Sarala Dasa Biography : Shortly

Sarala Dasa was a renowned Odia poet and scholar who lived in the 15th century. He is considered one of the greatest poets in the Odia language and is best known for his Mahabharata retelling, the Sarala Mahabharata.

Very little is known about Sarala Dasa's early life and background. He is believed to have been born in the town of Kanakavati, which is located in the present-day Balasore district of Odisha. He was a devotee of Lord Jagannath and spent most of his life in Puri, where he is said to have written the Sarala Mahabharata.

The Sarala Mahabharata is a retelling of the Hindu epic Mahabharata in the Odia language. It is notable for its unique style and narrative approach, which differs significantly from the original Sanskrit Mahabharata. Sarala Dasa's version places greater emphasis on the role of Lord Jagannath and other deities in the story, and includes several new characters and plot twists.

Sarala Dasa's other works include the Vilanka Ramayana, a retelling of the Ramayana, and the Chandi Purana, a text on the goddess Chandi. He is also believed to have composed several devotional songs in the Odia language.

Sarala Dasa is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets and scholars in the history of Odisha. His contributions to Odia literature and culture have earned him a prominent place in the state's literary heritage. The Odisha Sahitya Akademi, a cultural institution in the state, has instituted an annual award in his name to honor his contributions to Odia literature.