SWAMI SRI VEERABRAHMENDRA

A Monograph on Pothuluru Veerabrahmendra Swamy

More Authentic Information

For purpose of writing this monograph I am bound to rely much on bare facts and figures of the biogra¬phical details of the Swamy. I made a search for the local records of Cuddaphah (Kadapa) District. The District Gazetteers published by the Andhra Pradesh Govern¬ment are useful since they collect authentic information available in the local records of various districts.

Under the head ‘‘Somireddipalle”, the Cuddapah District Gazetteer furnishes the following information about Veerabrahmam and his Mutt in Kandimallayapalle as also the Mutt in Mudumala of Dudekula Siddayya, the noted disciple of the Swamy.

“Somireddipalle: (Mydukuru Mandal, Pop. 3,105; Lat. 14° 50’N; Long. 78°55’E)

Badvel Taluk is noted for its Mutts. By far, the most famous of them now is the Virabrahmamgari matham to the immediate north of Kandimallayapalle. an Interior hamlet of Somireddipalle, This hamlet, lying between the Nallamalas and soma outlying spurs of the range, is roughly thirteen miles to the north west of Badvel town.

Sri Veerabrahmam is said to have been born about the beginning of the 17th century A.D. He was a Kamsali* by birth. Though some of his devotees characterize his preaching as ‘Achalamatham’ and some others as ‘Sivadvatam’, they represent basically the Advaita Philosophy. His preachings also reveal his anxiety for the eradication of untouchability, and for the bringing about common fellowship among the members of the various castes and communities.

According to a certain version, in his younger days the Swami known as Veera Narayana was brought up by Veera Bhojayacharya and his wife Veera Papamma, of Papagni Mutt in Karnataka State, who performed his Upanayanam (investiture of the sacred thread) and other samskaras (Purificatory observances). In his fourteenth year, he went on a pilgrimage to various centres and later took up service at Banaganapalle as a cowherd under Garimareddi Achamma. During his stay at Banaganapalle, which lasted for twelve years, he composed his ‘Kalagnana’ and preached it to Annajayya, a Brahmin disciple. Later on, he moved to Alladupalle in Proddatur taluk where he installed an idol of Veerabhadraswami, carved out by himself, at a local temple. Various miracles are attributed to him. Of the large number of devoted disciples who gathered round him at Kandimallayapalle, the best known are Siddaiah a Dudekula, and Kakkaiah a Madiga. Veerabrahmam’s ‘Kalagnana’ in Telugu on palm leaves is preserved and kept close to his Samadhi. His poems and ballads, including those known as Govindapadas, are popular both within and beyond the district. The Swami entered the Samadhi at Kandimallayapalle. Ewaramma, his granddaughter, through his son Govindayya, is also held in great esteem and is credited with many miracles. Her own ‘Kalagnana’ and poems are also well known.