Dasara Smaraka Bhavana Appeal
| Detailed Appeal |
| Smaraka Bhavana Donation Pamplet |
SRI PRASANNAVENKATA CULTURAL & CHARITABLE TRUST (R) (Karnataka Govt. Regd. No.BSK/58/2010-11 dated 24-06-2010) ___________________________________________________________________________
Regd.office : # D-2,“Prasannaveankata Kraupa” First Floor,Sector -5 Nvanagar, Bagalkot-587103
BANGALORE OFFICE : # 15 “Mantralaya”, Prashantinagar,
9th B Main Road, ISRO Layout Bengaluru 560111
Phone: 080 -35852425; mob:91-9448011954 / 7975442458
Email: prasannavenkata.trust@gmail.com
Date: 15th June 2023
“HARE SRINIVASA”
Dear Devotees of HariDasaru & Haridas Shitya asaktaru
Subject: -Appeal for Financial support for construction work on Sri Prasannaavenkatadasara Memorial Building (Bhavana) and Haridasa Sahitya Study and Research Centre at Sector 3 Navanagar Bagalkot , with Abridged Project report on Construction and also an outline of the activities
Looking at Haridasa Bhakti cult, we learn that right from Shripadarajaru and his chain of desciples namely Shri Vyasrajaru, Shri Vadirajaru, Purandaradasaru, Kanakadasru, Mahipatidasaru, Prasannavenkatadasaru, Vijayadasaru, Gopaladasaru, Jagannathadasaru and many more spanned over the 15th to 19th century. and still continuing has been singularly responsible for the spread of bhakti cult in the people. Through Haribhakti practices, they not only served Indian philosophy at large but also preached social reforms, driving away social taboos and ills, and orienting people towards awareness for better life. For this purpose, they travelled across the countryside on foot reaching out cities and villages. They sang their krutis or songs on streets of habitats uninhibited by caste and creed. They gave equal importance not only to redemption of their individual souls (Moksha) but also to the deliverance of mankind. Their wise thoughts had the outreach to across the fabric of society with no bar on castes. Their utterances like “Being born as Man, is of great importance, don’t waste it, oh innocents” (“Manavajanma Janma Doddadu Haallu manipulated hucchappagallira” by purandaerdasaru), touched people's heart to bring in social awareness. There is no subject, which is not covered in Haridasa Sahitya. The things like way of living (dharma}, ethics { niti), illusory world (sansara), Phylosophical study (Ttvadnyana), Politics (Rajaniti), Economics (Artha shastra), common-sense ( wyavahara dnyana), humour (Vinoda) etc all are vividly elucidated. Primarily, they have harboured to provide insight in to greater aspect of life in their literature.
In such a magnificent Dasa Sahitya tradition set in by Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa we come across the names of Mahipatidasa of Kakhandaki village and Prasannavenkatadasa of Bagalkot town both belonging to the undivided Bijapur (Vijayapur) district. Their contribution is immense. Prasannavenkatadasa brought in a social revolution in 17-18th century. Born and brought up in Bagalkot he made it as his work place. He devoted himself for upliftment of the then society through his philosophical messages in the form of songs. To eradicate the societal ills, and to raise ethical standards in people, he wrote many poems imbibing morals and travelled across the country side, to appeal to all sections for the improvement their moral health. For example, look at his saying “A filthy man or woman is not dirty in reality neither his habitat is, but filth is there in our bad traits. Therefore, it is incorrect to blame a vile man or woman but to introspect ourselves and iron out the bad virtues. He moved from village to village to spread this message and became an ambassador in eradicating untouchability. On studying his concern for social causes in those times, Nadoja Dr Chidanand Murthy, an eminent scholar in Vachana Sahitya made a remark on Prasannavekatadasa, saying “He was akin to a Shri Jagajyoti Basaveshvara in uplifting the down trodden around Bagalkot region”.
Shri Prasannavenkatadasa’s Life and writings:
Shri Pasannavenkatadasa was born in a Brahmin family in A D 1680 in Killa, close to bank of Ghataprabha River and a suburb of Bagalkot town. Being a late child to his old noble parents Narasappa and Laxmibai, he became an orphan at his early age. His original name was Venkanna before he was ordained in to Dasa tradition.
In her last stage Venkanna’s mother advised her son in these the golden words, “For all those who do not have none in this world, it is Lord Venkatesha who takes care. Believe me He, is both mother and father”. After parents’ death, Child Venkanna was ill treated by his sister-in-law and was deprived of education and instead he was given work of a cowherd, and on that Venkanna was upset and distressed within. She used to feed him stale bread along with chili powder. In addition to this she used to say “You are scum and feeding your stomach is big waste.” These arrogant words pained his tender mind. One day little Venkanna asked for buttermilk to his sister-in-law in the deadly summer after completing domestic work, he was lashed with very bad words, which made him to run away from his disgusting house to join a group of devotees proceeding to Tirupati, the seat of Lord Venkatesha. His upset mind got relief in the company of devotees and was overwhelmed with devotion and finally reached zenith of happinesss on seeing Lord in Tirumala. He prostrated to Him in total surrender with these words,” Lord Shri Hari, the Protector of destitute, I surrender to you.” In consciously unconscious state of mind Venkanna experienced God writing on his tongue “PrasannaVenkata” Then on Venkanna became Prasannavenkatadasa, a full pledged Haridasa.. With His blessings, he returned to Bagalkot and spent his whole life in writing countless Kirtanas including Ugabhogas, Suladis, Mandiges and also Khandakavyas (small epical compositions), while attaining God’s Sakshatkara (realization of Godliness). He moved from place to place to kindle social awakening, while he himself got refined.
