Kauda (cannibal)

Summary

Kauda (Kauḍā) also known as Koda Rakshash, is a character that appears in all four major Janamsakhi traditions of the Sikhs. The story occurred during Nanak's second udasi (travel-tour). As per the traditions, Kauda was a cannibal and a yogi belonging to the Kāpālikas sect who used to capture and eat humans. According to the Bala Janamsakhi tradition, Kauda captured Bhai Mardana and was going to cook him in a cauldron but was stopped from doing-so by Guru Nanak, with Kauda surrendering to the guru. The event supposedly occurred in a place called Dhanasari Des. One theory believes Kauda belonged to the Bhil tribe. The mythology of the Gond tribe of Central India features a demon named Koda or Kodi that captured their ancestor Lingo.