Sky - Clad: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Akka Mahadevi

Sky-clad (Digambara) is not the story of Akka Mahadevi. It is a narrative with the right amount of story telling about the Bhakthi movement in Karnataka. Skyclad traces the path of Akka Mahadevi, from Uduthadi through Kalyana to Kadali, finally ending at Srisailam. Through this narrative, the author explores some important personalities like Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and the entire sect of Virashaivas.The book starts with a quick primer on what Bhakthi is and where it stands in the yogic pantheon. This is followed by the story of Mahadevi and how she transforms into Akka Mahadevi and the icon she is. The initial chapter takes the reader through her early life and the circumstances which make her shun her clothes. The story of Akka Mahadevi cannot be complete without the mention of Virashaivas and hence the author dedicates a complete chapter for them.The author explains the circumstances which led to rising of this sect and how they demarcated themselves from the prevailing beliefs. Here, the author brings significance into the lives of Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and many other lesser known Virashaivas who wielded a powerful influence in the Kannada society. Then the author joins these two streams at the Anubhava Mantapa at Kalyana. Thereafter, it is brief account of the final stages of her life at Srisailam and exploratory essays of the many dimensions of Akka’s bhakthi.The author has given a perspective of Akka Mahadevi’s life with the life of other contemporaries, which explains her magnitude as a bhakta and a rebel. It is the scenes at Kalyana, where her devotion is tested both orally and physically, which makes the narration compelling.That said, the book becomes interesting with the insights into the prevailing religious conditions, the tides and currents brought in by the rising of the new sect, the perspective in comparison with the today’s situations, and the treatment of body and gender in the light of Akka Mahadevi’s clear stand on both.Another aspect, which delights the reader, is the author’s approach to the subject through vachanas which are replete throughout the book.This book is highly recommended for everybody, to know about a personality who claimed fame by her acts of devotion. It would be a big delight for those who are interested in spiritual reads as it provides a clear understanding of the concept of bhakti.For me it was a wonderful read. Overall, a book to taste, chew and digest.

It's a beautiful read where the author takes us into the Bhakti movement of 12th century. Alongside Akka Mahadevi who is the protagonist of the book, the author also touches upon the journey/life of other saints and sages of 12th/13th century. The vachanas listed in the book are beautiful and takes one into the realm of Bhakti where there is Bhakti only for the sake of Bhakti and nothing else.

I had read about vachanas in another classic of kannada literature and wanted to explore more about these. This book with description of Shiva saranes and their vachanas proved to be an ideal pick to learn more , learnt not just about Virashaivism of the 12 th century , not just about life of Akka Mahadevi but also many important philosophical discussions that are well structured, allow easy understanding. Made a great read, a lot conveyed despite short length.

Thanks Amazon for having such a wonderful collection of books at appropriate pricing n good delivery service. We are in touch with our roots with such books about lives of our legends.

Excellent and very Spiritual after reading the book I Viaited Akkamahadevis birthplace feeling good

Thanks a lot

Mukunda Rao, author of Between the Serpent and the Rope, presents the extraordinary life-story and message of one of India's most charismatic female saint-poets, Akka Mahadevi.Apart from Akka, Sky-clad provides the accounts of illustrious female saint-poets of India: Meera, Andal, Lalleshwari, etc. It also provides a historical glimpse of the foundation of Virashaivism by Basaveshwara and the movement's probable guiding force, Allama Prabhu… Continued in blogpost... (My profile > open blog link > Labels > Sky-clad)

The book is a nice read & the author traces the anthomorphology of Bhakti cult especially in South Indiaduring the past ages. He is able to trace similarities on the evolution, evaluation & successive metamorphosis of different sects.However, this book is based on theoretical inputs only, as the author is unable to do justice beyond hearsay and facts on how the advanced movements with women being embraced both willingly & perforce , withered away in the subsequent ages to give rise to a deep fjord therafter -from which our Naaris have yet to sadly recover.Case in point would also be the fact that the so called 'Virashaivas' gradually degenerated to a point where the 'Lingayats' of today are a mere political pawn ? Odd enough given the pathetic political turnaround in Karnataka being observed as on date.Also, the book misses out on the describing parallels of saints/mothers outside South India - like Kabir, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu & even forgets mentioning Shankar Dev of Assam - a revolution in himself ?Descriptions on Allama Prabhu, Basavanna are dichotomous and portayals weaves from one stance to another.Advaita being touched upon does not connect Sri Ramakrishna with it, though he is fleeting mentioned - albeit minus references to his supreme disciple - Swami Vivekananda. Adi Shankara and Vivekananda proved what few saints over the years could actually do - that Self Realisation is achievable & can be demonstated - irrespective of Advaita, Dwaita & all such parallels Visishtaas - which bely naughtSurely there has to be some parallels around these enlightened souls and what drew to them to the Supreme ?Akka Mahadevi preceded Lalleshwari by around 200 years - but both of them draw a rather queer parallel - being stark nude / naked 'Nirvastraa' by choice - something that would be sacrilegious even by today's standards. Surely jeers and laughs and erotic perceptions aside, what drew these two enlightened souls to such popularity that people forgot their physical bare form and awed at their transcendence to the Divine?Was Lalleshwari a reincarnation of Akka - in colder lands ? Was Akka herself a reincarnation of the Her, the Supreme Kali - one who needs no modesty, is stark nude , beyond shame - ever young and the true Shakti of Shiva ? Does this explain her possible pining for Chenna Mallikarjuna/Siva in both births ?More to be done in terms of spirituality when you choose such topics - unless you are essentially just essaying a biopic - which is the best description as per me.Good for the average reader, but for a seeker of Supreme Truth and its parallels in disciples, this book has a far way to go still !!!