Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Fruits of the hundred-year ministry of Purushotham; Construction of the memorial building; Spread of his Church Hymns, Hundred poems compilations, and tracts; Unpublished writings; Opinions and Birth Centenary memorial. "…through it, he being dead, still speaks. Heb 11:4 Review Let us review the hundred years that have gone by. When there was no missionary in the area, Purushotham came to know the saving grace of Lord Jesus in 1825 through tract no. 9. In all probability, this tract must have been written during the time of William Carey in Serampore, and got printed there. We have preserved it until this day. From Cuttack and Puri to Bellary wherever Purushotham preached the gospel, there are many Churches today. There are numerous people who heard the gospel through him, or his hymns, tracts and poems and were benefitted. In Dhumagudem a certain Hindu stumbled upon a tract written by Purushotham namely "History of Salvation," meditated upon it every day and became a Christian. This tract, snatched away by a kite, fell in front of a merchant's house in Godavari district. He continued to read it and happened to go to Rajamahendravaram, and came to know of its meaning and became a good Christian. Someone wrote this in "Satya Duta" magazine. In Yaddanapudi village in Guntur district, a land owner belonging to Kamma caste Mr. Poda Rangaiah happened to read "Christian Light of Righteousness." He accepted Christ and we were told in a meeting that he is an evangelist now. We can know from the opinions expressed in this chapters how Purushotham's literature ministry continues to give fruit to this day. Now let the readers know how the memorial building came into existence in the name of Purushotham who received this wonderful gift and Rev Antarvedi Das.

History of the Memorial Building I published Purushotham's biography in 1901. Next year I went to Cuttack and gathered the biographical details of Antarvedi Das. Then I felt that it would be fitting to keep pictures of these two in the Churches. I wrote and got the approval of Rev I. C. Archibald, Rev R. Sanford and others. However, like the flash of a lightening in rainy season, I got the idea in May 1903 that it would be more fitting to construct a memorial for these two. Then I drafted an application and took the signature of F. W. Ditmus, Secretary of Maharaja of Bobbili- I was tutoring him in Telugu languageand reached Vizianagaram on the 7th. I shared my thought with Rev Sanford and took his approval. On the 12th that month, I was sharing a meal in Mr. S. Jacob's house in Parlakimidi. One of the other guests, Dr P. Devadattam, on hearing the proposal, felt happy and promised a donation of 100 rupees. A few discouraged me. Still I was determined that prayer will prevail. Putting all burden on the Lord, on 16th June that year, I made known my opinion to the Missionary Conference in Srikakulam. Rev W. V. Higgins Informed me of his consent through a letter dated July 21st. He indicated that this should be an entirely native initiative. Although I didn't have any money on me, I got a few publicity leaflets printed in Madras. The package was delivered to me. At that time, the Head master of Bobbili Mission Girls School, Tejomurthula Venkatesam, called me to the verandah and pressed three rupees in my hands saying that it was for the memorial I intended to build. Immediately, I claimed the package from Madras, and with the remaining annas, I mailed the leaflets to a few places. First, Madabattula Brahmaji, Basani Appadu, among the disciples of Purushotham Chowdhary sent 35 and 10 rupees respectively. Christian Church in Bapatla also contributed. Thus, I could gather about 300 rupees. At the Christian Convention in Parlakimidi that took place in January 1904, I got a confirmation from Rev P. David. Everybody agreed to the idea of

constructing a memorial jointly in the names of Purushotham and Das Antarvedi, because Rev Antarvedi came to the Lord through reading the tract "A Test of caste Tradition," by Purushotham; He accompanied Purushotham in Parlakimidi, and baptized many and planted churches; it is fitting to build the memorial for both. Due to the attachment of Rev I. C. Archibald with Purushotham because of their correspondence regarding the hymns, we formed a committee with Rev Archibald as President and I remained an un-named member. Nevertheless, since I was strong in the body at that time, I took the trouble to write hundreds of letters to Rev Archibald and many others, about the construction of this memorial. The members of the committee were spread far and wide. People from Orissa Mission, American Baptist Mission, London Mission, and other outfits, were familiar with Purushotham. They kept sending donations. Many Churches contributed. Loving Ministry of Rev I. C. Archibald Rev Archibald of Srikakulam tirelessly corresponded with many people day and night and sent out appeals. Among his helpers at that time were Rev P. Jagannayakulu, D. Amruta Lal, Rev D. V. Jagannatha Rao and others. The Canadian Mission purchased a piece of land adjacent to the western wall of the college property belonging to the Raja of Parlakimidi. Parlakimidi is the birth place of Purushotham. When Rev. H. Y. Corey told us that he could give us that place if the memorial could be built there, the Committee felt that it would be fitting to build it there. God's will as it was, it also came out in a wonderful manner from the correspondence between Purushotham and Das Antarvedi. Writing from Rangoon to Purushotham in Cuttack on 13th November 1879, Das Antarvedi said that if the 41st Battalion was disbanded, he would settle down in Parlakimidi and continue his ministry. I found this letter in 1902 in the boxes of Purushotham. Replying to this on 12th December 1879, Purushotham said that he was enthusiastic to join him when that happened, and spread the gospel in those areas. I went to Nellore to meet Mr. R. Paramjyothi, the

