Yogi Vemana - Swami Sivananda

Birth and Early Life

Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, "Even the most sinful of all sinners can cross over all sins by the raft of wisdom. Even the most sinful man can become dutiful and attain eternal peace". This is quite true in the case of Vemana, Arunagiri and St. Augustine. These three led a life of dissipation when they were young, but later on became saints of very great reputation. This gives great encouragement and hope to great sinners and intimates that they too can become great saints.

Vemana was born in 1820 in a rich family in the district of Godavari. His elder brother was King Anu Vema Reddy. Vemana was a Reddy by caste.

Narsamma was the wife of King Anu Vema Reddy. She was the first Guru of Vemana. She was very chaste, virtuous, kind, charitable and truthful. She treated Vemana with intense affection. Vemana regarded her as his mother.

Vemana kept a dancing girl and spent the whole of his time in her house. It was Narsamma who saved Vemana from the clutches of the prostitute. Therefore she became his first Guru.

Vemana wasted his time. He was idle. He visited one morning the State jeweller’s shop where Abhirama was preparing the State jewels. Vemana supervised the work of Abhirama. He continued this sort of work for some days. He was in the shop throughout the day and asked explanation for Abhirama’s late attendance. Abhirama said, "My lord, I have to take bath in the early morning and perform prayer, worship and meditation. Therefore I humbly beg that you will kindly excuse my later attendance". Vemana replied, "I cannot tolerate this on any account. Finish your duties earlier and attend the shop at 6 a.m. I cannot excuse delay hereafter under any circumstance".

© "Lives of Saints" published by The Divine Life Society, The Sivananda Publication League, Shivanandanagar 249 192, Tehri-Garhwal District, Uttaranchal. Website: www.divinelifesociety.org. Reprinted with permission.

Click here to view the full content of the articles.

<< Back