Purandaradasa 15/16 TH CENTURY

Purandaradasa, born in 1484 in Purandaragada near Poona, Maharashtra, is celebrated as one of the most prominent Haridasas of Karnataka. Initially, he followed his father’s footsteps as a trader and accumulated considerable wealth. However, he renounced his riches and worldly life later, seeking spiritual guidance from the renowned religious scholar Vyasaraya.

Devoting himself to a life of piety and religion, Purandardasa expressed his love for God through numerous poems in Kannada, which remain popular even today. Despite their highly poetic language, his compositions are adorned with rich imagery and similes drawn from everyday life, possessing a rare power to move listeners profoundly. Critics have praised his works for reflecting a deep understanding of the world and its ways, showcasing wide knowledge, deep experience, and a profound love for humanity.

Although Kannada was his mother tongue and the language he wrote in, Purandardasa was also a scholarly adept in Sanskrit. He extensively studied the theory and practice of music, laying the foundation of Carnatic music and significantly contributing to its form and content through his original compositions. His influence on later composers like Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar is profound, with many drawing inspiration from his works.

Tradition credits Purandardasa with composing a staggering 475,000 songs, along with other works on Hindu mythology. While only a portion of his vast output has survived, it still speaks volumes about his greatness. Purandardasa is believed to have passed away in 1564, and the fourth centenary of his death was observed throughout the Kannada-speaking regions on January 14, 1964.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department is honored to issue a special stamp in memory of Purandardasa on this significant occasion, commemorating his invaluable contributions to literature, music, and spirituality.