SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY VARU Leave a comment
Sri Venkateswara Temple Tour Leave a comment
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Nadimi Padi Kavali
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Its wooden doors are covered with silver plates, and therefore it is also referred to as the Vendi Vakili. The doors are smaller than that of the Outer Gopuram.
There are numerous inscriptions on the inside walls, the earliest relating to the Pandyan monarch, Jata Varma Sundarapandya, who became king in 1251 AD.
Vimana Pradakshinam
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Pilgrims who have taken a vow of performing Angapradakshinam perform it in the Vimana Pradakshinam.
Sri Varadarajaswami Shrine
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The idol of Sri Varadarajaswami faces the West and is in a standing posture, with a disc and conch in the upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right hand is in the Abhaya pose and the lower left, in the Katyavalambika pose.
The name Varadaraja is given to this form of Sri Maha Vishnu as he is believed to be the giver of boons.
Potu
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Inside the Potu, there is a small shrine dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi, who is also called Potu Amma (lady of the kitchen) or Madapuli Nachiyar. She is identified with Vakulamalika, who was, according to the Puranas, sent by Varahaswami to be the house-keeper of Sri Venkateswara, when he resided on the hill. Vakulamalika is said to have arranged Lord Sri Venkateswara’s marriage with Padmavathi.
In reality, she is regarded as Sri Maha Lakshmi, and is worshipped as such. She is worshipped during Varalakshmi Vratam, in the month of Sravana.There is a similar icon of Sri Maha Lakshmi in the Padi Potu, another kitchen located in the Sampangi Pradakshinam.
Rice prasadam is prepared in the inner Potu, while other Panyarams like laddus, vadas appams etc., are prepared in the Padipotu.
The Main Shrine
The main shrine includes the sanctum and the three successive halls in front of it upto the Bangaru Vakili. It consists of the: |
- Snapana Mandapam, a square hall.
- Ramar Meda, a rectangular hall.
- Sayana Mandapam, also rectangular in shape, where the
Ekanta Seva is performed. - Sanctum or Garba Griha, in which the idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara stands. In between the sanctum and the Sayana Mandapam, is the celebrated threshold, called the Kulasekhara-padi.
Sankeertana Bhandara
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Annamacharya, the greatest of the three poets, came to the hill shrine in 1424 AD and served the Lord by rendering songs that he had composed, during some sequences of worship. He was a senior contemporary of Purandara Dasa, and his songs mark a significant stage in the evolution of South Indian music.
His songs can be classified into three groups – Adhyatama Sankeertanam, Sringara Sankeertanam and Srungara Manjari.
The songs were preserved in the Talapakamara for more than four hundred years, before they were transferred to the TTD office in Tirupati for the preparation of transcripts for publication during the days of the last Mahant, Prayaga Das, at the instance of the TTD epigraphist, Sri Sadhu Subramania Sastry.
Bangaru Bavi
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The site of the Bangaru Bavi is as directed in the Vaikhanasa Agamas, and it is constructed according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
Snapana Mandapam
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A particularly impressive sculpture in bas relief is that of Sri Maha Vishnu in the seated pose. He is shown with four arms; the upper arms holding the chakra and the shankha.
The Lord’s consorts are also shown seated in Sukhasana on either side of him.
Ramar Meda
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The images of Vishvaksena and Garuda are the utsava murthis of their respective sub-shrines.
Sayana Mandapam
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The main function of this Mandapam is to facilitate the performance of rituals that cannot be accommodated in the sanctum.
The Mandapam is so called because it is here that the representative icon of the Lord (Bhoga Srinivasa) is ceremoniously put to bed as the last sequence (Sayanotsava or Ekanta Seva) of daily worship.
Garbha Gruha
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The idol stands majestically in the Garbha Gruha, directly beneath a gilt dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana.
This exquisitely-wrought idol called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested, as there has been no known sculptor possessing the capability to sculpt idols so proportionately and beautifully. Further, no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine.
Ordinarily, the Lord wears a gold kiritam which has a large emerald embedded in front. On special occasions, he is adorned with a diamond kiritam.
On his forehead, the Lord has a thick double patch of upwrought namam drawn with refined camphor, which screens his eyes. In between the two white patches is a kasturitilakam.
His ears are bedecked with shining golden makara kundalas. The fist of His raised right hind hand is implanted with a gem-set chakra, and the corresponding left fist with the sankhu. The slightly outstreched front right hand, has its fingers pointing to His lotus feet, as the only recourse to His devotees to attain oneness with Him and enjoy eternal bliss. His front left hand is akimbo to assure His devotees of protection, and to show that the samsara sagara is only hip-deep if they seek His refuge.
His body is clothed with a pitambaram tied with gold string, and a gold belt to which are attached tiny, jingling gold bells. He is adorned with precious ornaments. He has a yajnopavita flowing down cross-wise from His left shoulder. He bears Sri Lakshmi Devi on His right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi on His left chest. He bears Nagabharanam ornaments on both shoulders.
His lotus feet are covered with gold frames and decked with clinging gold anklets. A strong curved belt of gold encompasses his legs.
During Abhishekam, we can have darshan of Goddess Lakshmi.
The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and surmounted with a golden vase, in the thirteenth century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king, Yadava Raya.
Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Garbha Gruha (beyond Kurasekara path)
Kalyana Mandapam
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The Kalyana Mandapam is architecturally similar to the Tirumala Raya Mandapam. At its western end, is a small mandapam carried on slender cut-stone pillars and surmounted by a vimana.
On the South of the shrine is a raised portion called the Yagasala where homams are performed in connection with Brahmotsavam and other festivals.
Sri Ramanuja Shrine
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Ramanuja was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri Vaishnava community there. He designed the Nandanavanams or flower gardens of the temple. He was mainly responsible for managing the worship procedures and other affairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple.
The shrine was built around the 13th century. It overlooks the western end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. The Pandyan emblem of two fish and a hook is carved on the wall next to the entrance.
The right hand of the stone image of Ramanuja is held in the gesture of exposition (vyakhyana mudra), and the left hand in the form of boon bestowal (varada hasta), or of holding a book (pustaka hasta).
The shrine figures prominently during the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, which is a typical Pancharatra observance. Special worship is conducted in this shrine during Gandhapodi Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam. The utsava murthi of Ramanuja is taken in a grand procession to meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.
Sri Narasimhaswami Shrine
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Built in the 15th century, the shrine is surrounded by a polished mandapam. Artistic dance poses are depicted in the sculptured pillars.
Tirumamani Mandapam(Mukha Mandapam)
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The Mandapam serves as an Asthana Mandapam, where Koluvu Srinivasa holds court after the Thomala Seva in the sanctum, listens to the reading of the almanac, and presides over the giving of daily rations of rice. The recitation of Suprabhatam also takes place here.
There are two massive, inscribed bells, which are known as Tirumani or Tirumahamani, which give the Mandapam its name. It is said that these bells were used during the Naivedyam in the sanctum.
On the eastern side of the Mandapam is a small shrine dedicated to Garuda. On the northern side is a gangala or large brass vessel covered with a sacred fabric, for depositing all votive offerings.
Bangaru Vakili
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There are two tall copper images of the dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The thick wooden door is covered with gilt plates depicting the dasavataram of Sri Maha Vishnu.
The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam.
Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door.
Mukkoti Pradakshinam
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In Dravidian terminology, mukkoti means the vratham had on this day is equal to three crores time of vrathams followed on any Ekadasi day. The Pradakshinam has walls on three sides only, with the eastern wall missing.
Mukkoti Pradakshinam is opened to pilgrims only twice a year during Mukkoti Ekadasi (in the month of Pausha, Dhanurmasa) and Mukkoti Dvadasi (the following day). The doors are opened on the night of the eleventh day morning (early hours) after Thiruppavai and closed on the night of the twelfth day (called Margali-tiru-dvadasi).
Sri Vishwaksena Temple
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Sri Vishwaksena occupies an important place in the Vaikhanasa Agama. In Vaishnavite functions and temple rituals, Sri Vishwaksena is worshipped first. Vishwaksena is said to be the chief of the army (of the Lord) and is believed to protect the function or ritual from evil.
The idol has four hands – the upper two holding a sankha and chakra, the right lower in Avgana hastam, and the left lower on the hip i.e. Gada hastam. The idol of Vishwaksena and its worship are strictly in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama.
During the daily worship of Lord Venkateswara, the garlands and flowers (called nirmalya) from the Lord’s idol are removed and Vishwaksena is worshipped with them.
Before commencement of the annual Brahmotsavam, the Senadhipathi or Vishvaksena Utsava is performed followed by Ankurarpana. According to popular belief, Vishvaksena provides clearance for the function to start and looks after the arrangements for the festival. His idol is also taken out in a procession during the Adhyayanotsavam.
Sri Yoga Narasimhaswami Temple
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The idol of Yoga Narasimhaswami is sculptured according to the Sastras. He is seated with two hands on his knees, and girdled by the Yogapatta.
A ceremonial bath (Tiru-Manjana) is given to the idol in the sanctum on Saturdays; and on the fourteenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaisakha (according to the lunar calendar),Swati Nakshathram the idol is specially worshipped on account of Narasimha Jayanti.
Sri Garuda Temple
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Garuda is a faithful devotee of the Lord and he stands with his hands joined in supplication (the Anjali pose). Being the Lord’s mount he is shown with outstretched wings, ever ready to carry him. You will find Garuda’s image not only in the shrine but also at the corners of the prakarams, mandapams and vimanas.
At the commencement of the annual Brahmotsavam of Lord Sri Venkateswara, a flag with the image of Garuda is hoisted on the Dhwajasthamba. It is believed that the Prasadam offered to Garuda in this temple, if partaken, will bless the sterile with children.
Every day, after completing the early morning puja conducted for Lord Sri Venkateswara, the Bali Bera of the Lord is taken out in a palanquin to give offerings to Parivaradevatas. The Lord is believed to personally supervise the food arrangements made for his subordinates, attendants and devotees. The palanquin called Sibika is considered to be Garuda himself.
An utsava murti of Garuda is kept in the Ramar Meda along with other bronze images.
Tirumala-Tirupati
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The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.
The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri (Venkata Hill), and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala.
The name Tirupati, meaning the ‘the Lord of Lakshmi’ should have been appropriately applied to the village on the Venkata Hill, the abode of the Lord. However, it has been popularly assigned to the Municipal town at the foot of the Hill, while the village around the Hill near His temple is called Tirumala (the Sacred Hill).
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) maintains twelve temples and their sub-shrines in the Tirumala-Tirupati area.
There are several places to visit in the Tirumala-Tirupati area.