It can be concluded from his writings that but for north eastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachala and Manipur he travelled extensively across north and south India during late 17 early 18th century, although the political climate in the country was not conducive. He had some followers in Bihar, UP, MP, and Punjab regions. Some of his compositions are found in Urdu scripts. Some recent research shows that Prasannavenkatadasa was princely priest to Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Considered as part incarnate of Lord Rudra (Rudransha sambhuta), self-refined person with highest attainment, he is associated with miracles namely simultaneous presence at two distant places, taming wild tiger by applying Tulasigere Anjaneya’s protective ashes on its forehead. He was also called as Kharebaidas as his utterances always used to be prophecies.
Prasannavenkatadasa’s literary contribution is immense with more than 700 padas or songs, out of which 150 poems are socio reforms oriented. The list of contributors for the second stage of Dasa Sahitya is headed by Prasannavenkatadasa and then followed by others like Vijayadasa, Gopaldasa Jagannathdasa, Gurugopaladasa, Mohanadasa etc, who were his juniors and contemporaries. These haridasas knowing his great contributions to Dasa Sahitya, his depth of knowledge and brilliance, eulogized Prasannavenkatadasa in many of their poems.
One of the most revered researchers and historians, Late Vidyaratna Shri R S Panchamukhi, ex director of Karnataka Historical Research Centre of Government of India of pre independence days, described Prasannavenkatadasa as ‘Little Purandaradasa’. As already mentioned earlier, renowned researcher Dr Chidanand Murthy likens Prasannavenkatadasa to Shri Jagajyoti Basaveshvara for his liberal attitude and conviction on reforms.
1 – Matter of Despondency
Unfortunately, we do not have a single memorial centre for Prasannavenkatadasa who spent all his life in and around Bagalkot, for not only upliftment of the society as a whole, but also preaching philosophical thoughts, devotional yearnings and satirical peeps in easy communicative words. There is no library facility for research work in Kannada Dasasahitya, no assembly hall for the purpose of conducting seminars, programs on socially oriented thoughts. Even for celebrating annual adoration (Aradhana) functions of Prasannavenkatadasa. there is no dedicated place. Before Alamatti irrigation dam came in to being, there used to be Aradhana functions every year, conducted by his descendants in his spacious house that existed in Killa, Bagalkot. His belongings like tambura (a kind of stringed musical instrument), gopalabutti (basket to hold alms), Betta (bamboo stick) and many worshiping statues were all accommodated in that big house. After the completion of irrigation project, the old ancestral house was submerged in back waters and his present descendants were compensated with a small site in sector 3, Navanagar Bagalkot. Accommodating his belongings in a small house has put visitors and pilgrims coming from different states to witness them in to inconvenience, and more over conducting yearly aradhana of Prasannavenkatadasa has become extremely difficult.
2 – Memorial Building for SRI Prasannavenkatadsa And Haridasa Sahitya Study and Research Centre, Its necessity and Purpose.
The present descendants of Prasannavenkatadasa and some prominent members of society joined hands to establish a trust called ‘Shri Prasanna Venkata Cultural and Charitable Trust’ in the year 2010. Since then, the trust has been conducting programs on Dasa sahitya, cultural and social aspects. In addition, it moved one step further in the research of Prasannavenkatadasa’s works like tracing the unpublished poetry, searching original manuscripts written in palmyra tree leaves and ensuring their authenticity. Later they were published in either in print form or audio discs by the trust in order to propagate Jnana (knowledge) to masses. The eminent personalities namely, Drs Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, K Gokulnath, AruLamallige Parthasarathy, Anant Padmanabharao, Swamirao Kulakarni, Laxmikant Patil, Subhas Kakhandaki, Jayalaxmi Mangalamurthy, Shiladas, Dhulakhed Narayanacharya, as well as literary thinkers like Shri Anand Junzarawad, Dr Rekha Kakandaki have come together to contribute for the research work on Prasannavenkatadasa’s thoughts which are elucidated in northern Karnataka’s in general Bagalkot region’s folk language and its appealing aroma in particular.. The opinion of these men is that it is essential to have a common centre for all these activities in Bagalkot, the work place of Dasaru.
