Nijasharana Shri Ambigara Chowdaiya (also spelled Caudayya) was a saint, poet and social critic in 12th century India. He belong to Koli[1] community and 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.Template: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 KarnatakaTemplate:Citation needed and that state's Department of Kannada and Culture assists in the annual celebrations of his jayanti.[5]
References
- ↑ Rajeev to head Thanda Development Corporation. Deccan Herald(2019-10-16). Retrieved 2021-03-14.
- ↑ Revolution of the Mystics: On the Social Aspects of Vīraśaivism{{#if:Schouten|, Schouten}. Motilal Banarsidass Publishe(1995). ISBN 9788120812383
- ↑ Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections{{#if:Paniker|, Paniker}. Sahitya Akademi(1997). ISBN 9788126003655
- ↑ Religion and Social System of the Vīraśaiva Community{{#if:Chekki|, Chekki}. Greenwood Publishing Group(1997). ISBN 9780313302510
- ↑ Procession marks Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanti celebration in city. Star of Mysore(2018-02-06). Retrieved 2019-04-04.