Test of the Three Divinities Leave a comment
Test of the Three Divinities | ||
At the commencement of the Kali Yuga, Vishnu left Venkatadri for Vaikuntam. Brahma was very unhappy with his departure and asked Narada to persuade Vishnu to return to Venkatadri. Narada then went to the banks of the River Ganga, where several rishis were performing a sacrifice. The rishis could not decide as to whom they intended to dedicate the fruit of their sacrifice. Bhrigu, one of the rishis undertook to solve the problem by examining the three chief divinities. He first went to Satyalokam, the abode of the three-headed Brahma (who is also attributed to have four heads) and found him busily chanting the Vedas with one face, uttering the name of Narayana with another and looking at Goddess Saraswati with the third. He took no notice of Bhrigu. Bhrigu resented the want of courtesy on the part of Brahma. Bhrigu then went to Siva’s abode (Kailasam). Here too, he found Siva absorbed in sporting with his consort. Siva even became indignant at Bhrigu’s intrusion. Finally, Bhrigu went to Vaikuntam, the abode of Vishnu and found Vishnu and Sri Maha Lakshmi reclining on Adisesha. Disgusted, Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on the chest, where Sri Maha Lakshmi was reclining. Vishnu immediately got up, massaged the rishi‘s foot and enquired if he had been injured. Pleased with Vishnu’s attention, Bhrigu returned to the rishis and advised them to dedicate the fruit of their sacrifice to Vishnu. Sri Maha Lakshmi was angry with Bhrigu because he had kicked the spot which was her favourite resort on the bosom of the Lord. She left Vishnu and went to stay at Karavirapura (now Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra). Unable to bear the solitude, Vishnu left Vaikuntam in search of Sri Maha Lakshmi. This was how he made his way to Venkatadri, and entered the ant-hill under the tamarind tree on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarini on the Tirupati hill. |
Temple History Leave a comment
There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara.
All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th – 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.
It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.
After the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, nobles and chieftains from all parts of the country continued to pay their homage and offer gifts to the temple. The Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle, visited the temple and set up a permanent endowment for the conduct of worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels to the Lord, including a large emerald which is still preserved in a box named after the General. Among the later rulers who have endowed large amounts are the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.
After the fall of the Hindu kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and then the Britishers took over, and many of the temples came under their supervisory and protective control.
In 1843 AD, the East India Company divested itself of the direct management of non-Christian places of worship and native religious institutions. The administration of the shrine of Sri Venkateswara and a number of estates were then entrusted to Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumala, and the temple remained under the administration of the Mahants for nearly a century, till 1933 AD.
In 1933, the Madras Legislature passed a special act, which empowered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) Committee to control and administer a fixed group of temples in the Tirumala-Tirupati area, through a Commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras.
In 1951, the Act of 1933 was replaced by an enactment whereby the administration of TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees, and an Executive Officer was appointed by the Government .
The provisions of the Act of 1951 were retained by Charitable and Religious Endowments Act, 1966.
Contest between Adisesha and Vayudeva Leave a comment
Contest between Adisesha and Vayudeva | ||||
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Restoration of the Earth by Adi Varaha Leave a comment
Restoration of the Earth by Adi Varaha | ||||
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Temple Legends Leave a comment
Sri Venkatachala Mahatmya is referred to in several Puranas, of which the most important are the Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana.
The printed work contains extracts from the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Aditya Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana. Most of these extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the hills around Tirumala and the numerous teerthams situated on them.
The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest.
According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested Himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini.
One day, Rangadasa, a staunch devotee of Vishnu, in the course of his pilgrimage, joined Vaikhanasa Gopinatha, who was going up the Tirumala Hill for the daily worship of Lord Venkateswara. After bathing in the Swami Pushkarini, he beheld the lotus-eyed and blue-bodied Vishnu beneath a tamarind tree. Vishnu was exposed to the sun, wind and rain and was only protected by the extended wings of Garuda.
Rangadasa was astounded by the wonderful sight. He raised a rough wall of stones around the deity, and started supplying flowers faithfully to Gopinatha everyday for Vishnu’s worship.
One day, Rangadasa was distracted by a Gandharva king and his ladies. Consequently, he forgot to supply flowers to Gopinatha for Vishnu’s worship. The Lord then revealed Himself and told Rangadasa that He had been testing the latter’s continence, but Rangadasa had not been steadfast and had succumbed to temptation.
However, the Lord accepted and appreciated Rangadasa’s devoted service to Him till then, and blessed Rangadasa that he would be reborn as an affluent ruler of a province and would enjoy the earthly pleasures. He would continue to serve the Lord, construct a beautiful temple with a vimana and high surrounding walls, and thereby earn eternal glory.
Rangadasa was reborn as Tondaman, the son of the royal couple, Suvira and Nandini. Tondaman enjoyed a pleasurable life as a young man. One day, he set out on a hunting expedition on the Tirumala Hill, and with the help of a forester, saw Vishnu under the tamarind tree. Tondaman returned home, deeply affected by the vision of Vishnu.
Tondaman later inherited his father’s kingdom, Tondamandalam. In accordance with the directions given by Adi Varaha to a forester, Tondaman constructed a prakaram and dvara gopura, and arranged for regular worship of the Lord (according to Vaikhanasa Agama).
In the Kali Yuga, Akasaraja came to rule over Tondamandalam. His daughter Padmavathi was married to Venkateswara. The marriage, officiated by Brahma, was celebrated with great pomp and splendour.
About Sri Venkateswara Temple Leave a comment
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.
It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.
The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.
The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legendsassociated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.
The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.
The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.
TIRUMALA VISITING PLACES Leave a comment
The Tirumala Hills is 3,200 feet above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Five persons are allowed for Shrivari Darshan. Laddus will be given after darshan. Laddu Padi tickets are sold at Vijaya Bank. Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. These seven hills are:
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Climb or drive high up to Tirumala, nestling among the seven hills in the Eastern Ghats, Catch the exquisitely carved gold gopuram of the Lord Venkateshwara Temple, glinting in the sun. The Tirumala shrine is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple has also found a mention in various Sastras and Puranas. That’s not all. There are other famous shrines in Tirupati town – Govindarajaswamy. Kodanda ramaswamy, Tiruchanur (Goddess Padmavathi), Kapila Theertham (Lord Shiva) and Srinivasa Mangapuram (Sri Venkateshwara).
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Tirumala Map
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Venkatadri The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatdri. Temple of Lord Venkateshwara, popularly known as Balaji, at Tirumala, is regarded as the world’s richest temple. Pilgrims have both the options of going by foot as well as by road from Tirupati to Tirumala. Administration has provided various facilities like free transportation of luggage, supply of portable water, lavatories, small shops for refreshment and snacks, etc. For those who wants to travel by road to Tirumala, there are two well-laid roads, one for onward journey while the other is for downward journey. The government runs a regular bus service between Tirupati and Tirumala from the four bus stations: Sri Venkateswara Bus Station, Balaji Link Bus Station, Sapthagiri Link Bus Station, and Sri Padmavathi Bus Station. Some must-see places at Tirumala:
Landmarks on Tirumala & Tirupathi:
Temples in and around Tirumala:
Other Places:
Holy water sites:
Tourist attractions:
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Brahmotsavam Leave a comment
Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara is the most glittering festival in the temple of Lord Venkateswara, the Lord of seven hills. The epithet Brahma itself signifies its grandeur and, rightly so, it draws multitudes of pilgrims from all over the country, transforming in the process the picturesque hill into a Kaliyuga Vaikuntha – A heaven on the earth. According to legends, when Goddess Lakshmi left Srivaikuntham in a huff unable to bear the insult of sage bhrigu kicking Lord Vishnu, her spouse, on his chest, which she considered her abode. The Lord unable bear the solitude, began searching for her. He wandered across hills and woods until he came across the beautiful Seshachala hills, now called the Tirumala hills. Finding the place salubrious and serene, he settled down in an anthill and has been worshiped there, ever since as Lord Venkateswara |
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Lord Brahma , the supreme creator, commemorated the Lord Venkateswara’s manifestation on earth with a grand celebration lasting 9 days and hence the name BRAHMOTSAVAM. According to Varaha puranam ,the Brahmotsavam is performed in the month of Asweeja(Salivahana Calendar),when sun is in kanya rasi. It is September-October as per English calendar. Preparatory to the festival, the interiors of the sanctum sanctorum and the small shrines around are cleaned and smeared with a rich paste made of sandalwood refined camphor, saffron and other spices. This ritual is known as Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam. It is followed by another ritual viz. Mritsangrahanam – the process of collecting earth- and this is done a day before the first day of the festival.The ritual signifies a prayer by the temple officials to the deities like Garuda, Sudarshana, Anantham and Vishavaksena to seek their help for the successful conduct of the Brahmotsavam. They also pray to the Bhooma Devi(mother earth) and collect a small quantity of the earth with which the Ankurarpanam ritual conducted by sowing nine kinds of cereals in it. Then Dhwajarohanam is performed signaling the start of the grand fete. The high priest of the temple hoists the flag carrying the picture of Garuda atop the Dhwajasthambham erected opposite the sanctum sanctorum. |
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Tirumala Darshan Timings Leave a comment
SUDARSANAM, the newly introduced system in the famous Tirumala temple seeks to make the waiting time of pilgrims standing in queues as pleasant as possible. It is needless to mention that long winding queues and Tirumala are synonymous. It is to get out of this dubious distinction that the TTD management, after considerable deliberations with experts and time management consultants, has hammered out this unique scheme and put it on stream as it is aware that the problem has already assumed alarming dimensions putting in its wake a tremendous load on other TTD infrastructures. Under the project “Sudarsanam”, the TTD has opened special counters on the hills at three different places viz.; the vaikuntam Q-complex, Rambagicha complex and the Amenities complex, where the staff would tie around the wrist of all pilgrims a computerized and “bar-coded” band. |
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The band would indicate the possible time when a pilgrim is likely to have ‘darshan’ of the lord and when he should report again at the queue- complex en route the main shrine. Once the pilgrim is banded, he or she is free to move anywhere in Tirumala and Tirupati instead of rotting inside the queue sheds for hours together as in the past. This is the very essence and the theme of the scheme being implemented by the TTD at an enormous expenditure of about Rs.75000/- per day.
