వేమన శతకం

Timeless Telugu poems by Yogi Vemana — 1,364 verses on human nature, society and spirituality. — ప్రతి పద్యానికీ పదాల అర్థాలు, భావం, audio recitation ఉన్నాయి.

1364 పద్యాలు · Yogi Vemana

1201 వాక్కునందు గురువు వాక్తత్వము గురువు The Guru is not merely an external teacher but is present in our very speech and its essence. This divine principle is hidden within the 'dark house' of the human body (or ignorance) yet remains the fundamental support for the entire universe. Vemana emphasizes the omnipresence of the Guru principle as the underlying reality of existence.
1202 వాక్కుశుద్ధి లేనివాఁడు చండాలుండు A person without purity of speech is base. Hospitality offered without sincere love is futile. Even if one wears religious marks on their forehead appearing to be a devotee, if their speech is cruel and predatory like a wolf, their devotion is false. Inner purity is far more important than external appearance.
1203 వక్షమందు గురుని వర్ణించి చూడరా Meditating upon the Guru within one's own heart is the direct, royal path to salvation. In contrast, performing external rituals like chanting with a rosary without inner devotion is deceptive and inferior, comparable to the stealthy and unauthorized ways of thieves in a forest.
1204 వచ్చెడిది పోయెడిది మఱి People witness birth and death constantly but fail to realize the transient nature of their own lives. Dismissing mortality as merely 'natural,' they live recklessly without spiritual foresight. Vemana compares this foolish behavior to a moth that, unaware of the danger, flies directly into a fire and perishes.
1205 విటునిఁగన్నయంత విశదమై వలపుండు Love and desire are instantly triggered by the sight of a lover, but without that physical presence, the intensity fades. Vemana draws a parallel to the eye: while it sees the world, it cannot see its own pupil. Similarly, true greatness lies not in reacting to external sights, but in the rare ability to look inward and perceive one's own inner self (Atman).
1206 విటులకనుల కెంత విభ్రమమై యుండు To lustful men, a woman's matchless beauty creates a powerful illusion of desire. Vemana cynically observes that the pupil of the eye acts like a pimp (procurer), as it is the agent that visually connects the man to the object of his lust, thereby facilitating the vice.
1207 వాడకుఱికి తిట్టు వలదన్న మొఱఁబెట్టు A shrewish and cunning woman creates scenes in the street and plays the victim by wailing if anyone tries to stop her. She abuses her husband privately but puts on a veil to appear modest and innocent to the world. Such a manipulative woman is capable of completely deceiving her husband, metaphorically 'putting him in a basket and selling him.'
1208 వేడబంబువాని వినయంబు లధికంబు Hypocrites often display excessive humility to mask their true nature, much like an unchaste woman might wear a veil more strictly to feign modesty. Similarly, wicked people often perform religious rituals with excessive zeal to hide their lack of true character. True virtue does not require such ostentatious display.
1209 వాడవదినెకేల వావివర్తనములు Just as a loose woman has no use for kinship decorum, and a slanderer has no use for integrity or the right path, a foolish person has no interest in happily receiving wisdom. It is futile to expect virtues from those whose inherent nature is contrary to them.
1210 విడువ ముడువ లేక కుడువఁ గట్టఁగ లేక A person who neither gives in charity nor saves wisely, who fails to enjoy their wealth through food and clothing, who lacks moral fear or discipline, and who possesses neither education nor the drive to venture out into the world, is viewed as nothing more than a walking corpse. They exist physically but lack the essential qualities that make life meaningful.
1211 వాడువాడుకాడు వానిలోపలనుండు The visible physical body is not the true self; the real 'Man' resides within as the eternal spirit (Atman). The external form is transient and false. He who realizes this inner truth and unites his consciousness with the indwelling spirit is verily the Supreme Reality (Brahman) itself.
