Sant Kanhopathra

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Kanhopathra!

Chapter – 2

As Shyamabai was too old to perform the task of a courtesan, it was the responsibility of Kanhopathra to perform music in front of the visitors in the house. She understood her mother wanted her to continue as a courtesan, she performed music and dances in front of the rich and wealthy men of the village, but she did not find pleasure or peace in it.   Her home reverberated with the sounds of various musical instruments and music, but she did not find any happiness. She received an abundance of praise, valuable gifts and contributions from the men who visited her home.  That too does not make her happy.    Shyamabai took all efforts to keep Kanhopathra in the family profession of a courtesan, but her mind was with Lord Vittala.  She was not willing to sell flesh for money and follow the footsteps of her mother.  It was believed that Kanhopathra was born to a rich man Sadhashiva MalaGujar in Mangalweda, but there was no clear evidence of her birth details.  Kanhopathra grown to a beautiful young lady, her beauty is often compared to celestial Apsaras.  She was well-trained in music and dance from the early years of childhood, she became a talented singer and dancer, in fact, she was one of the finest dancer and singer of that period.

As a courtesan, it was a part of their responsibility to visits rulers and emperors who present them with huge wealth, precious ornaments and valuable gifts.  But Kanhopathra did not follow any of these norms of a courtesan life,  she was a woman of moral values and devotion to Lord Vittobha.  Many rich and respectable men crowded in her place to listen to her music, and Sadhashiva Malagujar was also one among them.  Kanhopathra had to face molestation from Sadhashiva Malagujar, although Shyamabai took all the efforts to convince him to spare Kanhopathra who is supposed to be his daughter.  But none of these worked for long, Sadhashiva continued to trouble the mother and daughter, her wealth started deteriorating, Shyamabai had to offer her daughter to Sadhashiva.  But Kanhopathra who had strong will power and devotion and faith upon  Lord Panduranga made her way out of all these troubles.