Prayer is needed until one knows awareness;
Worship is needed until one knows grace;
Ritual is needed until one knows oneself;
One should worship as long as there is death,
karma, knowledge, feeling and ego;
Forgetting oneself if one can stay with the divine
and be naked, he need have no fear anywhere
O Nikhalanka Mallikarjuna [Vachana No.1971] ^[1]

Molige Maaraya was a king from Kashmir region. His original name was Mahaadeva Bhoopla. His wife was Ganadevi. Hearing about Basavanna’s greatness they both came to Kalyaana renouncing their kingdom. A king of Kashmir, Molige Maarayya came to Kalyana, and abandoning his kingdom and royal life settled down to a life of simplicity and contentment.

They called themselves Maarayya and Maahadevi and followed the occupation of selling firewood in Kalyana. One of the chapters of Shoonyasampadane carries the details of the legend pertaining to their life. 808 of his vachanas with the signature Nihkalanka Mallikaarjuna are traced to his authorship. These vachanas are a testimony to his erudition and literary capabilities. They deal with many philosophical, religious, social and mystical topics.

The conjugal life of Maarayya and Mahãdvi is very exemplary, and it goes to prove that husband and wife are equal in all respects and are entitled to attain salvation through conjugal happiness.