Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Arriving at Cuttack from the Land of Bengal; Introduction to Rev Das Antarvedi, Long journeys with him and failures; Answers to prayers; Propagation of the message in Puri; Writing of Books; Sending the sonin-law to Kakinada; Death of the son; Services of various kinds. Reaching Cuttack It was 1870. After two weeks of long journey, the bullock carts laden with household articles stopped in front of a house in "Sutahat." How can one describe the joy of Purushotham's children! But with the change of region, the language too changed. Those who surrounded him that day, started speaking to him in their mother tongue Oriya. Introduction to Rev Antarvedi Within two or three days after reaching Cuttack, a certain follower of Christ stood in front of Purushotham and greeted him. He was 50. He was wearing a white head gear, and pyjama. This was none other than Mr. Das Antarvedi who read Purushotham's tract "Testing of Caste Tradition," turned away from Hindu religious traditions, realized the merits of the religion of Christ and embraced Christianity in Vishakhapatnam around 1848 and took 'sprinkling' baptism. He took immersion in Rangoon in 1860. He was 19 years younger than Purushotham. He joined as the mess writer in 41st Native Battalion and came to Cuttack by 1868. He, thus came into contact with the local Christians two years prior to Purushotham. During those year-end days, Das Antarvedi invited Purushotham's family for dinner and watch-night service of the new year. That night Purushotham could take the measure of the faith and devotion of Das, loved his guileless and pure Christian life. He established contact with the Christian Church that had 32 members attached to the Battalion, and started enjoying the happy fellowship. While they were at Cuttack, Appala Narasimha Chowdhary, his wife Shantamayi Chaudhurani, their servant maid Jangam Gangamma, realizing

that immersion was more proper than sprinkling baptism, took immersion in 1871 by Rev Antarvedi in Mahanadi, and returned to their native place. In their fellowship, Gopinath Chowdhary, Oriya scholar Bhagawan Behara, strongly believed in the gospel they had been hearing from Purushotham and Appala Narasimha Chowdhary. They insisted on Purushotham's arrival to baptize them, failing which they would consider that Jesus Christ did not come to save sinners at all. Thus, taking an oath they wrote letters to Purushotham and Antarvedi. Another Missionary Journey In 1872 at the behest of Purushotham, Antarvedi Das took leave of the elders of the Battalion Church and started upon a journey along with Christian soldiers and havaldars on bullock carts. They travelled 300 miles, preaching the gospel on the way, and entered Berhampur, singing hymns, that made the town resound. They preached the gospel to the masses for three days. Rev. Baily used to attend their campaigns. They travelled to Akulatampara via Parlakimidi. Baptism arrangements were made for the above-mentioned people and Bandi Jogi Naidu, Challa Appala Naidu, and Lalaiah Sathpathi in addition. But due to stiff opposition from family and relatives they stepped back. Purushotham and his friends in no way got discouraged, continued to preach the gospel with great force. They strengthened these men and travelled to Vishakhapatnam via Gulshanabad (Srikakulam), Vizianagaram and Chittivalasa and returned to Cuttack. As they were going, the District Collector of Ganjam, C. G. Master Iscoer invited them and gave them money for their expenses. That day, they preached in this area. One Gobbi Surya Narayana accepted Christ. At an advanced age Purushotham, probably for the sixth time undertook this long missionary travel to Cuttack. He and his friends did not stop praying for the new believers spread over these 300 miles stretch. They constantly encouraged them through letters. It took two weeks for this missionary journey. On Wednesday July 13th 1872, it started pouring heavily creating a horrifying deluge, with deafening sounds like the howl of elephants, driving

