Introduction
God is often depicted facing the main door in temples, but in Udipi, the temple is unique. Lord Krishna is viewed not through the main door but through a window to the side, called ‘Kanakana Kindi’. This window holds the story of a devout Bhakta named Kanakadas who experienced a miraculous darshan of God.
Kanakadas’s Unwavering Faith
Kanakadas was once a disciple of the great guru Vyasarayalu. One day, Vyasarayalu distributed fruits to his disciples and asked them to eat them secretly. The disciples tried various ways to hide, but Kanakadas returned with the fruit untouched, stating that wherever he went, God was watching him. This innocent love for the Almighty impressed Vyasarayalu, highlighting Kanakadas’s profound faith.
The Early Life of Kanakadas
In the times of Sri Krishna Deva Raya, there was a chieftain named Birappa and his wife Buchchamma, staunch devotees of Sri Venkateswara. They were blessed with a son named Timmappa after praying for a child. Timmappa showed little interest in studies but excelled in martial arts. He lost his parents early and his wife soon after marriage, leaving him lonely.
A Divine Encounter
Despite Timmappa’s desire for material comforts, God repeatedly appeared in his dreams, urging him to become His disciple. Timmappa resisted, preferring worldly pleasures. However, during a battle, Timmappa was severely injured, and God appeared, offering relief from pain in exchange for devotion. Upon accepting, Timmappa experienced divine relief and spiritual awakening, transforming into a devout disciple named Kanakadas.
Kanakadas’s Miraculous Experiences
Kanakadas’s devotion led him to the temple of Adi Kesava Swami, where he prayed fervently for the doors to open. His intense devotion moved God, and the temple doors miraculously opened, granting him darshan. This transformation from Timmappa to Kanakadas marked his complete devotion to God.
Journey to Hampi
Following divine guidance, Kanakadas sought out Guru Vyasaraya in Hampi. Initially reluctant due to caste differences, Vyasaraya tested Kanakadas by asking him to chant the word “buffalo.” Kanakadas’s sincere chanting brought forth a buffalo (Lord Yama in disguise), which fulfilled the Guru’s request. Recognizing Kanakadas’s devotion, Vyasaraya accepted him as a disciple.
Pilgrimage and Divine Encounters
During a pilgrimage, Kanakadas visited Tirumala. Lord Venkateswara appeared in the temple’s Mahantu’s dream, instructing him to honor Kanakadas. Mistaken for a thief, Kanakadas was imprisoned but later released when God intervened. His devotion and the miraculous restoration of the temple’s jewelry highlighted his deep connection with the divine.
The Miracle at Udipi
Upon reaching Udipi, Kanakadas was denied entry into the temple due to his caste. Heartbroken, he prayed fervently, and miraculously, the statue of Lord Krishna turned to face him. This miraculous event allowed Kanakadas to have darshan through a window, now known as ‘Kanakana Kindi’, symbolizing divine acceptance of true devotion.
Kanakadas’s Legacy
Kanakadas lived for 90 years, composing thousands of keertanas and building many temples. His unwavering faith and devotion inspired many to lead a spiritual life. His life story exemplifies the power of sincere devotion and God’s willingness to bless those with true faith.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Unwavering Faith: Kanakadas’s unwavering faith in God brought divine intervention into his life.
- Respect and Devotion: The importance of respecting and serving sadhus and recognizing their spiritual stature.
- Divine Assistance: The story demonstrates that God assists His devotees in times of need.
- Power of Bhakti: Kanakadas’s life underscores that sincere devotion can lead to divine blessings and miracles.
Teaching from Srimad Bhagavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.18:
vāñchanti yad bhava-bhiyo munayo vayaṁ ca
kṣemāya pāda-rajaḥ saṁviśate ‘naghāya
yeṣāṁ gṛhān anuśayāḥ puruṣāḥ saparyāḥ
sāsvargya-saukhya-padavīm api muñcati sma
“Persons who are pure devotees of the Lord are glorified not only by their own lives but also by the people who live with them. Such pure devotees never enter into the path of material existence. Thus they are worshipable even by the great demigods.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of pure devotees whose presence and lives glorify the Lord.
Teaching from Caitanya Caritamrita
Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya-lila 22.54:
‘sādhu-saṅga’, ‘nāma-kīrtana’, ‘bhāgavata-śravaṇa’
mathurā-vāsa’, śrī-mūrtira śraddhāya sevana
“One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, reside at Mathurā, and worship the Deity with faith and veneration.”
This verse highlights the essential practices for spiritual advancement: associating with devotees, chanting the holy name, hearing scriptures, residing in holy places, and worshiping the deity.
Teaching of Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of sincere and humble devotional service.
Srila Prabhupada said: “To serve the devotee is more important than to serve the Lord directly.” (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.29.17, Purport)
This teaching underscores the importance of serving devotees, as it pleases the Lord greatly.
Prayer
O Lord Krishna,
Please grant us the sincerity and devotion of Kanakadas.
Help us to chant Your holy names with faith and love,
So that we may overcome the illusions of material enjoyment and return to Your divine abode.
May our hearts be filled with true devotion and love,
And may we always strive to please You with our actions.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
May Your divine grace and blessings be upon us always,
Guiding us towards pure devotion and eternal bliss in Your service.
I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share these moral and instructive stories so that everyone can benefit by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