The wrist-band being supplied to the TTD by a Bangalore based private company from time to time costs the TTD Rs.2/- a piece, besides the exigency of having to run three counters on the hill at Tirupati to operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. After the introduction of the scheme, pilgrims, unlike in the past, are not staying in queues but are taking off to other places of interest – sightseeing conducted tours to about half-a-dozen other temples scattered in and around Tirupati. This is not only going a long way in breaking the monotony and boredom of tedious waiting by pilgrims in queues but also providing them with a chance to visit the TTD Museum at Tirupati and Tirumala. Some of them are even utilizing the time either to visit their friends and relatives or to go on a shopping spree sporting the wristband, “Sudarsanam”. Another objective behind the introduction of the scheme and opening of the counters at Tirupati down the hill is to control and regulate the inflow of pilgrims on to the hills. Prior to the launching of “Su-Darsanam”, the entire pilgrim rush used to throng the hills ignoring the fact that they have to wait for long at accommodation centers, tonsuring centers, bus stations and at Annadanam centers. This more often than not resulted in the pilgrims getting clogged-up in different queue lines and overloading the TTD infrastructure, particularly the accommodation and drinking water facilities. Now, with the opening of three counters at Tirupati itself (at the 1st and the 2nd choultry and also at the Transit Bus Station at the foot of the hill), most of the visiting pilgrims are checking into one of the counters, getting their wrists “banded” and are taking off to scores of places of visit around. The possible time when a pilgrim can have ‘darshan’ of the main deity after he or she gets banded is decided by the staff manning the counters depending upon the number of pilgrims already banded and also on the surmise that about 3,000 pilgrims can have darshan of the Lord in an hour on an average after providing for the intermittent “breaks” for temple cleaning and for “VIP darshan”. It is here that the well meaning program needs some fine tuning to make it more realistic and down-to-earth. This programme, as any new scheme, has teething troubles which, if removed, would make it really a boon for pilgrims. One general complaint often being made against this programme is that there is no relation between the time prescribed by the counter staff for a pilgrim’s darshan and the actual time which the pilgrim would take to have a darshan without the band. In other words, the pilgrims say that the counters putting on the wrist bands are not following any rational or scientific methodology while assessing the possible time as to when he or she could have his or her turn. This, they say, makes them find that either they are too early or too late when they report at the queue-complex again. Another practical problem being encountered by pilgrims is that it being so sophisticated involving a bar-coded-cum-computerised wrist band, the visiting pilgrims, bulk of whom are poor and illiterate, are not able to figure out what it is all about and are often found asking the passers-by as to what should they do with the band. Though this is a temporary problem bound to exit till the scheme becomes popular, the TTD, in the meantime, could step up its publicity programme to vigorously enlighten pilgrims thronging the hill by opening more information centers, providing sign-boards, distributing hand-bills, making frequent announcements through PA system and so on. Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 01: 00 AM subject to demand. |
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Arjitha Sevas Leave a comment
Arjitha Seva means performing seva to the Lord on payment of a fee to the temple. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams oversee the worship of the Lord and his finances. There are three kinds of Sevas: Daily Seva, Weekly Seva and Annual Seva. The Temple addresses the main person performing the seva as Grihasta. All people performing sevas are advised to report to the Vaikuntam Queue Complex at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before the start of the seva. Usually the time of reporting to the Queue complex is provided on the purchased ticket. Most of the Sevas require the pilgrims to adhere to traditional dressing norms: dhoti around the waist and uttariya (upper cloth) on the shoulder for men and saree for women. The only exception to the rule is Archananantara Darsanam |
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There are three methods of purchasing tickets:
In view of security situation and to avoid misuse by brokers, most of the seva requires at least the person purchasing the ticket to provide his fingerprints. For online purchases and tickets purchased through DD method, the prime ticket holder or all members appearing for the seva would be required to report by 12 p.m. to the Padmavati Guest House Reception one day in advance. The details are made available in the ticket during purchase.
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…:: Daily Seva | Weekly Seva ::…
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HISTORY OF TIRUMALA Leave a comment
Vishnu in the form of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala Venkateshwara (Sanskrit & Telugu), also known as Venkatachalapathy or Srinivasa or Balaji, is the supreme God believed to be a form of the Hindu Deity Lord Vishnu. He appeared in this Yuga Kali Yuga for saving the people who have fallen deeply and are deluded in three modes of material nature. Lord Venkateshwara means supreme God who destroys the sins of the people in this material world ‘ven+kata+eshwara=sins+destroyer+supremegod’). He is Vishnu, who is transcendental to the material energy, Vishnu does not have direct contact with material people, and therefore yogis carry out severe penances to have a vision of Vishnu’s lotus feet. How ever, in the kali yuga people have fallen to the point that they have even lost themselves due to ignorance in bodily consciousness. Lord Vishnu out of love towards his devotees therefore incarnated as Venkateshwara. |
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The exact period in which the temple was founded is not known, and tradition has it that the temple is Swayambhustala, meaning that it came into existence on its own without anyone constructing it. According to folk legends, there was a huge anthill at Tirupati. A farmer heard a voice from the heavens asking him to feed the ants. By chance the local king heard the voice and began supplying milk for the ants himself. His compassion resulted in the liquid uncovering a magnificent idol of Lord Venkateshwara hidden beneath the anthill. According to some evidence the history of the temple dates back almost 2,000 years. In ancient times, a queen called Samavai, belonging to the Pallava dynasty (614 AD), is said to have consecrated the first silver image here. The temple is also mentioned in Sangam poetry (500 BC – 2000 AD). Numerous temple inscriptions from the 9th century record details of the temple and contributions made by both Pallavas and Chola Kings. It is believed that originally there was only one shrine at Tirumala. When the Vaishnavite saint, Ramanuja, visited Andhra in the 12th century, the temple at Tirupathi was built. The Chola period saw the temple complex prosper and expand further. In 1517, Krishnadevaraya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels enabling the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. The Maratha general Raghoji Bhonsle visited the temple and set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple. Among the later rulers who endowed large benefactions were the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal. In 1843, with the coming of the East India Company, the administration of the Shri Venkateshwara temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century until 1933, when the temple was under the administrative charge of the mahants. The Madras legislature passed a special act in 1933 whereby the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) committee was invested with powers of administration and control through a commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras. A Ryot Advisory Council was formed for the management of the estates of the TTD, and was assisted by a Religious Advisory Council with regard to religious matters. Adi Sankaracharya came to Tirumala and placed Sri Chakra at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateshwara and sung the famous song “Bhaja Govindam”. According to various verses from the Puranas and other text; Lord Venkateshwara is the supreme God or Vishnu, Narayana or Brahman of this Kali Yuga. Lord Venkateshwara has His holy abode in the Venkatam hills (the hills are more often referred to as ThiruVenkatam) near Tirupathi. Thus, the main temple of Lord Venkateshwara is the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple. The Tirumala temple, where He is the presiding deity, is believed to be the richest of all the temples in the world. The temple is in southern India Andhra Pradesh in Chittoor district. The presence of seven hills influenced alternate names for the deity: Edukondalavadu in Telugu and as Ezhumalaiyan in Tamil both of which mean “Lord of the Seven Hills”. He is also known as Maal, ThiruMaal, Manivannan, Balaji (though this is a more recent name), Srinivasa, Venkatesha, Venkatanatha, Thiruvengadam Udaiyaan, Tiruvengadattaan and by many other names. He is also worshiped with the name Tirupati Thimmappa all over Karnataka by traditionally Shiva-worshipping communities. In Hinduism, Venkateshwara (also spelled as Venkateshwer or Venkatachalapathi) is a much-worshipped form of Vishnu. He is also known as Balaji or Lord Venkateshwara. He is also worshiped with the name Tirupati Thimmappa all over Karnataka by traditionally Shiva worshipping communities. Vishnu, in the form of Venkateshwara, is much worshipped at Tirupati temple. Venkateshwara is the presiding deity at the Tirumala temple complex, believed to be the richest of all the Hindu shrines in the world. The temple is situated in southern Andhra Pradesh in Chittoor district. It is around 120 km away from Chennai. The presence of seven hills influenced alternate names for the deity: Edukondalavadu in Telugu and as Ezhumalaiyan in Tamil both of which mean Lord of the Seven Hills. In iconographic depictions, Lord Venkateswara’s eys are covered, because it is said, that his gaze is so intense, it would scorch the universe |
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BRAHMOTSAVAM Leave a comment
BRAHMOTSAVAM
Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara is the most glittering festival in the temple of Lord Venkateswara, the Lord of seven hills. The epithet Brahma itself signifies its grandeur and, rightly so, it draws multitudes of pilgrims from all over the country, transforming in the process the picturesque hill into a Kaliyuga Vaikuntha -a heaven on the earth.
According to legends, when Goddess Lakshmi left Srivaikuntham in a huff unable to bear the insult of sage bhrigu kicking Lord Vishnu, her spouse, on his chest, which she considered her abode. The Lord unable bear the solitude, began searching for her. He wandered across hills and woods until he came across the beautiful Seshachala hills, now called the Tirumala hills. Finding the place salubrious and serene, he settled down in an anthill and has been worshiped there, ever since as Lord Venkateswara. Lord Brahma , the supreme creator, commemorated the Lord Venkateswara’s manifestation on earth with a grand celebration lasting 9 days and hence the name BRAHMOTSAVAM. According to Varaha puranam ,the Brahmotsavam is performed in the month of Asweeja(Salivahana Calendar),when sun is in kanya rasi. It is September-October as per English calendar. |
Preparatory to the festival, the interiors of the sanctum sanctorum and the small shrines around are cleaned and smeared with a rich paste made of sandalwood refined camphor, saffron and other spices. This ritual is known as Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam. It is followed by another ritual viz. Mritsangrahanam – the process of collecting earth- and this is done a day before the first day of the festival.The ritual signifies a prayer by the temple officials to the deities like Garuda, Sudarshana, Anantham and Vishavaksena to seek their help for the successful conduct of the Brahmotsavam. They also pray to the Bhooma Devi(mother earth) and collect a small quantity of the earth with which the Ankurarpanam ritual conducted by sowing nine kinds of cereals in it. Then Dhwajarohanam is performed signaling the start of the grand fete. The high priest of the temple hoists the flag carrying the picture of Garuda atop the Dhwajasthambham erected opposite the sanctum sanctorum.
Every day during the Festival both in the mornings and the evening the processional deity of Lord Venkateswara called Malayyapan Swamy, is taken in a colorful procession through the decorated four streets around the temple. The lords is flanked by his two consorts ,Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Ugra Srinivasa and Koluvu Srinivasa (Durbar Srinivasa) are the two other images in the santum.All through the nine days the hill wears a colorful look with a sea of humanity thronging the place. The hill especially looks colorful during the night when giant profiles of the lord, made out of tiny electric bulbs light up. The Lord is taken in a procession on various vahanas and each vahana has its own significance and conveys his message in its own way.
The garuda seva performed on the night of the 5th day is the most popular amongst his devotees for on that day the lord is adorned with his most choicest and precious of his ornaments .Another equally important festival during the 9-day celebration is the Theru when the deities would be seated in a exquisitely carved huge wooden chariot and pulled round the temple by ardent devotees. Snapnam tirumanajanm , the process of bathing thee Lord with herbal water after the procession ,is performed to relieve him of the strains suffered during the processions .
The penultimate festival is the Chakrasnanam, which is akin to the bathing ritual after the performance of a yagna. On that morning the lord and his consorts and Sri Sudarshana Chakram are given a holy bath in the temple tank after an hour long ritual on the banks of the Pushkarini, the Temple tank. Scores of pilgrims waiting on the banks of the tank would also take a dip simultaneously along with the deities, creating a huge splash. This holy dip is supposed to free a mortal from the cycle of rebirth.