winds like the galloping horses, as if the flood gates of heavens were open. In the down pour, Gopinath Chowdhary (father of this author) and others were on the verge of getting drowned in the torrent, Gopinath prayed "O God, if you deliver me from this calamity, I will go to Cuttack, and let any one say or do any thing against my will, I will take open Baptism in the name of Jesus." At that time a hay stock floated towards them and rescued their boat from capsizing. He praised God and in accordance with his prayer, he was determined to go to Cuttack to his Dada Purushotham Chowdhary to accept Christianity. He wrote to Purushotham and Das Antarvedi. The two prayed for him and others; thus they were strengthened in the spirit. Two Pilgrims In 1873, Gopinath Chowdhary, and Pandit Bhagawan Behera reached Cuttack and in the presence of Purushotham took baptism on July 1st in Mahanadi by Das Antarvedi. later they went back to their place. This was the result of the prayers of Purushotham since the day he became a Christian. He prayed unceasingly for 47 years for his relatives, may the reader take note of this blessed fact. One Tatavarthy Narayana Swami faced many troubles after his baptism at Cuttack. Purushotham, Antarvedi and other believers prayed fervently in a room on the premises of the Battalion, and this resulted in dispelling of the trouble. Let us look at Parlakimidi once again and the banks of river Vamsadhara. In October 1873, the families of Chowdhary, Bhagavan Behera and another Christian woman, a total of five, came together as a Church in Akulatampara, probably on the 28th of that month. This was the same time when Dr John McLaurin got a telegram summoning him to go to America. The group received a letter from Cuttack that Appala Narasimha Chowdhary should act as an elder. Thus, in that month the Canadian Mother Church was established. This again was due to the efforts of our poet Purushotham. Moreover, when Gopinath Chowdhary and Bhagavan Behera were returning to their place, Purushotham Chowdhary, Das Antarvedi and a few other Christians

went along with them upto Puri. On that day, Ragolu Janaki Ramaiah was taking baptism in River Moosa and a crowd gathered to witness the event. Purushotham preached the gospel to them in Oriya. After Purushotham left the London Society, his eldest son and police inspector, Babu David Chowdhary, and son-in-law Titus Burder helped him in these long and tedious missionary journeys. Publishing of 'Christian Moral Glow'- Spirituality of Christ 'Christian Moral Glow' was written in Vishakhapatnam in 1851. And the 100 poems was written in 1845. Both were sent to Madras in 1872 for printing in one volume. A thousand copies were printed. Purushotham sent a few copies to some of his friends. On November 12, 1871 Purushotham gave to Appala Narasimha Chowdhary probably on the eve of his leaving Cuttack, a hand-written book. In this, he discussed many Hindu philosophical concepts such as 'Monism and Dualism,' and added the 'Essence of Christian thought' from page 157 upward. This was the Spirituality of Christ known as "Satya Veda Sara Sangrahamu" (Essence of the Book of Truth). A look at this hand-written book,would suggest that Purushotham wrote 'Spirituality of Christ' in 1871. He summarized the proof of the deity of Christ along with instances from the Bible in poetic form. One can see this in the following poems: Grace and truth came together in one form of man Taught the divine truth with examples in an endearing mannerGave his life to rescue the mortals who are drowning in the ocean of sin Resurrected, He sits on the high and holy throne of heaven, embodiment of truth Vow of Disinterested Silence Brightness upsurged, lost its sheen and was engulfed in the greatest light Waters rose, lost their force And drowned in great waters

Wisdom expanded, reduced into ignorance And lost itself in the greatest wisdom Topics faded into irrelevance And lost themselves in the greatest topic The four forces thus found peace Blissful and transcendent The pure soul, that is true ecstasy Creature who finds peace in Christ is the Christian The father will be born on earth as son The word will become flesh True to the heart Christ is son of God What doubt is there to say that Christ is God? Paul said, "When I am weak, I am strong." Purushotham in his old age in Cuttack churned out poetry with greater dexterity. Dividing the Truth In 1874, Purushotham, upon the request of Das Antarvedi, wrote poems in "Kanda" meter and style, that lends itself to extoling God, for the use of the Battalion community. Among them, "Did He not give Comfort?" and "Lord of the Universe Jesus" are widely used. Among the hymns he wrote while in Cuttack are "Oh this depraved heart, how corrupt!" "Release from all sin comes to good Christians in this world," "Why O soul, you have wasted life until now?" "Son of God of gods, bless us our King," and others were getting published in 'Hitavadi' magazine during 1884. Sending the Son in law to Kakinada In December 1873, the second daughter of Purushotham Mrs. Mary Sundari, wife of Josiah Burder, died in Cuttack. First born of Josiah Burder

