Many of us must have visited the abode of the Lord Venkateswara at Tirupathi more than once and continue to remain blessed by Him. My present attempt is to high light some of the important events which made this holy town a place to reckon with in history. Let us begin with the Puranik events which led to the Lord come down to earth to marry Padmavathi Thaayar. The Lord here is also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, Venkata Ramana, Timmappa and Govinda.
Adi Varaha Kshetram - Beginning of Swetha Varaha Kalpam:
During the beginning of the present Swetha Varaha Kalpa, at the approach of night (of Brahma), Vayu, the Wind God, blew furiously. Huge clouds were formed, there was torrential rain, and it resulted in Pralaya (the Great Deluge). The Earth sank into the Patala loka, and remained in that state for a thousand years. Shri Maha Vishnu, wanted to rescue the Earth. He assumed the form of Adi Varaha and proceeded to Pataloka. He fought a fierce duel with demon Hiranyaksa and killed him. He then slashed the waters and brought up the Earth on his tusks.
Brahma, the Devas and the Sages praised Adi Varaha, chanting Vedic mantras. They prayed to Him to re-establish the Earth as before. Adi Varaha obliged them, and called upon Brahma to recreate the world. He expressed his desire to reside on the Earth to protect its people. He commanded his vehicle, Garuda to fetch Kridachala Hill from Vaikuntam. Garuda accordingly brought Kridachala and deposited it on a sacred spot (to the East of Swami Pushkarini) chosen by Adi Varaha.
Brahma and the others requested Adi Varaha to rest on the hill to protect men and grant boons to people. Adi Varaha appeared with four arms and a white face (Swetha Varaha), accompanied by Bhu Devi (Goddess of Earth), to grant the prayers of men. The holy place came to be known as Venkadathri Hills.
Meeting of Sages in Dwapara Yuga:
The events that lead to the divine marriage started in Dwapara Yuga, when on the banks of the sacred Saraswati River, there was a confluence of famous Sages for conducting a Yagna. Saint Narada joined the gathering and wanted to make full use of this gathering for laying the foundation for an important future event. He started a debate on "Who is the best among the trinity gods, Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiva?". The debate went on and on for a very long time but with no result. The assembly of sages finally entrusted the decision to Bhrigu Rishi, the best among the sages, to declare the winner.
A few words about Bhrigu at this point. Sage Brighu is one of the Sapthrishis created by Lord Brahma. Since Lord Shiva also is believed to have come out of Brahma, Sage Bhrigu is considered the brother of Lord Shiva. His descendants are called Bhargava's. He had his ashram Bhrigu Kutch somewhere in Rajasthan region, now known as Bharuch. Bhrigu's wife, Khyati, is the daughter of Daksha Prajapathi. Goddess Lakshmi is said to be born to Sage Bhrugu as Bhargavi. Sukracharya, the guru of Asuras is one of the sons of sage Bhrigu. One of his descendants was sage Jamadagni, who in turn was the father of sage Parashurama, considered an avatar of Vishnu. Sage Bhrigu was blessed with a third eye which was place in his foot. He was highly egoistic because of this third eye.
Sage Bhrigu decided to finalise the winner after a surprise personal visit to the gods to find out their temperament. Sage Bhrigu first went to Satya Loka (the abode of Lord Brahma). There, he found Brahma reciting the four Vedas with his four heads in praise of Lord Narayana, while goddess Sarasvati was busy attending to Brahma. Both of them did not notice Bhrigu offering obeisance. Bhrigu was thoroughly dissatisfied and concluding that Brahma was unfit for worship, Bhrigu left for Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Upon reaching Kailasa, the Rishi found Shiva indulging in love with Parvathi Devi and did not notice the Rishi's arrival. After Parvathi's gestures, Lord Shiva was furious at the intrusion by the sage into his privacy and was about to destroy him. Parvathi intervened and Bhrigu left Kailasa, after cursing Shiva for his rude behaviour and left for Shri Vaikuntham, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Vishnu was resting at that time on Adisesha with goddess Mahalakshmi attending to Him. Finding that Vishnu also did not notice him, the sage was infuriated and he kicked the Lord on His chest, the place where Mahalakshmi resides.
