Ganadaasi Veeranna (ಗಣದಾಸಿ ವೀರಣ್ಣ)

If you ask how many castes are there
there are two castes:
worldly men one caste, devotees another.
If you seek the caste
of the sharanas for whom
ashtavarana is the body
panchachaara is praana
you will overcome the
the undesirable births,
Can the pearl formed from water return to water?
Can the pot made of clay turn to clay?
Hence
Vamanamuni accepting
the invitation of great sharanas
yet could not eat there for fear of the caste
was he not reborn
as the dog of Havinhala Kallayy&s house?
Therefore,
our Shaantakoodalasangamadeva says
one must accept the remains
of the Shiva-devotees. [Vachana No.2269] ^[1]

Ganadaasi Veeranna (c. 17th century Post Basava Age) has called himself the servant of the Shiva shranas, and the epithet ‘Ganadasi’ is appropriate. His 40 vachanas are extant with the signature Shantakoodalasangamadeva. He speaks about the nature of knowledge and mysticism. There is a systematic analysis of Ashtavarana and Panchaachaara in his vachanas.

What matters which city
the Shiva devotee is in?
Which locality he resides?
What if he is in low-born locality?
Where the Shiva devotee is, that is Kailaasa.
His house is the palace of Shiva.
The neighborhood around his house is Shivaloka The proof:
it is said
chandalavatikayam cha shivabhaktah sthitho yadi atrapi
shivalokah syat tadgraham shivamandiram
If one sees the courtyard of such a Shiva devotee
the sin of a million murders of Brahmins
and a million infant murders will vanish
Those who prostrate before them and salute will gain
the eight prosperities, the eight great fulfillments.
If one receives the remains of their prasaada
one will not fail to gain instant liberation.
Father, how shall I describe such Shiva devotees?
Is he any different from Shiva?
He is unapproachable, unseen, un-measurable and full of bliss.
Shaantakoodalasangamadeva showed the holy feet of such devotee. [Vachana No.2270] ^[1]