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Bhakta Tarigonda Vengamamba

- Smt M

Once God asked Narada - Narada, tell me, which is the greatest thing in the whole wor Narada promptly answered Water occupies three fourths of the world. So it is the greate God said, Fine. But did not Agastya drink the entire water in a gulp. So is he great or is the Agastya, God! But Agastya is just one star in the Saptarshi Mandal. There are millions of such stars in the vast sky. N star great or the vast sky which holds these great? No doubt about it the vast sky is great! But God in the guise of Vamana covered the vast sky in just one step so, is God great or the v Of course, God is great! But the Bhakta imprisons such God in his heart. So is God great or the Bhakta? Bhakta is great said Narada! This episode shows us how God is carried away by Ananya B God Himself proclaimed, Mayyavesya manoyemam nityayukta upasate Sraddaya para yopethaste me yukta tanu mataha !! One such Bhakta whose name remains forever with Lord Venkateswaras name is Tarigonda Ve 2. Origin of Tarigonda

There is a story behind the name of Tarigonda. Once upon a time there was famine in Andhra Pradesh Rayadurg left their place in search of food. On the way, they halted at a village called Prattimitta. Th to be relatively better than their place. So they led a nomadic life there.

One day, a Brahmin lady called Lakshmi Narasamma was churning curds in a pot (It is called tari-kond praying to Lakshmi Narasimha, the local deity of their village requesting him to have pity on those poo souls. Suddenly her churner wasnt moving freely. It was making a hard stund as if it was touching a h was surprised and put her hand inside the pot. She could find nothing! She laughed to herself. She thou her wild imagination, being lost in prayer. This time she concentrated on her work and continued churn not mistaken! These must be a stone blocking her work. There was no free movement for the churner. touched every nook and corner of the pot, but could not feel anything. She informed her husband of the experience. When he came to look at it, he found a small statue of the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha in it. H shared his joy with his people. They all prayed to God. They heard the voice, Oh My devotees! I coul your miseries so I appeared in this pot for your sake. You settle down here in this village and pray to m ahead for you. You construct a temple for me.

As God proclaimed they prayed to Him to devoutly. Their troubles came to an end. They built a temple named Him Tarikunda (A pot of curds) Narasimha and gradually the village gained the name Tarigond away from Voilpadu in Cuddapah District).

Krishnaiah was the descendent of this family belonging to Vasista Gotram 3. Birth of Vengamamba

There was a devout couple called Krishaniah and Mangamamba in Tarigonda village. They were the h for a pin prick in their life. They had no children. They couldnt understand why they were not blessed they were staunch devotees of the Lord Venkateswara. One day while her husband was walking to her, Mangamamba thought it was the Lord walking to her b husband. The same day, some children were playing on the roadside. One of them ran into Mangamam said, Ma, I am hungry! Being thrilled with his addressing her as Ma - she offered him a morsel of cur He snatched the bowl from her hand, gulped the whole thing in a split second and ran out before she co happening. She wanted him to wash his hands and mouth but lo! The boy was out of sight. She felt tha than Lord Krishna - chilipi Krishna - himself. Poor innocent lady expressed her feelings to her husband but that only irritated him. He shouted at her. anything is too bad. You are praying incessantly to God and so you are under a hallucination. You bett your nonsensical prayer at once! So saying he relaxed in his easy chair outside, but his mind was distur cooled down he reasoned to himself, Did I not experience the same feeling in the morning while I was Then what rights have I to shout at her? In fact though she has been laughed at by the society, she neve her ill fate. Why should I blame God? These words of self reprimand made him a normal self. As aton he took his wife to the local temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. Mangamamba could feel a light from the Lords eyes caressing her body. Her husband too felt it was a blessings and that they would be blessed with a baby very soon. Yes their understanding was perfect. W months Mangamamba conceived. Krishnaiahs joy knew no bounds. He treated her as a delicate darlin fulfil all her desires. She said I like the sweetness of Ramanama. I would like to hand it over to the off womb. Little did she realize then, the tension they would face when their offspring came out into the w name of God! They longed for a boy baby but Mangamamba dreamt of Lord Venkateswara in a feminine get up. Her told by a tribal man that a girl baby would be born to him. So they were half prepared and drove out th disappointment very easily. In fact Mangamamba laughed to herself at her unreasonable nature. There they longed for a child, but when they really had one should they not feel happy over it? The baby was the centre of attraction in their lives. Whatever the baby did was an act of admiration to the cry, a movement of the hand or leg even a yawn was a thing of beauty and a joy for ever. They nam Vengamamba - a combination of Lord Venkateswara and Alivelu Manga. The composer and the singe came out unknowingly and the proud father admired his wifes talents. 4. Childhood of Vengamamba and Education

Days rolled to months and months added to years. Three years passed by Vengamamba became a cutie eyes, chubby cheeks and rosy lips. One day her playmates made one of the girls Lord Venkateswara an Alivelu Manga. The girls were thrilled at their creation and so was the mother who was a silent spectat drama. Some more years passed by. Vengamamba helped father and mother in their prayers and many a time s statue staring at the statue before her. The parents had mixed feelings of joy and fear in such situations her faith in God but had their own doubts about her future. Every evening she went to the temple. She collected flowers, made garlands out of them and offered th

