Shishunala Sharif

Shishunala Sharif (1819-1889) was a saint poet, philosopher and social reformer from the state of Karnataka in India.cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul122007/metrothurs2007071112243.asp|title=When Shishunala came alive|work=Online webpage of Deccan Herald|publisher=Deccan Herald|accessdate=2007-07-14] His compositions of "tatvapada"(moral poems) are in Kannada language. Sharif is recognized as the first ever Muslim poet in Kannada literature.cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/04/stories/2007070462010400.htm|title=‘Shishunala Sharif’s works emphasized religious harmony’|work=Online webpage of The Hindu|publisher=The Hindu|accessdate=2007-07-14]

Shishunala Sharif was born on 7th March, 1819 in Shishuvinahala, a village in Haveri district, Karnataka. He was the only son and was a late born to his parents. The legend has it that, Shishunala Sharif was with the blessings of Gods.

As a child, Shishunala Sharif was a very charming and intelligent. After completing his studies, he worked as a school teacher for a while, before taking up the spiritual search. He found a great Guru in Shri Kalasada Guru Govinda Bhatta. They both shared a very cordial relationship and often engaged in intriguing spiritual discussions.

Though, a Muslim by birth, Shishunala Sharif believed in Hinduism too, also bringing in the communal harmony. In his birth place Shishuvinahala, even today both Hindus and Muslims can be seen worshipping him at the same temple.

Shishunala Sharif was known to compose poems as per the situation and sing them to spread the messages across. Though, he never penned down his compositions, from the word of mouth quite a few them have been passed on to the next generations.cite web|url=http://www.kannadaaudio.com/Songs/Bhaavageethe/home/SantaShishunalaSharifa.php|title=To listen Shishunala Sharif’s songs|work=Kannada Audio] .

Further more it is believed that Sri Govinda Bhatta, a Brahmin (priestly class in Hindu religion), did not hesitate to make him a Brahmin. Shishunala Sharif's preachings can be compared to those of Kabir Das's(in northern India). All his works are in colloquial Kannada language that is called Dharwad Kannada.

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