At present there is no place in Bagalkot for the study of Prasannavenkatadasa’s works, and also to conduct social and cultural programs. For last 10 to 15 years with the help of present legislator, the institutions like the Prasanna Venkata cultural and charitable trust, Prasannavenkatadasa’s Aradhana Mahotsava committee, Pasanna Maruti Devastana committee, dasar descendants and some interested devotees together conduct Aradhana mahotsava, consisting of socio oriented and cultural programs in a small site using adjacent vacant plots of Maruti temple in sector 3 Navanagar. They are facing a lot of difficulties during programs. In order to have Bhajanas of Prasannavenkatadasa’s songs, seminars on his literary works and Prasada vitarane in select programs, we have intention to construct a dedicated Prasannavenkatadasa’s memorial building. We have been continuously requesting Government of Karnataka for the last 1½ decades for allocation of a plot in Navanagar. Our efforts earned fruits, when honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka granted a plot of 7.29 guntas area in sector 3, on both sides of Prasanna Maruti temple, duly approved by Bagalkot Development Authority. With the help and cooperation from honourable legislator of Bagalkot. We have purchased that plot with all documents in the name of ‘Shri Prasanna Venkata Cultural and Charitable Trust and duly possessed. We are planning to have a Prasannavenkatadasa’s memorial building consisting of space for study and research in Haridasa sahitya and also create facilities for the same. The outlines of this project will be discussed in coming pages.
2-1 Haridasa Sahitya Study, Research and Propagation
On seeing the work places of eminent men in Dasa sahitya, like Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Mahipatidasa, Kakhandaki Krishnadasa, Prasannavenkatadasa, Vijayadasa, Gopaladasa, Jagannathdasa, Galagali avva, Helavanakatte Giriyamma, and also contemporary Gurugopala viththaladasa, and Mohanadasa etc we can conclude that they all belong to Northern Karnataka. At the same time leaving apart Kanakadasa, there is no single centre aiming for study and research in Dasa sahitya in their names or work places. This is a matter of distress to all of us. Some universities are having special seats on donors’ names for specific purpose of holding endowment lectures and not for basic research. Few years back in university of Mysore there was some activity of research and publishing of Dasa sahitya, under the guidance of Prof Varadaraj Rao, but could not continue for long time. At the same time study and research in Vachana sahitya also of North Karnataka origin, has been patronised and assisted by government and its agencies and many private bodies and its progress is commendable. Although Vachana Sahitya and Dasa Sahitya are two faces of same coin in propagating social reforms and refining society as a whole, Dasa Sahitya has not received equal importance and encouragement by either government agencies or private bodies. As latter one does serve common man in growing social cultural and philosophical awareness, it is necessary to have Dasa Sahitya well nourished. Therefore, it is required to have a Haridasa Sahitya study, research propagation centre with its own building on Karnataka government sanctioned plot in Bagalkot, the home place of Prasannavenkatadasa.
The experts in Haridasa Sahitya like Drs Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, K Gokulnath, Arulamallige Parthasarathy, Swamirao Kulakarni, Laxmikant Patil,Dhulakhed Narayanacharya, Dr Rekha Kakandaki etc and local Vyasa - Dasa Sahitya pandits namely Shri Bindumadhavacharya Nagasampigi, Dr Raghumattacharya Nagasampigi and Shri Bhimasenacharya Pandurangi have agreed to participate and guide for all activities of the proposed centre.
In addition, the spread and outreach of Dasa kritis through medium of music to people, the famous Dasavani singer Pt Shri Anant Kulkarni, hailing from Bagalkot, has agreed to help and conduct Dasavani sankirtanas, and also to teach music to the young.
In order to embody all these activities, a centralised building with all facilities, is to be constructed. It is planned to have Prasannavenkatadasa memorial and cultural building at the two sides of presently existing Prasanna Maruti temple in Navanagar, which will shelter Haridasa Sahitya studies, research and propagations activities. More details are given in following lines.
The ground floor will have Prasannavenkatadasa memorial hall with his statue duly installed, and joining the duly renovated Maruti temple with memorial hall, with all together will be Shraddha kendra (earnestness centre).
The first floor will be Haridasa Sahitya study, research and propagation centre, comprising of well-equipped library, a storage place for ancient manuscripts and short notes, researchers’ rooms equipped with internet and computer facilities, training classrooms, , with a well-equipped library, a storage place for old manuscripts, study rooms, meditation hall, training classrooms, hall for conducting Haridasa Sahitya seminars as well as musical bhajan programs, and online training room, an exhibition hall for showing Haridasa tradition especially depicting Prasannavenkatadasa’s life, writings and artistic works.
The second floor will meet the needs like guest rooms for visiting pandits and students, Kirtana place, accommodation for devotees attending d Aradhana festival as well as for members of Bhajana groups. The planned blue prints of whole project duly certified by experts, is already approved by Bagalkot Development Authority. Maps are enclosed.
2-2 Estimated Building Construction Cost and Management.
