Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Kumara Vyasa was a renowned poet from Karnataka in the early 15th century. His real name was Naranappa, and he is most famous for writing an important version of the Mahabharata called the Karnata Bharata Kathamaniari. This work was completed in 1430 while he was associated with the court of Devaraya II during the Vijayanagara Empire. Kumara Vyasa was affectionately referred to as "Little Vyasa," about the original author of the Mahabharata. He gained recognition not only for his poetry but also for his ability to bring the story to life, making it accessible to a wider audience. He lived in a village called Koliwad, near Gadag in North Karnataka. A famous pillar in the Veera Narayana temple in Gadag is connected to him, where it is believed he wrote his epic. 

His version of the Mahabharata focuses on the first ten books, or Parvas, of the story. As a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, his work is noted for its engaging style and emotional depth, as he skilfully expressed various human feelings and created memorable characters. Originally, his work was titled Dasha Parva Bharata, as it included only ten Parvas, unlike the complete Mahabharata, which has eighteen. According to legend, Kumara Vyasa received divine inspiration from Lord Vishnu. It is said that he listened to the story of the Mahabharata as it was narrated by the deity from behind a statue in the temple, and he transformed this narration into beautiful poetry. Although he was advised to listen without looking at Narayana, his curiosity got the better of him. When he looked, he saw Narayana revealing the stories to him, but this caused Narayana to disappear, ending the narration. Despite his pride, Kumara Vyasa humbly admitted that he merely recorded what he heard from the divine. His contributions to Kannada literature are celebrated for creativity and emotional richness.