In contemporary Karnataka, Kotigobba Sharana is sung in:
The phrase Kotigobba Sharana has even entered common parlance as a compliment meaning “an exceptionally selfless person.”
In the rich tapestry of Kannada devotional literature, particularly within the Lingayatism tradition, the Vachana compositions of Kotigobba Sharana hold a distinctive place. Unlike the more widely known Sharana poets like Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, or Allama Prabhu, Kotigobba Sharana represents the folk and oral traditions of 12th-century mysticism, often associated with the itinerant Jangama (wandering monk) heritage.
Q1: Is “Kotigobba Sharana” a song or a Vachana?
It is a Vachana (a prose-poem) that has been set to music and is sung as a devotional song.
Q2: Can women sing this song?
Absolutely. The Lingayat tradition and Basavanna’s teachings were revolutionary in advocating gender equality in spirituality.
Q3: What is the best time to sing this?
Morning hours (Brahma Muhurta) or during evening Bhajans. It is also sung during Abhisheka rituals. kotigobba sharana song lyrics in kannada
Q4: Is there a shorter version?
Yes, many bhajan groups sing only the Pallavi and two Charanas. However, the complete 4-charanam version is more common.
Q5: Where can I learn the exact tune?
Search for “Kotigobba Sharana Basavanna tune” on YouTube. The melody is typically simple, folk-like, and meditative.
Below are the original lyrics of this revered Vachana/Devotional song as sung in many Bhajans and spiritual gatherings. The language is simple yet profound.
ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣ – ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ
ಪಲ್ಲವಿ:
ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣನಯ್ಯಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ
ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣನಯ್ಯಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ || In contemporary Karnataka, Kotigobba Sharana is sung in:
ಚರಣ ೧:
ಇಷ್ಟು ಲಿಂಗವ ನೆನೆವ ಭಕ್ತರು ಕೋಟಿ
ಇಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಸಾದವ ಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಭಕ್ತರು ಕೋಟಿ
ಇಷ್ಟು ಜಂಗಮದ ಸೇವೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಭಕ್ತರು ಕೋಟಿ
ಅದರೊಳಗೆ ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣನಯ್ಯಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ ||
ಚರಣ ೨:
ಒಂದು ಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಲಿಂಗವ ತೋರುವನು
ಕಂದನಾಡುವಂತೆ ನಿಜವ ನುಡಿವನು
ಮುಂದಣ ಕರ್ಮವ ಮುರಿದು ನೂಕುವನು
ಅಂಥ ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣನಯ್ಯಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ ||
ಚರಣ ೩:
ಗೆಲುವು ಸೋಲು ಇಲ್ಲ, ಮಮಕಾರವಿಲ್ಲ
ತನು ಮನ ಧನವೆಲ್ಲ ಲಿಂಗಾರ್ಪಣವೆಂದ
ವನಜಾಕ್ಷನಂತೆ ನಿರ್ಲಿಪ್ತನಾಗಿ
ಆನಂದದಿಂದಿರುವ ಶರಣನಯ್ಯಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ ||
ಚರಣ ೪:
ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೇವಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ
ಲೋಕದ ವಿಚಾರವ ಮೀರಿದ ಶರಣ
ಜ್ಞಾನದ ಕಣಜನು, ಭಕ್ತಿಯ ಸಾಧಕನು
ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣನಯ್ಯಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣ ||
Before diving into the lyrics, it is essential to understand the title. Kotigobba (ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ) translates to “one in a crore” (10 million) – meaning extremely rare, peerless, or unparalleled. Sharana (ಶರಣ) means a devotee who has surrendered completely to God (usually Lord Shiva, referred to as Kudala Sangama Deva in Basavanna’s vachanas). The phrase Kotigobba Sharana has even entered common
Thus, Kotigobba Sharana refers to “a devotee who is one in ten million” – a soul of the highest order, completely selfless and merged with the divine. The song eloquently describes the qualities of such a rare devotee.
Kotigobba Sharana (ಕೋಟಿಗೊಬ್ಬ ಶರಣ) refers to a revered poet-saint in the Lingayat Veerashaiva tradition, a prominent devotee of Lord Shiva. His vachanas (devotional poems) are known for their intense self-inquiry, humility, and rejection of ritualism.
Note: Unlike film songs, vachanas are spiritual hymns sung in a melodic, meditative style. They are not "lyrics" in the commercial film sense but are often set to music in devotional albums.
The Kotigobba Sharana hymn exemplifies the fusion of devotional emotion (Bhakti) and philosophical depth in Kannada spiritual music. Its lyrics bridge individual humility and universal divine grace, reflecting the enduring power of Ganesha as a cultural icon.