grandson of Das Antarvedi, and searched his library. I found the letter written by Purushotham. The transcendental God who knows the intentions of men, gave this excellent awareness to the Memorial Committee. Without knowing what transpired between these two, the Committee had decided to build the Memorial in Parlakimidi. Foundation Stone laying ceremony On 5th August 1905, in the presence of the representatives of all Denominations in the Parlakimidi Bungalow, Mr. P. Veeracharyulu sang the life story of Purushotham. He rendered the hymn "We found a hiding place in Jesus Christ…" and explained its meaning. Dr. P. Devadattam told the history of Das Antarvedi. When I read these two letters, those gathered were astonished seeing that the place was predetermined. After the meeting, Dr. Poladas Devadattam, on behalf of Antarvedi's Church, Babu Daniel Chowdhary (senior), grandson of Purushotham from Cuttack and many others laid the foundation stone after much worship and prayers. On that occasion, this author, the beginner of the idea of this memorial, President of the Committee Late Rev. I. C. Archibald, the local missionaries, Rev George Churchill, the zamindar of Belgaum, near Parvathipuram, Mr. E. Kanakachalam, his teacher, Dr. Gidugu Rama Murthy Pantulu were among the invited. Donors This Memorial was in the shape of an inverted 'T.' The dimensions of the central room was 48 feet long, and 23.5 feet wide. The side rooms were 23.5 X 18 feet. The roof was arch shaped standing on iron girders. When the walls were done and it was still roofless, the money ran out. One day, I arrived from Bobbili, stood among the walls and wept like Nehemiah. I pleaded with God for financial help. As an answer to that prayer, we received money and the building was completed. The tower was constructed under the supervision of Rev. B Subbarayudu. To procure money and details of the biographies of these two men of God, I had to travel up to Cuttack in north and to Nellore in south. Late Subedar G. Samuel toiled to gather up to 400 rupees. Our families too contributed.

E. Augustine of Madras has drawn the oil painting of Purushotham, and one third of this cost was borne by Purushotham's disciple Basani Appadu. Part of the cost was sent by senior Babu John Chowdhary from Cuttack. Ms. Tencate from Nellore promised 50 rupees and probably sent the money to Rev Archibald directly. Dr G. Devadattam and Mr. M. Sudarshanam belonging to the Church of Das Antarvedi, contributed 100 rupees each. Rao Sahib Dr T. Narayana Swami Naidu, Dr. M. Raja Rao Das, Dr Perimbangaru (Tirunelveli), Diwan Bahaddar William Venkata Ramaiah (District Judge), James M. Bhaktul, Lala Gokul Das, Rev M. Prakasam, Imandi John, Rev McFarlane (London Mission), helped towards gathering the money. Canadian Missionary Society helped with an amount of more than 500 rupees. Orissa Mission also helped. Rev R. E. Smith, Ms. M. Robinson, Dr Ms. Hewlett, Rev I. C. Archibald, Ms. Archibald, Ms. Peck, M. E. Harrison, Rev R. E. Gallison were among those who gave more than 10 rupees. Rev H. Y. Corey gave 150 rupees. Parlakimidi Church gave 183 rupees, more than any Church. Bobbili, Palakonda, Vizianagaram, Bheemunipatnam, Srikakulam, Tekkali, Akulatampara, Pithapuram, Samalkot, Peddapuram, Yalamanchili, Kakinada, Vuyyuru, Ramachandrapuram, and other Churches gave contributions. Mohammad Fazil of Ichchapuram gave 25 rupees. This was the only Muslim who contributed for this task. Wife of Mr. David Smith, Railway guard in Calcutta, has sent a good amount. A list of contributors was with Rev S. C. Freeman in Parlakimidi. I am not including it here. Thus, the amount accumulated, nearly 4, 177 rupees went into the construction of the memorial for our two elders Purushotham Chowdhary and Das Antarvedi. Rev J. A. Glendening, Mr. Sukriya Behera, members of Purushotham's family, and his friends helped in the construction work. Dedication of the Memorial The pictures of both men of God were installed in the building. Das Antarvedi's picture was drawn by Messers Raghupati Venkaiah Brothers of Madras. 16th August 1908 was the appointed day for the dedication.

