Bhakta Kanakadas (1488-1578) was a mystic, saint and singer of Karnataka. The son of Beerappa, a 'danayaka' (army chief) who controlled 78 villages, and Bachamma, he learnt the arts of war and administration. Succeeding his father at the age of seventeen, he made his mark both as chief and as a warrior. But the early death of his wife and a traumaticexperience on the battlefieldwhen he was at death's door changed his life completely. He became a desciple of Sri Vyasaraya and joined the galaxy of the 'dasakoota' or Servants of Lord, and became one of its brightest stars. He was sometimes humiliated by foolish men because he was a shephere by birth; but by the flame-like purity and radiance of his life, he won golden opinions from the truly enlightened like his Master Vyasaraya and Sri Purandaradasa. A born poet, he composed a number of poems ranging from the ornate 'Mohanatarangini' and another one 'Ramadanya Charitre'.

At once a great mystic and a gifted composer, he sang the glory of the Lord and spread the message of Right Living. He was a chieftain who had served the Vijayanagar Empire in the days of its dazzling glory; he saw it crushed and humiliated. He had known pomp and power, but had given them up for a life dedicated to the Lord and to His service. His was a life rich in experience. His teachings reached every heart and every home on the wings of music.

A great soul seeking salvation, a wise teacher of mankind, an outspoken mentor of society, a revered mystic and musician, Kanakadas has become the teacher of the learned and the masses. Some of his songs, denouncing caste and embodying the message of Right Conduct, are on everybody's lips. His life and works shed their efflugence across the centuries, guiding men and women along the path of wisdom and serenity.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India