1212 విడువవలయు నూరు విశ్రాంతి గాకున్న One should not reside in a place that offers no peace or rest. One should separate from a spouse upon realizing their nature is incompatible or wicked. Similarly, one should not serve a master or king who lacks generosity. The verse emphasizes the wisdom of abandoning toxic environments, relationships, and employment that do not sustain one's well-being.
1213 వాతగుణము చేత వలపున మగవాఁడు Driven by the madness of lust, a man loses his discrimination and becomes infatuated even with a woman who has sunken eyes (implying physical defects). This blind attachment binds him to the earthly plane, preventing liberation and causing him to be born again and again in the cycle of Samsara.
1214 విత్తనంబు గురువు విశ్వంబునకు నెల్ల Vemana categorizes the guiding forces (Gurus) for different aspects of existence. The primordial Seed is the source-guru for the physical universe, just as a seed is for a tree. The Gayatri Mantra is the guiding guru for all rituals and worldly actions (Karma). However, the Pranava Mantra (Om) is the Supreme Guru that leads to ultimate spiritual realization.
1215 విత్తును నుముకయుఁ ధరలోఁ Just as a seed and its husk sprout together from the earth but the husk eventually falls away as the plant grows, the karma attached to a wise man (Knower) may exist initially but will naturally depart upon the attainment of true wisdom. The realization of truth sheds the burden of past actions.
1216 విత్తులేని వృక్షమొక్కటి పుట్టె This verse is a riddle. The answer is 'Smoke' (Poga). Smoke rises like a tree but is born from fire, not a seed. It forms shapes like flowers but yields no fruit, and has no roots or leaves. It is tasteless, yet seeing smoke from a kitchen is a 'good' sign as it indicates food is being prepared. Philosophically, it represents 'Maya' (Illusion), which arises without a cause, yields no permanent fruit, lacks substance, yet appears attractive and real to the observer.
1217 వెదకి కానలేఁడు వేదాంతవేద్యుని One cannot find the Ultimate Truth merely by searching externally. True knowers of reality are extremely rare on this earth. If such a realized soul were to exist, they would be so absorbed in the Divine that they would not look at or be distracted by anything else in the material world.
1218 వెదకి కానలేరు వేదాంత వేద్యుని Ordinary people search in vain for the Supreme Truth known through Vedanta, for only a truly noble soul on earth can perceive God. However, the irony is that even if such an enlightened being walks among us, the common people lack the wisdom to recognize his greatness.
1219 వెదక వెదకఁ దొఱకు వేదాంతవేద్యుండు God, the Ultimate Truth known through Vedanta, is found through persistent searching. In a profound twist, God Himself is actively searching for the sincere seeker. However, Vemana laments that there are very few skillful people who truly understand the correct method of inward searching to find Him.
1220 విద్దెదానిపొందు విడువఁ జాలక తుల్వ A wicked or foolish person, addicted to low-class pleasures or bad company (symbolized by the juggler woman), spends his entire life carrying the burden of that lowly existence (the mat hut). Consumed by these attachments, he remains incapable of recognizing or embracing the uplifting company of spiritual devotees.
1221 వేదవిద్య గాదు వీరవిద్యయుఁ గాదు True education is not merely the study of scriptures (Vedas), martial arts, or sciences that cause pain. Nor is it the superficial accumulation of vast information. According to Vemana, the only genuine wisdom (Sadhu Vidya) is that which steadies the wavering mind and brings inner peace.
1222 వేదవిద్యలెల్ల వేశ్యలవంటివి Vemana compares external scriptural knowledge (Vedas) to prostitutes because they are accessible to all but often lead to confusion and illusion rather than truth. In contrast, he likens the secret knowledge of the Self (Gupta Vidya) to a chaste wife, as it is exclusive, pure, and leads to true stability and liberation.
1223 వేదశాస్త్రములను విని యేమి కుడిచిరి Mere recitation or listening to the Vedas and scriptures yields no real benefit if one lacks true understanding. Such people only end up wandering and begging at others' doors for sustenance. The only true and meaningful life is one lived with the realization of the Supreme Truth (Brahman).
