Kodi Rammurthy Naidu
Kodi Rama Murti Naidu | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kodi Ramamurthy Naidu 3 November 1883 or April 1882 |
| Died | January 1942 (aged 58 or 59) |
| Height | 5 ft 6.5 in (169 cm) |
Kodi Rammurthy Naidu (also known as Rama Murti Naidu and Prof. Rammurty) was an Indian strongman, bodybuilder, and wrestler, celebrated for his exceptional strength and contributions to India's physical culture history. He was renowned for his extraordinary feats, such as stopping two cars using only his muscle power and withstanding the weight of an elephant on his chest. He was awarded the title of "Indian Hercules" by King George V. He is also known by the epithets "Kaliyuga Bhima" (transl. Bhima of Kaliyuga), "Indian Sandow", "Malla Marthanda" (lit. 'The Sun of Malla-yuddha').
Rammurty Naidu worked as a Physical Education instructor. He was a strict vegetarian. He was an expert in Vayu Stambhana (air resistance) and Jala Stambhana (water resistance) yoga. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he founded a successful circus company but generously donated his earnings to charitable trusts and the Indian independence movement.