Gopala Dasa

Sri Gopala Dasa (1722–1762) was a prominent 18th-century saint, under the Haridasa tradition. Along with other contemporary Haridasas such as Vijaya Dasaru, Jagannatha Dasaru and Venugopala Dasaru, Gopala Dasaru propagated the Dvaita philosophy of Sri Madhvacharya throughout South India through Devaranamas or "Songs of God" in the Kannada language.

Early years

Gopala Dasa was born as Bhaganna to Murariraya and Venkamma in Mosarakallu in Raichur district of Karnataka. From a very young age, Bhaganna was initiated into spirituality and Dvaita philosophy.

Initiation

Bhaganna was initiated into the Haridasa tradition by Vijaya Dasa. His pen-name was "Gopala Vittala".

Works

Gopala Dasa has composed numerous songs in Kannada in praise of the Hindu god Purandhara Vittala.

References

• Gopala Vittala