Puvvada Nagendra Kumar (Khammam District Punnami Reporter) Avadhuta, who turned food donation into a spiritual movement Sri Avadhuta Kasireddy Nayana was born on January 15, 1895 in Bedusupalli village of Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh into an ordinary farmer’s family and grew up to be an extraordinary spiritual person. He lost his parents at a young age and chose the path of renunciation after experiencing the hardships of life. While still a young man, he distanced himself from the bonds of family life, property, and agriculture and joined Guru Yathiraja Guravayya Swamy as a disciple and started spiritual practice. Later, he visited many places to educate and spread Dharma to the people. “Food is the form of Parabrahm” The entire message of Kasireddy Nayana’s life can be summed up in one word — food donation. What he often said: > “Don’t ask me… don’t see God in me. There is God in a hungry man. There is the Supreme Soul in a lump of rice.” With this concept, he transformed the ashrams not only as spiritual centers but also as food distribution centers. Outstanding service in temple restoration Kasireddy Nayan restored many ruined temples. Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple in Jyoti Kshetra Ghatika Siddheswaram Temple Anantarayudu and Lingamayakonda Temples Development of Yogananda Ashram in Ahobilam Construction of water wells on Garudadri Hill Construction of Annapurna Temple Due to his services, many shrines in the Nallamala region regained their glory. Jyoti Kshetra – Kasinayana Samadhi Site Jyoti Kshetra in YSR Kadapa district is the most famous of Kasireddy Nayan’s ashrams. It was here that he attained yoga samadhi on 5 December 1995, at the age of one hundred. In this kshetra: Kasinayana Samadhi Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple Shiva Temple Gomatha Samadhi A spacious food distribution hall Rest rooms for devotees are special attractions. In recognition of the faith of the devotees and the services rendered by him, the Kashi Nayana Mandal was formed in YSR Kadapa district. It is rare for a mandal to be formed in the name of a spiritual great person. Ashrams – Expansion of Services More than 100 ashrams are running in the name of Kashi Reddy Nayana in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Their main programs are: Nitya Annadanam Goshala Maintenance of old age homes Reconstruction of temples Social service programs Faith of devotees Kashi Reddy Nayana has lakhs of devotees in Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa, Nellore and Prakasam districts. Many wonderful stories related to his life are still heard in the mouths of devotees today. Conclusion Kashi Reddy Nayana’s life gives us a great message — service to humanity is the best service. He proved with his life that feeding the hungry and standing by the needy is true devotion, regardless of caste, religion, wealth or status. Sri Avadhuta Kasireddy Nayan, who practiced the concept of “Annadanam Mahadanam” throughout his life, has remained in the hearts of the people forever.