Eleven missionaries, and representatives from Churches arrived. Subedar G. Samuel, all the way from Secunderabad, Rev N. Abraham from Samlkot, Rev Dr. J. R. Stillwel from Ramachandrapuram, attended. Dr P. Devadattam, Sub Magistrate M. Sudarshanam who contributed 100 rupees along with their families, and Havildar M. Sattenna came on behalf of Das Antarvedi's Churches. The grandsons and grand daughters of Purushotham Chowdhary were present. By the grace of God, Rev Archibald and I were also there. Fulfilment of intent Rev B. Subba Rayudu, Rev S. Abraham, and M. Sudarshanam participated in the worship service on Aug 15th 1908, Saturday and Sunday. Accounts submitted by Rev I. C. Archibald were approved and a further contribution of 400 rupees were collected. On 16th Rev John Rupert Stillwell while dedicating the building, spoke on Rev 3:12. Rev H. Y. Corey made the dedication prayer. That afternoon Rev Corey and spoke in Telugu on some thoughts of dedication and Rev Archibald spoke in English on the topic 'Salvation.' On 17th morning under the supervision of Dr P. Devadattam, M. Sudarshanam, and Rev N. Abraham spoke on the biography of Rev Antarvedi. Likewise, under the supervision of Subedar G. Samuel, Mr. Samuel himself and Rev P. David explained the biographical details of Purushotham Chowdhary. Havaldar Sattenna gave the biography of Antarvedi. That evening people from the town also gathered. Rev Stillwell spoke beautifully on Christian doctrine in English language. The building was blessed by the love all these people have for Purushotham and Antarvedi. This Memorial was now kept under the stewardship of Parlakimidi Baptist Church. They conduct worship services there. After a few years, K. Sannaiah Naidu, Municipal Manager, arranged for a marble plaque bearing the two names and installed it on the stage of the hall. Any who love the two men of God can see their respective dates of birth and death on the copper plates as given below.

In Memory of Rev Purushotham Chowdhary The Immortal Christian Poet Born 5th September 1803 at Madanapuram, Ganjam, Died 24th August 1890 in Cuttack. Rev 3:12 In Memory of Rev D. Antaravedy of 41st N. R. Baptist Churches Organizer of Churches Born 1822 at Chittoor Died 9th December 1881 at Quilon Rev 3:12 There is scope for the building to be extended towards north. The tower should be rebuilt. A bell is needed. Donations can be sent to the Baptist missionary in Berhampur. On the Dedication of the memorial, Mandapaka Parvatiswara Shasthri, family member of Purushotham penned laudatory poems. Strange are the decisions of God in saving people for his ministry. Tracts printed by William Carey in Sirampore, Bible printed by the Bible Society, and Ms. Helen Knott, wife of Captain Knott, were instrumental in the salvation of Purushotham. One Antarvedi got enlightened by the tract "A test of the Caste Tradition," written by him, through Antarvedi one Thomas Gabriel, a Matangi Adinarayana, one Dr Narayana Swami, getting saved, Churches planted, through them the arrival of the Canadian Mission…all this was the divine will of the omniscient God, what else? Let those who love this history and know this appendix, will accompany this history and stand until the end of the earth and return of our Lord.

