Akka Mahadevi is a great woman saint of Sharana movement during 12th century. Akka means, "respected elder sister", she advocated for gender equality she. Akka Mahadevi was born in Udutadi of Karnataka who achieved Aikya or Oneness with lord Shiva at a short twenty years of age. She wrote great Vachanas(poems) to convey people how to achieve eternal happiness.

Through following, Vachana Akka conveys internal purification is important than anything.

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When you build a house in forest, you shouldn't be afraid of cruel animals. When you build a house on Sea shore, you shouldn't be afraid of Tidal waves. When you build a house in Busy Street, you shouldn't be afraid of Sound. Oh! Lord Channa Mallikarjuna, We have born on this earth and possible that you might get criticism
Do not get angry or upset; Welcome all the criticism with peace, patience and great smile.

Right from her childhood unlike other young girls she chose the Beautiful Lord Chennamallikarjuna (Shiva), as her play Doll while kids of her age played with material dolls. The restriction placed on women, in the pursuit of religion/sanyasa was not acceptable to her. This determination facilitated her study in the local gurukula under a Veerashaiva teacher, which is very rare during 12th century.