Vishnu woke up, greeted Bhrigu, and starting massaging his feet, asked him if he had hurt his feet in kicking His chest. In the process, Vishnu destroyed the third eye of Bhrigu that was on his feet, symbolizing his ignorance and ego, and, as soon as it was destroyed, Bhrigu was aware of his egotic outbursts with extreme pain. He begged forgiveness of Vishnu, who readily forgave him. He then declared Vishnu to be the greatest among the Trimurti, the triumvirate of gods. The group of Rishis thereupon decided that Shri MahaVishnu was the fruit of the Yaga and sacrifice was offered to Him (Vishnu).
(End of the event but beginning of a great re-union of Vishnu with Lakshmi).
Meantime, Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, grew angry at Vishnu because He did not punish Bhrigu when the letter kicked Vishnu's chest, the vakshasthala, Her residence. She left Her abode in Vaikuntam, came to earth and reached present day Kolhapur and started meditating on Lord Vishnu.
Brahma and Lord Shiva hatch a Plan:
After the departure of Mahalakshmi, Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntha in desperate search for Her but could not locate Her. He took his abode in an ant-hill on the Venkata Hill under a tamarind tree beside a Pushkarini. Saint Narada, upon seeing Vishnu's plight, approached the gods Brahma and Shiva for help.
Brahma and Mahesvara, taking pity on the condition of Vishnu, made up their mind to assume the forms of a cow and its calf to serve him. The Sun God informed Mahalakshmi of this and requested her to assume the form of a female cowherd and sell the divine cow and calf to the king of the Chola country. Lakshmi agreed to the plan.
The king of the Chola country bought the cow and asked his head of cattle to take care. Daily the cow & the calf were sent to graze on the Venkata Hill. Discovering Lord Vishnu in the ant-hill, the cow everyday emptied her udder over the ant-hill and thus fed the Lord. Finding that the cow did not yield any milk, the Chola Queen chastised the cowherd severely. To find out the cause of the disappearance of the milk, the cowherd one day followed the cow, hid himself in a bush and discovered the cow emptying her under over the ant-hill.
Getting wild over the conduct of the cow, being ignorant, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. But the God rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow. The axe hit the Lord on His forehead and the blood mark became the symbol "Namam" on the forehead of His devotees. The Lord cursed the cowherd for trying to kill a cow. The axe then hit the cowherd and he fell down dead.
On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned bellowing to the presence of the Chola King with blood stains over her body. To find out the cause of the terror of the cow, the Chola King followed her to the scene of the incident. Near the ant-hill, the King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground.
While he stood wondering how it had happened, the Lord rose from the ant-hill and the king, without realising this, started shooting arrows upon the Lord. The Lord cursed the king to become an Asura for this act. Entreated by the king who pleaded innocence, the Lord blessed him by saying that His curse would end when He was adorned with the Kireetam (Crown) presented by Akasa Raja at the time of His marriage with Shri Padmavati.
Vishnu Meets Varaha Swami:
Vishnu thus became homeless and was badly hurt by the axe. He wandered on the hill looking for some herbs to cure himself. On the way He met Varahaswami, who owned the Hill. The Lord asked Varaha Swami permission to reside on these hills, to which He was told that according to the laws of the Kali Yuga, accommodation could be rented out, but not given free, so the Lord would have to pay for staying on these hills. Since goddess Lakshmi had deserted him, lord Vishnu had lost all his wealth and prosperity, and there was nothing he could offer Varaha Swamy as rent. However, he asked Varaha Swamy to give him the place under one condition – all devotees coming to visit the Lord in future would have to visit Varaha Swamy first and make their offerings to him. This would be the rent due to him. Only after these offerings were made, would the Lord accept the offerings given to him. An agreement was thus made out and the Lord stayed there. Varaha Swamy allowed His maid, Vakula Devi, to attend on the Lord's injured forehead. Vakula Devi took care of the Lord, like a foster mother and named Him as Srinivasa. She fully cured Him and fed Him well.
Story of Vakula Devi:
During Dwapara Yuga, Mother Yasoda brought up Shri Krishna, the son of Devaki, in his early years. Yasoda was not blessed to witness the marriage of Shri Krishna with Rukmini and she felt very sad. Shri Krishna, understood this and promised to fulfil her desire in her next birth as Vakula Devi in his next Avatar as Srinivasa. Thus Vakula devi came to serve Srinivasa as sent by Lord Varaha Swami as Srinivasa's foster mother.
Even today, the daily Prasad prepared for Lord Venkateswara is first offered to Vakula Devi, whose idol is kept in the kitchen area and then only it is sent to Lord's gharbagraham to be offered to Him as neivedyam.
