Hadapada Appanna Remembered for Spiritual Wisdom and Social Reform
Mangaluru, July 10, 2025: A commemorative event marking the Jayanti of Hadapada Appanna, a revered 12th-century mystic and Basava devotee, was held on Thursday at Tulu Bhavan in Mangaluru. The event was jointly organised by the district administration, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Department of Kannada and Culture, and Hadapada Appanna Samaja Seva Sangha.
Retired professor Dr. Meenakshi Ramachandra, delivering the keynote address, highlighted the life and legacy of Hadapada Appanna. She described Appanna as a visionary figure from the barbers’ community who was once ostracised as a bearer of ill omen, but later rose to prominence through spiritual dedication and work ethic.
“Basavanna recognised Appanna’s deep spiritual insights and unwavering commitment to work, appointing him as his personal secretary,” she said. “Such was his influence that others around him were also inspired to embrace purposeful work as a spiritual path.”
Born in Masabinala village near Ingaleshwara in Vijayapura district to Channaveerappa and Devakamma, Hadapada Appanna was married to Lingamma, daughter of Jeernagappa and Channabasamma from Deginal village. A childhood companion of Basavanna, Appanna later rejoined him at Koodala Sangama and played a key role in the Sharana movement.
Noted for his balanced engagement in both worldly and spiritual spheres, Appanna earned the title “Nijasukhi Appanna” from Allamaprabhu. His wife Lingamma, herself a Sharane, was called “Nijamukte Lingamma”. She is credited with authoring 114 vachanas under the pen name Appanna Priya Channabasavanna, while 250 vachanas authored by Appanna under Basavapriya Koodala Channabasavanna have been documented.
Dr. Meenakshi noted that Appanna’s vachanas reflect themes of renunciation, commitment to work (kayaka), service, philosophical depth, and social reform. Following the Kalyana revolution, it is believed that he attained ikya (spiritual union) at Tangadagi on the banks of the Krishna River.
The event was attended by Mallesh Hadapad, president of the Hadapad Appanna Samaja Seva Sangha, along with office bearers of the organisation. Rajesh G., Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, welcomed the gathering.
