Purandara Dasa

Purandara Dāsa (Kannada: ಪುರಂದರ ದಾಸ (1484–1564) (also spelt "Purandaradasa")) was is one of the most prominent composers of Carnatic music.

by Siddharth Hindus

 * This is bliss, This is bliss, This is bliss, I proclaim The real happiness lies in the chant of Lord’s name. One should be on the banks of river of life firm like rocks along, One should be a powerful bow in the midst of the strong. One should softly adore Lord’s greatness in heart within, Be like a lump of sugar to his kith and kin One should keep correcting wisely his body and mind. And pay respects to the great and sages kind. One should be like fish in the Madhva philosophy ocean, And be pure in his practice of the Triple Expression”. One should ever be alert to grasp knowledge that abound, And think of Lord (Sri Hari) night and day around. One should pay respects to the servants of the Lord, Purnadar Vittala the God of this world.
 * In the above quote, Dasa gives some fundamentals for leading life in the community. Translation quoted from this


 * Should swim along, staying and conquering In this complex ocean of life with desire not attaching. Lovingly in this birth, like a lotus leaf on a drop of rain Singing Rama’s name, those who want to win and gain. Like the cashew nut on its fruit, just touching the life path Not keeping any desire, those devoted to the brave Srinath. Like a fish that grabs the bait meat and gets hooked sadly Not getting cheated, thinking of Purandara Vittala, the Lord only.
 * In this three examples are cited by Das cautioning against desire as quoted here


 * My sons’ birthday; we have a grand feeding Another sons thread ceremony is proceeding Life is busy you know if you ever say The death god will be laughing behind you, I say Not eaten dinner, have not seen the favourite show Some debtors are waiting to get my loan, No way Once your purpose is over, no time is wasted away Think meanwhile of Purandara Vittala with a bow.
 * In this quote Dasa is warning against the inevitable when one is busy with worldly chores as given here


 * Rama Rama Rama Rama Sita Rama you chant Do with devotion, and get the release you want... As those Yama hordes arrive, to bid you to come Spirit tries to escape the throat, Hari’s name will not come Body systems cease working and our relative are bemoaning Name of the Ocean-daughter’s lord will it come to your asking? When your breath is blocked by phlegm in your throat Vasudev Krishna’s name will be of no use then to shout When you beautiful body breaks down and falls apart As your eyes get blurred and dead, Ranga’s name will not depart When your body juices mix up and collect down below As the elements disintegrate, uttering God’s name will it allow. Having born as a wicked and done many a cruel deed As soul departs, Puranadara Vittala’s name will not proceed.
 * Here Dasa explains the agony of the last stages of death and advices taking the name of god at the time, as quoted here.


 * Most work for their belly, for cloth of cubit dimension Some worship Lakshmi’s spouse for salvation Lifting palanquins Is for their belly Fighting powerful wrestlers is for the belly Telling lies is for the belly Thinking of Lord is for salvation Concocting politics is for the belly Riding elephant or horse is for the belly Hurting other people is for belly To pray Lord is for emancipation Lifting heavy rocks is for the belly Yelling loud is for the belly Pray Purandara Vittala is for salvation With pre-planned contemplation.
 * In this composition Dasa describes the plight of the working class to work for their survival as the rich exploit them, as quoted here


 * Rama, Rama, Rama chant, this grand Lord’s name do not forget in mind With nine orifices this jam-packed city Five kings ruling there with all majesty They guard this body with all the vanity Do not get spoiled believing this mendacity. This insecure body, just a bony cage Tightly wrapped with a cover of skin Full of sewage, slush, and germs within Do not rely on this sewn up cartilage Respected by the recurring Brahmas and celestials Take Hari’s name with His supreme credentials Pray the feet of Purandara Vittala And get rid of the fear of the evils all.
 * This is an allegorical song in which Dasa refers to the nine openings of the body to the city and the five kings relate to the five universal elements of fire, air, water, earth and space. Degradable wastes are within the body which all binds us to this world. And to seek salvation he advices to take the name of God. This quote is here


 * Dull headed I am, you are the very progenitor of cupid Forgiving my countless sins please save me... I am the sinner and you remove the sins on me Anger, vanity, arrogance I am filled with these Make me fearless removing my worries False shadowy forms engross me You are the redeemer to those who seek refuge Worst criminal I am you remove hurdle rocks that huge Bewildered I am you save me as you foresee Charlatan I am and you are without vanity Unlucky I am you are lord of wealth divine Can I comprehend past or future of mine? Oh Purandara Vittala Raya my father Perpetually you save me without bother.
 * In this song Dasa’s reference to ‘cupid’ is to a mythological episode in which Shiva destroys Manmatha the demi god for hindering his penance. However, he is rescued by Parvati, Shiva’s consort and adopted as their own son Pradyumna in a rebirth in the subsequent era of Lord Krishna. This is considered as a noble act. The translated version is here.