Story of Vedavati:
In Tretha Yuga, Vedavati, the daughter of Brahmarishi Kusadhvaja,, wanted to marry Vishnu. She went into severe penance to please Vishnu. But Vishnu, will not be impressed so easily. When Ravana saw Vedavati, he tried to take her forcefully as his wife. Vedavati, finding no way out, invoked the Fire God (Agni Dev) and submitted herself to her. She cursed Ravana that his death would happen because of her. She also cursed him that if he ever tried to force another women to his submission, his head would burst into pieces.
Later when Ravana came to abduct Sita, Agni Dev appeared in the kitchen and swapped Sita with Vedavati (who took the form of Sita to fool everyone). It was Vedavati (better known as Swaha after submitting herself to Agni Dev) who stayed years under a tree, eating and sleeping under heat, cold and rain and still didn't run away or submitted to Ravana to escape the uncomfortability. This was some kind of penance which generally impresses Vishnu.
During the Agni-Pariksha, when Agni Dev swapped Vedavati with the original Sita, Sita described Vedavati’s hardships to her husband. Also Sita, gave the permission to Ram to marry her. But Rama had promised Sita earlier that he will not have any wife other than Sita. Rama promised to marry Vedavati in her next birth as Padmavati, born as the daughter of Akasaraja when he will take the form of Srinivasa. Thus, Vedavati wish remained unfulfilled and Vishnu had to fulfil it before the current “Yuga cycle” ends.
A king named Akasa Raja, who belonged to the Lunar race, was ruling over Thondamandalam, and was the King of Narayanapuram, a kingdom at the foothill of Seshachala mountains. Akasa Raja had no issues for a long time and wanted to perform a sacrificial yagna for obtaining an offspring. A plot of land was chosen by the pandits for performing the yagna. While the men were ploughing the ground in preparation for the sacrifice, a golden box was found, which was taken to the king. Inside it was a golden lotus with a small baby girl on it. The king was thrilled and was very happy to find a child even before he performed a sacrifice and gave it to his Queen to tend it. At that time he heard an aerial voice which said “O King, tend it as your child and fortune will befall you”. As she was found in a lotus, the king named her Padmavati. In course of time, Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was attended by a host of maids. She was a beautiful and gifted child, who learnt and mastered all the arts. As Padmavati grew older, she became more beautiful and talented, and the king and queen worried about her marriage. They were unable to find a single prince or king even half-way equivalent to her. One day Saint Narada came to the Kingdom and met the king. He foretold that Padmavati was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu Himself and that the Lord would soon approach the king in this regard.
The Divine Marriage:
Temple Structure
As soon as we enter the Paid kavali Maha Dwara, we can find the majestic Dwajasthambam, grandly clad in golden plates. Click the link below to have a Dharshan of this entrance
-The nest entrance after the flagstaff is called the ‘Vendi-Vakili, the Silver Entrance’. This is also known as ‘Nadimipadi Kavali’. This is the second entrance leading to the Sanctum Sanctorum. Inscriptions say that the construction of the fortifications of this second entrance was started in the 12th century and completed in the 13th century. The doors of this entrance were silver plated on October 1st 1929 A.D. by Sriram Dwarakadas Pharabhani, belonging to Nizam estate. Inscriptions in Hindi and English are found on this entrance.
-As soon as we enter the temple through the second silver door, we can witness Sri Ranganadha resting on Adisesha (serpent). There are small gold plated idols of Sri Varadaraja Swami and Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami on the upper and lower sides of Sri Ranganadha. The angapradakshina commences from here, moves round the Vimana Pradakshinam and comes to an end here. It is said that the Lord loves the devotees doing ‘Porlu dandalu’ and grants them their wishes.
-Beyond the silver door, the path which circumambulates the main gopura of Ananda Nilaya is known as ‘Vimana Pradakshina’. Early, at the pre-dawn hour, while Suprabhata seva is performed to the Lord, devotees make Anga Pradakshina (rolling one’s body in humility all round the temple as a religious vow). Hence, it is also called Angapradakshina marg. In this pathway one can witness Sri Ranganadha just opposite to the silver entrance, Sri Varadaraja Swami temple, main kitchen, golden well, Ankurarpana Mandapam, Yagasala, Nanala (coins) Parakamani, Notla (Paper notes) Parkamani, Almyrah of Sandal Sreeranganathudu Vendi Vakili paste (Chandanapu ara) darshan of Vimana Venkateswara, cell of records, Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu - the seat of Sri Ramanuja, the temple of Yoganarasimhaswami, Lords’s hundi and the seat of Vishvaksena. All the small temples in this path way are called ‘Chutttu Gullu’(Sub-shrines encircling the main shrine).