Nobody could compete with her in her skill of making garlands. Even amidst a thick crowd of people s own sweet world. Her friends made her sing songs on the Lord. She sang them melodiously. It so happened that once a learned man heard her songs. He was bewildered to hear that they were com by the small girl herself. He accompanied her to her house, introduced himself to her parents and predi future for her if they polished her in these lines. His words of praise sounded like words of warning to their already disturbed minds. Any devout paren child to nurture the seeds of faith in him, but Vengamamba was pulling the strings too far. With such d she lead a normal life, get married and beget children like any other normal child? Whatever were the w learned man, the parents felt it was high time they woke up and put her on the normal track. Promptly a guru was appointed. His name was Subramanya Desika. He was a great Pandit. He became fund of patience and kindness. He saw Vengamamba and guessed at once she was a bright child. He kn would get him name and fame. He began teaching her. In no time Vengamamba picked up whatever he customary for him to incorporate stories of Ramayana, Bharata and Bhagavatha in his teaching. Little d this methodology would only add fuel to fire! He did not know he was pouring oil over the enkindled l her. One day when Vengamamba was not in a good mood to learn, he began the story of Gajendra Moksha her. She was engrossed in it in no time. He narrated the story then. Once there lived an elephant king. H kith and kin to drink water to a pond. He made a big mess there. He plucked all the flowers, threw them sprinkled water over the she-elephants and disturbed the water kingdom. This irritated a crocodile unde up slowly and caught hold of its leg tightly! What happened to the elephant? Not until she learnt her le Vengamamba could not argue but learnt halfheartedly. She ran to her mother for the rest of the story bu not good at it. Father was not available. She had to wait till her guru came the next day. She insisted on of it before the lessons. This time the master had to yield to her unsatiating desire. So he continued, The elephant fought for many years with the crocodile and gradually he lost all his e his attempts failed miserably, he turned to the creator of the universe, the crocodile, of his troubles and Lord help me! Only you can save me! Nobody else! Such a situation is a typical scene. As long as we we boast about ourselves, we nourish the ego in us. When we are totally immersed in the sea of trouble cannot help us. When we realize it and surrender totally to God, God will take care of us. A miraculous thing happened here. The elephants helpless, sincere cry reached the ears of God far ab Vaikunta. He did not inform Goddess Lakshmi, he did not wait to wear his weapons, he did not wait fo just came at once followed by his trail, Goddess Lakshmi and his retinue and his weapons. Does he look like our Lord Venkateswara? Yes of course! Your Lord Venkateswara is another form of the Almighty! He is touched by his devote prayer. So he sent his Sudarshana Chakra to kill the crocodile and saved the elephant so now my child, with our lessons? the Guru asked. But Vengamamba could not come out of the story easily. Does God answer our prayers? Yes! He answers the prayers of those who pray sincerely. He can be seen by such people. Can I also see him? Dont I pray sincerely? Definitely, first you learn slokas and Sastras from your father. Presently you learn the lessons I teach She learnt reluctantly the lessons but was lost in thought. Gradually she was lost to the world. She spen in staring at God or in praying to God all the time. She would laugh to herself or cry suddenly. She spo her friends. She was not very keen in her lessons though the Guru was desperately trying to teach her. One day Vengamamba was in her own sweet world when the Guru came to teach her. He called her bu can see God? How wonderful He is! Look He is calling me! so saying she rushed to the temple. She s took the prasad and walked back home.

The Guru asked, Now tell me what happened! She answered I saw the Lord. Lord Venkateswara. He him in the picture. He spoke many things to me but asked me to be silent about it. The Guru realized th listen that day, though she had the courtesy to attend his class. He left her alone! 5. Vengamambas strange behaviour.

Vengamamba was slowly becoming the talk of the town through her strange behaviour. God knows wh to the temple. The parents were at a loss to understand her. One day she began dancing before the temp came to know of it and dragged her home and scolded her. To the question Are you not ashamed of da crowd? she simply answered, Where is the crowd? There was no one else except my swami and mys sing and dance. This irritated the mother and father all the more. Vengamamba couldnt decipher the r anger. She followed the orders of father of fathers. He asked her to sing and dance. So she did! Parents shouted at her as much as they could but were moved to tears when their only daughter cried. G diversion is the best medicine. So the parents tried it out on their daughter. They entrusted lot of house She had to put Rangoli, attend to the cow, cut vegetables, clean vessels etc. But their plan was an utter pleasure in every task. She could see God in the cow, the calf, milk, flowers, water, fire - everywhere! God expanded and her love of God doubled. She did every task chanting the name of God. One day she was putting the Rangoli but there seemed to be no end to it. It became broad day light. Fa angrily and gave her a big blow. His daughters tears or mothers love could not stop him. There was a Only the previous night one of his relatives cautioned him, If you dont control her now, it will be diff married. There was a rumour already that she was mad. Her mad behaviour in the morning irritated him He warned her, From today you should not go to temple. You should not sing songs. If you dont obey imprison you in a room. He looked like Hiranya Kasipa. She hoped her father wouldnt face a tragic d She knew father loved her immensely and so had decided to obey him. One day she heard the temple bells and ran to the temple. She cried bitterly. Oh God I cant live witho praying to you. The Pujari asked why she had not come for a long time. She narrated the story amidst felt she was closer to God than himself. He also knew she would one day turn out to be a yogin or a sa he advised her to go home. She did not go home. She was putting Rangoli in the next street. Mother made a frantic search for her a home once again. 6. Vengamambas Marriage trials

Krishnaiah and Mangamma let out their feelings to the Head priest, Peddacharlu. He consoled them an perform her marriage. The neighbouring women too suggested the same. That day only a woman astro their house. The mother asked when her daughter would be married. Her marriage is already performed. It is not an ordinary marriage. Venkanna Babu is her husband. He Him. The girl was thrilled while the mother was shocked. The parents were forced to think of performing her marriage at once, though they felt she was too youn alliance proved to be a difficult task. One lady straightaway asked, Will your daughter lead a family li she was a devotee. The father laughed it away. They promised to come but never turned up. They sent word saying that th was settled elsewhere! To add insult to injury Vengamamba said, Why do you see alliances for me. I w ago. Peddacharyulu consoled them, Dont worry. Your daughter is very good looking. Anybody wou alliance. The only problem is the rumours about her. See that she doesnt step out of the house for just

