Voteyya Hididu | Kayakave Kailasa - Bhakti Republic OST | M. D. Pallavi and Bruce Lee Mani In my harlot’s trade Having taken one man’s money I daren’t accept a second man’s, sir. And if I do, They’ll stand me naked and kill me, sir. And if I cohabit with the polluted, My hands nose ears they’ll cut off with a red hot knife, sir. Ah, never, no. Knowing you I will not. My word on it, O Nirlajjeshwara Poet: Sule Sankavva Translator: Susan Daniel Source: Women Writing in India, edited by Susie Tharu and K. Lalitha, Oxford University Press Performed by M. D. Pallavi and Bruce Lee Mani For Bhakti Republic with Amit Basole Radio Azim Premji University, 2023 Sule Sankavva, a distinctive figure among the Kannada vachanakaras, represents the sole recorded instance in this tradition of a sex worker who embraces the Bhakti path. She transcends her experiences in her profession, using them to convey transcendental mysticism through the lens of her worldly endeavors. Sule Sankara is recognized by her vachana signature in which she addresses Shiva as "Nirlajjesvara", the Lord Who Is Without Shame. Stressing the significance of loyalty to one's Kayaka (vocation) and vows, she places their importance on par with other moral principles. Emphasizing honesty as a crucial virtue, Sankavva advocates for the pursuit of one's Kayaka, irrespective of societal judgments, with an unwavering commitment driven by purity of heart and mind, free from fear and doubt.