On either side of the third golden gate, there are Jaya and Vijaya, the chief guards of the Lord, holding a conch, a disc and a mace respectively. There is a ten feet high wooden grill around these statues. These two devout servants guard the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord round the clock. These are the two angels guarding the wealth and treasure of Lord Sri Venkateswara. The most important entrance for going into the sanctum sanctorum is this "Bangaru Vakili- the golden gate". Here, the stone frame of the entrance and the porches of Jaya - Vijaya on either side are gold plated and hence this name. At night these doors are closed methodically in a pre-conceived fashion. In the same way, they open this bolt from outside, in the morning. The pristine beauty of the Lord can be witnessed from this point.
-Abutting the main entrance Mahadwara and to its right, there is a high-rise mandapam (Porch). This is called Krishnadevarayalu Mandapam or Pratima Mandapam. This mandapam has been constructed in Vijayanagara architectural style. To the right side of this porch, one can find tall copper statues of the emperor of Vijayanagara kingdom, Sri Krishnadevarayalu and his two consorts, Tirumala Devi and Chinnadevi.
Historical evidence proves that this seva programme began to be performed in 1831. In Dolotsavam ritual, the Idols of the Lord Sri Venkateswara and His consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are seated on the Unjal or Swing in the Aina Mahal or Addala Mandapam, that is the Mirror Hall, opposite to the Ranganayaka Mandapam. The entire area is lit with Lamps (Sahasra deepalankara sea). During Dolotsavam ritual, the priests chant Vedas to the accompaniment of the Mangala Vadhyam or the Sacred Musical Instruments.
-On entering the precincts of the temple, one first encounters the circumambulation passage called ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam’, which is considered to be the primary one. Earlier Sampangi flower plants (gold flowers, Michelia Champaka) were grown in this pathway for decorating the Lord and hence, the name.
-Four pavilions in the four corners of ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam’ were built by Saluva Narasimha Raya in 1470 A.D. in the names of himself, his wife and his two sons.
-Earlier all wedding festivities of the Lord were celebrated at the pavilion in the ‘Vimana Pradakshinam’. With the increase in the number of the devotees attending the events, these festivities started being held for some time in Ranganayaka Mandapam. Now, the celestial wedding is performed in this Kalyanotsava Mandapam.
-‘Ugranam’ means Godown. All the pavilions on western side are now being used as store houses. The material used for the Lord’s ‘Puja’ and other rituals is now stored in the North-West corner of the ‘Sampangi Pradakshina’.
-As per the legend, Viraja, a sacred river of Vaikuntam flows below the lotus feet of the Lord. The well of water in the temple complex is believed to be a part of that holy river. This well is located in front of the Ugranam or store house. Idols are sculpted on the stones used for the inner walls of this well. Hence this well is called ‘toy well’ or ‘Bommala Baavi’.
-The temple kitchen is located in the route of Sampangi Pradakshinam. This kitchen is referred to as ‘Padi potu’. Sweets and savouries like laddoo, vada, appam, dosa, poli, sukhiya, jilebi, and so on, which are offered to the Lord are prepared here in large quantities. Following video explains the nature of prasadams offered to the Lord:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOiYP0MN6GM&list=PLs7vhhsu9u4SRwCf4tYWVdVvrRMo891p7&index=15
-To the East of this kitchen is the ‘Flower Chamber’. The flower chamber was earlier located in the ‘Sampangi Pradakshinam’. All the flowers used for the service of the Lord and other deities are supplied from this flower chamber, which is called ‘Yamunottarai’. This ‘flower chamber’ now stands shifted to ‘Vimana Pradakshinam’. Every morning and evening the Jiyyangars collect the flower garlands prepared in the flower chamber and carry them over their heads to the Lord, after circumambulating the flagstaff amidst blowing trumpets and umbrellas for shading. These flower garlands are presented to the Sanctum for performing the various rituals and poojas to the Lord.
-Just opposite and to the north of the flowers chamber is the ‘Pula Bavi- flower well’. All the used flowers after the worship of the Lord are deposited in this well.