On the 9th day of the Brahmotsavam,chooranabhishekamis performed giving the deities a holy bath after anointing them with sandalwood powder .The Lord is then taken around in a procession when the priests distribute the sandalwood powder used for the ritual to the devotees en route. On this last day of Brahmotsavam, Devatodwasanam, the ritual of giving a warm send off to all Gods and rishis on their way back to heaven, is performed. In this ritual Lord Brahma is propitiated for having come to earth all the way from Brahmaloka and having performed the Brahmotsavam.
The celestial celebration is one of the important festivals of the temple. Pilgrims from all over the world, throng the place during this to have a glimpse of the lord during the procession. The sight of the Lord himself coming out of the Temple to be amongst his devotees is awe-inspiring.
The Seven Sacred Hills Leave a comment
The Seven Sacred Hills
The picturesque Tirumala hills is situated 2820 ft above MSL and is about 100sq.m in area . It comprises seven peaks ,representing the seven hoods of Audisesha , thus earning the name Seshachalam.
The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Vedadri, Garudadri, Anjandri, Vrishabhadri, Narayandri and Venkatadri (Adri in sanskrit means Hill).The Venkatam hill is believed to be a part of the celestial mount meru, brought to the earth from Vaikuntam by Garuda.The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak,Venkatdri and there are several legends associated with the manifestation of the lord in Tirumala. The shrine of the lord is very ancient and there are ample references to it in the early inscriptions belonging to the Chola and Pallava periods as well in the Sangam literature.
The abode of the lord is about 10 Km north-west of Tirupati and there are footsteps leading to the hill as well as two separate serpentine roads to reach the shrine. According to legend ,God Vishnu revealed himself earlier in the previous incarnations as Varahaswamy on the banks of the present temple tank..This manifestation of the white boar (Sveta Varaham) is enshrined in the Adi Varahaswany temple situated on the northeastern banks of the tank.
The Sanctum sanctorum called the Garbha Griha is where the main idol of lord Venkateswara resides. The idol stands majestically to a height of eight feet, in the centre of the sanctum directly beneath a gold guilded dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divay Vimana.The exquisitely wrought idol called the Mulabera is believed to be Svayambhu(self manifested) ,according to the legends. Further ,no human being is known to have either sculpted or installed the idol in the shrine.
On normal days the imposing idol is adorned with a golden Kiritam which has a large emerald embedded on its front. On special occasions like the Brahmothsavam, he is adorned with his precious diamond crown worth Rs 30 Crores. On his forehead ,the lord has a thick double patch of upright Namam drawn with refined camphor which screens his eyes. In between the two white patches is the Kasturi tilakam .His ear’s are bedecked with shinning golden Makara Kundalas. The fist of his right raised hand is implanted with a gem-set chakra and the correponding left fist is with the Sankha. The slightly outstretched right hand has its finger pointing to his lotus feet, as the only recourse to his devotees to attain oneness with him and enjoy eternal bliss. . His right hand is akimbo to assure his devotees of protection and to show the proverbial SamsaraSagara, the ocean of mundane life ,is only hip deep if they seek refuge in him.
He has on the right side of his chest a clear impression of Goddess Lakshmi’s, his consort. The deity has a unique magnetism, many devotees who go through the fleeting Sarvadarsanam have unusual psychic experience. They leave with a sense of spiritual satisfaction, coupled with a religious hunger to stand in front of Lord Venkateswara and experience the bliss again and again.
H I S T O R Y Leave a comment
H I S T O R Y
EPIC IMPORTANCE
The venkatam hill is believed to be a part of the celestial mount meru brought to the earth from vaikuntam by garuda (Lord’s vehicle),say the puranas.The Hills are said to be a manifestation of Adi Sesha (the cosmic serpent).The Seven hills of the Tirumala are the said to represent the Seven hoods of Adi Sesha.
Many Alvars , Vaishnavacharyas and Saints have praised the Tirumala Hill with great devotion. Tirumala Mambi, a descendent of the great ascetic Narada, spent his whole life in serving the Lord.
References to the tirumala also found in several of Puranas. Tirumala is one of the 108 sacred shrines of the Sri Vaishanava tradition.According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu stayed on the earth for some time in the Avatar of Swetha Varaham and rose out of pushkarini as Swayambhuva. His spouse Lakshmi Devi appeared in Thirucharnur. This Swwtha Varaha Avatharam was installed in the temple situated to the west of Swamy Pushkarni. The great religious leader Ramanujacharya visited this shrine on a pilgrimage and systematised the process of worship in accordance with the SriVaishnava that continues to date.
HISTORY
The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century AD) ,Cholas of Tanjore (10 century) , Pandyas of mathura and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th & 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. The statues of Sri Krishna Devaraya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from various states like the king of Mysore and Gadwal, worshiped the lord as pilgrims and gifted various ornaments and valuables to the temple. Raghoji Bhonsle, the Maharastrian commander visited the temple and made a permanent arrangement regarding the regular pujas to be done to the Lord.
In 1843 the temple gave up administrative authority of Venkateswara Temple along with the temples in the village to the head of Hatthimji monastery in Tirumala. Till 1933 the administration of the temple had been wielded by the head of that monastery, Hathiram Mahantha.
In 1933 the Madras government appointed a Commission to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam through a special statutory authority to run the administration of the temple. In 1951 another Hindu Religious and endowment Act was made which felicitated the appointment of an executive officer and Board of trustees and they run the administration. The executive officers of this institution in the South have been maintaining administration.
FOOT WAY TO TIRUMALA Leave a comment
FOOT WAY TO TIRUMALA
Many pilgrims prefer to go on foot from the Tirupati to Tirumala to have the Darshan of the Lord. It is also part of Sankalpam(Commitment). T.T.D has provided many facilities for the benefit of such pilgrims.
- Free transport of the Pilgrims luggage from the bottom of the hill to the Top.
- Well cemented steps with hand rails for support.
- Supply of potable water along the way.
- Toilets for both ladies and Gents.
- Well lit path way and security guards to ensure safety of the pilgrims.
- Small restaurants along the way for refreshments and snacks.
The pilgrims have to get to Alipiri toll gate ,where the steps to the Tirumala begins.This is 4 K.Ms away from the railway station.They can then deposit their luggage at the T.T.D transport office and obtain a receipt.On reaching the top, they can redeem their luggage after producing this receipt. The foot way is 11 Kilometers in distance.It takes roughly between 3 to 4 hours to reach Tirumala by this way.
The natural beauty along the way is breath taking.Though the steps at the start are a bit steep, the rest of the way is quite even and one wouldn’t need to strain much.All along the way one can see pilgrims of every age climbing the steps with equal gusto. There are small mandapams along the way where pilgrims can take rest.Though the journey is physically tiring, it is a spiritually satifying one.
SUDARSANAM Leave a comment
SU-DARSANAM
SUDARSANAM, the newly introduced system in the famous Tirumala temple seeks to make the waiting time of pilgrims standing in queues as pleasant as possible. It is needless to mention that long winding queues and Tirumala are synonymous.
It is to get out of this dubious distinction that the TTD management, after considerable deliberations with experts and time management consultants, has hammered out this unique scheme and put it on stream as it is aware that the problem has already assumed alarming dimensions putting in its wake a tremendous load on other TTD infrastructures.
Under the project “Sudarsanam”, the TTD has opened special counters on the hills at three different places viz.; the vaikuntam Q-complex, Rambagicha complex and the Amenities complex, where the staff would tie around the wrist of all pilgrims a computerized and “bar-coded” band. The band would indicate the possible time when a pilgrim is likely to have ‘darshan’ of the lord and when he should report again at the queue- complex en route the main shrine. Once the pilgrim is banded, he or she is free to move anywhere in Tirumala and Tirupati instead of rotting inside the queue sheds for hours together as in the past.
This is the very essence and the theme of the scheme being implemented by the TTD at an enormous expenditure of about Rs.75000 – per day. The wrist-band being supplied to the TTD by a Bangalore based private company from time to time costs the TTD Rs.2 – a piece, besides the exigency of having to run three counters on the hill at Tirupati to operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
After the introduction of the scheme, pilgrims, unlike in the past, are not staying in queues but are taking off to other places of interest – sightseeing conducted tours to about half-a-dozen other temples scattered in and around Tirupati.
This is not only going a long way in breaking the monotony and boredom of tedious waiting by pilgrims in queues but also providing them with a chance to visit the TTD Museum at Tirupati and Tirumala.
Some of them are even utilizing the time either to visit their friends and relatives or to go on a shopping spree sporting the wristband, “Sudarsanam”.
Another objective behind the introduction of the scheme and opening of the counters at Tirupati down the hill is to control and regulate the inflow of pilgrims on to the hills. Prior to the launching of “Su-Darsanam”, the entire pilgrim rush used to throng the hills ignoring the fact that they have to wait for long at accommodation centers, tonsuring centers, bus stations and at Annadanam centers.
This more often than not resulted in the pilgrims getting clogged-up in different queue lines and overloading the TTD infrastructure, particularly the accommodation and drinking water facilities.
Now, with the opening of three counters at Tirupati itself (at the 1st and the 2nd choultry and also at the Transit Bus Station at the foot of the hill), most of the visiting pilgrims are checking into one of the counters, getting their wrists “banded” and are taking off to scores of places of visit around.
The possible time when a pilgrim can have ‘darshan’ of the main deity after he or she gets banded is decided by the staff manning the counters depending upon the number of pilgrims already banded and also on the surmise that about 3,000 pilgrims can have darshan of the Lord in an hour on an average after providing for the intermittent “breaks” for temple cleaning and for “VIP darshan”.
It is here that the well meaning program needs some fine tuning to make it more realistic and down-to-earth. This programme, as any new scheme, has teething troubles which, if removed, would make it really a boon for pilgrims.
One general complaint often being made against this programme is that there is no relation between the time prescribed by the counter staff for a pilgrim’s darshan and the actual time which the pilgrim would take to have a darshan without the band.
In other words, the pilgrims say that the counters putting on the wrist bands are not following any rational or scientific methodology while assessing the possible time as to when he or she could have his or her turn. This, they say, makes them find that either they are too early or too late when they report at the queue-complex again.
Another practical problem being encountered by pilgrims is that it being so sophisticated involving a bar-coded-cum-computerised wrist band, the visiting pilgrims, bulk of whom are poor and illiterate, are not able to figure out what it is all about and are often found asking the passers-by as to what should they do with the band.
Though this is a temporary problem bound to exit till the scheme becomes popular, the TTD, in the meantime, could step up its publicity programme to vigorously enlighten pilgrims thronging the hill by opening more information centers, providing sign-boards, distributing hand-bills, making frequent announcements through PA system and so on.
