<p>Kaginele is a quiet hamlet located in Byadgi taluk, about 14 km from Haveri. The renowned saint-poet Kanakadasa spent his last days here, composing some of his famous works. His samadhi and the ancient shrine of Adikeshava, of whom the poet was a staunch devotee, are situated here. In order to immortalise the great poet’s life and preachings, the Kaginele Development Authority (KDA) is striving to develop this place as a vital heritage centre. Through its efforts, the authority hopes to popularise the great philosophy and literary works of Kanakadasa.<br /><br />For a better world</p>.<p>In today’s world of greed, suffering and pain, the philosophy and message of Kanakadasa seems absolutely necessary. And KDA is striving to make it accessible to common people. The saint-poet did not restrict himself to any particular region or caste and always worked towards the wellbeing of the people. His wonderful thoughts and ideas deserve global attention.<br /><br />With this objective, the KDA has developed a beautiful eco-cum-theme park about two km away from Kanaka Pergere (Kanaka’s Lake) in Kaginele. A workshop was organised by the KDA in collaboration with the Department of Kannada and Culture and the Karnataka Shilpa Kala Academy for artists to understand the life and philosophy of Kanakadasa. About 15 renowned and 15 budding sculptors participated in the workshop and sculpted 46 statues representing different stages of Kanakadasa’s life.<br /><br />Spread over 138 acres, this park has a tall, arched gateway welcoming visitors. The road leading inside has well-laid footpaths lined with trees. At the far end, on a raised pedestal, stands the golden-coloured statue of Kanakadasa with a string instrument in one hand and a pair of castanets in the other, with a bag and a blanket over his shoulders.<br /><br />On the right side of the road, there are beautiful installations that depict memorable incidents from the poet’s life. The first one depicts the birth of Kanakadasa in Bada. He was born to the chieftain of Bankapura (Vijayanagar Empire), Biregowda, and Bachchamma. It is said that since he was considered to be a boon from Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, he was called Thimmappa. <br /><br />Next is the scene of young Thimmappa as a student of the great Brahmin scholar Srinivasacharya, who taught him poetry, drama, rhetoric, grammar, prosody and mythology (Kannada and Sanskrit). The third shows Thimmappa chancing upon pots filled with gold coins in his field. Unlike others, he utilised this treasure for ameliorating the needs of the poor, religious festivals and renovation of temples. It was this generous nature of his that earned him the name, Kanakappa.<br /><br />As we move on, we come across an installation that depicts Kanaka lying injured in the battlefield and getting a divine call from Lord Venkateshwara to become his devotee. Thereafter, he became a saint and abdicated all worldly pleasures. As instructed by the Lord, he carried the idol of his favourite deity Adikeshava and built the temple in Kaginele. The famous scene of Kanakadasa praying behind the Udupi Krishna shrine after being denied entry due to his low caste status is the next statue. Due to his strong devotion, it is said that a small portion of the back wall of the temple opened up and the idol of Lord Krishna turned backwards to allow Kanakadasa get his darshan. Later, the small portion was converted into a window and was named Kanakana Kindi. <br /><br />Another installation depicts Kanakadasa subduing a rogue elephant near the forests of Nanjangud. Next is the scene of Kanakadasa blowing the conch to claim the agricultural lands needed to fund the upkeep of the temple. <br /><br />Another assemblage depicts Kanakadasa pleading with devotees to stop the animal sacrifice in Kali temples. <br /><br />Yet another statue portrays Kanakadasa preaching for religious harmony in the society. One can also find a statue of Kanakadasa composing and singing bhajans here. The last installation is a scene from Nala Charitre — the beautiful Damayanti pleading with her messenger swan to go to Nala and sing about her love for him.<br /> Opposite to these lovely installations is an expansive and magnificent rock garden which has manicured lawns, green hedges, flowering plants and palms. Another statue of the poet in seated position is installed here. In order to keep the park eco-friendly, many solar lights have been installed. One can find many benches and even a small mantapa in the park, where one can relax and enjoy the serene environment.