1224 విధికృతములందు రన్నియు People attribute all worldly occurrences to the acts of Brahma (Fate). However, even Brahma found the highest merit in chanting Vishnu's name, through which he attained the state of Shiva. This verse illustrates the unity of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and asserts that this unified divinity is the true Supreme Absolute.
1225 వాని గననివాఁడు వాఁడు కానేకాఁడు One who does not perceive the Supreme Being is not a true human. Only he who is absorbed in the Divine and has realized the Ultimate Truth is a true Yogi. The verse emphasizes that spiritual realization is the defining characteristic of a meaningful life.
1226 వెన్న చేతఁబట్టి వివరంబు దెలియక Just as a foolish person holds butter in their hand but searches elsewhere for ghee, unaware that the butter itself yields ghee, humans search for God in external places while being ignorant of the divinity residing within themselves. Vemana emphasizes that self-realization is the true path to finding the Divine.
1227 విన్నవానికన్నఁ గన్నవాఁ డధికుండు One who has witnessed the truth is superior to one who has merely heard about it. However, superior to both is the one who has united with and experienced the truth directly. Such a person, who has moved from theory to direct experience, is considered the highest of the high in this world.
1228 వానను దడియనివారును Just as it is impossible to find someone who has never been wet by rain, it is impossible to find someone who has never made a mistake in their undertakings. No matter how much we search or how great the person is, perfection is unattainable. To err is human.
1229 వినియు వినకయుండు వెఱ్ఱివాఁడై యుండు A true Yogi, though fully aware of the world, remains detached, acting as if he is deaf, blind, or mad to avoid worldly entanglements. While common people may misunderstand his indifference as madness, the wise recognize his enlightened state and offer him reverence.
1230 వినియుండెడి జనమెల్లను People are always eager to listen to, witness, and praise the holy stories of those who have passed away (legends and ancestors). However, the ultimate end—death and what lies beyond—remains a mystery that is unknown even to the gods themselves. Vemana highlights the irony of obsessing over the past while the ultimate future remains an unpredictable mystery.
1231 వానరాకడ మఱి ప్రాణంబు పోకడ The timing of the rain's arrival and life's departure (death) remains unknown even to the mightiest of men. Vemana questions that if these events were predictable, the world (Kali Yuga) would not function in its current orderly or dramatic manner, implying that uncertainty is essential for the continuation of worldly existence.
1232 వినరననక మెల్ల వెలిమూసి వాయువుల్‌ One should silently control the senses and vital breaths, uniting them with the mind to understand the secret of existence. True liberation is attained not by external rituals, but by performing 'Atma Linga Puja'—worshipping the Self within as the divine.
1233 వినవలె నెవ్వరు చెప్పిన One should listen to everyone, but should not accept everything immediately without scrutiny. A truly wise person listens, observes, verifies the facts, and understands the truth before forming a judgment.
1234 విను వివేకమనెడి వింతగొడ్డలిచేత Using the sharp axe of discrimination (Viveka), one must clear the dense forest of worldly attachments and ignorance. Then, guided by the light of true awareness (Telivi), one can successfully attain liberation (Mukti).
1235 వినుకలి కనుకలి గోరము The senses of hearing and sight can be perilous traps for the mind. Specifically, visual attraction leads one to desire physical union and wallow in emotional attachment. Vemana warns that this sensory indulgence is the root cause of deep delusion (Moha) that binds a person to ignorance.
1236 విప్రవరుల మనుచు వేదంబుఁ జదువక Those who claim to be superior Brahmins but fail to study the Vedas, and instead mock common people, are inferior to the simple Dasaris. Vemana asserts that sincere devotion and conduct are far more praiseworthy than empty caste pride or hypocrisy.
1237 వేమన చెప్పిన మాటలు The words spoken by Vemana are gentle yet contain the essence of all Vedas. His proverbs are as profound and sacred as the Panchakshari mantra (Om Namah Shivaya). If people fail to comprehend your greatness, it is their loss, or perhaps a plea to fill them with such understanding, O Vema.
