ವಚನಗಳು (Vachanagalu)
by ಅಲ್ಲಮಪ್ರಭು, ಘಟ್ಟಿವಾಳಯ್ಯ, ಅಕ್ಕಮಹಾದೇವಿ
Rapid Learn 2-Minute Revision
Perfect for last-minute revision
2-Minute Revision Video
Video coming soon
This lesson presents vachanas from three great sharanas of the 12th-century social and spiritual revolution of Karnataka. Allamaprabhu (ankita: Guheshwara) uses the metaphor of a bullock cart for the human body, calling for internal self-control and mocking hypocritical ritual. Ghattivalayya (ankita: Chikkayyapriya Siddhalinga) denounces external disguises of devotion, teaching that true surrender means dedicating one's body, mind and wealth to the divine. Akkamahadevi (ankita: Chennamallikarjuna) explores spiritual liberation, arguing that even a chain of gold is still a chain, and surrenders her whole life to Shiva.
Detailed Summary
Detailed Summary Video
Video coming soon
Allamaprabhu
Allamaprabhu's vachanas are philosophical and critical of superficial religion. In 'Kaalugalembavu gaali kandayya...', he compares the human body to a wooden bullock cart: the legs are the wheels, the body is the cart, the mind is the driver, and desire and ignorance are the two bullocks. If the driver (mind) loses control of the bullocks (passions), the cart (body) veers off the path of righteousness and shatters. True spirituality lies in disciplining the senses.
In another vachana he mocks those who wear the Linga externally yet harbour greed, lust and anger within, like placing a sword on a corpse, an outward symbol without inner life or meaning.
Ghattivalayya
Ghattivalayya condemns hypocrisy and external disguises (veshadharane). Saffron robes, holy ash and mantras are useless while one clings to material pleasures. True surrender (sharana) requires dedicating three things: Tanu (body) offered to the Guru through honest labour (kayaka); Mana (mind) offered to the Linga by cleansing ego and greed; and Dhana (wealth) offered to the Jangama (society) through selfless charity, without any expectation of reward.
Akkamahadevi
Akkamahadevi's vachanas represent the peak of Madhura Bhakti. In 'Ratnada sankoleyaadade todaralve?', she observes that even a chain made of gold and set with pearls and rubies is still a chain that restricts freedom. Likewise, family ties, titles and wealth, however comfortable, are spiritual bondages. She begs her Lord Chennamallikarjuna to break these golden chains so her soul can merge with His infinite light.