The 1700s were a time of great political turmoil. Corruption was rampant, as was economic disparity. Sri Yogi Naraeyana Yathindra’s birth in this period of upheaval hinted at the role the learned sage would play in righting moral wrongs and restoring balance in society.
Sri Yogi Naraeyana was born in 1726 in Kaiwara, to Kondappa and Muddamma, a couple from the Telugu speaking ‘Banajiga’ community. Sri Naraeyana’s father, Kondappa, was a traditional bangle seller and his mother was a homemaker. The birth of their son, after several years of hardship was, to the couple, the answer to their most ardent prayers and a true blessing from the Almighty. In gratitude, they chose to name him ‘Naraeyana,’ after Lord Vishnu, who is also known by the same name.
Growing up, Sri Naraeyana was quite unlike other children his age. He was often found sitting in deep
meditation in the temples of Sri Amara Naraeyana and Sri Bheemalingeshwara. His avid interest in bhajans, puranas and keerthanas was startling for a child of his age.
Although a rather serious and introspective person by nature, Sri Naraeyana thoroughly enjoyed folk entertainment like dances and street plays. In particular, he drew great pleasure from Hari and Shiva Kathas, retellings of Lord Vishnu’s life, set to music and song. Not only did these stories impart valuable lessons that left a lasting impression on Sri Naraeyana, they also greatly kindled his religiosity.