1238 వేమన పద్యము లన్నిటి All good people who read Vemana's poems with a peaceful and attentive mind will perceive the beautiful Moon-crested Lord Shiva with great discipline and wisdom. The verse implies that studying these poems with understanding is a spiritual practice equivalent to worshipping God.
1239 వేమన్నా నీమహిమలు Oh Vemana! Your glories are infinite and beyond our comprehension; no matter how much we try, we cannot fully grasp them. Whatever your divine will may be, we surrender to you, for you are the only source of knowledge and guidance we know.
1240 వేమననగ యోగి వెలసె లోకములోనఁ A yogi named Vemana has appeared in this world. O virtuous people, if you worship him, he will bestow both worldly sustenance (Bhukti) and spiritual liberation (Mukti). This verse highlights the reverence accorded to Vemana as a saint capable of granting both material and spiritual fulfillment.
1241 వేము పాలఁబోసి వెయ్యేండ్లు పెంచిన Just as a neem tree will never lose its bitterness and become sweet even if nurtured with milk for a thousand years, a wicked person will never abandon their bad nature to become wise or good. Inherent nature is stubborn and often unchangeable despite external efforts.
1242 వేముఁడిట్లు చెప్పె వేల పద్యంబులు Vemana has composed thousands of verses. Even if these poems contain grammatical or structural faults, they possess an inherent propriety and truth because of their wisdom. One should not be agitated by superficial flaws but should instead focus one's mind on the deeper meaning and essence embedded within the poetry.
1243 వెయ్యారుగతుల జలనిధి Just as it is impossible to make the salty ocean water sweet by stirring it constantly in a thousand ways, it is futile to try and teach wisdom to a stubborn fool. No matter how many methods one uses to explain, a person lacking the receptivity (like a block of wood) will not grasp the knowledge.
1244 వేయుపద్యముల వివేకియై భక్తితోఁ For those devotees who study many verses not just by rote but with true wisdom (discrimination) and devotion, the ultimate state of salvation (Moksha) becomes as easily attainable and clear as a fruit placed in the palm of one's hand. It emphasizes that understanding and devotion are superior to mere mechanical recitation.
1245 వాయువందె పుట్టి వాయువందె పెఱిగి Human life originates and flourishes in air (breath). Understanding the excellence and order of this breath is the key to wisdom. Vemana asserts that the true essence of the vital life force (Prana Vayu) is contained within the very air we breathe, suggesting the importance of Pranayama or breath awareness.
1246 వేయువిధము లమర వేమనపద్యంబు Vemana's poems are composed with such versatility that they fit a thousand contexts. Though they may appear simple on the surface, if one examines them closely and contemplates their meaning repeatedly, they yield a wondrous and profound wisdom. The verse emphasizes that true knowledge reveals itself through deep and persistent inquiry into seemingly simple truths.
1247 వ్రాఁత వెంటఁగాని వరమీడు దైవంబు God bestows results strictly according to one's destiny, but that destiny itself is determined by one's own actions. While Brahma writes the fate, the individual is the sole doer of the deeds that dictate what is written. Thus, humans are the architects of their own fate through their actions.
1248 వారకాంత లెల్ల వలచి యేతెంతురా Courtesans do not approach men out of genuine love; they establish intimacy solely to extract wealth. Vemana cites his own experience with Machalamma as proof: even she, whom he loved, came only for a time and eventually returned to her own home, demonstrating that such transactional relationships are fleeting and devoid of true attachment.
1249 వ్రతము లెన్నియైన వట్టిచిక్కులె కాని Performing countless external rituals and vows results only in useless complications and physical strain; they do not reveal the inner self. The true great Yogi is the one who can untie the 'knot of the soul'—resolving the inner ignorance and bondage—rather than one who merely performs outward observances.