To have our building construction work smoothly we got a team, consisting of a renowned civil engineering professor and also retired principal of Basveshvara Engineering college Bagalkot Dr H N Herakal, experienced building contractor and civil engineer Shri Vikas Deshpande, Shri Sridhar Kinnal who is having quality control expertise in Reliance Industries civil engineering projects for more than thirty years , Col.Anant Kakhandaki (Rtd) - world bank assisted Civil engg.projects consultant to Govt.of Karnataka having more than three decade executive experience in large civil construction projects .After study of the project, they estimated altogether total cost of Rs. Three Crore and Fifty Lacks as per the prevailing rate in the year 2022. Floor wise cost as below
1] Ground Floor (Memorial Hall) --------- Rs 1,50,00,000/-
2] First Floor --------- ------------ ------------- Rs 1,00,00,000/-
3] Second Floor --------- ------------ --------- Rs 1,00,00,000/-
To realise this esteemed project cost, we have already existing team consists of Prasannavenkatadasa’s progenies like Dr Subhas Kakhandaki as President, Secretary Shri Gururaj Kulkarni, Treasurer Shri Prahlad Kakhandaki, Colonel (Rtd) Anant Kakhandaki Trustee Shri Ramachandra R Kulkarni and famous Kannada literate Dr Rekha Kakhandaki and in addition local devotees and lovers of Dasa Sahitya. Dr Subhas Kakhandaki retired Additional Director D R D O Bengaluru, after retirement, started this institution and for the last 15 years he has involved himself in research activities. With the help of researchers this institution has brought out 32 volumes in publishing Prasannavenkatadasa’s unpublished works and also books for easy understanding of his literature. His works have been brought out in Marathi, Hindi, English, Telugu and Tamil languages for the benefit of non-kannadigas. The audio discs of Prasannavenkatadasa’s songs, sung by eminent singers of the land were also published. There is also a web site “www.prasannavenkatadasaru.org “duly arranged for the convenience of people around world to know about Prasannavenkatadasa’s contribution in Haridasa Sahitya. In addition, there are “Prasanna Venkata Dasavani” Youtube channels and “PrasannaVenkatadasa Namana” Facebook group for enthusiastic devotees. Many lectures by experts on messages and insight of Prasannavenkatadasa’s works, as well as Sangita Sankirtanas programs to reach every home of the state, were also held in all these years. Around 12 symposia on Haridasa Sahitya and more than 20 workshops were conducted. Two persons completed their PhDs and two more are under way on different aspects of Prasannavenkatadasa’s contributions. Our aim is to have these publication and propagation of Haridas Sahitya in more enhanced way from Bagalkot’s upcoming new centre. This is to be realised with cooperation from each individuals.
As already mentioned, there is no institution other than Kanakadasa Haridasa Centre dedicated only for Dasa Sahitya in Kaginele the work place of Kanakadasa. At this moment we are optimistic to have a similar institution in Bagalkot, the birth and work place of Prasannavenkatadasa. For such a centre to be realised, we hope to have aid from government and non-government agencies, public donors, and are open to receive donations
3 The outlines on collecting resources for this project.
Shri Prasannavenkata Cultural and Charitable Trust (Regd) was formed with register office at Bengaluru & Bagalkote on 24-06-2010 with registration no: BNG(U) - BSK-58/2010-11, under Karnataka State Charitable Trust act. This trust is already recognised by Central government for collecting donations under income tax act U/S 12AA vide order No ITBA/EXM/S/12AA/2019-20/1016140976(1). Our accounts are audited by chartered accountant every year and we file returns to income tax department.
As this trust is holding the said land plot under its name with all rights, this project is on hand for construction. To meet the cost of this big project, we thought of collecting donations from members, Government institutions, NGOs, industrialists, business men, donors. The progenies of Prasannavenkatadasa have already paid a sum of Rs 12 Lakhs for the purchase of the plot. Rs 30 lakhs have been collected from devotees of Prasannavenkatadasa and fans of his literary works. Further collection of donations is continuing. We are approaching all the devotees and supporters of haridas sahitya to participate in this project by donating as per the prerana, instinct given by the Almighty. We are also seeking help from corporate institutions. We appeal to you, please donate liberally for this noble cause also motivate your near and dear to support this project. Apart from you if you know potential Donor who supports, preservation, growth and propagation of this divine ancient Indian Bhakti movement, please connect such persons to our trust, this is our humble request. Our trust is committed to garner some more resources for expenditure. Hoping such support will come, we started construction work with available funds
At the same time, we have formed Resource generation boards headed by eminent person and subcommittee’s consisting of devoted socio-oriented persons as office bearers to look after the audit of the building work. Some enthusiastic young men, seniors and esteemed persons of local population, have come forward for the work. The local legislator has extended his service for the same cause.
Therefore, you are humbly requested to extend you might in terms of donations for the construction of Prasannavenkatadasa’s memorial centre, comprising of renovation of Prasanna Maruti temple, Haridasa Sahitya study, research and propagation centre in already stated plot in sector 3 Navanagar, Bagalkot. For this specific project we have bank account & UPI code details given below.
