Banamali Dasa (18th century CE), reverently remembered as Bhakta Kabi Banamali, was one of the greatest devotional poets and lyricists in classical Odia literature. Living in Puri during the height of the post-Chaitanya Vaishnava revival, he dedicated his life and literary art to Lord Jagannatha and the divine love (Prema-bhakti) of Radha and Krishna. Banamali is celebrated as an unrivalled master of Janana (poignant devotional prayers), Chaupadi (lyrical four-stanza poems), and classical songs set to traditional Odissi ragas. While many of his contemporary Riti Yuga poets favoured elaborate linguistic acrobatics, Banamali’s verse stands out for its direct emotional intensity, melodic sweetness, and heartfelt personal surrender (Atmanivedana). His immortal compositions—such as "Dinabandhu Dainikahi Kalute", "Kede Chhanda Jane Lo Sahachari", and "Mano Mo Mohana Muruli Swane"—remain deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Odisha. They are regularly performed in Jagannath temple rituals, classical Odissi vocal concerts, and dance recitals. Alongside Gopalakrusna Pattanayaka and Kavisurya Baladeva Ratha, Banamali Dasa forms the immortal trinity of medieval Odia lyrical poetry.
writes Bhakti Poetry, Janana, Chaupadi, Devotional Songs
in Odia, Sanskrit
works by Banamali Dasa
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