Blurb:
The philosophy of Sharana Kayaka remains vital for building an equal society, writer Anand said at a Jayanti programme.
Chitradurga
Renowned writer Anand stated that the Kayaka philosophy of the Sharanas serves as a guiding light for establishing an equal and just society. He was delivering a special lecture on the lives and ideals of Kayaka Sharanas during a Jayanti programme organised to commemorate eminent social reformers.
Addressing the gathering, Anand highlighted that social revolutionaries such as Madara Chennayya, Madara Dhoolayya, Dohara Kakkayya, and Samagara Haralayya had challenged the caste system nearly 900 years ago. He said their progressive thoughts and life philosophies are extremely relevant for today’s modern society. Emphasising the Sharana belief, he said devotion knows no hierarchy and that there is no concept of high or low in true bhakti.
Citing a well-known Sharana legend, Anand recalled how Lord Shiva preferred the humble offering of Sharana Madara Chennayya over the lavish royal offerings of the Chola king. This episode, he said, stands as powerful testimony to the Sharanas’ unwavering devotion, sincerity, and commitment to honest labour. He also spoke about Sharanas like Urilinga Peddi, who dispelled ignorance through knowledge and awareness.
The writer explained that the principle of Kayakave Kailasa upholds the dignity of labour and conveys that the life of working people and honest effort are supreme. Bhakti, he stressed, should not be limited to rituals but must become a path of awareness that questions superstition and blind beliefs. Every individual, he added, should develop rational and progressive thinking.
Anand further observed that no one is superior by birth; it is a person’s character, values, and social responsibility that elevate them. He described Vachana literature as more than mere literary expression, calling it a strong remedy against inequality and fundamentalism.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Chalavadi, Joint Director of the Kannada and Culture Department, said it is essential to document Sharana philosophies in written form to ensure they reach future generations. He informed that the department has undertaken the significant task of publishing Sharana Vachanas as books and distributing them to colleges and libraries. He noted that Vachanas reflect the essence of culture and identity and preserving them is a collective responsibility.