-The long porch on the eastern side and adjacent to the ‘flower chamber’ is Vagapadi chamber. Offerings to the deity are prepared here thrice a day.
-In the Vimana Pradakshina pathway and at a distance of nine feet to the south of the silver door, is the Varadarajaswami temple. The idol is five feet high with a single pagoda over the shrine. Devotes have to go round this temple on their way to the Lord’s Darshan. The period in which this idol was installed is not known. It symbolises the glory of Varadaraja who is ever merciful and grants boons to the devotees!
-Lord Brahma, the Deva Ganas and Maharshis like Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumara wait for the darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara at the golden gate. Opposite to the golden gate, there is Garuda Mandapam.
-The pavilion that links the golden gate and the Garuda Mandapam is called ‘Ghanta Mandapam’ or ‘Mahamani Mandapam’. It was constructed in 1461 A.D. by Mallanna, a native of Chandragiri and minister in the Vijayanagara empire. ‘Garudalwar Mandir’ is also located just opposite to the golden gate in this Mandapam. To the south of the golden gate in this mandap, two big bells are suspended from a wooden log using iron chains. The Brahmin who rings this bell is called ‘Ghantapani’. The ringing of this bell denotes that it is time for the Lord to have his meal. Historical evidences say that whenever the emperor of Vijayanagara Empire camps at Chandragiri, the bell sounds are relayed to Chandragiri through intermediary bell porches for enabling the emperor to have his food thereafter. Because of these bells, this porch has become famous as ‘GhantaMandapam’. Keeping the legacy live, even today in Tirumala, many devotees have their food only after the bell stops ringing.
-Just opposite to the golden gate and facing the Lord there is a six feet high statue of Garuda saluting the Lord with folded hands. Every day at the pre-dawn hour, Suprabhatham is recited in the place between the golden gate and the statue of Garuda.
The Lord sitting on the golden throne in this mandapam, listens to the recital of almanac and the submissions of receipt and expenditure account of the previous day.
-The pavilion that you notice after crossing the golden gate is known as ‘Snapana Mandapam’. Every day after Thomala Seva, the idol of Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy is brought here and placed on the golden throne and his court is held. During this court, almanac is recited; the affairs of the day, the details of income and the expenditure of the previous day are reverentially presented to the Lord. The golden throne that is used during this court is stored in the adjacent grilled chamber.
-There are two rooms on either side of the golden door. In the right side room, the Hundi collections are kept. In the left side room, the Lord’s jewels that is, the crown, the conch, the chakra, necklaces made of diamonds, gems, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, topazes and so on are kept.
-Immediately crossing Snapana Mandapam, there is a very narrow passage, which is known as "Ramulavari Media-Lord Rama’s Mansion". There are two raised platforms on either side of this passage. Earlier, idols were kept on these platforms. At present these idols are placed inside the room.
-Seers point out that near Lord Venkateshwara’s inner sanctum lies idol of of Goddess Varalakshmi, who blesses all who fulfills vows made to Lord Balaji with riches, name and fame.
-There is a Sayana Mandapam, the bed-room of the Lord, near the sanctum sacrarium. There is a golden cot with silk mattress hung by silver chains on which the Lord can take rest.
-The entrance in front of the Lord is called Kulasekhara Padi. Kulasekhara was a Vaishnava devotee. He had made a humble request to the Lord, to transform him to a stone entrance in front of Lord so that he will have a glimpse of divine beauty every day.
-The spot where Lord Sri Venkateswara’s self-inducted statue is located in the Sanctum Sanctorum is called Ananda Nilayam. Earlier there used to be a Pradakshina (circumambulation) passage around this Ananda Nilayam. A wall was built around this sanctum and the Vimanam in between 1244 A.D. – 1250 A.D. Over a period of time, with the construction of Ananda Nilayam, Sayana Mandapam and Lord Rama’s Mansion, this passage around the Sanctum was closed.
Five kinds deities (Pancha Berams) for this purpose. They are,
2. Kautuka Beram – (Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy used for daily worship).
3. Snapana Beram – (Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murthy used for ablutions).
4. Bali Beram – (Sri Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy, the supervising deity for offering oblation to the secondary gods and goddesses of the temple).
