Purushottam Chaudhary Biography
Full Name: Purushottam Chaudhary
Parents: Kurmanath Chaudhary & Subhadra Devi Chaudharani
Birthplace: Madanapur Village, Ganjam District, Orissa State
Date of Birth: September 5, 1803
Salvation Experience: At the age of 30
Wife’s Name: Radhamani Devi
Date of Death: August 26, 1890
Personal Testimony
Purushottam Chaudhary was born on September 5, 1803, in Madanapur village, Ganjam district of Orissa. His parents were Kurmanath Chaudhary and Subhadra Devi Chaudharani. His ancestors were Bengali Brahmins who had migrated from West Bengal and settled in Orissa.
At the age of seven, he underwent the traditional Upanayanam ritual and was taught the Gayatri Mantra. From childhood, he was deeply religious, engaging in idol worship, pilgrimages, and even branding Vaishnavite emblems (conch and discus) on his shoulders.
In 1823, he married Radhamani Devi, the daughter of his maternal uncle. Fluent in Sanskrit, Oriya, and Telugu, he began writing poetry at the age of 20. Before embracing Christianity, he had written many devotional works related to Hindu traditions. While working in his elder brother’s school, he developed an interest in Christianity and longed to learn more about Christ.
By divine providence, a pamphlet written in Telugu by the great missionary William Carey came into his hands. Deeply inspired, he sought further understanding and soon came into contact with missionaries like Helen Knott, William Dawson, and Rev. Pritchett (who had translated the New Testament into Telugu in 1818). Reading the New Testament, Purushottam was convicted by the Holy Spirit and realized the futility of idol worship and rituals.
On October 6, 1833, he decided to follow Christ. On that very day, he joined fellow believers in worship and sang what became the first Christian hymn in Telugu:
“Our Lord Jesus Christ – let us glorify Him… My soul has found its great salvation…”
Ministry and Opposition
Purushottam Chaudhary’s conversion brought strong opposition from his family and community. Yet, instead of discouragement, these trials only deepened his passion to proclaim the salvation he had received.
On April 3, 1836, his wife Radhamani also embraced Christianity. That same year, Purushottam was ordained as a missionary. Facing rejection and hardship, he tirelessly traveled thousands of miles on foot across Andhra Pradesh, spreading the gospel and became revered as the Father of the Telugu Christian Church.
Literary Contributions
Purushottam Chaudhary composed about 130 devotional hymns, rich not only in devotion but also in literary beauty. His hymns were drawn from personal spiritual experiences, which is why they remain alive in Telugu Christian worship even today.
He also authored several significant works such as:
- Krishthava Neeti Prakasham (The Light of Christian Ethics)
- Satya Veda Sara Sangraham (Essence of the True Scriptures)
- Kulachara Pariksha (Examination of Customs and Traditions)
Most of his writings strongly opposed idol worship and emphasized true Christian faith.
In 1882, when his eyesight began to fail, he dictated his hymn “O All My Senses – Your Work is Done” to his daughter, marking his final poetic creation.
Notable Hymns
Some of his most cherished hymns include:
- Mangalamé Yesu-naku – “Blessed be Jesus, the Incarnate Lord”
- Dasula Prarthana Dappaka – “Answer the prayer of your servants”
- Nannu Gannayya Raavé – “Come, my Redeemer, come my Lord”
- Traahimam Krishthunatha – “Save me, O Lord Christ”
- Yehova Na Mora Lalinchenu – “The Lord has heard my cry”
- Unnapaṭuna Vacchu – “I come into Your presence, O Savior”
- Raare Mana Yesu Swamini – “Come, let us behold our Lord Jesus”
- Yesu Namamé Paavanamu – “The holy name of Jesus is our eternal life”
His last hymn was “Paina Maiyunnānayya” – “I am now lifted above.”
Legacy
On August 26, 1890, at the age of 87, Purushottam Chaudhary entered eternal rest in Christ.
He is remembered as:
- The Father of Telugu Christian Hymnody
- The Father of the Telugu Christian Church
His life, songs, and writings remain a priceless gift of God to Telugu Christianity. Even today, no Telugu Christian is untouched by his hymns and his enduring legacy of faith.