The Nijasharana Shri Ambigara Chowdaiya (also spelled Caudayya) was a Koli [1] saint, poet and social critic in 12th century India. He was a ferryman or boatman who went to Kalyan, joined the Virasaiva movement there and followed Lingayatism. Influenced by Basava, his somewhat crude writings were critical of the higher castes. [2] He has been described by K. A. Paniker as the angriest of the poets in the vachana movement. [3] Revered as a saint because of his 274 inspiring Pravachans, he also challenged those who harassed women and those he considered to be religious charlatans.[ citation needed] He taught that god certainly dwells in the heart of one who is pure in thoughts, words and deed. [4]
A cave is named after Chowdaiya on the outskirts of Basavakalyan in Karnataka[ citation needed] and that state's Department of Kannada and Culture assists in the annual celebrations of his jayanti. [5]