Preface by Babu John Chowdhary

Preface My heavenly father who is rich in all glory and mercy, according to his exalted will, chose our humble Chowdhary family and gave the means of incorruptible salvation and heavenly dwelling to our ancestors, who strived to attain spiritual bliss by means of man-made ceremonial traditionalism and beliefs. He counted them worthy of the blessed and admirable state through faith in the propitiatory work of Jesus Christ. I have described briefly in this book, how God was pleased to bestow salvation to our ancestors in those dark and ignorant days. Citing superiority of Clan, Gotra1, Sutra2, Pravara3, Veda4 and other causes of pride, a man possessed strong views in his own undisputed preeminence. This story is about how the light of Christ molded him into a worthy devotee, due to the glorious light he received. I heard the biography of my grandfather through my dear father in my childhood. Desiring to write the detailed story, I came across the condensed biography written by LMS missionary, Edward P. Rice, and was greatly encouraged. When I came to Kakinada in 1900, I collected more instruments and autobiographical details, brought from Cuttack by late Rev Jonathan Birder, the grandson on Purushotham Chowdhary. In 1901, I could finish a sort of Biography and got 300 copies printed in Methodist Press in Madras. However, some pet names of the family members were printed in this account, and there were a few other mistakes. Due to this, our relatives in Cuttack did not completely approve of this version. I had to travel thrice to Cuttack, and Berhampur, once to Nellore, nearly three thousand miles to gather more information and to get the biography written in English. I pleaded with God constantly, for the success of this endeavor. During the time of Rev Hovel in Cuttack, I found an important instrument in the Mission library. I examined all the records of Purushotham, and acquired some essential items from my auntie Martha Burder. I obtained another

item from Mr Antarvedi's records from late R. Paramjyothi in Nellore. Oriya and Bengali people do not have surnames. Our poet was called Chowdhary Purushotham in those lands. This is not according to the tradition on the Bengalis. Hence on the request of the family, name of the poet is mentioned as "Purushotham Chowdhary" in this book. We do not have any relation with the 'Kamma' Chowdharys of Godavari area. Since a part of this history was ready two years ago, if any detail is mentioned time and again I crave the pardon of the readers. Adhering to the Hindu doctrines and tenets for some time, Purushotham Chowdhary turned to Vedic contemplation, wore loin cloth, became an ascetic, and followed the extreme form of Saiva5 rituals. He roamed burial grounds, caves and other lonely places, practiced Yoga, seeking to attain peace of mind. With no Missionaries or evangelists available, Purushotham had a vision of the divine light of the great Guru6. He renounced everything and the way in which he could find the "choicest pearl" and the "buried treasure" is truly amazing. Rev Archibald, the then Missionary in Srikakulam, wrote this to encourage me in this endeavor: I highly appreciate what you are trying to do, to perpetuate the influence for good of such godly men as Purushotham, Jagannatham and Antarvedy. In this good work, we will help you with our prayers and by the purchase of your books when published (2nd August 1902). This fired my enthusiasm, and I took pains to write and publish biographies of those men of God. I heard that a portrait of Purushotham in his old age is with Mr Dessa, a Missionary in Calcutta. It seems someone murdered him thus making it impossible for me to obtain the picture. After many prayers, I wrote to Mrs Dessa in Ongole, thus paving the way for this portrait to reach Cuttack from Calcutta. My brother Babu Daniel Chowdhary (Senior) sent it in my name. Messers Wheel and Cline, portrait painters in Madras carefully took a replica of this picture and sent it to me. I got the picture of Purushotham with the head gear from Madabathula