1250 వ్రేయవ్రేయనదియ విత్తన మనిపించు Just as a grain only becomes a 'seed' when sown and eventually grows into a mighty tree through that process, a human being transforms into the Divine through the continuous pursuit of self-knowledge. The verse illustrates that potential (the seed/human) requires action and realization (sowing/knowing) to achieve its highest state (tree/God).
1251 వరలు రత్నసమితివలెఁ గూర్చుధాన్యంబుఁ He who gathers grain valuing it like gems, processes it with care, and generously feeds people with excellent meals is verily God himself. The verse emphasizes that feeding the hungry (Annadanam) is a divine act, and the provider of food is equal to Lord Shiva.
1252 వేరు పురుగు చేరి వృక్షంబు జెఱుచును Just as a root-worm silently destroys a mighty tree from within and pests ruin a plant, a wicked person enters the life of a virtuous one and brings about their destruction. The verse warns that bad company inevitably corrupts good character, urging one to be cautious of whom they befriend.
1253 వెఱ్ఱినక్కలవలె వేదముల్‌ చదివెద Many people chant the Vedas loudly like howling jackals without understanding their true meaning or intent. Only a realized soul (like Vemana) truly comprehends the essence and philosophy embedded within the scriptures, while empty recitation is futile.
1254 వెఱ్ఱిమొద్దు కేల వేదశాస్త్రంబులు It is futile to teach scriptures to a fool, just as it is useless for a young woman to have an old husband, or to attempt a happy family life in a house lacking basic food. Vemana emphasizes that compatibility and basic resources are essential for any endeavor to succeed.
1255 వెఱ్ఱివాని కయిన వేషధారికయిన Regardless of whether one is a madman, a pretender, a sick person, or a supreme yogi, the mind inevitably feels attraction upon seeing a woman. The verse highlights the overpowering nature of natural instincts and sexual attraction, suggesting that conquering the senses is an arduous task even for the most disciplined.
1256 వెఱవవలెఁ బామునకు నిల One should be cautious of dangers like snakes and maintain a healthy fear or awareness of death. While one must abandon lustful attachments and worldly unions, one must never forget the help or favors received from others. Gratitude is a virtue that should always be upheld.
1257 వెలఁది చక్కఁదనము వెరపైన యీడును Just as a woman's beauty and prime youth are in vain without the love and support of her husband, human skills and intelligence are useless without God's grace. No matter how talented one is, divine blessings are essential for those talents to shine and bear fruit.
1258 వలపు తీఱువెనుక వనజాక్షి యధరంబు The sweetness of a woman's lips is perceived only as long as lust or infatuation exists. Once that desire subsides, the very same lips seem as bitter as Mulaka seeds, as poisonous as Mushti juice, and as irritating as Jeedi sap. This verse highlights that physical attraction is subjective and transient, driven solely by the state of one's mind.
1259 వెలయ పరమతత్వ విభవంబు దెలియక Pursuing only external, worldly knowledge without understanding the Supreme Truth is a futile endeavor. It is comparable to a majestic lion, the king of beasts, degrading itself by going to graze on grass; it is a misuse of the high potential of human birth.
1260 వెలయాలి వలనఁ గూరిమి Just as grass cannot grow or thrive on a path constantly trampled by many people, true love cannot be found in a courtesan. Even if some affection appears to exist, it is transient and will not last.
1261 వెల్లకుక్కల యెంగిలి విశదమాయె Vemana highlights human hypocrisy where people readily accept the saliva of dogs (pets) and prostitutes (out of lust), treating these impure things as superior. However, they consider the leftovers or saliva of their own loved ones (family or worthy people) as disgraceful. The verse criticizes how lust and infatuation blind people to true value and purity.
1262 వల్లవైపులేక వాగ్దత్త మటుచేసి This verse criticizes those who make promises without the means to fulfill them and then procrastinate with endless excuses like 'here and there' or 'tomorrow.' It highlights the uncertainty of life, warning that death can strike in a mere moment, leaving promises unfulfilled and intentions unrealized.
