Dasa Sahitya

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Dasa Sahitya (Kannada:ದಾಸ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ) is the literature of bhakti movement composed by devotees in honor of Lord Vishnu or one of his avatars. Dasa is literally servant in Kannada and sahitya is literature. Haridasas ("servants of God") were preachers of bhakti to Lord Vishnu or one of his avatars. The bhakti literature of these Haridasas is collectively referred to as Dasa Sahitya. It is in the Kannada language.

The Haridasas contributed to the rich heritage of Karntataka music. They made an indelible impression on the religious and cultural life of Karnataka. They spread the didactic teachings in a musical form to the hearts of the common man. Like other doyens of Indian classical music, these scholars offered pooja to Vishnu through music, called naadopasana. The Lord is described as Samagana priya; bhakti through music is the most preferred path to 'reach' him.

The Haridasa compositions are popularly known as Devaranamas. Compositions like Venkatachala Nilayam, Jagadoddharana, Tamboori meetidava, Krishna Nee Begane Baaro are some of the many examples of their scholarly work.

[edit] Some noted composers of Dasa sahitya

Purandaradasa, popularly known as Karnataka sangeeta pitamaha or "Father of Karnataka music".
Kanakadasa.
Vyasatirtha.
Gopaladasaru.
Vijaya Dasa.
Jagannathadasaru.