Brahmaji. I thank God for it. When the Andhra Christian Mahasabha decided to celebrate the birth centenary of the poet whose devotional hymns the Telugu Church had been using in worship, I have decided to publish an illustrated memorial biography. In addition to this, much expenditure was incurred to enlarge the portrait, publish unpublished manuscripts, reprint "Nistara Ratnakaram," "Kreestu Paratatvamu and Idol making," to collect pictures, to pay the writers and proof readers of the biography, and other items. While I was praying for God's help I was comforted by the advice and help of my dear friend Junior J. P. Kotilingam. I am thankful to the following people who contributed towards the printing of the hymns and prose of Purushotham Chowdhary, on this occasion(Some of the contributions are shown in rupees, annas (16 annas per rupee, and paisa) Rev F. C. Sackett, Methodist Mission. Rs 50 Dr. Dhanaraj Chowdhary, Cuttack. Rs 5 Ms. Dessa, Ongole. Rs 5 Srikakulam Baptist Church. Rs 5 Rev E. B. Bromly, Koyyalagudem. Rs.2 Sr K. G. Paul. Rs 5 Rev M. Narayana Rao. Rs 1 Dr Dayanidhi Patro, Amudalavalasa. Rs 5 Rev B. Subba Rayudu. Rs 1-9-00 Rev T. B. Joseph, T. B. Church, Rangoon. Rs 6 Ms. M. E. Archibald. Rs 5 G. John, Kakinada. Rs. 0-8 M. Nagabhushanam, Vishakhapatnam. Rs 3-2-00

Dr Satyanandam Jacob, Anakapalli. Rs 1-9-0 L. C. Horwill, Esq. ICS District Judge, Ganjam. Rs 12-8-00 Ongole Baptist Church. Rs 2 Vishakhapatnam Baptist Church. Rs 5 Narisipatnam Baptist Church. Rs 3-2-00 Rev J. B. McLaurin. Rs 5 D. Samuel, Tekkali. Rs 1-9-0 P Prakasam. Hasannabad. Rs 1 G. Paramanandam, Secretary, Dondapadu Baptist Church. Rs 6-4-00 Gooti London Mission. Rs 20 Challapalli Chinna Adeaiah, Challapalli Jangaiah. Rs 5 Mrs Prasada Rao. Rs 1 Mr and Mrs T. Purushotham. Rs 4 V. Ch. John. Peddapuram. Rs 1 Sri T. K. Mohanthy, Vishakhapatnam. Rs 5 Vizianagaram Baptist Church. Rs 3-6-00 Lutheran Church, Guntur. Rs 10 Christian Church in Kakinada. In the Centenary meeting led by A. T. Palmer in the Christian Church on 16th December 1934 in Kakinada, Rs 27-0-6 were collected and donated by Rev L. E. Milton, Divan Bahaddar Sir Dr. R. Venkata Rathnam Naidu, College Principal P. Rama Swami, Ms. S. I. Hutch and others. The Christian Mahasabha met in 1934 in Vizianagaram, and promised to send 25 rupees from their area for the success of the Centenary celebrations. It was suggested that all his books be included in the biography, but it was not possible due to paucity of funds. Moreover, a few popular hymns written by the poet, could not be included. I praise God for our family has got the legacy of these hymns, poems and prose from our grandfather. A poet is more precious than a king.

After a brief break, Mr. P. Seshagiri Rao Pantulu, Proprietor of George Press took up the task and finished printing with great responsibility. I thank him and his staff. I am indebted to the Rajah of Lakkavaram Ella Estates and District Educational Officer Sri Rajah Mantripragada Bhujanga Rao, Zamindar and the dignitaries who sent their opinions, Sri Sri Jayapura Maharajah, and Canon Dhannavada Anantham. I dedicate this book to the service of God. Kakinada John Chowdhary 25-1- 1935 1. Progeny of an ancient Sage belonging to the Gotra bearing his name. 2. A sutra is a Sanskrit word that means "string, thread" worn by "twice-born" high caste Hindu. 3. In Brahmin Hindu culture, a Pravara (Sanskrit for "most excellent") is a Brahmin's descent from a sage who belonged to their gotra (clan). 4. Vedas are the primary Holy texts of Hinduism. 5. Cult of Hindu God Shiva involving secret chants and mystic practices. 6. Teacher