to turn toward him. Though the Udupi temple faced east, the idol of Lord Krishna was seen to be facing south, toward Kanakadasa. People believe that Kanakadasa’s devotion was so powerful that it made the deity turn in his direction.
As a result of his prayers and unparalleled devotion, the murti of Bhagavan Sri Krishna in Udupi temple turned towards the direction where Kanakadasa was standing and the temple wall collapsed enabling Kanakadasa to have darshan of Lord Krishna.
Even today the opening is called Kanaka’s window at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.
"ಆದರೆ ಇಲ್ಲ, ಪರಾಭಾವ ಇಲ್ಲ, ಈಶ್ವರ ಸಮವಾಗಿ ನೋಡುವನು."
Ādare illa, parābhāva illa, Īśvara samavāgi nōḍuvanu.
There is no high or low before God; He sees all equally.
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