AMENITIES COMPLEX
Another new facility introduced at Tirumala by the TTD management is the opening of what is called an ‘amenities complex’ close by the shrine. The huge complex, built at a cost of Rs.2 crores, has four spacious halls which in all could accommodate 5,000 pilgrims at a time. The complex also has built-in common bathrooms, toilets, cloakroom, locker facility and on the top of it all make-shift tonsuring centers.
An ordinary pilgrim could get his Sudarsanam band tied, and quietly walk into the complex and get all his routine chores, including tonsuring, completed under one roof. Once through with this, one can go on sightseeing around or shopping or rest in the complex itself before going to the queue complex at the appointed time. This obviates the need to take separate cottages and, thus, reduces to that extent the load on the scarce accommodation system.
PRECAUTIONS
- Check whether the date and time printed on your wrist band is correct.
- Don’t take off the wrist band until you have finished the darshans.
- Though the band is water proof, protect it from moisture or excessive heat
- The bar code on the band is time sensitive.Be at the gate at least one hour before the printed time.
- The bar code gets validated by a laser scanner,so expired bar code holders are turned away from the gate
SRIVARI SEVA Leave a comment
SRIVARI SEVA
Tirumala,the abode of lord Venkateswara, is visited by millions of ardent devotees every year.With a view to render better service to these pilgrims who come from far-flung parts of the country,TTD has launched “Srivari Seva”. The seva provides a unique opportunity to the devotees to serve fellow pilgrims and participate in devout service aimed at inculcating a sense of camaraderie and a spirit of service.Manava Seva Madhava Seva, So said the scriptures,Divine grace can be attained not only by worshipping the lord in the sactum sanctorum but also by serving his devotees.Thus Srivari Seva ensures the added benefit of serving the lord Srinivasa through selfless service to his devotees. Under this scheme , the devotees can offer their voluntary services at
The volunteers may make spot registration at the cell at Annadanam complex.In case the volunteers form a group of atleast 10 persons ready to serve for atleast a week, TTD will provide free food and accomodation at Tirumala, provided they initmate ahead.Bhajan troupes can also take part in the service , which will be inspiring to the pilgrims. Srivari seva will form an integral part of worship at Tirumala.It enlivens our spiritual life and prepares our body and soul to act to the will of the supreme lord.Through Srivari seva TTD endeavours to perpetuate a noble tradition devpotedly followed by our illustrious acharyas like Ramanujacharya,Tirumala Nambi and Ananthalawar. Devotees desirous of participating Srivari Seva may please enroll themselves at |
Accommodation at Tirumala Leave a comment
Accommodation at Tirupati Leave a comment
Accommodation at Tirupati | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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TIRUMALA HISTORY Leave a comment
History
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Introduction to Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala: | ||
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is one of the most important pilgrim sites for Hindus. It is visited by a large number of devotees every year. Located on the seventh peak of the Tirupati Hill, this ancient temple is a must see for all tourists. It is emblematic of wonderful architecture. One can also get an idea of the tremendous faith that people have in this deity when they visit the temple. Individuals willingly stand in long queues just to get a glimpse of the lord housed in the richest temple. A visit to the temple is like a spiritual sojourn that simply overwhelms the senses. | ||
History of Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala: | ||
The glorious history of this temple spans for several centuries. There is literary evidence as well as a lot of engraved inscriptions that point out to the antiquity of this temple. Kings belonging to the Chola, the Pandya and the Pallava dynasty have been regular visitors to this temple. Sri Krishnadevaraya was an important contributor and endowed the temple with rich offerings.
A permanent endowment fund was set up by the Maratha general Rajhoji Bhonsle so that regular worship in the temple could be carried out without any hindrance. With the coming of the Muslim rulers, the temple came under their supervision and at a further later period, the British were transferred the power. Eventually the East India Company decided that they would no longer take the responsibility of administering native religious institution. The Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumala was entrusted with the responsibility. They continued to hold power for over a century till 1933. Then in 1933 the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Committee took over. Finally in the year 1951, a Board of Trustees took over the administration of this grand temple. |
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Description of Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala: | ||
The outer Gopuram of the temple is inscribed with figures of Vaishnava gods. You will surely be impressed by the architectural brilliance of these craftsmen. There are several Mandapams in the temple. The Ranga Mandapam reflects the Vijaynagara style of architecture and was constructed between 1320 and 1360 A.D. It is believed that when Srirangam was occupied by the Muslim rulers, the idol of Lord Ranganadha was kept here. The Tiruamla Raya Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions. The Dhvajasthamba Mandapam is a complex with a large number of pillars. You will simply be fascinated to see the remarkable sculptures that are there in this Mandapam. The central pillar of this Mandapam is surrounded by several small pillars. Strike one of these pillars with a small stone and you will surely be amazed to find that they emit musicalsounds. Bronze statues also adorn this Mandapam. The Aina Mahal is rightly named because there are a large number of ainas or mirrors which reflects images on its walls. It consists of two parts. There is an open Mandapam with a total of 36 pillars and a shrine consisting an Antarala and Garbagriha.
The portals of the temples are adorned with statues of Krishnadevaraya and his consorts which were installed by Krishnadevaraya himself. The Maratha general Rajhoji Bhonsle gifted valuable jewels and that included emeralds which have been retained to this day. |
Vyuha Lakshmi on Lord’s Vakshasthalam Leave a comment
Vyuha Lakshmi on Lord’s Vakshasthalam |
Lord Venkateswara’s idol is having a Srivatsam mark on his right chest, which is a permanent part of the Idol. It can be seen embossed, but only on Thursdays, when the jewels are removed completely, leaving the Melchat Vastram, and on Fridays, during Abhishekam and Nijapada Darsanam. The darsan of Vakshathala Lakshmi can be seen if we come very near to Kulasekhara Padi and even from there also, we can only assume the shape of the Lakshmi. Only Archakas can see the Lakshmi on the Chest. This Lakshmi is called Dvi-bhuja-Vyuha-Lakshmi in Vaikhanasa Samhithas.
The presence of Lakshmi on the body of the Hill god is responsible for the name Sri-nivasa (the abode of Lakshmi) for Him. This image of Lakshmi is in the Agamas prescribed to be two-armed and seated in the lotus posture, this form is called Vyuha-Lakshmi. dvibhujA vyuhalakshmi: syAt baddapadmAsanapriyA| srInivAsanga madyasthaa sutaram kEshavapriyA|| And the consecration and worship of Vyuha-Lakshmi are meant to secure unbounded and eternal prosperity (niravadika-samrddhi-siddhaye). In the daily worship of the Hill-god, after the Venkatesa Sahasranama Archana in the morning, this Vyuha-Lakshmi on the God’s chest is also worshipped reciting 16 names of Lakshmi (shodasa-nama) with the offering of tulasi-leaves after each name and also Goddess Padmavathi on the left chest is worshipped at the same time (while the 16 names are being chanted). This image is specially worshipped during the main deity’s ceremonial bath on Friday’s, as also during Makara-sankaranthi (kAkApudi), when this Lakshmi on right chest of the Hill God receives bath with perfumed water. Ramanuja is said to have prompted one of the yadava-raya kings to offer for the hill-god a golden necklace in which the golden image of Lakshmi (sculpted in relief and encrusted with precious stones) was hung as a pendant (Bangaru Lakshmi). This necklace with the pendant (tiny idol of lakshmi), is seen round the neck of the Hill God all week days and is also permanent adornment on the idol, except during the friday’s abhishekam. This tiny idol of gold lakshmi was offered, according to a traditional account, on a friday in the ‘ratna-malika-yoga’ (conjunction of constellation uttara phalguni on the twelfth day of bright fortnight). Every Friday, since that time, a special worship is accorded to this image. After the customary ceremonial bath (tirumanjana) for the God, and after adorning the Lord with all the jewels (just before second thomala seva (or mAdhyAhnika ArAdhanam), this pendant image is seperately given a sacred bath with water, perfumes and turmeric amidst chanting of srI-sUktha by Archakas. This abhishekam is perfomed in ekantham and only Archakas, Jeeyars, Ekangis, Adhyapakas, Vedaparayanadars and the temple higher staff are present at that time to view this tirumanjanam of bangaru-lakshmi. So there is Vyuha Lakshmi on the idol’s right chest which is embossed, which can be seen only when all the jewels are removed with the chest of the idol is fully visible and then there’s an gold lakshmi (bangaru-lakshmi) on the right chest which can be seen on all the time when jewels adornment is done except on friday’s abhishekam this bangaru lakshmi is not seen instead the vyuha-lakshmi can be seen. As this bangaru lakshmi is given a seperate bath before mAdhyAhnika ArAdhanam. On the left chest there’s a gold chain with a big pendant of Goddess Padmavathi and this Padmavathi Idol is always present and is a permanent part of the idol. Though this is a seperate chain with a tiny idol, it is always present with the Lord’s Idol even during the Abhishekam. It is never removed for any Abhishekams and all. That means at all the times God is SrI-bhUmi sahitham. |
Legend behind the Nagabharanas Leave a comment
Legend behind the Nagabharanas |
Lord Venkateswara’s Mulavirat is adorned with a set of Nagabharanas, on both the arms.
Once a Gajapathi King by name Veera Narashima Deva was on a piligrimage to Rameshwaram. On the route he stopped to have Darshana of Lord and was so happy that the King decided to do some service to Lord. The King then requested the Vaikhanasa Archakas about what he can offer. Archakas suggested to build a Mahadwara Rajagopuram to the temple. King agreed and immediately arranged funds and labor to begin the work, & laid the Foundation stone for that work and resumed his Yatra to Rameshwaram. The King again while returning from the yatra decided to check the progress of the work and to self supervise the ongoing Mahadwara Rajagopuram work. The King was very happy with the progress and felt himself very lucky to have done some service to Lord. With this unbound happiness slept for the day. In the middle of his deep sleep, Adishesha, The five hooded cosmic serpant appeared in his dreams & said : ‘Oh King, you are doing a great Service to Lord, by building this Mahadwara Rajagopuram. Rajagopuram is very big and causing me more pain and weight to bear on my head. The pain can only be released by the Lord of Sheshadri himself ’. By saying so, Adishesha went and tied himself to the left arm of Lord inside Garbhagruha. The king woke up from his dreams & felt he has done some Apacharam (knowingly done bad on someone) to Adishesha. King was a bit restless the entire night. Morning the King went to the temple and still felt Adishesha tied around the Lord’s left Arm. Without second thought, the King immediately got done a Golden Adishesha which can be tied to Lords Arm. The King then stopped the construction of the Mahadwara Rajagopuram work as it is and went back to his kingdom. With this new jewel of Adishesha, Lord of the Seven hills was also known as ‘Pannaga Bhushana’. Later when Bhagvad Ramanujacharya visited the Temple, prompted by the Archakas, Acharya got do done the second exact replica for Lord’s Right Arm. Now till some 20 years back, this old Legendary Nagabharana’s were still adorned to Lord. Then is Old set is now kept in TTD Treasury safely. A new firm Golden Nagabharanas were made by the Temple funds which is adorned to Lord’s Moola Vigraham as a part of Nityakatla Samarpana. In recent times, a Diamond studded Set of Nagabharana’s of the same size and shape. This is also been done by the temple funds which is used as a part of Vishesha Samarpana. |
The Legend of Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy Leave a comment
The Legend of Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy |
After having the divine darshan of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy, devotees go around the Vimana Prakaram and have the darshanam of Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy, who is on the North-eastern corner on the middle tier of the 3 tiered Vimana gopuram. There is a board pointing towards this and also there is a Silver Prabhavali or Silver Makarathorana around the Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy on the Vimanam.
