Who is Akka Nagamma?
Akkanagamma aka Nagalambike was the sister of Jagatjyoti Basaveshwara and only daughter to her parents Maadarasa and Maadalambike of Bagewadi in present day Bijapur district. She had great influence over Basavanna. Naagalambike was married to Shivadeva, their only son is none other than Chennabasavanna. Akka Nagamma was one of the leaders of Lingayath community. She was popularly called Akka ~ elder sister. Akka was a guiding light to Basaveshwara who served as a minister in King Bijjala's kingdom in Kalyana (present day Basva Kalyana in Bidar district).
What was Akka's contribution to the Lingayath community and society?
Akka was an active participant in Sharana meetings and spiritual debates & discussions at Anubhavamantapa and Mahamane. Akka was instrumental in protecting Vachana Sahitya and organizing Sharanas escape from Kalyana when Bijjala's army rises against the Sharanas. Akka along with hundreds of Sharanas leaves Kalyana, travels south towards Ulavi, then a part of Kadamba kingdom. Akka, Chennabasavanna, Gangambike and Dohara Kakkayya lead group is chased by Bijjala's soldiers. Sharanas and Bijjala;s soldiers engage in a battle at Kadrolli, soldiers lose and retreat. Gangambike attains Aikya in Malaprabha river near Itgi village. Dohara Kakkayya is injured in the battle, he proceeds towards Ulavi via Alnavar route. Akka and Chennabasavanna lead another group towards Dharwad where they camp for few days at Basappana Gudda, presently known asUlavi Basaveshwara Gudda. After a break they continue their journey towards Ulavi where Chennabasavanna camps. Akka continues her journey southwards towards Banavasi.
Where is Akka's Aikyasthala?
Akka travels further south and attains Aikya at Yenne Holae near Tarikere in Chikkamagalur district. Legend says that Akka camped at a temple next a stream. There was no oil for the lamp but Akka used stream water instead of oil and lit a lamp. Hence the stream is known by the name Yenne Holae. Yenne means oil and Holae means stream or river.
