Kavitrayam

Kavitrayam refers to the trinity of great Telugu poets who contributed significantly to the Nannaya Bhattaraka's Telugu translation of the Mahabharata. These three poets are Nannaya, Tikkana Somayaji, and Errana. Nannaya is credited with initiating the translation of the Mahabharata in the 11th century, completing the first two and a half parvas. His work laid the foundation for the epic poem in Telugu literature, establishing a distinct poetic style and grammatical framework.

Following Nannaya, Tikkana Somayaji took up the monumental task in the 13th century. He translated the remaining 15 parvas of the Mahabharata, bringing the entire epic to completion in Telugu. Tikkana's contribution is lauded for its elegance, philosophical depth, and vibrant characterizations. He is considered a master of Telugu prose and poetry, infusing his translations with a rich vocabulary and imaginative storytelling.

Errana, a contemporary and admirer of Tikkana, continued the literary tradition. He is primarily known for translating the Harivamsa, an epilogue to the Mahabharata, and for his contributions to the later parts of the epic, particularly the Annadanamahatmya section. Errana's work further enriched the Telugu Mahabharata, adding layers of mythology and theological discourse. Together, these three poets, the Kavitrayam, are revered for their colossal achievement in bringing one of India's greatest epics into the Telugu language, profoundly influencing its literary and cultural landscape for centuries.