The time of Nannechodudu is disputed, but it is widely accepted that he was son of Chodaballi and Srisati and grandson of Karikala Choludu. His teacher was Mallikarjunudu. Nannechodudu was the king of Paakanati region (region of Paakanaadu) around1125 AD. He belonged to Kalamukha Shaivites, who were originally Brahmins. So, these rulers respected Brahmins and Nannechodudu praised Brahmins in his poetry. Nannechodudu dedicated his poetry to his teacher. Kalamukha Shaivites practiced non-violence, vegetarianism, and believed in Shiva (the Supreme Lord- masculine principle)-Shakti (the energy-feminine principle) Avinaabhaava (inseparable) relation. They shunned Vedic rituals, but respected Brahmins.
Nannechodudu in his famous “Kumarasambhavamu (birth of Kumara)” elaborately describes the superiority of Lord Shiva over all other Gods. His purpose in writing Kamarasmabhavamu seems to be his interest in dedicating a book to his teacher. In his work he also touches upon Shaivite differences such as Rasavada Shaivamu, Navanadha Sampradayamu, Kaulacharamu etc. Kumarasambhavamu is considered to be the first “Parbandha,” a variety of Telugu poetry that involves a discourse or a narrative.
According to Telugu grammarians, a Mahaakaavyamu (great poetry) must contain at least one of the four principles, Dharma (duty), Ardha (wealth), Kama (sensual love and gratification) and Moksha (salvation), as the main purpose. The goal of Kumarasmbhavamu is attainment of all these four principles and hence it is definitely a Mahaakaavyamu.
Nannechoda’s Kumarasambahavamu contains twelve chapters. The story line of Kumarasambhavamu is taken from Shiva Puraanamu, Skanda Puraanamu, Vaayu Puraanamu, Brahmaanda Puraanamu, Raamaayanamu, Mahabhaaratamu, and Sanskrit Kumaarasambhavamu. In addition to the birth of Kumaara, this work describes the birth of Sati (wife of lord Shiva), Gajaanana (elephant head God), and destruction of Daksha Yajna (Vedic sacrificial ritual performed by Daksha). The hero of the story is Shiva and the heroine is Paarvati. The love of hero and heroine for each other, separation, union, romance, and sensuality form the main part of the work. In addition to the sensuality, the poet also incorporates other poetic feelings or emotions like Veerarasamu (heroic sentiment), Shokarasamu (pathos) etc., in the narrative. Though the story is pauraanic (related to Puraana), Nannechoda made it into a Prabandha poetry by incorporating narrative and kavyarasaalu (poetic emotions). Thus, Nannechodudu is considered by Telugu litterateurs like Ramakrishnarao Korada as Prabandha Parameswara (Lord of Prabandha).
References:
“Praacheena Sahityam,” Umarajeswararao Nidamarti
“Telugu Saahitya Sameeksha,” Nagayya G.
Sreenivasarao Vepachedu, 06/06/1999
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