was working in Calcutta and he too died. Josiah Burder was employed in the Public Works department and he was conducting church services in Oriya. Hence a godly Engineer asked him to continue this ministry, and that he would help him financially and encourage him. In the meanwhile, Purushotham received news through Antarvedi Das that Dr John McLaurin, who took charge as Missionary in Kakinada on March 12th 1874, was looking for an evangelist. Back in 1865, that was four years after Purushotham himself worked there and left, it seems a certain Telegraphist Thomas Gabriel, before his death on January 1st 1875, advised McLaurin to invite Josiah Burder as helper of the Mission. Accordingly, when McLaurin wrote to Cuttack, Purushotham sent Josiah Burder with his blessings to Kakinada in the beginning of 1875. As the psalmist, King David said, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous" (Psalms 34:19), yet another calamity confronted our old poet. His eldest son Babu David Chowdhary, working as Police Inspector, who was taking care of the family, went to be with the Lord in December 1675, leaving his son Babu John Chowdhary (senior), Sundari Chowdhary, his daughter and Emelia Chowdhary his wife. Even though it was a devastating piece of news to Purushotham, considering the blessed hope he consoled himself. He wrote this letter to Appala Narasimha Chowdhary: Cuttack 6th January 1876 To, My dear son Appala Narasimha, Son, I trust you all got the sad news through Antarvedi Ayya garu's letter about your brother David's demise That was the will of god, what can we do about it? Daniel said, "No one can hold back his hand, or say to him, 'what have you done?'"

Job also said, "The Lord has given, he has taken, let His name be praised." Even though David lamented saying, "My son! My son!" about his son Absalom, he said at another place "Can I bring back what is gone? I will go to him but he cannot come to me." Had God not healed my sinful heart with the great medicine of his divine Word, I would have been crushed under this great burden of grief, and could not have written this letter to you. But our Father, an ocean of mercy, and Christ, are consoling me with their glorious Word. I am at His feet under His care. Also, all members of our household are around me. They are now in the sea of grief and are slowly getting back to normalcy. Your younger brother, Sami (Samuel Chowdhary) went to Kendrapara and brought home Emelia (daughter-in-law) and all the household things. All of us are together finding solace. May the glorious name of the Lord be praised. As mentioned in Isaiah 14th chapter verses 8 and 10, the Lord for whom everything is possible, has wonderfully revealed His righteous right hand to me, his chosen servant. On the third day after burying your brother David, Pastor Miller, the President of the Oriya Church here, summoned me and consoled me, encouraged and entrusted the Lord's work to me, that is the work of preaching the word in the Church. This is not to tour the villages, just to deliver sermons in the Church and to preach the gospel from time to time in the streets to the Telugu and Oriya people of this town. This is something I did not ask. He summoning me and giving me this work by himself is nothing but the wonderful hand of grace revealed to me. I realized this, praised God's name and I was inducted into the congregation from the beginning of January. Cutting down David my branch, God has arranged for me to be provided for, under the great tree of Oriya Mission Society. How can I praise Him for this miraculous grace? How can I give thanks? As King David said, "Weeping in the night and joy comes in the morning," the Lord has done this for me. What else can I say my son? They say that the Battalion will arrive at the end of February, I am yet to receive orders. We believe that I will get intimation by the 15th. I desire to come down to