CANARA BANK, VIDYAGGIRI BAGALKOT
SRI PRASANNAVENKATA CULTURAL & CHARITABLE TRUST( R)
A/C NO. 110024483070,
IFS CODE : CNRB0008684
After your donation, please send details of bank transaction no, your contact details such as full name address, Mobile no, email etc by SMS or by WhatsApp to 7975442458/9448011954 / 9448322202
If you need any further details, please feel to contact any of the mobile no’s given above or email to prasannaveankata.trust@gmail.com
On behalf of Shri Prasnnavenkata Cultural and Charitable Trust(R)
(Dr. Subhas Kakhandaki) (S Venkatesh Murthy)
President of the Trust Chairman -resource Generation Board - PVCC Trust
Regd.office : # D-2,“Prasannaveankata Kraupa” First Floor,Sector -5 Nvanagar, Bagalkot-587103
BANGALORE OFFICE : # 15 “Mantralaya”, Prashantinagar,
9th B Main Road, ISRO Layout Bengaluru 560111
Phone: 080 -35852425; mob:91-9448011954 / 7975442458
Email: prasannavenkata.trust@gmail.com
Date: 15th June 2023
“HARE SRINIVASA”
Dear Devotees of HariDasaru & Haridas Shitya asaktaru
Subject: -Appeal for Financial support for construction work on Sri Prasannaavenkatadasara Memorial Building (Bhavana) and Haridasa Sahitya Study and Research Centre at Sector 3 Navanagar Bagalkot , with Abridged Project report on Construction and also an outline of the activities
- Historical Background: -
Looking at Haridasa Bhakti cult, we learn that right from Shripadarajaru and his chain of desciples namely Shri Vyasrajaru, Shri Vadirajaru, Purandaradasaru, Kanakadasru, Mahipatidasaru, Prasannavenkatadasaru, Vijayadasaru, Gopaladasaru, Jagannathadasaru and many more spanned over the 15th to 19th century. and still continuing has been singularly responsible for the spread of bhakti cult in the people. Through Haribhakti practices, they not only served Indian philosophy at large but also preached social reforms, driving away social taboos and ills, and orienting people towards awareness for better life. For this purpose, they travelled across the countryside on foot reaching out cities and villages. They sang their krutis or songs on streets of habitats uninhibited by caste and creed. They gave equal importance not only to redemption of their individual souls (Moksha) but also to the deliverance of mankind. Their wise thoughts had the outreach to across the fabric of society with no bar on castes. Their utterances like “Being born as Man, is of great importance, don’t waste it, oh innocents” (“Manavajanma Janma Doddadu Haallu manipulated hucchappagallira” by purandaerdasaru), touched people's heart to bring in social awareness. There is no subject, which is not covered in Haridasa Sahitya. The things like way of living (dharma}, ethics { niti), illusory world (sansara), Phylosophical study (Ttvadnyana), Politics (Rajaniti), Economics (Artha shastra), common-sense ( wyavahara dnyana), humour (Vinoda) etc all are vividly elucidated. Primarily, they have harboured to provide insight in to greater aspect of life in their literature.
In such a magnificent Dasa Sahitya tradition set in by Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa we come across the names of Mahipatidasa of Kakhandaki village and Prasannavenkatadasa of Bagalkot town both belonging to the undivided Bijapur (Vijayapur) district. Their contribution is immense. Prasannavenkatadasa brought in a social revolution in 17-18th century. Born and brought up in Bagalkot he made it as his work place. He devoted himself for upliftment of the then society through his philosophical messages in the form of songs. To eradicate the societal ills, and to raise ethical standards in people, he wrote many poems imbibing morals and travelled across the country side, to appeal to all sections for the improvement their moral health. For example, look at his saying “A filthy man or woman is not dirty in reality neither his habitat is, but filth is there in our bad traits. Therefore, it is incorrect to blame a vile man or woman but to introspect ourselves and iron out the bad virtues. He moved from village to village to spread this message and became an ambassador in eradicating untouchability. On studying his concern for social causes in those times, Nadoja Dr Chidanand Murthy, an eminent scholar in Vachana Sahitya made a remark on Prasannavekatadasa, saying “He was akin to a Shri Jagajyoti Basaveshvara in uplifting the down trodden around Bagalkot region”.
Shri Prasannavenkatadasa’s Life and writings:
Shri Pasannavenkatadasa was born in a Brahmin family in A D 1680 in Killa, close to bank of Ghataprabha River and a suburb of Bagalkot town. Being a late child to his old noble parents Narasappa and Laxmibai, he became an orphan at his early age. His original name was Venkanna before he was ordained in to Dasa tradition.
In her last stage Venkanna’s mother advised her son in these the golden words, “For all those who do not have none in this world, it is Lord Venkatesha who takes care. Believe me He, is both mother and father”. After parents’ death, Child Venkanna was ill treated by his sister-in-law and was deprived of education and instead he was given work of a cowherd, and on that Venkanna was upset and distressed within. She used to feed him stale bread along with chili powder. In addition to this she used to say “You are scum and feeding your stomach is big waste.” These arrogant words pained his tender mind. One day little Venkanna asked for buttermilk to his sister-in-law in the deadly summer after completing domestic work, he was lashed with very bad words, which made him to run away from his disgusting house to join a group of devotees proceeding to Tirupati, the seat of Lord Venkatesha. His upset mind got relief in the company of devotees and was overwhelmed with devotion and finally reached zenith of happinesss on seeing Lord in Tirumala. He prostrated to Him in total surrender with these words,” Lord Shri Hari, the Protector of destitute, I surrender to you.” In consciously unconscious state of mind Venkanna experienced God writing on his tongue “PrasannaVenkata” Then on Venkanna became Prasannavenkatadasa, a full pledged Haridasa.. With His blessings, he returned to Bagalkot and spent his whole life in writing countless Kirtanas including Ugabhogas, Suladis, Mandiges and also Khandakavyas (small epical compositions), while attaining God’s Sakshatkara (realization of Godliness). He moved from place to place to kindle social awakening, while he himself got refined.
