English
Nandadasa was a great devotee of the Pancha-sakha tradition. Nothing is known about his birth place, But he can be placed after Balarama Dasa and Dvaraka Dasa as they have been frequently referred to in his writings. His book Anakara samhita not only vididly describes ‘brahmajnana’ or the ‘nirguna brahma upasana’ but also recounts the life story of certain reputed poets of Orissa like Balarama, Jagannatha, Achyutananda and Ananta. It is undoubtedly a major work in philosophy which deals with things like penance, sacrifice, idolatry, belief in spirits and priesthood.
In introducing himself the poet tells us that he was born in the Tretaya Age when he accompanied Rama to Lanka. He also mentions his association with Srikrishna in Dvaraka in the Dvapara Age. He further states that in his previous life he was also Sarala Dasa, Balarama Dasa and Achyuta Dasa. In the seventh chapter of his Anakara samhita he indicates his own name.
Suryanarayana Dasa in his book, History of Oriya Literature (Part-II), places him in the 18th century. He passed his days mostly in the worship of nirguna brahma and in the service of man. He. was very critical of the existing social customs and traditions. He had, therefore, to suffer a lot. He led a pious and saintly life.His book Anakara samhita has not yet been properly edited and many of his nirguna bhajanas still remain unpublished.
Odia Books By Nandadasa
Anakara Samhita
Brahmajnana
nirguna Brahma Upasana
