Poet: Sule Sankavva

Translator: Susan Daniel

Source: Women Writing in India, edited by Susie Tharu and K. Lalitha, Oxford University Press

Performed by M. D. Pallavi and Bruce Lee Mani

For Bhakti Republic with Amit Basole

Radio Azim Premji University, 2023

______________________________________________________________

In my harlot’s trade

Having taken one man’s money

I daren’t accept a second man’s, sir.

And if I do,

They’ll stand me naked and

kill me, sir.

And if I cohabit

with the polluted,

My hands nose ears

they’ll cut off

with a red hot knife, sir.

Ah, never, no.

Knowing you I will not.

My word on it,

O Nirlajjeshwara

______________________________________________________________

Sule Sankavva, a distinctive figure among the Kannada vachanakaras, represents the sole recorded instance in this tradition of a sex worker who embraces the Bhakti path. She transcends her experiences in her profession, using them to convey transcendental mysticism through the lens of her worldly endeavors. Sule Sankara is recognized by her vachana signature in which she addresses Shiva as "Nirlajjesvara", the Lord Who Is Without Shame. Stressing the significance of loyalty to one's Kayaka (vocation) and vows, she places their importance on par with other moral principles. Emphasizing honesty as a crucial virtue, Sankavva advocates for the pursuit of one's Kayaka, irrespective of societal judgments, with an unwavering commitment driven by purity of heart and mind, free from fear and doubt.