Everything will be alright. Theory is different from practice. They could not curtail the flow of Bhakti in her. It was simply impos Krishnaiah has been desperately searching for a boy. Time was moving on at its regular pace, making V grow into a young lady from a young girl. Youthful appearance added beauty to her physical features. rosy cheeks, fair complexion were a source of jealousy to her companions while they were a source of mother. Beauty and brains dont go together is the saying. She wondered why God who created her so not give her the normal brains of any other girl. One day Peddacharyulu brought an alliance. The boy belonged to Chittoor. He was an educated boy. H Srivatsasa. The boys father spoke warmly to them. Peddacharyulu took care of every minute detail an marriage. The parents joy knew no bounds. They paid a deaf ear to the protests of Vengamamba. The performed on a grand gala scale. It looked like the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Ve treated God as her husband and she had to convince herself that the name sake of God - Venkatachalap husband. 7. Vengamambas Marital Life

The belief is marriage puts an end to mad behaviour, but this maxim did not work out in the case of Ve was looked after well by the in-laws. She was loved much by her husband but these new attachments d even a wee-bit of change in her. In fact these attachments looked like shackles to her. She continued he own way. The in-laws and their relatives were initially impressed by her Bhakti but as days rolled by, i irritable thing. They were filled with displeasure and distrust. The mother-in-law drove her back to her father. The change of scene made no difference for her. She involved herself in the household duties. The parents tried every possible means to make her love her husband. They consulted doctors, prayed Santhi Poojas. Finally they decided that if they perform nuptial ceremony for her, the marital bliss mig to the mundane world. Even great kings or saints are no exceptions to the weakness for the opposite se No sooner thought than done. They fixed the date for her first night and sent word. The husband hasten and kin with rosy dreams about his Rasa-leela with his wife. Vengamamba was sent into the room. The body but couldnt deck her mind. She did not have the shyness or the colourful feelings of a bride. Her approached with tons of love, addressing her Venku fondly, embraced her. She began shivering like a tiger. He hugged her more closely to drive her fears, but she gave him one rough push. He asked her caressingly, My dear Venku, what happened? Whats wrong? Dont you love me? Poor the room, crying bitterly. Venkatachalapathi remained in the room like a statue. Vengamamba hid her face in her mothers lap and cried silently. The parents were speechless. The son of the room in search of his wife. The father-in-law held his hands in his hands and pleaded, Please, k will convince her and send her to you. The son-in-law was moved by the father-in-laws request and k even from his parents, Mother explained to her in as many ways as possible. If a baby was born to them end to all their problems. Second night, she was ushered into her husbands room once again. Venkatachalapathi was attracted to approached her from behind. He didnt notice Vengamambas feelings. He put his arm on her shoulder towards him. Thats all! Vengamamba pushed him back angrily with all the force. He fell near the bed the log of the bed. He was wounded at the head. She said, Who said you are my husband. You are not my husband. I was married long ago to Lord Ve you touch me again, your head will break into thousand pieces. Go, get lost! She was trembling with a crying. Her husband was frightened by her mad behaviour. The news reached the mother-in-laws ear a crying, cursing all the while his in-laws. Vengamamba went to the temple unmindful of the commotion

The news spread like wild fire in the village. The villagers were divided in their opinions of Vengamam praised her on par with Godadevi, Meerabai or Sakhubai some looked down upon her as a mad cap. Ve continued her practice of singing and dancing in the temple. People who believed in her spiritual powe her. Venkatachalapathi was scared beyond words. The words If you touch me again, your head will break pieces haunted him day in and day out. He became half mad with the fears of Vengamamba approach Some times she looked like a devil and sometimes like goddess Alivelu Manga. His parents wanted to marriage for him but he was sinking day by day. He was mentally upset. One night he shouted in his d No, I am not your husband Dont kill me, dont kill me. In the mean while in her village, Vengamambas friend, Seetha delivered a girl baby. Vengamamba pr baby would die within three days. That night itself the baby died. Vengamamba said that she only conv conveyed to her but this incident filled the villagers with strange fears. They were worried that she mig untoward incident in their lives and that might come true. So the people avoided her sight. For that matter, nobody dared to pass through their street. This worrie more and he approached Peddacharyulu for his consultation. He was also good at astrology. So he said worry. Just wait for a month. You can leave her back in her in-laws house. In the meanwhile do the ne and Danas. This gave him a new ray of hope. There, back in her in-laws house, Venkatachalapathis health came back to normalcy thanks to the tali Poojari. He resumed his duties in the farm. One day he declared, Ill go get my wife. Mother had her o advised, Please wait. You have just recovered. If your wait your father-in-law may bring her back. Why the hell should I? Why should you object to my bringing my own wife? The father could unders hearts longing for marital life. So he agreed at once. He had planned to go two days later. Though he w also skeptical about his wifes coming, but still he wanted to go. He went to bed with mixed feeling, bu the next morning. Vengamambas parents were shocked but Vengamamba just smiled. The villagers came to console her innocently, My husband is alive, why do you console me! They sympathized with her all the more. 8. Dogmatic rituals for the widow - Vengamamba.

It was customary to remove the hair and Bindi of a Brahmin widow. Vengamamba did not agree. One came to her. She informed her of the ritual to be performed but Vengamamba laughed it away. I am n a Nitya Sumangali. I am married to the Divine Lord Venkateswara. So I dont have to undergo this ritu The villagers could not appreciate her Bhakti then. Selfishness over took their understanding of her. Th unreasonable behaviour would bring curse to the village. They cursed her but she coolly said that the c boomerang on them. That irritated them all the more. They ill-treated her in various possible ways. The names, they threw stones at her, they pulled her long hair, they made fun of her, but Vengamamba was wiseacres of the village put their heads together to solve this problem. They unanimously decided that barber with them and should get her hair removed by hook or crook. Seetha came for delivery for the second time. Once bitten, twice shy is the saying. Seethas mother did meet her good old friend, but Seetha couldnt resist her temptation. She met Vengamamba secretly. Ve to her affectionately and said, Seetha, you will be blessed by twins! You are lucky. You will beget boy offered her a banana as prasadam. She added, This Pooja Mandir is my house, Lord Venkateswara is m What else do I need? Seetha was thrilled to have such a saint as her bosom friend. Just as Seetha left, two village heads entered. They asked rudely whether she had changed her mind. W in the negative, many more surrounded her. One tied her hands together with his upper cloth, while the

her hair on the head in a jiffy. Vengamamba stared at them angrily. The village munsifs leg became paralyzed and the barbers hand paralyzed. The villagers, shocked, left the place mutely. Vengamamba dipped herself in the lake beside name of God. What a surprise! When she got out of water, she became her previous self with long, black hair! The ne wild fire and the villagers who cursed, teased and made fun of her all along made her an Amma at on a queue before her house to seek her blessings. They felt she was a reincarnation of Alivelu Manga and Devudamma. The paralyzed munsif and barber had not changed for better. They developed hatred for her and succes the brains of a few foolish people who in turn poisoned some more weaklings. The village was torn int Vengamamba made a boy eat a banana when he had not touched food for two days. Such miraculous p some but others argued against those. The anti Vengamamba party was still knee bent on following the but who would bell the cat? As if answering their prayers Sri Sankaracharya Paramparaacharyulu visit The villagers received him with all the pomp and show. They gave a written complaint to him. Swami see her. He opined that he could bring about a change in her. The villagers too pinned their faith on him She was sent for. She said she would go after, she had her dinner. How dare she could answer thus! Sh again and the same answer was received again. Finally she arrived with a coconut in her hand. She stood before the Swamis throne, lost in prayer of h was asked to greet the Swamiji but she paid deaf ear. The Swamiji himself asked why she was not will said, Swami, first you step out of that throne, then I will fold my hands to you. The Swamiji was surpr obliged her. The onlookers were eagerly staring at Vengamamba with expectant looks. She folded her direction of the Swamiji, but in the direction of the throne. And Lo! The next minute the whole Simha down to ashes with a thundering noise. The frightened mob ran helter-skelter to save their skins. The Swamiji was thankful to Vengamamba as a saviour of his life. So, instead of giving a lecture to he lecture at the stupidity of the villagers of Tarigonda. He said, She is like the eclipsed sun. She is a grea enriched by the wealth of Bhakti and Vairagya. You dont curse her. If you do so, you will lose all you The speech of the Swamiji was an eye-opener to the villagers. They praised her and her Lord. Vengam Keertana then in praise of the Swamiji. Sankaracharya guruni sannuthimpare Nishkalanka paramayoga mabhyasimpare. Vengamamba questioned the Swamiji, O.K. I will oblige you and get my hair cut totally, but can you wont crop up again? The Swamiji had no answer. He in turn, advised the crowd to pray to her as a sa One day Seetha saw Vengamamba on her way to the temple. What a glow in her? She looked exactly l Manga. When she called her friend, she took her to the temple with her. They both sat on the temple st time. Vengamamba sang many songs. Seetha asked her to bless her sons. Vengamamba named them S Venkatesh and asked her to call them Sreenu and Venku. Seetha was delighted at the blessings of Devu decided to call them so whether others liked it or not. 9. Spiritual Growth of Vengamamba

Time was passing by. Vengamamba was becoming more and more spiritual. She had been writing man been composing many songs. She was spending her time in Lakshmi Nrusimha temple in her village. H Prasadam, her water was Kolanu water, her pastime was dance. Devotees who came to the temple pra Great people create enemies to themselves without their knowledge. She still was not free from petty je Brahmins. They could not bear her prayers to God; they could not bear a woman opposing them. They

chain her with iron chains. The villagers came to know of it and gathered there to watch the Tamasha. for her and even prayed for her. Vengamamba approached them with Tulasimala in her hand. Some tried to warn her, but she ignored the chains in the Brahmins hands and volunteered to be chained. The Brahmins tied her hands with the at her Come on; pray now to your God. Unable to bear their atrocities some onlookers closed their ey Vengamamba burst out into laughter and the iron chains broke open! What a sight! The people fell to h Brahmins ran out of sight. Human psychology is unpredictable. Some doubt masters doubted her capac said the chains must have been brittle. Whatever it was, the Brahmins still could not come out of their Vengamamba, unmindful of the bitterness of her enemies was lost in her Keertanas. She was composin in the temple. The Brahmins decided to close the temple doors against her. The next morning, when Vengamamba reached the temple with flowers, the doors were closed! Won me inside? She thought as she put her hand on the door. Lo! The doors opened on their own letting he presence. Vengamamba went in and started her prayer. The priests who were watching her from a distance came to the temple to enter it. Oh no! The plan boo them. The door closed against them. Still they were not disheartened. They waited outside till she came feet with ropes. They were cut off as thin threads. They threw stones at her but they became a shower o shoulders which helped them to throw stones suddenly became very painful. They showered their com pundits but in vain. Vengamamba was lost in her prayer. Her name and fame spread far and wide and people flocked toget darshan. But unfortunately the priests who live in the presence of God could not see God in her. There no transformation in them. They went to the extent of building a brick wall against her. God takes care of his devotees when nobody takes care of them. There was a tunnel behind the brick w of it through the tunnel and reached Venkatachala Aranya. On the contrary the priests here were not happy with their evil deed. They threw stones waste material inside. Their sadistic pleasure grew to its peak one day. They wanted to burn her alive. They gathered j fire. The tongues of flame let the tongues of people utter different opinions. Some kind hearted people their fingers crossed when a staunch devotee had to face a miserable death. So they fought with the pri open the wall. What a wonder There was no trace of her alive or dead! How could she disappear so my villagers were worried that this might bring ill-fate to the villagers. They cursed the priests. They wond Vengamamba could be! 10. Vengamamba at Tirumala

Vengamamba walked through the thick forest crying and praying all the white. As she reached the feet all her energy was sapped. She fell to his feet. Ever since then the place called Mogilipenta became her Vengamamba began her severe penance, at the feet of Hanuma. Days rolled by biting cold gave place t Seasons changed, years rolled by but there was no movement in Vengamamba. People gathered to see composed songs on Hanuma and sang them. People joined hands with her. The devotees decided her to Lords presence, Tirumala. The news of Vengamamba had already reached the ears of the priests there. So they gave her a grand g provided her a shelter in East Mada Street, beside the stone chariot. Vengamamba treated her hut as Va engrossed in her prayers. Vakula Devi looked after well she was provided food from the Lords kitchen She arranged a Brindavan there. She was serving her lord with Tulasi Malas. She needed provision for garden. She got a well dug but there was no trace of water. She stepped down into the well and sang a and lo! Siva Ganga flowed down!

The people around were stunned! They praised her as Bhagiradhi. She received them with equanimity. compose Raja Yoga Saramu It is a spiritual discourse between Kapila Maharshi and his mother Deva composed Bhagavatam in couplets. It covers the conversation between Aswathama and Draupati. Later she composed Venkatachala Mahatyam. Her every thought, word and deed was centered round t explained the Leelas of God vividly and dedicated her book to the Lord himself. Lord Venkateswara blessings on her and Goddess Vakula Devi was taking good care of her. One day, she praised Vakula Devi, Oh Mother! How lucky you are! You were Yasoda in Dwapara Yu as Vakula Devi to serve Varaha Swami and subsequently the Lord Venkateswara! How lucky I am too after my Lord looks after me and sends me food! Gods Leelas are unpredictable! Is it not strange that Tarigonda Vengamamba has come to Tirumala! sing His Leela? said Vakula Devi. Which episode do you want? Any thing is wonderful. God is Omnipresent. I am eager to know the Lords feelings on His first meet Padmavathi. I would like to hear your description of it. Vengamamba sang that episode melodiously for some time. Tallapaka Chinnayya having heard of her shift to a brick house from the hut. Such differences dont make difference for a true devotee! She esta Vanam and a well there. She continued her writing and praying. Life is same anywhere! Holy places too are not devoid of unholy people! This time trouble cropped up in the guise of one Mr.Akkaramayya. He was the senior most priests, but had the mind of junior most l beings. He started spreading rumours about her. He defamed her. He made others throw their food lefto into her garden. She bore it patiently. She once tried to reason it out with him but he said she had no ch Vengamamba felt it was a waste of time talking to him. But he took undue advantage of her. He contin against her and paid a deaf ear to any good words about her. He was waiting for an opportune moment to drive her away. One day she was singing away happily he Venkateswara. It was sung so melodiously that one could feel the presence of God and Goddess there. too in ecstasy. Akkaramayya, with a villainies laugh appeared before her. God sees the truth but waits. Vengamamba curse him. You sinner! You and your family will be destroyed totally. Get out. A true devotees word doesnt go in vain! Suddenly his family members died of cholera. One day Akk of a sudden. Only one member was left out. The whole town trembled at her Godly powers. They treat incarnation of the Goddess! Vengamamba was in her own stoic state. One day a young man reached her door step and pleaded for his survival. He was the lone survivor of t took pity on him and amended her curse. Only one heir will be there in the family. Ever since, there wa their family. 11. Vengamambas Harathi.

Days rolled on. The number of devotees increased. People gathered in her house in the evenings to listen to her songs, to ask her question to get their children blessed and so on. Sometimes she spoke to them, some times s sometimes she cried and sometimes remained silent. Sometimes she wouldnt open the doors. She wou inside. She would sing various songs to Him to wake Him up, to serve Him food or to send him to bed One day she heard footsteps in her Tulasi Vanam. When she followed them, they led into the temple. S message of God. God wanted her to give Harathi to Him. The next morning accordingly she went. God was decked in precious stone jewellery, was garlanded w

