Kanaka Dasa (1509 – 1609) was a Haridasa, a renowned composer of Carnatic music, poet, philosopher and musician.^[2] He is known^[3] for his keertanas and ugabhoga, compositions in the Kannada language for Carnatic music. Like other Haridasas, he used simple Kannada language and native metrical forms for his compositions.

Originally named Thimmappa Nayaka, Kaginele in Haveri district. He was born in Baada village, near Bankapura and he was a warrior at Bankapura fort. Based on one of his compositions, it is interpreted that he was seriously injured in a battle and was miraculously saved. After this incident, he gave up his profession as a warrior and devoted himself to composing music, writing literature and explaining philosophy to the common man. His early work includes poems titled Narasimha stotra, Ramadhyana Mantra, and Mohanatarangini.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufzGnD7eJ1o&t=58s