Annamayya

Vishnu's divine sword Nandaka is sent to Earth to be born as Annamacharya to the childless couple Narayana Suri and Lakkamba in Tallapaka. He grows up in a simple rural setting, discovering his vocation for devotion and song. This birth marks the divine origin of the future saint-poet.

As a youth, Annamayya grows up in Tallapaka and forms affection for his two cousins, Timakka and Akkalamma. He sees them as the most beautiful creations of God, shaping his early spiritual imagination.

Vishnu appears in disguise and challenges Annamayya to show someone more beautiful than his cousins. The Lord then reveals himself as Venkateswara in a temple in the village, leaving the youth awestruck by divine beauty.

Annamayya undertakes the pilgrimage toward Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Lakshmi, in the form of an old woman, guides him by revealing that his footwear blocked his progress, and he accepts Laddu prasadam along the journey.

Upon reaching Tirumala, he is enthralled by the divine splendor and decides to settle there to compose and sing hymns praising the Lord.

Annamayya's parents, cousins, aunt, uncle, and two friends travel to Tirumala to witness his devotion and participate in worship.

Although asked to marry his two cousins, Annamayya initially refuses, dedicating his life to the Lord. The Lord, taking the form of a Brahmin, conducts the wedding of Annamayya with Timakka and Akkalamma.

After the birth of his children, Annamayya settles in Tirumala and comes into contact with the local administrator Tanikella Bharani and the ruler Saluva Narasimha, who becomes a fan and makes him the court poet. He is asked to sing a Sankeertan in the king's praise, but refuses, insisting he sings only for the Lord.

The King commands a royal performance, and Annamayya is jailed for not heeding the order. He invokes Narasimha, and the iron rods burst into flames, releasing him and proving his unwavering devotion to the divine.

Realizing his life is meant for humanity and the Lord's service, his wives renounce earthly attachments and sacrifice themselves to protect him. He continues writing and spreading hymns, while priests and Brahmins oppose his inclusive approach to temple worship, including lower-caste people.

Facing the loss of his works, the Lord's grace preserves a significant portion. Saluva Narasimha and Annamayya's sons later convert the works from palm to copper inscriptions, ensuring their eternity.

On completion and dedication of the works in the temple sanctum sanctorum, the Lord and his consorts appear in divine form. The Lord grants salvation to Annamayya, whose soul returns to the divine service as Nandaka.