Hare Srinivasa
Sri Kanaka Dasaru (1509 – 1609)
Mudrika (Signature): Kagineleyaadi Keshava
Guru: Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha Mahaprabhu
Famous Works: Nalacharitre, Haribhaktisara, Ramadhanyacharitre, Mohanatarangini, and over a thousand Dasa Padagalu
Birthplace: Kaginele, near Lord Adikeshava Temple, Haveri District, Karnataka
Parents: Sri Biregowda & Smt. Beechamma
Contemporary: Sri Purandara Dasaru
Sri Kanaka Dasaru was one of the most revered Haridasas of the Dvaita tradition. Though born a shepherd, he became a profound scholar of both Shaiva and Vaishnava philosophies. After receiving jnana upadesha from Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha, he demonstrated that caste is never a barrier to divine knowledge — only the grace of Hari–Vayu leads one toward moksha.
Originally a Shaivite, he later embraced Vaishnavism and the Madhva philosophy, realizing its depth through his guru. His compositions reflect deep devotion, humility, and understanding of Taratamya tattva (the hierarchy of divinities). Sri Purandara Dasaru and Sri Kanaka Dasaru held mutual respect for each other’s wisdom and musical contributions to Hari bhakti.
Note: As Sri Kanaka Dasaru Jayanthi falls on 17th November 2025, this post marks the beginning of a special series dedicated to sharing his divine pearls of wisdom and devotion.
Introducing the “Pearls of Sri Kanaka Dasa” Series
Following the “Pearls of Sri Purandara Dasa” series click here , I will now be sharing the divine compositions of Sri Kanaka Dasaru, one by one, in English — in honour of his upcoming Jayanthi.
Sri Kanaka Dasaru was one of the great saints of the Haridasa movement, whose songs carry deep moral values, humility, and unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna. Through this series, I aim to bring his timeless messages to today’s readers — translated and explained for everyone to understand and reflect upon.
Each post will include the original lines, their meaning in English, and a short reflection on their spiritual essence. Thanks to karnatik.com for the lyrics.
Song: bArO krSnayya
pallavi
bArO krSnayya krSnayya bArO krSnayya ninna bhaktara manEgiga
(bArO)anupallavi
bArO ninna mukha tOrO ninna sari yArO jagadara shIlanE
(bArO)caraNam 1
andugE padagavu kAlandugE kiru gejjE dhim dhimi
dhimi dhimi dhimi kenuta pongoLalanUduta barayya
(bArO)caraNam 2
kaNkaNa karadalli ponnungura hoLeyuta kinkiNi kiNI kiNi kiNi enuta
pongoLalanUdutha bArayya bArO krSnayya
(bArO)CaraNam 3
vAsa uDupili nEleyAdi kEshavanE dAsa ninna pada dAsa ninna pada
dAsa ninna pada dAsa kanakanu bArayya
(bArO)
Meaning:
The song is a joyous invitation to Lord Krishna to come into the hearts and homes of His devotees. Sri Kanaka Dasa lovingly calls out — “Come, Krishna, come!” — longing to see His beautiful face and divine presence, which has no equal in the world.
In the verses, the poet describes Krishna’s playful and graceful dance, the gentle jingling of His anklets and bracelets, and the radiance of His golden ornaments. Each sound — dhimi dhimi, kiNi kiNi — paints a lively picture of the Lord’s rhythmic steps as He moves joyfully.
Finally, Kanaka humbly prays, calling himself the servant at Krishna’s feet, and begs the Lord, Keshava, to dwell in his heart forever. The entire song reflects devotion, love, and the blissful longing of a true bhakta for the divine presence of Krishna.
Disclaimer
Any errors in interpretation or translation are purely my own, arising from my limited understanding. I humbly submit this work — with all its shortcomings — at the divine feet of Lord Hari and Sri Kanaka Dasaru. May their grace guide this effort.
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu
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