HADAPADA APPANNA Written By Venkatachalapathi. P.B. Davangere.
Hadapada Appanna: A Pillar of the Kalyana Kranti and Vachana Movement
The Kalyana Kranti (Kalyana Revolution) of the 12th century CE and the flowering of Vachana Sahitya stand among the most remarkable socio-religious transformations in world history. Emerging from the heart of present-day Karnataka, this movement challenged entrenched hierarchies of caste, ritual, and economic exploitation, and offered a bold vision of equality, dignity, and spiritual democracy. At the forefront of this awakening stood Jagajyothi Basavanna, whose revolutionary ideas redefined religion as ethical living rather than ritual observance. Among Basavanna’s most trusted associates was Hadapada Appanna, a Sharana whose life and service embodied the ideals of the Kalyana Kranti.
Historical Context: The Spirit of Kalyana Kranti
Basavanna’s greatest institutional innovation was the Anubhava Mantapa, often described as the world’s first spiritual parliament. It was an open forum where men and women from all castes and professions—barbers, cobblers, washermen, farmers, saints, and scholars—could freely discuss spiritual truths and social justice. The Mantapa rejected birth-based hierarchy and asserted that inner purity and ethical conduct, not caste, determined one’s worth.
This revolutionary space became a refuge for the oppressed and a crucible for new ideas, and Hadapada Appanna emerged as one of its most influential administrators and guardians.
Early Life and Spiritual Inclination
Hadapada Appanna was born in 1135 CE in Masabinala village, located in the present-day Basavana Bagewadi taluk of Vijayapura district, Karnataka. He was born to Channaverappa and Devikamma, a family belonging to the barber (Navik/Hadapada) community. From a young age, Appanna displayed a strong inclination toward spirituality rather than agriculture or worldly pursuits.
He received his early education in Masabinala and later in Vijayapura, where he studied sacred texts, including the Vedas, and spent long hours in meditation and devotion. Concerned about his detachment from household responsibilities, his father urged him to marry. Initially hesitant, Appanna eventually met Lingamma in Hampi, a spiritually enlightened woman whose wisdom deeply impressed him. Their marriage evolved into a spiritual partnership, dedicated to service and devotion rather than material life.
Initiation into the Kalyana Movement
As the message of Basavanna reached Masabinala, Appanna and Lingamma were profoundly inspired. They received Deeksha (initiation) from Channabasavanna, Basavanna’s nephew and a leading spiritual guide, and formally embraced Veerashaivism. From that moment, Appanna dedicated his life to the ideals of the Kalyana Kranti.
The term “Hadapa” refers to the traditional box carried by barbers, used to hold razors, betel leaves, and daily essentials. Appanna continued to carry his hadapa, symbolically transforming it into a tool of service. He frequently delivered food, messages, and necessities to the Sharanas, reinforcing the movement’s emphasis on the dignity of labor.
Role in Anubhava Mantapa
Despite his humble caste background, Hadapada Appanna rose to become one of the most trusted confidants of Basavanna. Recognizing his integrity, intelligence, and administrative acumen, Basavanna appointed him as his personal secretary and gatekeeper.
In the Anubhava Mantapa, Appanna played a crucial role in maintaining order and equality. It became customary that no one—regardless of social status—could meet Basavanna without Appanna’s consent. This practice was not an assertion of power but a deliberate rejection of privilege, ensuring that kings, scholars, and commoners were treated alike. Through this role, Appanna emerged as a living symbol of the movement’s egalitarian spirit.
It is noteworthy that Immadi Bijjala II, the Kalachuri ruler under whom Basavanna served as minister, is also traditionally believed to have emerged from a barber lineage. This convergence underscores the profound social mobility and empowerment fostered during the Kalyana Kranti.
Final Years and Devotion to Basavanna
During the turbulent final phase of the Kalyana movement, Appanna was sent ahead to safeguard Basavanna’s life. Later, at Basavanna’s request, he returned to Kalyana to escort Neelamma, Basavanna’s wife. Tragically, by the time Appanna returned, Basavanna had attained Lingayikya (union with the divine). Deeply grieved, Appanna chose to remain with Neelamma, exemplifying his unwavering loyalty and compassion.
Literary and Spiritual Legacy
Hadapada Appanna composed over five Vachanas, signing them with the ankita “Basavapriya Kudala Channabasavanna.” His vachanas emphasize rational thought, ethical living, and the rejection of caste discrimination. His wife, Hadapada Lingamma, was herself a distinguished Sharane who contributed profoundly to Vachana Sahitya through her spiritually rich compositions.
Appanna’s Samadhi is located at the Shivotsava Mantapa within the Madhukeshwara Temple complex at Banavasi, where a Gaggari stone sculpture commemorates his life. His Jayanthi, observed on the full moon day, continues to be celebrated with devotion and respect.
Conclusion
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