Carana Dasa (1702 – 82) was a saint and author of number of devotional books. He followed the Nirguna tradition and was born in Mewar in Rajasthan. The prime source of inspiration for his works is the eleventh section of Bhagavata Purana. He generally preferred yoga sadhana, laced with knowledge and devotion.
It is said that he had 52 disciples. Sahajo Bai and Dayabai were his women disciples. Carana Dasa believed in women’s right to worship and practice of sadhana.
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| Mewar, Rajasthan |
Carana Dasa is credited with the authorship of 21 works. Among these are Braja Carita, Amar Loka, Akhand Dham Varnan, Dharma Jahaz Varnan, Ashtanga Yoga Varnana, Yoga Sandesha Sagar, Gyan Swarodaya, Prashna Upanishad, Bhakti Padartha Varnana, Man Vikrtikarana, Gutkasar, Brahman Gyan Sagar, Sabda and Bhakti Sagar.
Besides these, a few other works such as Jagran Mahatmya, Dan Lila, Matki Lila, Kali Nath Kurukshetra Lila, Nasket Leela and Kavitha are ascribed to his authorship. His description of the significance of Krishna’s actions, bring him close to the Vaishnava line as well.
Carana Dasa Personal Life
He was born in village Dhehara in Mewar in Rajasthan on Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Tritiya in 1703 CE to Murali Dhara and Kunjo Devi. The Dhusars of Mewar were known as Vadhusar (Bhargava) Brahmins.
Carana Dasa has spoken of Sukadeva as his guru, and regards him as identical with Sukadeva, son of Sage Vyasa. As against this, tradition has it that his guru was one Sukhdeva of Sukhanand Village in the vicinity of Muzaffarnagar.
He received instruction in yoga from his guru and mastered ashtanga yoga. He spent the conclusive part of his life in Delhi. He passed away in 1782 CE.