This is an oral epic of the Kuruba Community in the districts of Belgaum, Gulbarga and Bellary Bagalkot, Vijayapura (Bijapur) [1] This oral epic has preserved for generations the collective experiences of the community and its cultural heroes, and its living traditions.
This version was sung by an old reputed singer called Siddappa Meti and his associates, runs to 23,250 lines.
The outline of the primary narrative is as follows: the first canto begins with a 'creation myth' and ends with the birth of Muddugonda and Muddavva, the forefathers of the Kuruba(shepherd) community.
But, owing to the machinations of Beerappa's maternal uncle (mother's brother), the child is abandoned in a forest.
After marriage, he undertakes long journeys accompanied by his mother; and through his adventures and miracles he establishes his divinity.
The next two cantos narrate the story of Maalingaraya, the great devotee of Beerappa and the cultural hero of the shepherd community.
There are two brothers, disciples of Guru Gorakhnath, who, with Shiva's blessings, get two sons: Jakkappa and Maalappa (who later becomes famous as Maalingaraya).
He goes to his Guru (Gorakhnath), learns not only military skills but also black magic, and on his return routs the enemy community of hunters.
This brings to one's mind the famous concept creation in Taittiriya Upanishad: " The gods gave birth, first, to Vak , the Word; and later all creatures including Man used it."