We have quoted hymns written at various times including their context. In different circumstances, Purushotham aligned his will with that of God and out of the devotional experience he wrote these hymns to comfort himself in his sad times. He used to tell his daughter Martha Burder that in the poetry in Oriya and Bengali, the only rule was the ending of the stanza. Whereas Telugu poetry has well-knit prosody and that he should toil at Telugu poetry. The giant print Bengali Bible is in Cuttack. We also have his sermons written in Oriya. An Oriya hymn was published in 'Hitavadi' in July 1883. Purushotham seems to have rebuked a rich friend in Vishakhapatnam through a hymn, "Gone, gone, the time is gone." Opinions We include the opinions expressed by various people about the poems and prose of Purushotham: Rev T. Baily The late Rev W. R. Stevenson of Nottingham in a letter to me dated 23rd 1888, remarks, "I was surprised to learn from the Rev Dr. Lyman Jewett, one of the American Baptist Missionaries in the Telugu country, that Purushotham Choudhari of the Orissa Mission, is the author of thirtyeight of the choicest Telugu hymns in use and his name appears on the title page of Dawson's Telugu hymn book as having assisted Mr. Dawson in the preparation of that book.'(Orissa Baptist Mission Report for the year 1890, P. 39) "Rev W. W. Stevenson, serving in Gooty has sent a few hymns and asked Purushotham for the names of the authors, he said most of them are his own, so that our brother could add name under the those hymns. He wanted to send a copy of this new edition. As it was on the way, he died peacefully. Edward Rice wrote in page 10 of the 1890 Orissa Baptist Mission Report.

"The hymns were written more for his own pleasure and not for publication, and a glance at the title shows that the peerless perfection and infinite love of Christ were the themes on which he most delighted to dwell." Dr. Lymen Jewett in the Andhra Christian Hymnal he composed, described the hymns of Purushotham "the choicest Telugu hymns now in use." Dr. A. J. Curtiss writes, "…No hymns are so frequently sung in our meetings, and none contribute more to spirituality than those which bear the name Purushotham." Great man of God, and grand old man Rev Canon Dannavada Anantham writes from Bangalore, "I never saw Mr. Purushotham, but when I was publishing Hitavadi magazine, that is about 60 years ago, he wrote to me a couple of times and encouraged me in that endeavor. Now and then he used to send his poems and hymns. Hearing the news of my marriage, he has sent a silk saree for my wife from Cuttack. Even after his death, his name and his ministry to the Christians are taken in great reverence. The hymns he wrote are being sung in all Churches. Hundreds of hymns were written by various people, but no one can match the devotional spirit or poetic excellence on Purushotham. I gave one of his writings "History of Salvation" to a scholar who taught me Telugu and Sanskrit seeking his opinion, he likened it to Andhra Bhagavatam and told me that it is equal to the poetry of Bammera Pothana and has the taste of grape syrup. Those who read the poetry compilations written 90 years ago, "Yesunayaka Satakam," "Yesuprabho Satakam," "Pancha Chamara Pannamulu," Light of Christian Righteousness," can easily understand how this man of God refused to leave the presence of the feet of his dear Savior. Especially when he realized his condition of sin, how bitterly he wept and confronted his Savior, for the forgiveness of sins; How he wrestled with God like Jacob, saying 'I will not let you go unless you bless me,' and like Rama Dasu who sang "I will not let you take one step, I will not leave you unless you assure me." Mr. A. F. Tyaga Raju of Kings College, London writes"Almost the only Telugu hymns I love are those written by Chaudhari Purushotham. For the beauty of language, depth of thought, and true

expression of the heights of Christian experience, they are unsurpassed. The poet always impressed me as one who realized that the deepest longings of human heart are not satisfied by Hinduism. They find satisfaction only in Jesus Christ. (A. F. Tyaga Raju, Bombay, 25th September 1933). Maharaja Vikram Dev Varma, king of Jayapura read the booklet "Christian Light of Righteousness" and sent the following opinion: Fort Jayapore, 5th October 1933. Dear Sir, His highness received a copy of your grandfather's poetic work sent by you. He looked into the book here and there and found that it is in easy flowing style. He wishes wide publication to it amongst the Christian community. Yours sincerely C. L. Narasimham Private Secretary. A. T. Palmer, Head Master of McLaurin High School wrote: Chowdhary Purushotham's Telugu Christian hymns have charmed me from my childhood. My father's favorite hymn "Entho srungaramainadi" and my mother's favorite book "History of Salvation" bring back to my mind exceedingly pleasant memories and the great poet's name has been a household word in our home as it is in the homes for many a Telugu Christian family. Purushotham's hymns are so superior in style, diction and thought, and they can be distinguished from all other Telugu hymns. In his hymns, he has made use of all the music and the rhythm that Telugu language can produce. One often wonders what the fate of the Telugu Christian hymnology would have been but for this genius of a poet Purushotham. Almost all the Telugu Hindu tunes that are familiar to every Andhrite, have been used by Purushotham in his compositions. Purushotham's Christian experience and spirit-filled enthusiasm enlivens and uplifts many a drooping heart. Till God gives another man like Purushotham to the Andhra Christian Church, Purushotham's name will reign supreme.

