Nanne Choda is a notable Shaiva poet recognized for his composition "Kumarasambhava," a lengthy poem that narrates the birth of the God Kumara (Karttikeya) and his epic battle with the asura Taraka. While this poem bears some resemblance to Kalidasa’s renowned work of the same name, Nanne Choda distinguishes his narrative by incorporating elements from various sources and crafting unique episodes in his own style.
Nanne Choda hailed from the illustrious dynasty of the
Velanati Chola kings, a lineage that wielded significant influence in their
era. He was born to Srisati and Chodaballi, and he received spiritual and
literary guidance from his mentor, Jangama Mallikarjuna. The precise period of
Nanne Choda’s life is a subject of scholarly debate. While the majority of
historians place him in the twelfth century, there is a faction that contends
he may have lived even earlier, before the time of Nannaya, who flourished in
the eleventh century.
Nanne Choda's contributions to literature, particularly
within the Shaiva tradition, reflect a rich tapestry of mythological and
cultural narratives, underscoring his importance in the annals of South Indian
literary heritage. His work not only celebrates divine exploits but also
exemplifies the vibrant poetic traditions that flourished under the patronage
of the Velanati Chola dynasty.