Almost all the devotees feel that without having the darshanam of Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy, the fruits of visiting the holy temple will ward off. Some sources say, that, Lord Srinivasa is not in Garbhagruha but only in the Vimanam. But as per shilpashastram of the Vishnu temple, the presiding deity’s actual position must be present in the north-eastern corner of the Garbhagruha gopuram. Lets keep this aside and go to the legend behind as to why Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy is considered so important.
In the time of Sri Krishnadevaraya, Vyasateertha was in his court. Vyasateertha was an accomplished and acclaimed spiritual leader and scholar of a very high calibre. Everyone including the king would not disobey his words. Once it so happened. Vyasa Teertha fore saw that a bad omen is going to befall on on the person sitting on the Throne of the Vijayanagara empire. So, Vyasateertha immediately requested the King Sri Krishnadevaraya to step down from the throne, and Vyasateertha himself sat on the Throne and bear the effects of the bad time. Since he was a saint, the effects of the bad time didn’t affect him. As soon as the bad omen time passed, Vyasateertha stepped down. But, for a brief moment, Vyasateertha was the King of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. All had praised him as Vyasarayulu. Rayulu in Telugu means King. So this name as Vyasaraya or Vyasarayulu has been permanently attached to the his name.
One night, Vyasaraya had a dream in which Lord Venkateshwara Swamy appeared and asked him to come to Tirumala and worship Him on the Vimanam. Vyasaraya next morning immediately left for Tirumala and reached there only to find the Temple authorities waiting for him to handover the Locked Garbhagruha keys. This was a strange thing for which Vyasaraya was totally unprepared for. It so happened that due to a calamity all the Vaikhanasa Archakas and their families were wiped out except one Archaka’s wife who was pregnant , had gone to her native place for child birth. Since Vaikhanasa Archakas alone can touch and offer worship to Lord in Tirumala and no one else has the right to do this . Lord had instructed to lock the temple and hand over the key to Vyasaraya.
Vyasaraya started to worship the Lord on Vimanam sitting on the Northern bank of the Swamiy Pushkarni in front of Sri Varahaswami temple & facing south. He was performing the worship thru Manasika Aradhanam. This is only possible for the people who are accomplished spiritually and master of veda and yoga sashtrams. This continued for many years.
In the mean time, the only surviving Archaka’s pregnant wife gave birth to a healthy male child. He grew up and at the age of 7 years, Upanayanam was performed to him as per Vaikhanasa Sashtrams. Later he studied Vedams and Vaikhanasa Agama Shatram thru learned scholars. For 12 years, Vyasaraya performed Manasika Aradhanam to Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy and the Grabha Gruham was locked during this period of 12 long years. When the boy turned 12 yrs old, Lord appeared in the dreams of Vyasaraya and asked him to handover the keys of the temple to the Vaikhanasa boy, who was ready to take incharge of the temple worship. Vyasaraya did as Lord ordered him.
And for the first time in 12 years, the locks on Garbhagruha were opened, and the boy entered the Garbha Gruham and started the worship of Lord again. It is hard to believe that no worship took place for Lord for 12 years but this is the legend behind Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy and His importance.
Now the place from where Vyasaraya sat and performed the Manasika Aradhana for 12 years when the Garbha Gruham was locked, is called as Vyasaraya Hanika Mantapam.
The Garland of Historical Tales of the Hill of Venkata (Tirupati) – First Chapter Leave a comment
The Garland of Historical Tales of the Hill of Venkata (Tirupati) – First Chapter |
Our Lord God residing in immeasurable happiness in Vaikuntham, the Lord of the Goddess Sri and surrounded by those who had obtained eternal release, in his infinite mercy decided to come down upon earth in order to save those struggling in the sea of life without knowing how to get out of it. He regarded it as his mission to come on to the earth in a visible form to provide the means of saving themselves for those struggling in great suffering in worldly life. He therefore assumed the form of an image at Tirupati, and placed himself there as the saviour of mankind. His right hand is hold in a position inviting all beings to come to him as the highest protector, and the left placed on the corresponding thigh in such a position as if to indicate that, to those devoted to him, the sea of life (samsara) is only knee deep. This gives indication to the people that to those who devote themselves to the worship of God manifesting Himself in Tirupati, worldly life need have none of the fears generally associated with it. That he came to the earth on this merciful mission is a fact known to all.
In the second section of the current Brahmakalpa (the age of Brahma), in the second section in the ruling period of the 7th Manu and at the cormurr) cement of the age of the 8th Mahakali, there was a large assemblage of Rishis and others in a great sacrifice that was celebrated in the forest of Naimisa. In that assembly the great Suta well versed in all the Puranas arxd the Itihasas related the holy history of the hill Vengadam and all that was likely to happen after that time.
Among these future occurrences is the story of a Tonclaman Chakravarti who was going to be “born after the commencement of the era of Vikrama, and before the commencement of the current Salivahana era. He was, among those devoted to the God at Vengadam, the most prominent. In order that the devotee of Venkatesvara might become victorious over his enemies, the God gave him his own conch and the discus. From that time onwards the God at Tirupati remained without these two characteristic weapons, as if to exhibit his great generosity to this devotee of His.
During this period the world was suffering from the evils of the Kali age, and people went about without any regard to the regulations of Varndsrama (the differences of groups and the progressive order of life constituting the essential feature of the Hindu Dharma or rule of life) . The ruling princes adopted other religious persuasions. Temples were neglected and even destroyed, and there was loss of Dharma the world over. Large numbers of people became Pdshandis (ascetics of the heretical sects).
Having seen these, God in his infinite mercy ordered Ananta Alvan (the great serpant Sesha who forms his bed generally) , to go into the world and re-establish the orthodox Hindu order by destroying heretics.
Ananta in due submission to the order thus delivered, came down on earth and was born in Bhutapuri (Sri Perum Pudur) near Madras in the Tondamandalam division of the Tamil country as the son of a Kesava Somayaji of the Harita Gdtra in the year of Kali 4118, Salivahana Saka 938 past, the year Pingala, month Chaitra and the nakshatra Ardra.
This was Ramanuja. He acquired expert acknowledge in all the Sastras in course of time and mastered the Veda of Sanskrit and Tamil completely, and, having defeated all the teachers of the heretical sects, he re-established the orthodox teaching of Vaishnavism and had settled down in the holiest of the holy Vaishnava temples, Srlrangam.
In this state of -affairs it happened that in Vengadam the Vaikhanasas (followers of the Vaikhanasa agama) who were entrusted with the conduct of the worship in the temple there, failed in their duty, and, having been punished by the local ruler, Yadavaraja of Narayanavaram, quitted the place and emigrated elsewhere.
While in this manner the more elderly Vaikhanasa Vaishnavas had left the place, and as there were not, among those that stayed behind, people sufficiently learned in the Vaikhanasa way of life (Dharma), some of the Saivas near about took the opportunity to prejudice the Yadava Raja , against the Vaikhanasa Vaishitavas gradually.
Therefore they urged that in this temple everything would have to be conducted according to the prescription for worship laid down in the Saiva Agamas.
Having heard this, the Yadavaraja began to ponder seriously over the matter, and, having known that for some considerable period of time the place was regarded as a Vaishnava holy place and that worship was being conducted by the Vaishnavas according to the Vaikhdnasa Agama, he thought he should not commit himself to any course of action without proper investigation, notwithstanding what the Saivas urged.
The Vaishnavas that were left in Tirupati feeling themselves not competent to discuss with the Saivas on equal terms gave a detailed report of what took place to Rarnanuja then in residence in Srirangam.
On receipt of this information Ramanuja set forward immediately from Srirangam. Having reached Tirupati, he intimated the Yadavaraja of his arrival and offered to explain satisfactorily all the objections that the Saivas put forward against Tirupati being regarded a Vaishnava shrine, and prove to the satisf action, of the Yadavaraja, on the authority of the Sastras, that Venkatachala was the hill of Vishnu and remove his doubt in regard to the matter. He informed the Raja he undertook the journey from Srirangam specially with a view to this.
Having been thus assured, the Yadavaraja brought together a great assembly of learned men both from among the Saivas and from the Vaishnavas, and having brought them together proposed the subject for their discussion in the proper form.
The Saivas stated that Kumarasvami obtained his father’s (Siva’s permission and arrived at Venkatagiri (Tirupati) and set up to perform his penance on the bank of a holy tank, according to Vamana Parana. There standing, with his feet touching the ground, on the south bank of the Svami Pushkarinj wearing a coiffure of matted Igcks and keeping aside the warlike weapons as unsuitable to an ascetic, Skanda shows himself in the form of an image to enable people to offer him worship and thus fulfil their cherished
Note: This has been taken and reproduced as it is from the book ” Sri Venkatachala Itihasamala ” for informational and educational purpose only. The website has in no way modified and has not included its views in this article.
(Courtesy: Sri Venkatachala Itihasamala, Tirumalai Tirupati Devastanam Series (1937); Edited by: Rajasevasakta Bahadur Dr. S Krishnaswami Aiyangar)
Legend of Tirumala Leave a comment
Legend of Tirumala |
Long long ago their was a quarrel between Adisesha (Cosmic 7 hooded serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines) & Vayu (Air god). The argument was, who was more powerful among the two. So they finally decided to test it physically. Adisesha would encircle and hold Mount Meru (Sacred mountain) & Vayu would use his air power to shake it. If the mountain shakes, then Adisesha would loose the fight, else Adisesha wins. The fight began & Vayu used all his power and blew the air on the mountains. Adisesha opened his wide 7 hooded head and blocked the air effortlessly. This continued for very long time. Vayu then drew all the air from earth to push, and thus creating a breathless situation on earth. So Narada went near Adisesha and said, All know who is strong, now if You don’t let Vayu shake the mountain, all the living beings on earth will die. Adisesha then realized and felt that his Lord Narayana will not be pleased by his act and then slightly loosened the grip. Seizing the opportunity, Vayu blew the mountain which uprooted and made it fly over millions of miles.
