Құруба қауымының ауыз эпикасы: Бираппа мен Маалингарая жырлары

This is an oral epic of the Kuruba Community in the districts of Belgaum, Gulbarga and Bellary
Bagalkot,
Vijayapura (Bijapur) 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. During the performance of this epic, the singer sings to the rhythm of a small drum; and no other instrument is used. Both in rhythm and style, this is different from the other two epics described earlier. (Male Mahadeshwara and Manteswamy). Whereas the earlier ones use both stylised prose and verse, this narrative is completely in verse; and at the end of each unit, the singer's name is used. There are two heroes in this epic (Beerappa and Maalingaraya) and many inset stories. Since many stories and incidents follow each other swiftly, there is not much room for descriptions. There are fourteen cantos (adhyaaya) and each canto consists of many sections (Sandu).

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. The next seven cantos narrate the story of Beerappa, the patron god of the community. Since Beerappa's parents did not have children for long, they undertook severe penance addressed to Shiva; pleased him with their devotion; and got a son called Beerappa. But, owing to the machinations of Beerappa's maternal uncle (mother's brother), the child is abandoned in a forest. There, one Maayavva, the daughter of the king of Devagiri, comes across the child and nourishes it. Under her care, Beerappa grows into a very powerful youth and successfully performs many adventures. When he reaches adulthood, he vows to marry his maternal uncle's daughter; goes through many tests and ordeals, and finally succeeds in marrying her. 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. (This part is sung independently also.) 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). Once, during a war with a community of hunters, the younger brother dies and the elder brother vows to avenge his death. 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. Once, he defeats even the Sultan of Delhi, the most powerful ruler at that time. As his sons grow up, they are suitably married off. Beerappa of divine origin learns through Shiva that Maalappa is the most appropriate person to be his disciple; goes to him in the form of a young deer, attracts him through his magical deeds, and persuades him to become his disciple.

The remaining cantos (11 14) narrate different stories which are only very loosely connected with these two major stories.