Vemana (వేమన) is the author of the most popular Vemana Shatakam (వేమన శతకము) which no Telugu person is unaware of. His actual name was Pedakomati Vema Reddy (13th-14th Century). He was a native of Kadapa district and believed to have lived in Gandikota area. He was actually born at Mugachintapalli.
Vemana's life history runs like a romantic fairy tale. Vema Reddy gave up his life of indulgence when reality dawned on him. He took to sanyas. His life experience is reflected in one of his verses, "kaami kaani vaadu mokshagami kaadu, vishwadhabhirama vinura vema." (one who has not tasted desire cannot attain salvation).
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