The Aradhana of Shri Surapura Ananda Dasaru, with the ankita (pen name) of Kamalesha Vittala, is observed on Bhadrapada Shuddha Dwadashi.
Kamalesha Vittala Dasaru
Ananda Dasaru was born in Cheekalaparavi and later worked in Surapura, which is why he is also known as Surapura Ananda Dasaru. He had many disciples, with the notable ones being Gundacharya, Guru Bheemesha Vittala, Madaka Shira Bheema Dasaru, and Kamalapathi Vittala Dasaru.
A devoted follower of Raghavendra Swamy, Ananda Dasaru is the composer of several heartfelt and well-known songs dedicated to Sri Raghavendra Swamy.
Kamalesha Vittala Dasaru lived around 1780 in Surapura, under the guidance of his preceptor Keshava Vittala Dasaru. His compositions are widely appreciated for their depth in literary, musical, and philosophical aspects.
A well-known incident in Ananda Dasaru’s life occurred while he was observing anushthana (spiritual discipline) at the sanctum of Panchamukhi Pranadevaru in Ganadhala for several days. Suddenly, he remembered that the next day was Shravana Krishna Dwadashi, the Aradhana of his beloved guru, Sri Raghavendra Teertharu. Eager to reach Mantralaya for the Aradhana, he attempted to cross the swollen Tungabhadra River. An oarsman initially refused due to the dangerous flood conditions, but after much persuasion, agreed to take him across.
As they journeyed, the river water began to flood the boat, and both Ananda Dasaru and the oarsman feared for their lives. However, Ananda Dasaru's intense devotion to participating in the Aradhana could not be shaken. He prayed fervently to Sri Raghavendra Swamy.
Miraculously, two Brahmins wearing only koupeenas appeared, waded through the river, tied a rope to the boat, and began pulling it to safety. Both Ananda Dasaru and the oarsman were amazed. Upon reaching the shore, Ananda Dasaru asked the Brahmins who they were, and they introduced themselves as Raghappa and Vaadappa. They also informed him that Sri Ibharamapura’s Appavaru and other saints were waiting for him at Mantralaya.
Ananda Dasaru soon realized that the two Brahmins were none other than Sri Raghavendra Teertharu and Sri Vadeendra Teertharu in disguise. When he reached the matha, Ibharamapura’s Appavaru welcomed him warmly and acknowledged that he had been saved by the divine grace of Sri Raghavendra Teertharu.
Many of Ananda Dasaru's compositions are still sung today and remain highly revered. Some of his popular songs include "Baronamma Manege Sri Raghavendra," "Tunga Theera Virajam...," and the evergreen "Karedare Barabarade."
| Category | Aradhana |
| month | Bhadrapada |
| paksha | Shukla |
| tithi | Dwadashi |
| Nakshatra | |
| yogha |
