Akka Maha Devi - A Women Poet & Fore-runner of Frenzied Bhakti Movement

Now-and-then we see that in Poetry that is filled with Bhakti, we are reminded of domination by male poets. However, this statement is not true. The problem is, this generation is not exposed to the greatest works of Andal - "Tiruppavai". This is a poem of 30 verses in which she imagines herself to be a cowherd girl during the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Akka Mahadevi is another tallest poet devotee who was born in 12th Century in Udutadi village in Sivamoga area located in Karnataka. She was initiated into Shiva worship at the age of 10 and became an ardent devotee of Chenna Mallikarjuna, which literally meant "Beautiful Lord, white as Jasmine".This description of Lord Shiva became her "Ankita" or "Signature" in her poetry.

Akka Mahadevi was the very first devotee who claimed that illicit love towards God was greater than most lawful wedded life on this earth. Her poetry exhibits her love for Chenna Mallikarjuna and Harmony with nature and simple living. This generation of students should be cautious not to mis-understand the intentions of Akka Mahadevi. Illicit love should not be understood for mere physical satisfaction of bodily needs but from a larger point of view. Here, Akka Mahadevi is immersed in Bhakti and she seeks the Love for the Lord which is un-conditional. Her poems are called "Vachanas".

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Akka Mahadevi exhibits her love for Chenna Mallikarjuna and harmony with nature and simple living. She thus sang:

For Hunger, there is the village rice in the begging bowl,

For Thirst, there are tanks and streams and wells,

For Sleep, temple ruins do well,

For Company of the Soul I have YOU, Chenna Mallikarjuna!

The love that Akka Mahadevi exhibits is not just limited to physical relationship but, in more deeper understanding, the Jeevatma in Akka Mahadevi realized the need to be in communion with the Paramatman i.e Chenna Mallikarjuna. It is said that Akka Mahadevi left for Shrisailam Mountain where according to legends, with great penance and single-pointed devotion, she developed ‘nirguna bhava’ and achieved union with Chennamallikarjuna, her Lord.

Image showing Akka Mahadevi Cave, where it is said that Akka Mahadevi is involved in deep penance and merged with Lord Shiva.
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Akka Mahadevi is still a household name in Karnataka, remembered in festivals and folklore. She has also been commemorated in films, music videos and a couple of NGOs that are established in her name.

Reference:

Some parts of the text were extracted from "Sant Darshan", Published by Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence.