When I longed to hear Vemana’s poetry…

When was the last time I heard Vemana’s poems, I thought to myself as longed for it. Hmm, I would guess in my fourth or fifth standard. Back then, when I read Vemana’s poetry, it didn’t make a lot of sense to me and I merely read them for the sake of reading it. My telugu teacher (Sleevamma ?) would heap praises on his poetry, my Mom would make me read and understand them, well, I somehow managed all of that.

Now, out of the blue I wanted to read more of Vemana’s poetry. All I could remember was the last line of the poem…. ..Vishvadhaabhi Raama, Vinura Vema. My thoughts on Vemana’s poetry took a back seat on my mind until I hit upon Vemana’s poetry book in the house of my uncle and aunt.

Now guess what I have in store, more of Vemana’s poetry ! I was really delighted, as I could now read his poems in whole. I could even recollect some of them vaguely. And then my wonderful aunt and uncle recited some of the poems, and explained them to me. It felt like nectar to my ears, I wished I could have a thousand ears to listen to it (no exageration !), but, I’m more than happy with what my two ears can do :)

Thanks a lot Shaila akka and Mama for reading out Vemana’s poetry, you made me really happy ! I’m also glad that you let me record it, so I can listen to it when I want to :)

Here is a sample of Vemana's poems- courtesy, Wikipedia.

Uppu Kappurambu nokka polika nundu

Chooda chooda ruchulu jaada veru

Purushulandu Punya purushulu veraya

Viswadhaabhiraama, Vinura Vema

Salt and camphor look similar,

but closer observation shows their taste is different

Among men, virtuous people stand apart

Beloved of the Bounteous, Vema, listen!

Gangi govu paalu garitadainanu chaalu

Kadivedainanemi kharamu paalu

Bhakti kalugu koodu pattedainanu chaalu

Viswadhaabhiraama, Vinura Vema

A ladleful of a sacred cow's milk is enough,

Of what worth is even a potful of donkey's milk

Even a little food given with respect is sumptuous

Beloved of the Bounteous, Vema, listen!

Atmasuddhi leni acharamadi ela

Bhandasuddhi leni pakamadi ela

Chittasuddi leni sivpujalelara

Viswadhaabhiraama, Vinura Vema

What is the purpose of custom sans inner purity?

What is the purpose of cooking sans cleanliness of vessels?

What is the purpose of worship of Shiva sans purity of mind?

Beloved of the Bounteous, Vema, listen!

Enjoy them while you read !