While that mountain was been air lifted, some rock fell on the particular place on earth. That rocks are said to be as sacred as the Lord’s idol itself. Since Mount Meru is very sacred. That stones fell on the place which we now know as Tirumala. This laid the foundation for the most sacred place on earth. Miracles of that holy place, & sacredness of that place is mentioned in many puranas. Even King Dasharatha is said to have done tapasya on this hills to get a son on the suggestions of sage Vasista. The hills appeared as a Big jewel in the area, bright shining like a Trillion diamond studded hills.
Even the descending of Lord Vishnu on earth too has a vast background. Lord Vishnu took birth as a human being in Trethayuga as the son of King Dasharatha. We all know what happened & why Lord Rama was sent to Vanavasam. During their stay in Panchavati, Ravana wanted to kidnap Sita and planned a trick. When Mareechi took a form of a golden deer, Lord Rama went to bring it back. After a long time, painful voice of Lord Rama was heard from deep inside the forest. Sita Devi insisted Lakshmana to go and assist his elder brother. Lakshmana drew a line on the sand around the hermit chanting Agni Mantra. This line is what we know as Lakshmana Rekha. Unwanted devil or bad persons or animals that enters the line will burn to ashes. When Lakshmana left, Ravana appeared as sage and begged for food. Sita came near and to pour the fruits in his hand bag, but Ravana snatched Sita devi. A brilliant light and fire came in between, since Ravana was a great demon he could withstand the glaze. Ravana then kidnapped Sita Devi and took to his palace in SriLanka. But something quick happened in-between the brilliant glaze of fire. Agni- the fire god exchanged Vedavathi in place of Sita & took the real Sita to his home. Sita devi then stayed in Agni’s home like a Daughter in her native. Vedavathi who was look alike Sita was in Lanka bearing all the pain.
Lord Rama won the battle against Ravana & Vibhishana was made the King of Lanka. Vibhishana gave his first order as a king to Release mother Sita with full respect. For a shocker of life, Lord Rama said to arrange the Agni Pareeksha for Sita to prove her chaste. But infact Lord Rama knew about Sita staying in Agni’s home. But to show it to the World, Lord ordered the Fire test. When Sita (Vedavathi) jumped in a big fire, God Agni appeared with two Sita’s. All except Lord Rama were stunned. Agni said what happened to all, & requested Lord Rama to accept Vedavathi too as his Wife. Even Sita devi too agreed for this proposal of Agni. Lord Rama said, in his Life he will marry only once & promised Vedavathi that he will wed her in Kaliyuga.
This promise had to be kept & Lord descended on earth to Marry Padmavathi (Vedavathi), who was found born on a thousand petal lotus to King Akasharaja.
Bringing Lord on earth was not so easy. When the Dark age known as Kaliyuga began, people started to tell lies, steal money and used to indulge in more and more unfaithful and harmful ways of life. Lord Brahma knew only if Lord Vishnu makes a permanent adobe on Earth, nothing can help mankind from total distruction. So Brahma called upon his son Narada and said to make arrangement so that Lord Vishnu will stay on Earth till the end of Kaliyuga. Narada a unmarried sage who is known for his brilliant tricky talks and his unmatched devotion on Lord Vishnu, thought with Lord Vishnu’s Blessings he can accomplish this task. He first decided to go the best possible holy men residing place known as Naimisharanyam.
Here at a place few holy sages had gathered to perform a Sacrifice or Yagna to please the Gods & bless all the creatures on earth. The yagna was going on smoothly until Sage Narada appeared. Narada was welcomed and was made to sit on a higher platform than all the sages since he is a divine person. Narada with a pleasing smile said, “I am very happy to see such holy sages performing a great Sacrifice. I am really blessed to be here. But I am very curious to know to which god you are offering your sacrifice”. This stunned all the sages present and all were dumbstruck. Narada again broke the silence and said, I am sure you holy men know to which god to offer the fruits of yagna. But all decide and offer to only one god who can fulfill all your needs. Now you tell among the Trimurthis (Brahma, Vishnu & Maheshwara) to whom are you offering such great yagna phalam. If you all don’t have a common answer, then their is no point of continuing the yagna. Better to stop it here.
Some sages started to discuss among the seated near to them in low voice. Apparently some were getting angry on Narada for causing confusion in the middle. Some Sages made firm voice and said that Lord Brahma who created the entire universe should be the sole recipient of the Yagna Phalam. Some sages said, Its Lord Vishnu, because he is the one who sustains life, and sustaining life is more important than creating Life. Some sages pointed out, Lord Shiva is the best option since he removes the life from the ageing body, and without him the entire planet would be full of people. Rest of the sages were so confused that they didn’t speak at all. Narada who was listening to all said, why don’t you holy men find out who is the best among the Trimurthis to receive your offerings. For this you have to test the Gods. All the sages fell on Narada’s feet and begged not to push them in the fire. Testing Gods is not a simple task. All requested Narada to say a plan to find out who is the best among the Trimurthis.
Narada as usual smiling said, Holy men, don’t be disturbed by my Suggestion. You all have to test the Trimurthis. Infact you are doing such great sacrifice, you have all rights to test them. Now all go and request Brighu Maharishi to test the Gods. He is the only person on the Planet now who has the power to test them. Brighu was a very great personality. He was having a invisible Gyananetra ( Knowledge eyes) in his right feet. Brighu was also known for his high bad temper. Brighu was so powerful with his meditation or tapasya he could create a separate universe by himself. He was a normal sage but would get very angry for the slightest mistake. All the sages knew this and approached very cautiously. Brighu was briefed about the situation and suggestion of Narada.
Brighu was shocked and said, I respect your wish and honor the words of Narada. I know what I am going to be if I make a mistake. I am ready to sacrifice my life for you all. But know one thing, Testing Gods is like holding a live coal in hand to know how hot it is. I leave now towards the heavens and get you the answer.
Brighu left the earth and was thinking all his way, how can I test the Gods, or whom to approach first. Brighu felt to test Brahma who was the creator of the Universe. Sure he would be the best. Without the permission of Brahma no one could enter his adobe. Brighu came to the doors of BrahmaLoka and called upon Lord Brahma with folded hands and requested for the entry. Brahma who was having 4 heads was Meditating upon Lord Vishnu on one head, Listening to his consort Saraswathi Devi playing a musical instrument (Veena), on the third head was talking to all the Devathas present their and was ordering them certain works. And with his fourth head was indulged in writing fate of the humans. Infact he was totally occupied. But Brahma pretended that he didn’t hear Brighu calling. Brighu was standing and calling for days & months.
When 3 months was over, the temper inside Brighu sparked and Brighu shouted, Oh Lord Brahma You want to show your Kingly status to me. Your mind is full of Rajoguna. You don’t have the courtesy to atleast let me inside Brahma Loka. You should be punished for your act. Soon Brighu took some water from his Kamandala (small water container) and cursed Brahma that, on Earth you will not be seen or worshiped. Soon Brighu left the Brahma Loka & went to Kailasa which is the dwelling place of Lord Shiva.
Kailasa parvath or Mountains is said to be a icy hills which housed millions of shivagana which include, demigods, demons & humans (Sages). When Brighu went their, it was pin drop silence. No one was in the mountains except Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvathi. Lord Shiva and Parvathi were indulged in enjoying their senses. Brighu waited for about 6 months. Still Lord Shiva didn’t see Brighu. Brighu entered the place and Shiva was so angry & shouted, you are a great sage, and you don’t have common sense not to enter the place where Husband and wife are alone. Brighu’s anger again reached its peak and Brighu shouted and cursed, you both being Father & Mother to me, and Children can come and go any time. But still you are keen on enjoying your senses rather than addressing the son standing and waiting for you. You are full of Thamoguna (being proud of what he is). Let only your genitals be worshipped hereafter.
Brighu left kailasam and went towards Vaikuntam. Brighu just controlled his anger and started to think. Out of 3 two are disqualified. So now its decided that its Lord Vishnu who is fit to receive the fruits of the Yagna. Brighu again thought to give the harsh test to Vishnu and make him get angry. But nothing of that kind of plan flashed in Brighu’s mind. He decided to go and check the situation in Vaikuntam and plan.
On arriving at the doors of Vaikuntam, Brighu didn’t ask permission, and entered. Brighu saw Lord Vishnu casually reclining and Goddess Lakshmi gently pressing Lord’s feet. Brighu without evening calling Lord just went and kicked hard on Lord Vishnu’s chest with his right leg. The Lords Chest which is known as the dwelling place of Goddess Lakshmi. And Lakshmi Devi is Lords very favorite. Lord woke up without angry on his face but just a usual mild smile.
Lord Vishnu said: Oh great sage, My body has become pure from the dust of your holy feet. Kindly forgive me for not noticing your arrival. You have given me the right punishment for not noticing. My hard body would have caused pain in your legs. Please command me what can I do as a apology to my mistake.
Brighu who in heart felt sorry for what he has done, still pretended to be angry and said in hard voice: Press my feet to relax the pain.
Lord who knew all these pressed the Right foot gently. When Brighu relaxed Lord Vishnu pressed and removed the Gyananetra from his right leg which was a blockage in Sages path from achieving much great position. After the pain of squeezing eyes was relaxed, Brighu fell on Lord’s feet and begged for his forgiveness. Brighu said he has done the greatest sin a living being can do. Lord Vishnu said: You have done nothing wrong. All the act you have done is for LokaKalyanam (Wellbeing of all). I have forgiven all your mistakes. Now go to Naimisharanyam where all are waiting for your arrival.
Brighu was very happy with the test results and went back to earth. Here in Vaikuntam it was a totally opposite scene. Lakshmi devi felt very embarrassed by the act of her husband who instead of cursing and burning that sage in to ashes, pressed his legs and blessed him. Lakshmi devi felt she must not stay in the place where she is not given respect. When Lord Vishnu asked why she was so upset, Lakshmi poured her anger on Lord. Lord with smile said: Dear, Brighu is our son, he didn’t mean to hurt or insult you. He came here on a mission he had accepted. All this is for LokaKalyanam. You being the mother of all creation must not feel bad for what the child does. Brighu kicked me like a baby kicks his father while playing.
Lakshmi devi didn’t listen to anything and said, I am leaving Vaikuntam and will not return. I cant stay where I was insulted. You and your son stay here. Immediately Lakshmi devi left Vaikuntam. She settled in a place called a Khollapuram ( Kollapur in Maharastra ). As soon as she left Vaikuntam, the entire charm and glitter of Vaikuntam faded. It looked like a barren place. Lord Vishnu couldn’t bear the separation from Lakshmi. He felt very dishearten and dull. Lord said, Where there is no Lakshmi in Vaikuntam, I too will not stay in Vaikuntam. I will go to earth and bring her back. With bare hands without any weapons and comfort clothing Lord descended on earth.