flowers. Her joy knew no bounds. She stared at Him to her hearts content. She continued giving Harat everyday. She sang melodious songs while offering it. Devotees liked her songs and gathered round he Naturally it brought sore eye to the priests. They wondered why they should allow an ordinary woman Harathi to God. How can a widow offer it? Is it not harmful? What does she think of herself? Is this te property? When they were engrossed in such discussions, Vengamamba walked in finished her job an wanted to stop her but others stopped him for that day. The next day she brought the Harathi as usual and she heard the comments, Oh God! Kindly dont pun crime of a widow! Vengamamba did not want to trouble them any more! Wont God accept her sincere he require external show? When she mused thus, she gave up this act and practiced it at home. Those w her Harathi went to her house. The priests were gloating over their success over a poor widow! That day was Radhostav day. The priests arranged a special chariot for the God. They made Him sea took Him in a procession over the Mada streets. Thousands of people took part in it. The chariot was m reached the North Mada Street and stopped just before Vengamambas house. My God! The chariot refused to move from there! It stood transfixed to the ground like a big mountain people and the priests pulled it there was no use! They sent for horses and elephants but no way! It was night. What to do? What sin did they commit? Adding two and two together, was it because they were Vengamamba? Immediately, like spring action they rushed to her, fell to her feet and apologized to her we couldnt realize your faith in God or Gods concern for you. Please come and offer your Harathi to late in the night. Vengamamba smiled and said, I dont mind coming, but will God come back to temple? The minute with sincere heart, the chariot moved on like a flowery ball. It was an eye opener for the priests. From she was given a warm welcome into the temple. Vengamamba was tuning herself more and more towards God. At dawn, one day, she felt somebody w When she woke up, she could hear laughter, footsteps and the pleasant sound of anklets. She came out was in Venkatachalam. God stood before her, smiling away at her? He said, Why dont you tell me, m could feel a caressing touch over her body. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. She heard foot steps a Oh God! Are you leaving? She ran to her front door and became unconscious there. She woke up again at the cry of the calf. She heard the pleasant ringing of the bells from the temple. H with new found joy. She was delighted to be in the holy place! She composed new songs in praise of th Tirumala. She did not leave a single description. She decided to dedicate it to the holy feet of the Lord The very thought made her shed tears of joy. She thought of various titles and finally named it Sri Ven Mahatyam. She wanted to compose it in both Sanskrit and Telugu. She added the description of Naim night she would sing aloud melodiously those songs and people gathered round to listen to her. Someti God Himself came down to listen to them. Now and then she would suddenly become silent and the au gap with their chanting of Govindanamams. One day Vengamamba appeared to be in high spirits. One of the devotees asked out of curiosity wheth composing new songs. Vengamamba smiled and said, Ive invited my Lord for dinner tonight. She prepared delicious dishes and was eagerly waiting for the arrival of her swami. She was singing K Suddenly she heard footsteps, smelt a sweet fragrance and could feel Swamis presence beside her. She danced ecstatically. She could feel a caressing touch over her body. The whole night through she was d The news spread round that the Lord visited Vengamamba at night after the temple doors were closed. He was there with His smile. Vengamamba was deeply immersed in her writings. She completed six v went through her writings once again she wondered at them! Did she compose all those? Did her hands write them? Did her mind experience them? Was it not the G from behind? Oh God Did you turn me into a poetess too besides making me a devotee?

As she penned the words, Krishnayamatya tanubhava Vengamamba pranitambaina... (Written by Ven daughter of Krishnayya), she came to a stand still. The whole flash back story reeled before her-her ch village Tarigona, the temple in her village, her marriage, her mother, the rumours against herself so on in the vast world all of a sudden but consoled herself Is my Lord not there to take good care of me? Sh Venkatachala Mahatyam at the lotus feet of Lord and a feeling rose in her heart that God wanted her to more. Gradually Navavidha Bhakti Tatparata was seen in Vengamamba, but still God wanted to test her. 12. Vengamambas Miraculous Powers

One night, God appeared before her. She was singing away happily and God danced in tune with the so in his neck moved gently, the diamonds in his chains shone brightly and the whole place was filled wit looked as if Vaikuntam was brought down to door step of this pious lady. Vengamamba wanted to make a plea! She felt no harm in it. Was she seeking riches, was she seeking p wanted was a simple desire. Whom else could she ask? All she had was the God alone. So she asked h You should eat the food I cook, live with me and accompany me wherever I go. You should not leave moment. The Lord smiled and touched her head and back gently. He held her hand in His hand. Could she take sign? She was about to be excited about it when God expressed his inability. There are thousands of d of me, pray to me, seek me, praise me, call me and extol me! How can I limit myself to one devotee? Vengamamba was no ordinary person to be carried away by his answer. No, I dont agree, Are you no Omnipotent and Omniscient? Are you not present in a minute atom and in the whole universe? I wont held His lotus feet tightly crying all the while, but God disappeared. Vengamamba was disappointed. She wanted to compose Yakshagana that day. She was not ready to gi She wanted to request God once again. Wont he fulfil her desire? Is he not known for his love for his She was recollecting the story of Parijatha Vriksham, she came to the lives where Satyabhama was cal come Rukmini, come Jambavathi, come Mitravinda, come Radha - she felt herself being called. Then s how she called her friends during Sankranti and how they sang Gobbilla songs. She blended Krishna L was so engrossed in it, that she longed for Gods arrival that night. She thought if God came, she woul anger. She would not offer Him milk. God came as she longed. She held his feet tightly and said, Oh Lord I wont leave you. Its becoming leave? The priests would open the temple doors! God asked her gently. She said, No you stay in the t heart! God answered, Every heart is a temple for me. No Swami! I will do all the Sevas for you from dawn to dusk. The priests began the Suprabhata Seva Kausalya supraja rama - purvasandhya pravarthathe I should hurry up. Vengamamba held His silk dhoti tightly. That part of the dhoti remained in her hand and God disappea the chanting of the Bhaktas from the temple. She grieved over the fact that swami left her. Finally she to the piece of His dhoti left in her hand. She preserved that piece as a garland in a safe place. She prayed to that as the lord Himself with flower leaves. She wanted to complete her Yakshagana that day she wrote the song. Suvvi, Suvvi Yadukulesa Suvvi.... and sang it aloud. Then the Bhaktas gathered round her to give Hara She took them to that dhoti piece left in her hand. They sang a song and offered Harathi to it. In the meanwhile, the priests who opened the doors of the temple were dumbfounded to see Swamis s torn. They couldnt understand how it happened. Did any one break open the doors and robbed Him of

