Dasa Sahitya (Kannada: ದಾಸ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ) is a genre of literature of the bhakti movement composed by devotees in honor of 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 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. Dasas are Dvaita scholars and poets.
The Haridasas contributed to the rich heritage of Karnataka 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. Vishnu 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.
Although the association of the Dasas is with Vishnu, they composed songs on other forms of Hindu Gods, also known as Saguna Brahma Svarupa(s). Purandaradasa for example, has composed songs in praise of Ganesha (Gajavadana Beduve), Shiva (Chandra chuda Shiva Shankara), and Saraswati (Kodubega Divyamati Saraswati).
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