Allasani Peddana

Who is Allasani Peddana?

There were eight great poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara (1509-1530 AD). They were called Ashta Diggajas. 

Allsani Peddana was one among them. 

He has been given the title Sarvatomukhandhra Kavitapitamaha.

Where does Allasani Peddana belong to?

Peddanapadu village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

What is the family background of Allasani Peddana?

Allasani Peddana was a Smarta Niyogi Brahmin of the Nandavarika sect. 

He belonged to Vasishta gotra. 

His father’s name was Chokkayamatya.

Who was the guru of Allasani Peddana?

Shatakopa Yati (शठकोपयतिः).

Which are the major works of Allasani Peddana?

Hari Kathasara was his first work followed by Simhavalokana Utpalamalika, and his most famous work Svarochishamanu Sambhavamu (Manucharitra). 

There are two more works: Ramastavarajam and Advaitasiddhantamu often attributed to Allasani Peddana.

What is special about Simhavalokana Utpalamalika?

Simhavalokana Utpalamalika is written in the meter Utpalamala and it has got thirty lines.

It is about how to compose poems and how to use the words of Telugu and Sanskrit.  

This work reflects his mystique character and naturalistic outlook and also covers drama, music, rhythms, and experience of the senses.

What is special about Manucharitra?

Manucharitra written by Allasani Peddana is about the birth of Svarochisha Manu, the founder of mankind in the Svarochisha Manvantara. 

It is adapted from the Markandeya Purana. 

In this book, Peddana compares the birth of the son of Krishnadevaraya to the birth of Svarochisha Manu.

 Manucharitra’s original title is Svarochishamanu Sambhavamu.

How did Krishnadevaraya felicitate Allasani Peddana?

Krishnadevaraya himself was a poet. 

He gave the Kavigandapenderam to Allasani Peddana. 

Krishnadevaraya himself wore the golden ornament around Peddana’s ankle.

Knowledge Bank

The seven realms in Hindu cosmology

The seven realms in Hindu cosmology, Bhū, Bhuvaḥ, Svar, Mahar, Jana, Tapaḥ, and Satya, each have distinct characteristics and significance. Bhūloka is the earthly realm where humans, animals, and plants exist, characterized by physical existence and material experiences. Bhuvaḥloka, the atmospheric realm, is the space between the Earth and the Sun, home to semi-divine beings and spirits. Svarloka, the heavenly realm of the gods, is a place of pleasure and celestial beings associated with Indra, often referred to as Svarga. Maharloka is the realm of great sages and saints, a higher spiritual realm for beings with significant spiritual advancement. Janaloka, the realm of the progenitors of humanity, is inhabited by rishis and divine beings who have transcended the cycle of birth and death but are not yet fully liberated. Tapoloka, the realm of meditation and penance, is occupied by ascetics and sages engaged in deep meditation and austerities for higher spiritual goals. Satyaloka, the realm of truth and the highest spiritual realm, also known as Brahmaloka, is the abode of Brahma, characterized by truth, purity, and eternal bliss, and is the ultimate goal for souls seeking liberation (moksha). These realms represent different levels of existence and consciousness, from the physical and material to the highest spiritual and divine.

Ashtadharma margas

Ashtamargas are eight ways for obtaining moksha. They are - performing yajnas, learning Vedas, giving danam, performing tapas such as fasting, adhering to honesty, observing tolerance in all situations, being kind to everyone, and giving up all desires.