1263 వలలుపన్ని దుష్ట వన్యమృగంబుల It may be possible to trap and control even the most dangerous wild beasts of the forest by setting nets. However, the consequences of one's bad karma (or the instability of a sinful mind) cannot be resolved or set right without the spiritual guidance and wisdom of a Guru.
1264 వెళ్లి వచ్చు నాఁడు మళ్లి పోయెడు నాఁడు When a person is born, they bring nothing; when they die, they take nothing. Wealth does not accompany the soul. It is a mystery where the soul goes after death and whose hands the accumulated wealth falls into. Thus, attachment to material wealth is futile.
1265 వావివర్తనలును వరుసలు మర్యాద Those who transgress the sacred bounds of kinship, proper conduct, and social propriety will inevitably face harm. The consequences of such actions may strike immediately; however, even if one manages to escape them temporarily, the accumulated karma will eventually catch up, causing them to sink into misery and peril during their old age.
1266 విశ్వము నడుపంగ విశ్వేశ్వరుం డుండ When the Supreme Lord (Visweswara) exists to run the entire universe, why do lesser entities (like the creator god Brahma or priests) claim the credit or status of authority? Just as a monkey in the forest cannot run the earth, these intermediaries cannot manage the cosmos without the Supreme Will. The verse highlights the insignificance of others before the Ultimate Power.
1267 వేష మొనరఁగట్టి వెలయ శూద్రత్వంబు A Brahmin may wear the sacred attire and arrogantly believe he possesses no lowliness or ignorance. However, when the inevitable and difficult moment of death arrives, his caste status and 'Brahminhood' vanish, proving that such distinctions are temporary and physical.
1268 వైష్ణవుల మటంచు వార్తమాత్రమె కాని Those who merely proclaim 'We are Vaishnavas' without possessing the corresponding virtues are the worst among the fallen. Just as a strong, flavorful broth (Charu) does not turn into tasteless water, true devotion and character retain their essence. Hypocrites who lack this substance are like diluted water claiming to be rich broth.
1269 విష్ణుభక్తులెల్ల వెలిబూదిపాలైరి Vemana highlights the irony of sectarianism: Vishnu devotees, who wear clay marks in life, are cremated into ash (associated with Shiva) upon death. Conversely, Shiva devotees, who wear ash in life, are buried into the earth/clay (associated with Vishnu) upon death. Since death ultimately swaps their fates and returns everyone to the elements, arguing over religious differences is futile.
1270 విషయము లొరసిన నొరయఁడు Vemana knows the art of remaining unaffected by worldly matters. Even when the senses and sense objects attack like a hostile army, he knows how to avoid getting entangled in the six internal enemies (Arishadvargas like lust and anger) and remains detached.
1271 విషయములఁ బొరలి రోయక Ordinary people wallow in sensory pleasures without realizing their harm, unable to detach themselves. However, the wise recognize that these worldly comforts are illusory and as dangerous as poison. Therefore, those who know the truth consciously avoid associating with such toxic and deceptive pleasures.
1272 విషయములు తెరలపొలుపున Sensory desires and worldly objects arrive incessantly like waves. However, a great soul (Mahatma) remains detached from them while living in this world. Vemana asserts that he knows the path to conquer all these poisonous worldly attachments and sensory temptations.
1273 విషసహితులు నరులు విషధరు లెన్నఁగ Humans are inherently filled with the 'poison' of evil qualities like anger and deceit, yet they judge and kill snakes simply for being naturally poisonous. Vemana warns that killing these creatures brings sin (bad karma) and shortens one's own lifespan. The verse highlights the hypocrisy of humans and advocates for non-violence.
1274 వినియు వినకయుండు కనియు గనక యుండు A true Yogi is one who maintains equanimity; though he hears and sees everything, he remains detached as if he hasn't. Though he possesses great knowledge, he remains humble without displaying ego. Such a wise person, who stays unaffected by worldly distractions, commands the highest respect and reverence from noble people.