It can be concluded from his writings that but for north eastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachala and Manipur he travelled extensively across north and south India during late 17 early 18th century, although the political climate in the country was not conducive. He had some followers in Bihar, UP, MP, and Punjab regions. Some of his compositions are found in Urdu scripts. Some recent research shows that Prasannavenkatadasa was princely priest to Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Considered as part incarnate of Lord Rudra (Rudransha sambhuta), self-refined person with highest attainment, he is associated with miracles namely simultaneous presence at two distant places, taming wild tiger by applying Tulasigere Anjaneya’s protective ashes on its forehead. He was also called as Kharebaidas as his utterances always used to be prophecies.
Prasannavenkatadasa’s literary contribution is immense with more than 700 padas or songs, out of which 150 poems are socio reforms oriented. The list of contributors for the second stage of Dasa Sahitya is headed by Prasannavenkatadasa and then followed by others like Vijayadasa, Gopaldasa Jagannathdasa, Gurugopaladasa, Mohanadasa etc, who were his juniors and contemporaries. These haridasas knowing his great contributions to Dasa Sahitya, his depth of knowledge and brilliance, eulogized Prasannavenkatadasa in many of their poems.
One of the most revered researchers and historians, Late Vidyaratna Shri R S Panchamukhi, ex director of Karnataka Historical Research Centre of Government of India of pre independence days, described Prasannavenkatadasa as ‘Little Purandaradasa’. As already mentioned earlier, renowned researcher Dr Chidanand Murthy likens Prasannavenkatadasa to Shri Jagajyoti Basaveshvara for his liberal attitude and conviction on reforms.
1 – Matter of Despondency
Unfortunately, we do not have a single memorial centre for Prasannavenkatadasa who spent all his life in and around Bagalkot, for not only upliftment of the society as a whole, but also preaching philosophical thoughts, devotional yearnings and satirical peeps in easy communicative words. There is no library facility for research work in Kannada Dasasahitya, no assembly hall for the purpose of conducting seminars, programs on socially oriented thoughts. Even for celebrating annual adoration (Aradhana) functions of Prasannavenkatadasa. there is no dedicated place. Before Alamatti irrigation dam came in to being, there used to be Aradhana functions every year, conducted by his descendants in his spacious house that existed in Killa, Bagalkot. His belongings like tambura (a kind of stringed musical instrument), gopalabutti (basket to hold alms), Betta (bamboo stick) and many worshiping statues were all accommodated in that big house. After the completion of irrigation project, the old ancestral house was submerged in back waters and his present descendants were compensated with a small site in sector 3, Navanagar Bagalkot. Accommodating his belongings in a small house has put visitors and pilgrims coming from different states to witness them in to inconvenience, and more over conducting yearly aradhana of Prasannavenkatadasa has become extremely difficult.
2 – Memorial Building for SRI Prasannavenkatadsa And Haridasa Sahitya Study and Research Centre, Its necessity and Purpose.
The present descendants of Prasannavenkatadasa and some prominent members of society joined hands to establish a trust called ‘Shri Prasanna Venkata Cultural and Charitable Trust’ in the year 2010. Since then, the trust has been conducting programs on Dasa sahitya, cultural and social aspects. In addition, it moved one step further in the research of Prasannavenkatadasa’s works like tracing the unpublished poetry, searching original manuscripts written in palmyra tree leaves and ensuring their authenticity. Later they were published in either in print form or audio discs by the trust in order to propagate Jnana (knowledge) to masses. The eminent personalities namely, Drs Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, K Gokulnath, AruLamallige Parthasarathy, Anant Padmanabharao, Swamirao Kulakarni, Laxmikant Patil, Subhas Kakhandaki, Jayalaxmi Mangalamurthy, Shiladas, Dhulakhed Narayanacharya, as well as literary thinkers like Shri Anand Junzarawad, Dr Rekha Kakandaki have come together to contribute for the research work on Prasannavenkatadasa’s thoughts which are elucidated in northern Karnataka’s in general Bagalkot region’s folk language and its appealing aroma in particular.. The opinion of these men is that it is essential to have a common centre for all these activities in Bagalkot, the work place of Dasaru.
