Viswantha Satyanarayana (1895-1976), popularly known as the Kavi Samraat or the emperor of poetry, was a modern Telugu poet. He was born in the village of Nandamuru, Andhra Pradesh, India. Viswanatha was a disciple of the "Tirupati Venkata Kavulu" duo. Viswanatha's style of poetry was classical in nature and his popular works include Ramayana Kalpa Vrikshamu (A resourceful tree called Ramayana), Kinnersani patalau (Mermaid songs) and Veyipadagalu (A thousand hooded snake). He was awarded the Jnanpith Award and Padma Bhushan in 1970.
The citation of Jnanpith read as follows: As a Poet of classic vision and virility, as a novelist and play wright of deep insight and impact, as an essayist and literary critic of force and felicity, and as a stylist of rare "range" Mr. Satyanarayana has carved for himself a place of eminence amongst the immortals of Telugu Literature. His ceaseless creativity and versatility have kept him in the forefront of contemporary Telugu Literary Scene.
The parallel movement in easy prose of Telugu literature criticized him as a bigot who hung onto the strict rules of grammar including Yati, Prasa (rhyme) and Chandassu (meter).
ViswanathaSatyanarayana (1895-1976), was the first recipient of Jnanapeeth award among Telugu writers, the highest honor at the central government level.
Commenting on the unique talent of ViswanathaSatyanarayana, his son Pavani Sastri said that in Telugu Literature he was a” Sampradaya kavi”(a traditionalist), who believed in the authenticity and true heritage of Andhra people,as evident in his twelve novels, published as a series, “Puranavairagrandhamala” (works elaborating on the antagonism of puranas).
Summarizing Sri Viswanatha’s traditional, metaphysical, poetic and prose literature, Pavani Sastry said that these abilities qualified him to be a Yugapurusha, a visionary with immense knowledge, a missionary of Indian philosophy, and a scholar with varied viewpoints and a strong advocate of ancient Hindu dharma.
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