1275 వెన్న చేతబట్టి వివరంబు తెలియక Just as a foolish person holding butter in his hand begs for ghee, unaware that the butter itself yields ghee, a human being searches for God in the external world while being ignorant of the divinity residing within himself. The verse emphasizes that self-realization is the true path to finding the Divine.
1276 వేషధారినెపుడు విశ్వసింపగరాదు One should never trust hypocrites who hide their true nature behind a disguise. Just as Ravana's disguise as a holy man was eventually exposed and led to his disgrace, the external appearance and internal faults of a pretender will inevitably reveal themselves. True character cannot be hidden forever.
1277 శాంతమానసమునఁ జల్లనై శీతల A person who possesses a peaceful mind and remains cool and calm, devoid of anger or agitation, is considered a supreme Yogi. Such a person attains liberation (Mukti) very quickly. Inner peace is the defining characteristic of true spiritual attainment.
1278 శాంతమున సకలకార్యము Patience is the key to accomplishing all tasks and attaining happiness. Truth always triumphs, and righteous determination yields results. This is exemplified by Dharmaja (Yudhisthira), who conquered immense hardships and achieved victory through his unwavering patience and adherence to truth.
1279 శాంతమే జనులను జయమునొందించును Patience and peace are the ultimate tools for success in human life. It is only through a peaceful mind that one can recognize the Guru or spiritual truth. The glory and power of such a peaceful nature are beyond full description.
1280 శత్రువరుల నరసి సరగున ఖండించి The one who conquers internal enemies like anger and lust, cultivates virtues, and realizes the Great Divine Light within their own body is verily Lord Shiva. The verse emphasizes that true divinity is achieved through self-mastery and inner realization, transforming the seeker into the Divine.
1281 శత్రువులను ద్రుంచి శాంతంబు వహియించి A truly meritorious person is one who conquers their internal enemies like anger and lust, maintains a peaceful demeanor, and performs their duties with an awareness of the Divine. Such a person achieves their life's goals without ever compromising on truth and integrity.
1282 శతసంఖ్యపదమ్ముల నే Whoever wisely recites these hundred verses of the Satakam will be freed from worldly attachments. Through the wisdom contained in these simple four-line verses, they will undoubtedly attain the abode of Lord Shiva (Moksha).
1283 శ్రీకరశివతత్వశీలుఁడౌ వేమన Vemana, who embodies the auspicious essence of Shiva, has clearly composed thousands of verses for the world. Reading these verses dispels inner sorrow and mental agony, bringing peace and wisdom to the reader.
1284 శిలను ప్రతిమఁజేసి చీఁకటింటను బెట్టి O ignorant ones who carve stones into idols, place them in dark sanctums, and worship them! You fail to recognize the profound truth that the Divine (Brahman) resides within your own heart. Vemana urges us to look inward for God rather than focusing solely on external rituals and idols.
1285 శిలలఁ జూచి నరులు శివుఁడని మెత్తురు People ignorantly worship stone idols believing them to be God, but stones are just material objects. Vemana questions why humans fail to realize that the true divinity (Shiva) resides within their own selves, rather than in external objects.
1286 శివ మతమునకైన వివరింపగా గుర్వు Whether in Shaivism or Vaishnavism, upon close examination, the Guru (Teacher) is the central figure essential for liberation. A person lacking virtue who fails to recognize the importance of a Guru cannot truly understand anything of value or attain wisdom.
1287 శైవవైష్ణవాది షణ్మతంబుల కెల్ల Followers of various sects like Shaivism and Vaishnavism fail to realize that despite their different paths, the Supreme God is one. Just because human beliefs and practices differ, the ultimate Reality or Truth does not change; it remains singular and universal.
1288 శివుఁడు గలఁడటంచు శిలలకు మ్రొక్కెడి Oh ignorant people who worship stones thinking God resides in them, abandon this futile suffering. God dwells within living beings, not in lifeless statues. Realize that the divine is found in life itself, not in material objects.
