It is the phrase or set of words used by a Haridasa, usually at the end, to sign-off a composition. It is basically a literary signature or signet/mudrika or pen-name that identifies the composed. Each Haridasa had his or her own ankitha.
Ankitha was conferred by the Guru after being duly satisfied of the merits of the student aspiring to be a member of the Haridasa Pantha.
However, some Dasas obtained their Ankitas directly through divine intervention, usually in the form of a dream (this method is called swapna labda).
Some of the saint Haridasas kept their Ankita's of their devotees for example Sri Vadiraja - Hayavadana & Sri Vyasaraja - Siri Krishna. One exception to this rule was Jagannatha Das who got his ankita on a stone in the Bhima river in Pandharpur.