Parlakimidi and visit you, taking the help of Rev Antarvedi. But due to many impediments I doubt whether I can do that. I am closing this letter today, the 10th. The weekly meetings end this night. Rev Antarvedi's family is doing well and they send their loving greetings to you. All our family members are sending you loving kisses. Convey my loving greetings to our dear brother Bhagawan Behera, his wife, and to Gangamma. To the Rajus (Jogi Raju, Fakir Raju, Nilakantha Raju, Syama Ghana Raju) our respectful greetings. Your younger brother Sami (Samuel Chowdhary) leaves for Guttani on his work. That is all for now. God willing, I can write another letter to you soon. Loving kisses from all of us to Shanti, Gopinath, and Ammal. Your loving Dada, Purushotham Chowdhary By this, readers will realize that for peace of mind, and familial love, the propitiatory blood of Christ alone is the key. The Christian never goes across River Vytarani1 holding the tail of a cow as Hindu scriptures teach. The fore fathers of Purushotham might have believed this out of blindness. But their grandchildren did not believe those lies. They believed that only the blood of Christ, the incarnate God as the savior of mankind could save them from their sins. And they found eternal peace in this truth. They renounced the blind faith in Cycle of endless births, and believed that the new birth alone is the way to heaven. Blessed are those who are dead in Christ. Those days, the youngest daughter of Purushotham, the wife of Titus Burder was with her father looking after his welfare. Even though she was more familiar with Bengali, Oriya and Hindustani, since she gained proficiency in English during her childhood in Vishakhapatnam, she helped her father in writing and translating letters between her father and his old friends in England such as Wardlaw, Tailor and other missionaries. She looked like an English lady not only in appearance, but in English pronunciation and writing. Titus Burder too knew Telugu, Oriya and English and was a great help to his father-in-law.

Separation of Mr. Antarvedi Rev Das Antarvedi left Cuttack for Vizianagaram along with his Battalion. Of the 155 members of the Battalion Congregation, 55 stayed back in Cuttack permanently. To them and the Church in Cuttack, Purushotham continued to be the elder and preacher. Many in the Oriya and Andhra Baptist Church were baptized by him and they joined the Church. The sermons delivered by this old preacher were recorded in their hand writing. Yet another missionary journey On October 23rd 1876, Purushotham with a few helpers travelled to Bhadrakoti in a boat named 'The Herald' in Mahanadi river, 150 miles away. According to the Orissa Missionary"s report, they turned into a canal of Mahanadi, called High Level Canal and reached Brahmani river. They preached in Oriya language in many villages on either side of the river. When they reached Bholpour, they came to know of the breakout of Cholera and the party turned back. There were nearly 3000 Christians in the Oriya Baptist congregation. The prayer hall was very large. An old lady related to Purushotham, who got baptized by him, is still alive in Berhampur. Knowledge of Bengali language That year among the gifts Purushotham received was a Bengali large print Bible. A white man called Dessa gave it to Purushotham. Writing to Hitavadi magazine in August 1884, Purushotham mentioned that he read the entire Bible in Bengali. He was in the habit of reading Bengali newspapers. In fact, despite the differences in the script, and pronunciation, Bengali and Oriya are sister languages with their roots in Sanskrit. On and off, a few from outside India used to send cash gifts to Purushotham. Every Christmas, his dear disciple Basani Appadu used to send him gift fit for a Guru.

Appreciation of Rev Jewett Since the day Purushotham became the first helper of Rev Samuel Day in Srikakulam, Purushotham was in the habit of sending money now and then and was in correspondence with the people of God. This is known from the letter written by Rev Jewett from Roypet in Madras on 20th December 1876. He mentioned the names of Mr. Morgan, Ms. Mobin, and Mr. Prius, all acquaintances of Purushotham. He wrote that he was leaving that day for Nellore to witness the damage done to the Ramayapatnam mission properties due to a cyclone. Various memorials indicate that Purushotham had contact with Batchu Raghavaiah, Rev Martin, Rev Bullard and other personalities of the Baptist Mission. 1. The mythological Vaitarna or Vaitarani river, as mentioned in the Hindu religious texts, lies between the earth and the Naraka (hell), the realm of Yama, Hindu god of death and is believed to purify one's sins.