The two divisions

Vyaasa Koota

Haridaasas were categorised as those belonging to Vyaasa Koota, if they considered themselves as true followers of the teachings of Veda Vyaasa. The Haridaasas of Vyaasa Koota were proficient in Vedas and Upanishads, grammar and philosophy. They were followers of Tattvavaada and helped spread the doctrines of Madhwaacharya through discourses, shlokas and texts, in Sanskrit and Kannada. They interpreted Shastras and also corrected inaccuracies in understanding Vedic texts.

They were focussed on Gnyaana, in addition to Bhakthi. Sripaadaraaja, Vyaasa Tirtha, Vaadiraaja Tirtha and Raghavendra Tirtha belong to the Vyaasa Koota.

Daasa Koota

Purandara Daasa, Kanaka Daasa, Vijaya Daasa, Gopala Daasa and Jagannatha Daasa are among the prominent members of the Daasa Koota. Philosophically aligned with the Vyaasa Koota, they focussed solely on Bhakthi and helped lay people relate to the cosmic complexities in “aadu bhaashe”, Kannada. They ensured that the name of God was on everyone’s lips, in order to make its way into their hearts.

Members of the Daasa Koota, composed shlokas and wrote granthas too, but primarily they were identified by their devotional songs.

The members of both the Kootas were contemporaries at times, interacting with each other with mutual respect as Daasas of Hari.