The Nijasharana Shri Ambigara Chowdaiya (also spelled Caudayya) was a Koli[1] saint, poet and social critic in 12th century India. He was a ferryman or boatman who went to Kalyan, joined the Virasaiva movement there and followed Lingayatism. Influenced by Basava, his somewhat crude writings were critical of the higher castes.[2] He has been described by K. A. Paniker as the angriest of the poets in the vachana movement.[3] Revered as a saint because of his 274 inspiring Pravachans, he also challenged those who harassed women and those he considered to be religious charlatans.[citation needed] He taught that god certainly dwells in the heart of one who is pure in thoughts, words and deed.[4]
A cave is named after Chowdaiya on the outskirts of Basavakalyan in Karnataka[citation needed] and that state's Department of Kannada and Culture assists in the annual celebrations of his jayanti.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Rajeev to head Thanda Development Corporation". Deccan Herald. 16 October 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
- ^ Schouten, Jan Peter (1995). Revolution of the Mystics: On the Social Aspects of Vīraśaivism. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. pp. 45–47. ISBN 9788120812383.
- ^ Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 182–183. ISBN 9788126003655.
- ^ Chekki, Danesh A. (1997). Religion and Social System of the Vīraśaiva Community. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 33. ISBN 9780313302510.
- ^ "Procession marks Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanti celebration in city". Star of Mysore. 6 February 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
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