Mahayogi Vemana

• Context (PIB): PM paid tributes to Mahayogi Vemana on the occasion of Vemana Jayanti.
• He lived in 17^th century CE.
• Vemana was born in Gandikota, Kadapa district of Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh.
• Yogi Vemana was an Achala yogi, Philosopher, social reformer and poet of the Telugu language.

Poems of Yogi Vimana

• Vemana’s poems are categorised into social, moral, satirical and mystic nature.
• His poems are treated as the best morals by the Telugu ancestors.
• His poems were preserved by people on palm leaves or orally (vocal).
• His poems were published as a book (shatakam) by Charles Philip Brown, ICS, two times in 1829 and 1839.
• He had a friend called Abhirama. Abhirama’s guru taught Vemana moksha.
• Most of his poems end with the signature line of “Vishwadaabhi Rama vinura Vema” (Hey! Abhirama listen Vemana)

Social Work

• He travelled extensively to spread his message of social change, moral values, and eradication of social evils.
• He was a radical reformer who resisted all social and religious blind beliefs and harmful traditions and practices through his poems.
• He condemned idol worship, social inequality, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
• He had to face the wrath of orthodox people who disliked his teachings and reforms.