Devara Dasimayya: The Voice of Wisdom and Equality in 12th Century

Devara Dasimayya: The Voice of Wisdom and Equality in 12th Century Kannada Literature

Devara Dasimayya, one of the earliest saint poets of Karnataka, is celebrated as a pioneer among the vachanakaras of the 12th century. His vachanas—short, poetic expressions of spiritual insight—preceded the works of prominent figures like Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, and Akkamahadevi. Belonging to the weaver community (Jeda), Dasimayya lived in Mudanur, a village in present-day Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) district. His vachanas were penned in devotion to his deity, Ramanatha, a form of Lord Shiva, whose name served as his poetic signature (Ankita).

Dasimayya’s vachanas stand apart for their critique of superficial devotion, hypocrisy, caste and gender discrimination, and the hollowness of rigid religious institutions. His words advocate sincere labor, introspection, and spiritual equality. Here are some of his profound vachanas, translated from Kannada to English:

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1. The Universality of the Body

"He who has a body feels hungry.
He who has a body tells a lie.
Do not slight me as one with a body.
Have a body like me once, and then see—Ramanatha."

Dasimayya acknowledges the frailties of human existence, urging others to transcend judgment and empathize with the shared struggles of living in a mortal body.

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2. Ownership of the Body

"If it is my body, will it not follow my will?
If it is your body, will it not follow your will?
Look, it is neither my body nor yours;
It is the body of the enchanting world you have created—Ramanatha."

Here, he questions the illusion of ownership over the body, emphasizing its transience and divine origin.

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3. Interdependence in Nature

"Fire can only burn, cannot blow.
Wind can only blow and cannot burn.
That fire cannot venture out unless it joins with the wind.
Can mortals know a like pattern exists of action-knowledge-difference—Ramanatha?"

Through this metaphor, Dasimayya illustrates the interconnectedness of elements in the natural world, drawing parallels to human actions and understanding.

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4. Hidden Unity in Differences

"You have kept fire in tree in such a way that it does not burn.
You have kept melted butter in foamy milk in such a way that its fragrance is hidden.
You have kept soul in body in such a way that it is not seen by any.
Lord, I am amazed at the way you fuse the differences—Ramanatha."

This vachana marvels at the hidden mysteries of creation, where opposites coexist seamlessly under divine orchestration.

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5. Wisdom Over Material Wealth

"I care not for the offer of an elephant; I care not for the offer of wealth.
If I am offered wise words of your sharanas even for a moment,
I will offer you in return—Ramanatha."

Dasimayya places wisdom and spiritual knowledge above material possessions, valuing the teachings of devoted seekers (sharanas).

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6. The Deception of False Devotion

"Do not trust that the devotion of a fraud is true.
Look, it is like the cat in a math (monastery) diving after a rat—Ramanatha."

A sharp critique of hypocritical religious practices, this vachana warns against misplaced faith in deceitful devotion.

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7. Questioning Caste and Gender Norms

"Does a wife’s life-breath have breasts and braid?
Does master’s life-breath wear the sacred thread?
Does the low-born at the last come holding a caste-staff?
The knots you have entangled—how do the people of the world know, Ramanatha?"

Dasimayya dismantles the constructs of caste and gender, highlighting the formless, universal essence of the soul.

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8. Beyond Gender Duality

"If breasts and braids grow, they call it female.
If beard and moustache grow, they call it male.
Look, the soul moving in between is neither male nor female—Ramanatha."

In this profound statement, he articulates the spiritual truth that the soul transcends physical and societal labels of gender.

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Legacy of Devara Dasimayya

Devara Dasimayya’s vachanas remain timeless, speaking to the essence of humanity and spirituality. They challenge societal hierarchies and encourage introspection, advocating for a life of sincerity, wisdom, and equality.

For those interested in exploring his vachanas in-depth, see The Sign: Vachanas of the 12th Century, edited by O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy and published by Kannada University, Hampi. This compilation, enriched by translations from scholars like Vijaya Guttal, brings the essence of Dasimayya’s philosophy to a global audience.

As we revisit his words in the modern era, they resonate with the same transformative power, reminding us to seek truth beyond superficial divisions and illusions.