Rudrakavi Kandukuri was a notable Bhakti poet who flourished between 1480 and 1560 CE during the reign of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya. He is believed to have held a prominent position in Krishnadevaraya's court, contributing significantly to Telugu literature. Though it is thought that Rudrakavi Kandukuri wrote numerous works, three of his major narrative poems have garnered particular attention.
Sugriva Vijayamu: This work is regarded as the oldest available Yakshagana in Telugu. It narrates the story of the killing of Vali by Rama and the subsequent coronation of Sugriva. Sugriva Vijayamu was dedicated to Janardana, the presiding deity of the temple at Kandukuru. This narrative not only highlights the valor and justice of Rama but also emphasizes the themes of divine intervention and rightful leadership.
Nirankushopakhyanamu: This poem tells the tale of a wayward youth named Nirankusha. Through divine grace, Nirankusha undergoes a transformation and is reformed. This narrative underscores the Bhakti movement's emphasis on the transformative power of devotion and the possibility of redemption through divine grace.
Janardanashtakamu: This is a collection of eight verses in praise of Janardana, an epithet of the god Vishnu. These verses reflect the poet's deep devotional fervor and his literary prowess in encapsulating profound spiritual sentiments in concise poetic forms.
Apart from Rudrakavi Kandukuri, there were two other poets with the same name. One of them lived around the same period, and another lived in the 17th century CE. This multiplicity of poets named Rudrakavi can sometimes lead to confusion regarding the attribution of certain works, but the contributions of Rudrakavi Kandukuri, particularly his three major poems, remain well-recognized in Telugu literary history.
Rudrakavi Kandukuri's works are valuable not only for their literary merit but also for their role in the Bhakti movement, which sought to make spirituality accessible to the masses through vernacular languages and devotional poetry. His narratives and verses continue to be celebrated for their devotional intensity and their contribution to Telugu literature and culture.