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Kaginele is a quiet hamlet located in Byadgi taluk, about 14 km from Haveri. The renowned saint-poet Kanakadasa spent his last days here, composing some of his famous works. His samadhi and the ancient shrine of Adikeshava, of whom the poet was a staunch devotee, are situated here. In order to immortalise the great poet’s life and preachings, the Kaginele Development Authority (KDA) is striving to develop this place as a vital heritage centre. Through its efforts, the authority hopes to popularise the great philosophy and literary works of Kanakadasa.<br /><br />For a better world</p>.<p>In today’s world of greed, suffering and pain, the philosophy and message of Kanakadasa seems absolutely necessary. And KDA is striving to make it accessible to common people. The saint-poet did not restrict himself to any particular region or caste and always worked towards the wellbeing of the people. His wonderful thoughts and ideas deserve global attention.<br /><br />With this objective, the KDA has developed a beautiful eco-cum-theme park about two km away from Kanaka Pergere (Kanaka’s Lake) in Kaginele. A workshop was organised by the KDA in collaboration with the Department of Kannada and Culture and the Karnataka Shilpa Kala Academy for artists to understand the life and philosophy of Kanakadasa. About 15 renowned and 15 budding sculptors participated in the workshop and sculpted 46 statues representing different stages of Kanakadasa’s life.<br /><br />Spread over 138 acres, this park has a tall, arched gateway welcoming visitors. The road leading inside has well-laid footpaths lined with trees. At the far end, on a raised pedestal, stands the golden-coloured statue of Kanakadasa with a string instrument in one hand and a pair of castanets in the other, with a bag and a blanket over his shoulders.<br /><br />On the right side of the road, there are beautiful installations that depict memorable incidents from the poet’s life. The first one depicts the birth of Kanakadasa in Bada. He was born to the chieftain of Bankapura (Vijayanagar Empire), Biregowda, and Bachchamma. It is said that since he was considered to be a boon from Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, he was called Thimmappa. <br /><br />Next is the scene of young Thimmappa as a student of the great Brahmin scholar Srinivasacharya, who taught him poetry, drama, rhetoric, grammar, prosody and mythology (Kannada and Sanskrit). The third shows Thimmappa chancing upon pots filled with gold coins in his field. Unlike others, he utilised this treasure for ameliorating the needs of the poor, religious festivals and renovation of temples. It was this generous nature of his that earned him the name, Kanakappa.<br /><br />As we move on, we come across an installation that depicts Kanaka lying injured in the battlefield and getting a divine call from Lord Venkateshwara to become his devotee. Thereafter, he became a saint and abdicated all worldly pleasures. As instructed by the Lord, he carried the idol of his favourite deity Adikeshava and built the temple in Kaginele. The famous scene of Kanakadasa praying behind the Udupi Krishna shrine after being denied entry due to his low caste status is the next statue. Due to his strong devotion, it is said that a small portion of the back wall of the temple opened up and the idol of Lord Krishna turned backwards to allow Kanakadasa get his darshan. Later, the small portion was converted into a window and was named Kanakana Kindi. <br /><br />Another installation depicts Kanakadasa subduing a rogue elephant near the forests of Nanjangud. Next is the scene of Kanakadasa blowing the conch to claim the agricultural lands needed to fund the upkeep of the temple. <br /><br />Another assemblage depicts Kanakadasa pleading with devotees to stop the animal sacrifice in Kali temples. <br /><br />Yet another statue portrays Kanakadasa preaching for religious harmony in the society. One can also find a statue of Kanakadasa composing and singing bhajans here. The last installation is a scene from Nala Charitre — the beautiful Damayanti pleading with her messenger swan to go to Nala and sing about her love for him.<br /> Opposite to these lovely installations is an expansive and magnificent rock garden which has manicured lawns, green hedges, flowering plants and palms. Another statue of the poet in seated position is installed here. In order to keep the park eco-friendly, many solar lights have been installed. One can find many benches and even a small mantapa in the park, where one can relax and enjoy the serene environment.<br /><br /></p>
