Summary Basavanna receives those whom society has humiliated, impoverished, or marked by bodily impairment as his closest relations. The woman called Gummadi is his mother, Kalaketana is his father, and…

Summary Basavanna presents the warrior’s fiercest action—tearing into battle, being made to fight unto death, and placing the chest before danger—as remaining under the authority of the patron who commands…

Summary Basavanna observes how children, once born, come to exercise mastery over wealth, life, and affection or self-regard. Family attachment allows these deeply held possessions to pass under another’s claim.…

Summary Basavanna asks what is gained by practising with thirty-two weapons when one effective blade is enough to strike the enemy. The number of acquired methods does not determine the…

Summary Basavanna speaks through the image of one whom the king has brought to his bed and joined with himself. Once the Lord has received the devotee into such intimate…

Summary Basavanna describes the Sharanas who worship the Linga with unwavering fidelity and know no other path. They are like the jewel upon a serpent’s hood—precious and resplendent as ornaments.…

Summary Basavanna declares that no other realm equals Shivaloka and no other mantra equals the Shiva-mantra. He then places a riddle before the world and asks it to take up…

Summary Basavanna declares that his anger will not leave him when someone says that another deity exists apart from Kudalasangama Deva. He expresses this intolerance through the severe image of…

Summary Basavanna asks what any angry individual or even an entire village can do to those who stand secure in Kudalasangama Deva. He rejects dependence upon their favour, even in…

Summary Basavanna warns against turning back after leaving a former condition. One who looks behind and entertains doubt about returning becomes like a paramour who goes to another’s doorway; the…