Mysore/Mysuru: Devara Dasimayya Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of the 12th century saint-poet, Vachana writer and a senior contemporary of Basaveshwara, was celebrated at a programme organised by the District Administration, in conjunction with Kannada & Culture Department and Devara Dasimayya Jayantyotsava Samiti, at Kirurangamandira (Mini Theatre) in Kalamandira premises here this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor (in-Charge) Sunanda Palanetra said that Devara Dasimayya, who is said to have born at Mudanur in now Yadgir district of Karnataka, wrote Vachanas to spread the message of equality and peace. As many as 176 Vachanas of Dasimayya were available, she added.

Continuing, Sunanda said that Dasimayya, being a weaver by  profession, was the first propagators of Kuruhina Shetty community. Pointing out that Dasimayya, a great Vachana writer that he was,  had his pen name (Ankitanama) as Ramanatha, meaning Rama’s Lord (Shiva), she said that he taught a life of complete non-violence.

Noting that Dasimayya advocated equality in society, she said that the saint-poet had observed in his writings that one could contribute to the greater good and welfare of the society through honesty and dedication.

Earlier, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Devara Dasimayya. MLA L. Nagendra presided. Vachana Singer Ananda Kumar presented Vachana Gayana (recital) on the occasion.

Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd. (MPVL) Chairman N.V. Phaneesh, City Congress President and Nekara Okkoota President R. Murthy, ex-Corporators Sunil and Hema Gangappa, the city’s Chowdeshwari Temple President Pankajamma, writer Narayana Kikkeri, Kuruhina Shetty Samaj leaders Chandramohan and Jaya Prakash, Kannada activist Thayur Vittalamurthy, leader M. Shivalingaiah and others were present.