At present there is no place in Bagalkot for the study of Prasannavenkatadasa’s works, and also to conduct social and cultural programs. For last 10 to 15 years with the help of present legislator, the institutions like the Prasanna Venkata cultural and charitable trust, Prasannavenkatadasa’s Aradhana Mahotsava committee, Pasanna Maruti Devastana committee, dasar descendants and some interested devotees together conduct Aradhana mahotsava, consisting of socio oriented and cultural programs in a small site using adjacent vacant plots of Maruti temple in sector 3 Navanagar. They are facing a lot of difficulties during programs. In order to have Bhajanas of Prasannavenkatadasa’s songs, seminars on his literary works and Prasada vitarane in select programs, we have intention to construct a dedicated Prasannavenkatadasa’s memorial building. We have been continuously requesting Government of Karnataka for the last 1½ decades for allocation of a plot in Navanagar. Our efforts earned fruits, when honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka granted a plot of 7.29 guntas area in sector 3, on both sides of Prasanna Maruti temple, duly approved by Bagalkot Development Authority. With the help and cooperation from honourable legislator of Bagalkot. We have purchased that plot with all documents in the name of ‘Shri Prasanna Venkata Cultural and Charitable Trust and duly possessed. We are planning to have a Prasannavenkatadasa’s memorial building consisting of space for study and research in Haridasa sahitya and also create facilities for the same. The outlines of this project will be discussed in coming pages.
2-1 Haridasa Sahitya Study, Research and Propagation
On seeing the work places of eminent men in Dasa sahitya, like Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Mahipatidasa, Kakhandaki Krishnadasa, Prasannavenkatadasa, Vijayadasa, Gopaladasa, Jagannathdasa, Galagali avva, Helavanakatte Giriyamma, and also contemporary Gurugopala viththaladasa, and Mohanadasa etc we can conclude that they all belong to Northern Karnataka. At the same time leaving apart Kanakadasa, there is no single centre aiming for study and research in Dasa sahitya in their names or work places. This is a matter of distress to all of us. Some universities are having special seats on donors’ names for specific purpose of holding endowment lectures and not for basic research. Few years back in university of Mysore there was some activity of research and publishing of Dasa sahitya, under the guidance of Prof Varadaraj Rao, but could not continue for long time. At the same time study and research in Vachana sahitya also of North Karnataka origin, has been patronised and assisted by government and its agencies and many private bodies and its progress is commendable. Although Vachana Sahitya and Dasa Sahitya are two faces of same coin in propagating social reforms and refining society as a whole, Dasa Sahitya has not received equal importance and encouragement by either government agencies or private bodies. As latter one does serve common man in growing social cultural and philosophical awareness, it is necessary to have Dasa Sahitya well nourished. Therefore, it is required to have a Haridasa Sahitya study, research propagation centre with its own building on Karnataka government sanctioned plot in Bagalkot, the home place of Prasannavenkatadasa.
The experts in Haridasa Sahitya like Drs Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, K Gokulnath, Arulamallige Parthasarathy, Swamirao Kulakarni, Laxmikant Patil,Dhulakhed Narayanacharya, Dr Rekha Kakandaki etc and local Vyasa - Dasa Sahitya pandits namely Shri Bindumadhavacharya Nagasampigi, Dr Raghumattacharya Nagasampigi and Shri Bhimasenacharya Pandurangi have agreed to participate and guide for all activities of the proposed centre.
In addition, the spread and outreach of Dasa kritis through medium of music to people, the famous Dasavani singer Pt Shri Anant Kulkarni, hailing from Bagalkot, has agreed to help and conduct Dasavani sankirtanas, and also to teach music to the young.
In order to embody all these activities, a centralised building with all facilities, is to be constructed. It is planned to have Prasannavenkatadasa memorial and cultural building at the two sides of presently existing Prasanna Maruti temple in Navanagar, which will shelter Haridasa Sahitya studies, research and propagations activities. More details are given in following lines.
The ground floor will have Prasannavenkatadasa memorial hall with his statue duly installed, and joining the duly renovated Maruti temple with memorial hall, with all together will be Shraddha kendra (earnestness centre).
The first floor will be Haridasa Sahitya study, research and propagation centre, comprising of well-equipped library, a storage place for ancient manuscripts and short notes, researchers’ rooms equipped with internet and computer facilities, training classrooms, , with a well-equipped library, a storage place for old manuscripts, study rooms, meditation hall, training classrooms, hall for conducting Haridasa Sahitya seminars as well as musical bhajan programs, and online training room, an exhibition hall for showing Haridasa tradition especially depicting Prasannavenkatadasa’s life, writings and artistic works.
The second floor will meet the needs like guest rooms for visiting pandits and students, Kirtana place, accommodation for devotees attending d Aradhana festival as well as for members of Bhajana groups. The planned blue prints of whole project duly certified by experts, is already approved by Bagalkot Development Authority. Maps are enclosed.
2-2 Estimated Building Construction Cost and Management.
To have our building construction work smoothly we got a team, consisting of a renowned civil engineering professor and also retired principal of Basveshvara Engineering college Bagalkot Dr H N Herakal, experienced building contractor and civil engineer Shri Vikas Deshpande, Shri Sridhar Kinnal who is having quality control expertise in Reliance Industries civil engineering projects for more than thirty years , Col.Anant Kakhandaki (Rtd) - world bank assisted Civil engg.projects consultant to Govt.of Karnataka having more than three decade executive experience in large civil construction projects .After study of the project, they estimated altogether total cost of Rs. Three Crore and Fifty Lacks as per the prevailing rate in the year 2022. Floor wise cost as below
1] Ground Floor (Memorial Hall) --------- Rs 1,50,00,000/-
2] First Floor --------- ------------ ------------- Rs 1,00,00,000/-
3] Second Floor --------- ------------ --------- Rs 1,00,00,000/-
To realise this esteemed project cost, we have already existing team consists of Prasannavenkatadasa’s progenies like Dr Subhas Kakhandaki as President, Secretary Shri Gururaj Kulkarni, Treasurer Shri Prahlad Kakhandaki, Colonel (Rtd) Anant Kakhandaki Trustee Shri Ramachandra R Kulkarni and famous Kannada literate Dr Rekha Kakhandaki and in addition local devotees and lovers of Dasa Sahitya. Dr Subhas Kakhandaki retired Additional Director D R D O Bengaluru, after retirement, started this institution and for the last 15 years he has involved himself in research activities. With the help of researchers this institution has brought out 32 volumes in publishing Prasannavenkatadasa’s unpublished works and also books for easy understanding of his literature. His works have been brought out in Marathi, Hindi, English, Telugu and Tamil languages for the benefit of non-kannadigas. The audio discs of Prasannavenkatadasa’s songs, sung by eminent singers of the land were also published. There is also a web site “www.prasannavenkatadasaru.org “duly arranged for the convenience of people around world to know about Prasannavenkatadasa’s contribution in Haridasa Sahitya. In addition, there are “Prasanna Venkata Dasavani” Youtube channels and “PrasannaVenkatadasa Namana” Facebook group for enthusiastic devotees. Many lectures by experts on messages and insight of Prasannavenkatadasa’s works, as well as Sangita Sankirtanas programs to reach every home of the state, were also held in all these years. Around 12 symposia on Haridasa Sahitya and more than 20 workshops were conducted. Two persons completed their PhDs and two more are under way on different aspects of Prasannavenkatadasa’s contributions. Our aim is to have these publication and propagation of Haridas Sahitya in more enhanced way from Bagalkot’s upcoming new centre. This is to be realised with cooperation from each individuals.
As already mentioned, there is no institution other than Kanakadasa Haridasa Centre dedicated only for Dasa Sahitya in Kaginele the work place of Kanakadasa. At this moment we are optimistic to have a similar institution in Bagalkot, the birth and work place of Prasannavenkatadasa. For such a centre to be realised, we hope to have aid from government and non-government agencies, public donors, and are open to receive donations
3 The outlines on collecting resources for this project.
Shri Prasannavenkata Cultural and Charitable Trust (Regd) was formed with register office at Bengaluru & Bagalkote on 24-06-2010 with registration no: BNG(U) - BSK-58/2010-11, under Karnataka State Charitable Trust act. This trust is already recognised by Central government for collecting donations under income tax act U/S 12AA vide order No ITBA/EXM/S/12AA/2019-20/1016140976(1). Our accounts are audited by chartered accountant every year and we file returns to income tax department.
As this trust is holding the said land plot under its name with all rights, this project is on hand for construction. To meet the cost of this big project, we thought of collecting donations from members, Government institutions, NGOs, industrialists, business men, donors. The progenies of Prasannavenkatadasa have already paid a sum of Rs 12 Lakhs for the purchase of the plot. Rs 30 lakhs have been collected from devotees of Prasannavenkatadasa and fans of his literary works. Further collection of donations is continuing. We are approaching all the devotees and supporters of haridas sahitya to participate in this project by donating as per the prerana, instinct given by the Almighty. We are also seeking help from corporate institutions. We appeal to you, please donate liberally for this noble cause also motivate your near and dear to support this project. Apart from you if you know potential Donor who supports, preservation, growth and propagation of this divine ancient Indian Bhakti movement, please connect such persons to our trust, this is our humble request. Our trust is committed to garner some more resources for expenditure. Hoping such support will come, we started construction work with available funds
At the same time, we have formed Resource generation boards headed by eminent person and subcommittee’s consisting of devoted socio-oriented persons as office bearers to look after the audit of the building work. Some enthusiastic young men, seniors and esteemed persons of local population, have come forward for the work. The local legislator has extended his service for the same cause.
Therefore, you are humbly requested to extend you might in terms of donations for the construction of Prasannavenkatadasa’s memorial centre, comprising of renovation of Prasanna Maruti temple, Haridasa Sahitya study, research and propagation centre in already stated plot in sector 3 Navanagar, Bagalkot. For this specific project we have bank account & UPI code details given below.
CANARA BANK, VIDYAGGIRI BAGALKOT
SRI PRASANNAVENKATA CULTURAL & CHARITABLE TRUST( R)
A/C NO. 110024483070,
IFS CODE : CNRB0008684
After your donation, please send details of bank transaction no, your contact details such as full name address, Mobile no, email etc by SMS or by WhatsApp to 7975442458/9448011954 / 9448322202
If you need any further details, please feel to contact any of the mobile no’s given above or email to prasannaveankata.trust@gmail.com
On behalf of Shri Prasnnavenkata Cultural and Charitable Trust(R)
(Dr. Subhas Kakhandaki) (S Venkatesh Murthy)
President of the Trust Chairman -resource Generation Board - PVCC Trust