5. Utsava Beram – (Sri Malayappa Swamy, the Processional Deity).
-Besides the above idols, there are many other idols in the Ananda Nilayam such as (i) Sri
Sudarshana Chakrattalwar, (ii) Sri Sita, Rama and Laxmana, (iii) Sri Rukmini and Sri Krishna, (iv) the retinue of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy such as (a)Anantha, (b)Vishwaksena (c)Garuthmantha, and (v) the retinue of Sri Rama, viz – (a)Sugreeva, (b)Angada, (c)Ajnapalaka Anjaneya Swami, etc.
-In Ananda Nilayam, the ever beautiful idol is that of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy. This silver idol was presented to the temple by a Pallava queen ‘Saama Vaayi’ (Perundevi) in 614 A.D. She rejoiced in decorating the idol with many ornaments. During the ‘Ekanta Seva’ at the end of the day, it is the privilege of Bhoga Srinivasa to go to bed on a silk mattress. During ‘Suprabhata Seva’ in the morning, this idol is removed from the silk mattress and kept at the foot of the main deity. That means, Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy acts as presiding deity since the main deity is huge and immovable.
-There is a popular anecdote regarding Malayappa Swami being made a processional deity in place of Ugra Sreenivasa Murthy. During the 13th century when Ugra Srinivasa Murthy was being taken in a procession, strange and disturbing incidents took place. Then all the devotees prayed to the Lord and sought his protection. Then the Lord voiced his words through a devotee and advised them not to use these idols for processions in future and told them to use other idols, which are available at a place called ‘Malayappa-Kona’. The priests searched that place and brought the idol of the Lord. As the idol was found in Malayappa Kona, the deity was called Malayappa Swami. While the idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara is agranite Swayambhu, Malayappa Swami’s idol is made of metal alloy - Panchaloha. After the main deity, Malayappa Swami has a special place of pride as he is considered as the processional diety - Utsava Murthy, of Lord Sri Venkateswara. It is a great feast to the eyes to see Malayappa Swami along with his consorts, Sreedevi and Bhudevi during processions, festivals and all Sevas.
-In Tirumala, we witness Sri Sudarshana Bhagwan’s presence in the right hand of the Lord in the varied forms of light and processional deity. The important role played by Sudarshana Bhagavan, also known as "Chakkarathalwar" is in punishing the evil and protecting the devotees of the Lord. He takes the responsibility of protecting the devotees coming to Tirumala as well as their safe passage.
-Mythology endorses that Lord Sri Venkateswara is none other than Lord Sri Krishna of Dwaparayuga. In the month of (Dhanurmasa) January while Ekantaseva is performed, Lord Krishna with Rukmini is made to sleep on the silk mattresses in place of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy. During this month, Suprabhatham is not recited. Thiruppavai Pasurams related to Sri Krishna (penned by Andal Sri Goda Devi) alone are sung for waking up the Lord.
-In Ananda Nilayam apart from the Lord, four big special Salagramas and several small Salagramas receive abhishekam and archana every day. All these Salagramas are placed in a silver vessel worshipped at the foot of the deity.
-The PRADHANA VANTASHALA –POTU (kitchen) is a very ancient one. All prasadams offered to the Lord are prepared here with pure ghee. Nowhere in the world are ‘Prasadams’ of this magnitude prepared.
-The golden gopuram on top of the Ananda Nilaya is the ‘Ananda Nilaya Vimana’, which is also known as Bangaru Gopura Vimanam. As per mythology, Garuthmantha (Vehicle of Sri Vishnu) brought this Ananda Nilaya Vimanam from Vaikuntam (the celestial abode of Vishnu) and consecrated it in this sacred place as desired by Lord Sri Vishnu. This Golden Gopuram carries 64 images of various deities of Hindu mythology.
-Lord Sri Venkateswara ingrained on Ananda Nilaya Vimanam is said to be as powerful and sacred as the main deity in the sanctum. Even if devotees fail to have the darshan of the Lord, they could have a glimpse of Vimana Venkateswara and derive the same benefits usually associated with the darshan of the main deity in the Sanctum.
During the time of Sri Krishnadevaraya, Vyasateertha was in his court. (16th century CE). Vyasateertha was an accomplished great Madhva Saint and scholar of a very high calibre. Once, Krishnadeva Raya visited Tirumala and found that 9 priests were wearing jewelery that belong to Lord Venkateswara. King was angry and he killed those 9 priests in the temple itself.
