Venkamma ~ Books – SGS Life History – Venkamma ~ 17 June 2015

Humble prostrations to this remarkable lady. She had great misfortune great fortitude even greater determination and the greatest mission to fulfil. Deep reverential pranams to revered guru venkmatta.

Jaya Guru Datta. Besides Jayalakshmi Mata and Swami Narahari Teertha, it is Aunt Venkamma who was one of the big influences in Pujya Swamjii’s formative years. Her austerity, integrity, self respect and the stringent disciplining of little Satya come to mind. She was indeed of meager means, but she also refused to accept any financial support from Swami Narahari Teertha in raising the kids. She taught Swamiji the practice of Madhukara where he would mix all the food he got in alms and eat the one morsel that was left over after feeding the mendicants by the temple as well as his little sister. This seemingly harsh practice moves many readers as they read the life history of Sri Swamiji, but Sri Swamij even today advocates the practice as a great means to learn austerity and detachment. Aunt Venkamma had a big role to play in Swami Narahari Teertha’s life as well as little Satya’s life. She had a close bond with Jayalakshmi Mata.

Prostrations to Aunt Venkamma.