This is the moment when Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntam and descended on earth which Lord Brahma had suggested. All by the plans of great sage Narada. Legend says Lord Vishnu placed his first foot on earth on the hills of Narayanagiri in Tirumala. For the arrival of Lord the Nature had carved a Shila Thoranam or natural Stone arc which is about 2500 million years old as per the ASI dept. Nature has carved Shanka, Chakra, Garuda, Tirunamam & many similar images. The entire image is a masterpiece of natural architecture. We find many stone arch around the world. But nothing is much older or atleast to the age of these stones.
When Brighu arrived at Naimisharanyam and said what had happened in all the Three places, the present sages were overwhelmed with joy. They decided to offer all the future yagna phalam to Lord Vishnu only. So we even today after every Havana say “……Karomi yagnath sakalam purasmai Sriman Narayanayethi samarpayami”.
Lord when came on earth lost all his glamour and looked like a normal human being. Lord started experiencing thirst, pain, hunger & sleep. Lord roamed on the Tirumala hills for a long time and decided to take shelter under a anthill. Goddess Lakshmi who left Vaikuntam sat under a huge tree in Khollapuram and started to meditate. Seeing the condition of Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva decided to at least provide some food to the Lord. Both went to Lakshmi Devi and said the situation and explained their plan. Lord Shiva would become the Cow & Brahma would become the calf. Goddess Lakshmi would become a Cowherd women and sell them to the King of that area.
The divine cowherd women with the divine cow and calf came near the Queen to sell them. Lakshmi Devi advertized the good quality of the cow breed & said its milk is very tasty. Both will be like a moon among the stars in their cow shed. Queen was very attracted by their physic and appearance. Queen decided to buy but Lakshmi devi just said to give 2 pieces of raw turmeric sticks as the price. So the deal was done. Queen ordered the royal cowherd to take special care of the cow and calf and keep them in good condition and send the milk separately to her.
The royal cowherd was very happy with the divine cow’s inclusion. Everyday he used to take them to Venkatachala hills (Tirumala hills) for grazing. The divine cow would separate itself from the rest of the herd & sneak the way thru the thick forest and used to pour its entire milk on the opening in the anthill. Lord Vishnu would drink it to quench his thirst and hunger. This happened for many days. Queen who was expecting the milk from the divine cow didn’t receive any till date. She called the royal cowherd and said, he was drinking the divine cow’s milk by himself & cheating the Queen. Queen said, if tomorrow he fails, his head would be removed. The frightened cowherd decided to keep a tight vigil and watch its every movement the next day.
The divine cow as usual separated itself and went into the forest. Even the cowherd also went behind it. He was surprised to notice the miracle. He immediately went to the royal court and said. King & he both came to the place. Both were surprised to see the cow pouring the entire breastful of milk into the tiny opening of the anthill. King ordered to break the anthill, & the cowherd who had axe with him came forward to hit. The divine cow obstructed, the king said to kill the cow first for blocking the way. When the cowherd raised his axe to hit, just in nick of time, it disappeared & the falling axe broke the anthill & hit the Lord on his forehead. Immediately the King & the cowherd became ghosts. King for ordering to kill the cow & the cowherd for hitting Lord. Both begged for forgiveness. The ever pleasing Lord said, Once he gets married both will be released from the curse and go to heavens.
Bleeding Lord with huge pain went in search of some water and medication. A distance from their was a tiny temple of AdiVaraha Swami. Their was a holy old lady named Vakulamalika (Vakuladevi). Lord came near the Temple & Vrahaswami knew who was coming. So Vrahaswami instructed Vakula to take care of the person who is bleeding & treat him as her son. She took the Lord to her hut and medicated him for the wound and gave him fruits to eat. She also named Lord seeing the big mole on his right chest as Srinivasa.
Vakulamalika was Yashodha in her previous birth in Dwaparayuga. She was the care taking Mother of Lord Krishna. Yashodha was very fond of Krishna & in that period Lord Krishna married eight times. None of the Marriages were performed in front of her or she didn’t see any of Lord Krishna’s Marriage. During the Last moments of her life, Lord asked what is she wants, She didn’t see any of his marriage and that was the saddest part of her life. Lord promised that in next Yuga (Kaliyuga) she will be the sole in charge of his marriage & entire marriage arrangements would be made by her. To keep up that promise and to see the marriage of Lord Krishna in Kaliyuga Vakulamalika took birth.
Both mother and son, Vakula & Srinivasa were very happy with the wonderful surroundings & tasty food prepared by Vakula. Lord everyday would roam casually around the forest and come back before dark. One day Lord decided to go for hunting. Vakula at once refused but on insisting she agreed half heartedly. She decorated Srinivasa like a hunter man and sent him and said to watch around carefully for wild animals. Srinivasa while roaming reached near the Palace of King Akasharaja. Their he saw beautiful princess playing with her friends. Their immediately from nowhere a wild big tusker appeared and started to chase the playing princess. Princess was chased by the elephant and she screamed for help. Soon Lord came to her rescue & held the elephant by its talk and stopped it.
The elephant with pain bowed and went back running into the deep forest. Both Lord and Princess saw each other for the first time. Both fell in deep love on one another. Soon the playmates of Princess came to the scene. They noticed a dark tall hunter man looking at their friend princess without blinking the eyes. Even Princess too was in the same stage. One of the playmates shouted, who are you, why did you come here? Don’t you know this is a Royal area and you would be punished for coming here? Nothing went into Srinivasa’s ears. He was totally out of his mind seeing the Princess. Srinivasa with a soft tone asked, what is your name? to the Princess. With a cute smile Princess said, She is Padmavathi, the daughter of King Akasharaja.
The playmates said to leave the place at once to Srinivasa. Suddenly Lord Proposed Padmavathi for Marriage. All the playmates started to tease Srinivasa saying, You need a princess for marriage. You are just a hunter. But again Lord expressed his desire. Padmavathi was happy in her heart and mind but couldn’t express her feelings. The playmates then decided to chase the man out of the area and started throwing stones on him. The stones hurt Lord all around the body. This stone pelting on Lord was because, Lord in Dwaparayuga as Krishna had threw stones on Gopikas. They too were hurt. So in this life they took back the revenge. And the Princess Padmavathi is none other than Vedavathi in Trethayuga.
Lord Srinivasa returned to the hut, & Vakula was shocked to see the wounds on his body. Vakula asked did any animal trouble you, did you fall, please tell me what happened? Lord then said all the things which happened and said, without marrying Padmavathi he cannot be alrite. Vakula then promised that she would go to the palace with his marriage proposal very soon. Day by day the Srinivasa was restless and was not even eating or sleeping properly. Vakula thought in one or two days he will forget. But it started to deepen more and more. Even the scene in Akasharaja’s palace was similar. Here Padmavathi was too behaving the same. Both always were thinking of each other.
Finally Vakula decided to take the proposal of marriage to king. Lord knew it was not a easy task. So before Vakula reached the palace, Lord transformed himself as a sooth saying women & went near the Palace. She was immediately invited into the palace by the Queen to ask for the remedy for the sadness of the Princess. The soothsayer said, she is in love with a handsome tall dark young guy in the forest & she wish to marry him. His mother might anytime bring the proposal to the marriage. Queen said to stop the rubbish saying and ordered to leave the palace at once.
Even King Akasharaja too heard the soothsayer’s words. Akasharaja remembered: The just born baby was laying on the 1000 petal Lotus in Padma Sarovara. He had bought that child and adopted it. Narada had come to see the baby and made some predictions. Narada said to Akasharaja that, The child was very fortunate & the Lines in her hand look similar to the lines on the hands of Goddess Lakshmi in Vaikuntam. The padma Rekha was very strong and to name the child as Padmavathi. Narada also said that, She will marry Lord Vishnu. Narada also said to keep this information for himself.
King was pleased to feel that the divine moment of handing over the daughter’s hand in marriage to Lord Vishnu is approaching. He was knew who will become his Son in Law. As said by Narada he couldn’t say that to anyone else. Vakula reached the Palace gate and sent her message to meet the King. Vakula was thinking that she will be dishonored and sent back. But King sent command to bring her with full respect and honor. She was offered a seat and the King requested her purpose of visit. Vakula said: My adopted Son Srinivasa had seen your daughter in the royal gardens. From then he is willing to marry her.
King said: It’s a very nice proposal, but first my daughter has to agree. Only then the marriage is possible. Queen was shocked to see the act of the King. She immediately requested the King to come aside in the neighboring chamber and asked why he was giving the hands of the royal princess daughter to a hunter man. But King said, he knows what he is doing and said she will come to know what is the fact very soon.
Padmavathi was called on & she came in front of Vakula. King asked weather she had seen that hunter man & what about marrying him. Padmavathi with smile walked fast into her royal chamber. This was understood she is willing to be wedded with the Hunter man Srinivasa. The King was very happy and sent Vakula with Royal chariot to her hut. Lord who knew what all happened, pretended that he was eagerly waiting. He asked, Mother pleas tell me what happened? Did you see Padmavathi? Did the King agree for Marriage?
Vakula said what all happened and both were very happy. Vakula in few days received a formal marriage proposal from the bride side. The proposal also contained, Loads of jewels, cows, assistants, chariots, and much more. Vakula said to Lord, Dear son, we too should send something after accepting the proposal. We must not send back bear handed. Do some arrangements for money needed for marriage. Lord then decided to take loan from the King of riches called Kubera.
The agreement is written very nicely in Venkatachala Mahatyam.
RnagrAhi Srinivasa DhanadayE DhaneshwaraHa
AtmakAryam Nimithuntu kaLyAnArtha
KalauyugE VaisakhE shukLa
sapThamyAm VilanbE CaivavatsarE
Means: Lord Srinivasa is the Borrower
Kubera is the money lender
Borrowing for the Personal reasons of marriage in kaliyuga
on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaisakha, in the Vilambi nama Samvatsara.
NishkANAm RAmamudrANAm LakshAnica Caturdasa
Dravyam Datham DhanEsEna VriDhigrahaNakAraNAt
Samvridhi Diditsata Moolam SvEkrtam ChakrapANinA
Means: Lord of Riches Kubera gives 14 Lakh Niskas (Gold coins) minted with Ramamudra. Loan given by Kubera for earning interest & Lord Chakrapani having agreed to pay the Moolam (principal) & interest.
VivAhavarsha MAracya sahasrAntE Dhanam punaha
Datavyam YaksharajAya SrinivasEna sAngiNa
Means: After Marriage year & end of thousand years after marriage, Lord Srinivasa shall repay the loan amount to yaksharaja Kubera
Ekaha sAkshE caturvaktrO Dviteeyastu TrilOcanaha
triteeyO Saktyarajastu Vethi Sarvamidam Drudam
IdyEtaRnapatram tu SrinivasO Likhatsvayam
Means: First witness for the Loan is 4 faced Brahma, Second is 3 eyed Shiva & the third witness is King of Trees Ashwatha. The entire agreement was written by Lord himself under the Ashwatha tree near Swami Pushkarni.
……………… will add more