1289 శివుఁడు బ్రహ్మ మనుచు శ్రుతులెల్లఁ బలుకంగ While all the Vedas proclaim that Shiva is the Supreme Reality (Brahman), it is futile for Brahmins to worship lesser deities or seek patronage from others. Vemana asserts that true superiority and the status of being 'high-born' (Agraja) belong to the sincere devotees of Shiva, regardless of their birth caste.
1290 శివుఁడు బ్రహ్మ మనుచు స్మృతులెల్లఁ బలుకంగ While all sacred scriptures proclaim that Shiva is the Supreme Reality (Brahman), the so-called knowers of Brahma (Brahmins) ignore this truth and worship thousands of other deities. By chasing after multiplicity instead of realizing the Oneness, they have degraded themselves and lost their spiritual path.
1291 శివుగుడిని దీప మిడినను A lamp placed in a temple illuminates only that limited space, which is natural and not a wonder. However, the lamp of wisdom possessed by a Yogi illuminates the entire universe. Thus, the light of knowledge is far superior and more expansive than any physical light.
1292 సందె వార్చఁగ నేమి జపము సేయగ నేమి Performing rituals like Sandhyavandanam, chanting prayers, or mastering the Vedas does not make one a true spiritual seeker. A person who is still trapped in lust and looks at women with desire cannot be considered a true Brahmin (knower of Truth), regardless of their external observances. Inner purity is superior to empty rituals.
1293 శివుని యనుభవంబు సృష్టిలోపల లేక Just as darkness cannot be dispelled without a shining lamp, the doubts of a spiritual seeker cannot be destroyed without the direct experience of the Divine (Shiva) within creation. True knowledge comes from personal realization, not just theoretical understanding.
1294 శివునిమీఁద మనసు స్థిరముగా నుంచిన If one fixes their mind unwaveringly upon God (Shiva), salvation is guaranteed. However, if that focus wavers by even a tiny amount—the size of an ant—liberation becomes impossible. This verse emphasizes that absolute, undivided concentration is essential for spiritual success.
1295 శిష్యధర్మమెరిగి చక్కనిభక్తితో When a disciple understands their duty and serves the Guru with pure devotion and the right mindset, they earn the Guru's grace. Through this grace and discipline, all their endeavors and tasks will be fulfilled successfully without obstacles.
1296 శిష్యవర్గమునకు శివుచూపనేరక A teacher who cannot reveal the ultimate truth to his disciples but instead misleads them into false doctrines is dangerous. Such a guru is comparable to a blind ox in a crop field—lacking vision and discrimination, he causes only destruction to those who follow him.
1297 శుద్ధదృష్టిఁ దెలిసి శుక్రునంతటివాఁడు Even a person of immense wisdom and foresight, like Shukracharya, can face disgrace if they lack mental self-control. Despite knowing the divine truth, Shukracharya could not restrain his impulse to obstruct a charitable act, leading to the loss of his eye and reducing him to the state of a one-eyed crow. Knowledge without self-restraint is futile.
1298 శూద్రతనము పోయె శూద్రుఁడఁ గానని It is foolishness to claim high status (Dvija) merely by asserting that one is no longer a Shudra, without possessing the actual noble qualities. Just as brass, no matter how much it shines, can never equal the value and purity of gold, a person cannot become noble simply by self-proclamation.
1299 శూద్రయువతికొడుకు శుద్ధాంతరంగుడై Even if a person is born into a lower caste (Shudra), if they possess a pure heart and realize the ultimate truth (Brahman) described in the Vedas, they are to be considered a true Brahmin. True nobility and caste status are defined by one's spiritual realization and character, not by birth.
1300 శూద్రు లనుచు భువిని శూద్రులఁ బోనాఁడు Those who arrogantly scorn others by labeling them as 'Shudras' are themselves worse than the lowest outcasts they despise. Such individuals, who harbor caste prejudice, are destined for hell after death. Vemana asserts that the true evil lies not in one's birth caste, but in the act of discriminating against others.