Purandara Dasa was a prominent 16th-century saint and composer in the Indian classical music tradition, particularly known for his contributions to Carnatic music. He is often referred to as the "father of Carnatic music" due to his role in systematizing the teaching and practice of this musical form. Born in Karnataka, Purandara Dasa composed thousands of devotional songs, known as keertanas, dedicated to Lord Krishna. His works emphasized the importance of devotion and spirituality, making them popular among both musicians and devotees. His legacy continues to influence musicians and spiritual seekers today.