belongings? Was anything else missing? No! Strange but true! Only the dhoti was torn, not a single thi They at once informed the temple authorities. Could it be the work of any staunch devotee of the Lord? preserve it as a token of God? They decided to search the Bhaktas houses! They searched too but in va The astrologers predicted it as a bad omen. They suggested some Santhi measures. They wanted to off dhoti to the Lord on an auspicious day. Then suddenly it dawned to some one that it might be with Vengamamba. Some others laughed it away poor lady break open the doors at night? Why could she not? Did not the chariot come to stand still before her house? Did she not make it move argument. Nobody dared to search her house. Finally the head priest decided to do so along with a few. They reac doubt, but nobody had the guts to search her house. They were worried the Lord might get angry. She welcome. They prostrated before her and sheepishly expressed their problem. She coolly said, Its the room. Go, take it. But can you believe it? It was not a torn piece of a dhoti, the silk dhoti was shining with the borders on either side. When they observed it closely, it was undoubtedly Swamis Pithambar The priests hastened to the temple. The torn Pithambaram was missing. They were flabbergasted at the between Vengamamba and the Lord. They performed Sahasra Kalasabhishekam to the Lord, dressed Him up with the Pitambaram brought f house and prayed to Him fondly. That incident multiplied the number of devotees to her house. They spread the news that God slept in h felt themselves lucky to step into her house. 13. Vengamambas Intimacy with God

Vengamambas Bhakti knew no bounds. She began offering delicacies to the Lord in a place called Pa chose a particular corner there, cleaned it, arranged all the items and began singing melodiously to the of Tambura. Birds, parrots and peacocks gathered round her. Nature herself seemed to dance with the p She had been patiently waiting for God to come and have food served by her. God wanted to test the si prayer. One day a wild elephant trumpeted before her. Another day a lion roared, but there was no fear another day a wild tiger attacked her ferociously. Vengamamba was unperturbed. She could guess that it was nothing but the leela of God. So she prayed patiently. Oh God why test me? Why dont you come and enjoy the feast? Suddenly there was a chang Flowers showered over the tiger. Cuckoo was singing, parrot was chirping and peacock was dancing. W in Nature? It was because God appeared before them. God blessed them with his Darshan with Sankha Vengamamba was excited beyond words. She served Him food personally to her hearts content, offere and sang many songs in praise of Him. This practice continued for long. Curiosity kills the cat. The temple authorities and the priests were curious to know where Vengamamb whom she was serving. So they followed her secretly and hid behind a tree. A tiger came to her ferocio them fainted; some ran for their lives, some thought the tiger would have killed her. When she went ba they guessed it was not the real tiger but the Lord Himself. They prayed to God to forgive them and pr some money as atonement for their sin. The authorities developed faith in her. She completed her Yakshagana. She composed various songs on liked the one which invited Him to the feast. Sri Lakshmi sthitanga chidrupa chinmaya sivanuta subhansa Mailina bhakshyamul chala techchinanu ravayya. Vengamamba continued her writings. She was thinking of Lord Krishna all the while she was describin

of the Lord. His eyes, his nose, teeth, lips cheeks and so on. She was lost in her writing. One day she was sitting on a stone and was lost in writing Sri Krishna Manjari. A big snake crawled People passing by shouted, Snake! Snake! Many gathered there. Some shouted words of caution to h reach her ears. Some brought big bamboo sticks to frighten it. But lo! When they came back with the s reached her and spread its hood over her like an umbrella. The people at once folded their hands and p Vengamamba. A shower of flowers fell there as if the Devatas were blessing her. The snake was moving its hood making a hissing sound. The crowd was scared. Surprisingly from the arose the Mantra Hari Om.. Hari om. The people prayed to Nagendra and Vengamamba. 14. The Background Story of Ekantha Seva

Some more years rolled by Vengamamba became very old but her faith in God did not lessen. One day came to her house, she said, Swami! You are so kind to me, but sooner or later Ive to give up this phy Swami! Will you fulfil my desire? I wish to be remembered forever in your temple. God smiled and d Did she demand too much? Is she the only devotee? Doesnt he have many greater devotees than her? stupidity. That night also she took her Harathi to the temple. What a wonder! Gods reflection was seen in the Ha as a message. Yes God had answered her prayer. She explained the same thing to the priests. She said should be given to God every night. That should become an eternal one. The priests naturally did not like to fulfil her desire. God appeared in their dreams and told them not to night without accepting her Harathi. They had no other go! Vengamamba adopted her sisters daughter Mangamma to continue the ritual after her. Ever since that Vengamamba or her family had the privilege of the final Harathi. The priests could not bear it silently for long. Human tendency is unpredictable. They had many a proo but once again they wanted to put an end to, what they felt, her atrocities! Why should God accept a w Arent there many rich people, pundits or other devotees? Whats special about her? So they put their heads together to scheme against her. They decided to close the temple doors before V landed there! They put their vicious plan into action. Vengamamba came! Not a soul around! The temp closed. But Gods heart was not closed against her. The doors opened on their own, giving her a right r carried on her ritual undisturbed. The priests came to know of this miracle and they were frightened out of their wits. They ran to Venga requested her to forgive them. They promised to pray to her on par with the God. The Devudamma for decided then and there that her Harathi should be the final. It is called Ekanta Seva. The priests named it MutyalaHarathi. At Ekanta Seva pearls will be arranged in the form of one of the God in a basket and Harathi would be given. The devotees received the Mutyala Harathi. Vengamamb God smiled! This ritual is continued even to this day. 15. Mysterious Midnight Seva

Vengamamba was tired of her life. She wanted to give up her physical body. She wanted her Jeevathm Paramathma. She turned to Bhagavat Geetha. She learnt all about Bhakti Yoga, Moksha Sanyasi yoga, Tyaga and so on. She sang aloud Bhajans and Keertanas. One day, when swami came down, she requested, Oh God, I cannot continue for long. You liberate m that there was still time. You pray to me here itself for some more time.