A.T. Palmer, Cocanada, Jan 8- 1934 Rev J. A. Curtiss, wrote in the first issue of the Baptist Missionary Review printed in November 1933: The major part of our Telugu singing is still done with the lyrics composed by Chowdhury Purushotham. From his baptism hymn, dated 1833, full of joy of pardoned sin, till his two well-known hymns of farewell to life, dated 1885, for fifty-two years, he was the sweet singer of the Telugu Israel. His poems and hymns are cast in all the familiar Telugu poetical forms and they have a devotional and literary quality and a rhythm that has commended themselves to the taste of successive generations of Christians. Though written in the very early days of congregational singing, most of the hymns continue to be favorites in congregations of all communions. New and attractive tunes are found again and again for the old favorite; the excellent writing of our newer poets displaces them very slowly. Mr. John Chowdhary, Founder and Secretary of the Mission to the Aristocracy of India, a grandson of the poet-evangelist and himself a Telugu poet, announces through our news columns this month the Centenary celebrations of Purushotham's baptism in 1833. It is planned to produce a memorial volume and in other ways to make the incalculable influence of these lyrics during the hundred years. One good way of celebrating would be to revive in our schools the teaching of these substantial old pieces and revive in our workers the practice of using their searching truth in evangelistic work. Rev Ch. Bhanu Murthy, Head Master of Jeevamruta School, Kakinada writes: Purushotham Chowdhary, a king among the Telugu Christian poets, needs no introduction. His mellifluous hymns, and messages continue to influence and elevate people in this area for the last 100 years. No poet measures up to him to date. No one has ever explored the essence of Christian life as he did. Anybody who once taste his poetry, so delicate, melodious, and full of spiritual meaning, cannot forget it. His books take

the first place in preaching Christ in a way appropriate to Hinduism. His poetry can be likened to Pothana and his hymns to Thyagaraju. The very life of Purushotham is his poetry. Those who hesitate to tell the educated people about Christ, can do so with ease, if only they have the books of Purushotham in their hands- the books speak on their behalf. His books are suitable for scholars and commoners alike. His style is like the grape juice and easily understood. However, his thoughts are deep, and helpful no matter how experienced you are. They explain in easy terms the humanity and divinity of Christ, and appeals to the heart of the readers. There is no better book than "A summary of the essence of Bible" for anyone to understand the characteristics of God. It is the bounded duty of Andhra Christians to encourage the works of this worthy poet and make them available to all. Chetti Bhanu Murthy. 20-12-1934. Rev V. S. Azariah, Bishop of Dornakal wrote the following in this book published by C.L.S in 1933: "The book "A Summary of the essence of Bible," was written by Chowdhary Purushotham nearly 90 years ago. Christians and nonChristians alike appreciate its style and content. Rev Canon Anantham took it upon himself to write the commentary of these poems. Due to old age and failing eye sight the task is difficult for him, still he persevered due to his love for this poetry. He gave me this commentary and asked me to include it in the next edition. A grant is made available to us from Indian Literature Fund, and hence we are able to reprint the book and include Rev Anantham's Commentary. As told by Rev Anantham, may this unique book be a daily companion to the Christians and a tool of growth of their spiritual life." The poetical books of Purushotham Chowdhary are- Light of Christian Righteousness, History of salvation, Summary of the essence of the Bible, Construction of Statues, Dividing the Truth and so on. Thousands of copies were published and distributed by the Vishakhapatnam London

Mission, and Christian Literature Society in Madras. No rights of any of these books are given away to anybody. This author is seeking to correct the printing mistakes found in these books and publish them. There are a few unpublished manuscripts of Purushotham in existence. His 'Test of Caste Tradition" is waging a relentless war with the demon of caste for more than hundred years. "Revelation of the path to heaven" compares the Hindu deities and emphasizes the sinless nature of Christ, including a brief biography of Jesus. Many came to know the truth because of this booklet. His "History of Salvation" was written in 'Yaksha Gana' style depicting the sweet story of Jesus Christ. This can be termed Purushotham's gospel in the same manner of Mathew's gospel, Mark's gospel and soon. In it, we can find the sermon on the mount in the form of 'Dandakam.'2 1. see "The Enterpriser." 2 Dandakam is a literary style of poetry seen in Sanskrit and Telugu languages, charecterised by racy and robust literary rendition. Dandakams are mainly of discriptive and laudatory purpose, extolling the God or the subject.