If that is the case, at least hide me from the human beings around. Was that a difficult task for God? He held her hand and took her to a beautiful forest twelve miles awa formed then and there with a roaring sound. There was a tunnel from there. He said, You live in this c me through this tunnel and pray to me. Nobody can see you. She was thrilled, Cant any body see me? Only my devotees can see you. They will be blessed by your Darsan. Whoever listens to your story or your faith, become very close to me like you. Vengamamba was leading a peaceful life there, far from the madding crowd. She sang to her hearts co through her writings. She recited her Krishna Manjari again and again. There, back in her house the next morning, the neighbours were surprised to see Vengamamba missing wide open, but no trace of her. Some cried for her. Devudamma left us to our fate they felt. Some sai liberated. They did Pradakshinas to her Brindavan. Many of them missed her. They continued to come in her absence and prayed in her Brindavan. Many days passed by, but she was not to be seen. They to that her atma joined Paramathma. On the other hand, she was praying to God every night. She entered the temple after the priests left, rem garlands and offered the garlands brought by her. Early next morning she left. When the Brahmins opened the temple the garlands were different. Those flowers were different. They forest. Who brought them every night? Only Vengamamba had such a right royal entry to the temple. S work? But how was it possible? Was she not liberated? It looked like a crossword puzzle. They had a strong feeling it could the miraculous work of Vengamamba but a strong reasoning power them that Vengamamba was physically no more! Whose work could it be then? They wanted to get it s spying of Mahantu. Mahantu hid Himself in a secret place at night before the temple gates were closed. Could he justify hi on God? But how else could he unravel the mystery? He convinced Himself of his crime thus and wait He waited for long! Sometime after midnight, he could suddenly feel a fragrant smell. It was followed light. He felt his nerves and senses tickled. He stared in that direction. A wonderful personality, God knows from where she landed, appeared before Him with Tulsi Mala in garland of wild flowers in another hand. She embraced God! Lo it was Vengamamba undoubtedly. He out her name, but his voice did not co-operate. There was such a glow in her face that he couldnt even eyes. She was hugging the deity. She was kissing the Lord. She was calling Him Oh my beloved, oh m removed the garlands she did various Sevas for Him applied Gandham, sprinkled Panneeru and applied danced in ecstasy before Him. She sang songs from her Krishnamanjari. She fell down unconscious. M to let out a cry but controlled himself. Again he saw a glow of light and the next minute Vengamamba Mahanthi closed his eyes, unable to bear the glow. The next morning the priests opened the doors to see the Mahantu in a dazed state. He couldnt believe Did he see really Vengamamba? But had she not attained Moksha? He started uttering meaningless wo The priests were shocked. What happened to Mahantu? Was Vengamamba really alive? The crowd gat in no time and showered a number of questions on him. Finally when he explained, they exclaimed wh he was! They fell to his feet and they began to search for Vengamamba in the surroundings of Tirumal to visit her Brindavan. 16. Vengamambas Union with God

Vengamamba was gradually becoming older and weaker. She could not put a step forward easily. She properly. She was angry with her God. She recollected the stories of Sabari and Ramadas. She rememb

Ramadas suffered. She felt the devotees could not escape such suffering. She wondered why God was not kind to her. What sin did she do? Whatever it was, she would not go t anymore. Yes that was decided once for all. When she stopped going, God came to her Tumburu Kona. Why would he leave her thus? He received Sometimes He would be tired, some times he would say his legs were aching. Poor Lord has to go roun would serve Him in various ways as Bhakta Sabari, as Yasoda, as a guru, as a lover, as a friend and wh press His feet or offer Him fruits. Back in Tirumala people couldnt find Vengamamba however hard they tried. They began doubting th Mahanthi. Some were still hopeful. Some even said they saw an old lady just like Vengamamba. They visiting her place. One night Vengamamba work up suddenly. She opened her eyes to see her swami becoming her. He w around like Krishna and she ran behind Him like Yasoda and he disappeared. She cursed herself that sh Him anything. Suddenly she heard a painful cry. She walked in that direction to see a man suffering from leprosy. She touched his head. He said, Oh! I am hungry. Everybody has deserted me. She served him a plateful o She wanted to be away from people. But here was a human being before her! He showered a number o once his hunger was satiated. She laid a condition, You should not reveal the fact that you had seen me. You forget the matter here promised accordingly but still she said, In case you open your mouth your head will break into thousa She asked him to close his eyes. The minute he opened his eyes, guess where he was! He was in Pushk dip in the holy water and stood up. What a surprising thing! He was cured of his leprosy. He was hale a could guess it as the blessing of the old lady. The other pilgrims, who were having a bath in the Pushkarini then, were shocked to witness this mirac Bhakta he should be! They gathered round him and showered him with many questions. He remember and threatens behind it. So he dared not open his mouth. The pilgrims took it for granted that he was a offering him fruits and various eatables. Vengamamba continued her prayers to God but this ordinary human being could not assess her greatne passed by, his determination to keep quite was weakened by the heaps of offerings to him. He thought minimum courtesy to oblige them. He felt after all the old lady would have died. So he blurted out the truth. There lived a great devotee called Vengamamba in Tumburu Kona. She complete. His head broke into thousand pieces. The devotees now knew her whereabouts. They wanted to bring her back to her Tiru Mada Veedhi. Th search for her. Vengamamba cried to the lord that night, Where else should I go, my Lord? Wont they leave me in p God smiled to her and said, You will be with me. Swami! Vengamamba was excited. I wont send you any where else. Swami! tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. God showered graceful looks on her. Her feet danced. T Vengamambas face was seen in Gods Kaustuba Har. A big light flashed around. The Pranavam - Om reverberated melodiously in the vicinity. Vengamam Paramatma.

She lived many long years in continuous prayer of God and finally reached God. She is a blessed soul. Whoever reads her story or listens to her story, will be blessed with health and wealth. Her name and f on earth for ever. She will be blessing all the devotees of Lord Venkateswara!

O Mother beloved Tarigonda Vengamamba! Bless us all! ***