- Close to the place from where Vimana Venkateswara is seen, is the Records room with a sign board fixed atop. In this room all records and files pertaining to the ornaments of the main and processional deity are kept. All details of the weight and value of the silverware and gold ornaments are recorded in the ledgers.
-All the articles such as the golden umbrellas, silver torches, camphor plates and silk robes used in Lord’s processions are kept in Sabha Ara (shelf room). The golden cot with silk mattress used for the Ekanta Seva of the Lord is also stored here.
-Adjacent to the Sabha Ara, there is the treasury for "Sankeertanas", known as -SANKEERTANA BHAANDARAM. There are two statues on either side of this room. One is of the great Saint Poet Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, who has penned over 32,000 songs in praise of the Lord Sri Venkateswara, while the other one is of his elder son Tallapaka Peda Tirumalacharyulu, who had also paid literary tribute to Lord Sri Venkateswara. All these songs were inscribed on copper plates and kept in safe custody in this place. During 1525-30 A.D. the construction of the trove was completed and all the works of Tallapaka family were inscribed on copper plates and safely kept in Tallapaka shelf. It is said that all hymns originally written were on Palmyra leaves and later on transcribed on copper plates by his son Tirumalacharya. The king of Vijayanagara dynasty, Achyutarayalu, helped in constructing this treasure trove and preserved the great works of Annamayya. The corpus of Tallapaka came to light when great scholar, epigraphist Sri Sadu Subramanya Sastri, who worked in different posts in TTD from 1919 to 1946 A.D., sighted the inscriptions. Due to his efforts, today nearly eleven thousand Annamacharya Sankeertans have seen the light of day and TTD has been composing the music for these musical notations with eminent musicians and released many CDs and DVDs in the recent times.
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-Next to this is the Yaga Narasimha Swami Sannidhi. It is said to have been built between1330 A.D. – 1360 A.D. The abandoned statue of Yoga Narasimha Swami, lying at some place on Tirumala hills was brought by Sri Ramanujacharya to the temple and was consecrated inside the shrine. The Lord is seen sitting in meditating posture which is unique to this temple. It is also said that while sitting in front of this statue, Annamayya had written some hymns on the Lord.
-King Thondamanu laid the foundation at a place, near the Yoga Narasimha, called SANKUSTHAPANA STHAMBHAM, before the commencement of construction of Ananda Nilaya Gopuram and other associated works. The Pillar here is considered holy and people circumambulate this particular pillar.
-PARIMALAM ARA, (Fragrant shelf) is seen on the way from Sankusthapana Stambam. The perfumes and aromatics used for the Lord are sent from this place. Devotees believe that their wish will be fulfilled if they write their wish on this sacred stone.
-Srivari Hundi of Lord Venkateswara is situated by this side near Yoga Narasimha swami Sannidhi. Offerings from devotees pour into this to support Sri Venkateswara Swami to return the debt to Kuber. It is believed that it makes Lord Balaji happy, and he returns the favor many times
-Many devotees believe that beneath sacred hundi lies Sri Chakra yantra - a sacred symbol that invokes wealth and popularity and blesses any one who makes an offering or salutation to it. After having the darshan of the Lord, the devotees deposit their offerings to the Lord in this Hundi. The temple complex was modified many times for creating easy passage to the devotees. But the hundi was never shifted from this place as it is believed that “Sri Chakra Yantra” (the holy instrument which invokes all riches)lies underneath the main hundi.
-For the benefit of devotees depositing their offerings in the hundi, a tall statue of Bangaru Varalakshmi (Golden Varalakshmi) is arranged on the left side wall. It is believed that Goddess Varalakshmi grants a lot of wealth to all the devotees who fulfil their vows.
NITYA SEVA DETAILS
-Every Monday after second bell the Visesha Pooja is performed when the utsava vigraha is brought to the mantapa for 'Chaturdasa kalasa visesha puja' i.e. 14 kalasas. After seeking the permission of Sri Malayappa Swami, ankurarpana and punyaha vachanam is rendered by archakas. As Panchasukatas-Sri,Bhu, Nila, Purusha and Narayana Suktas are recited, Tirumanjanam is performed to the utsava murtis. Seven vessels out of fourteen vessels will have gingerly oil, Milk, Curd, Ghee, Akshatas (holy grains of rice), Darbha and Panchagavya. The remaining seven vessels contain Sudhodaka(Pure Water). Abhisheka Harati is offered to mark the culmination of the seva. Purnahuti is offered to herald the conclusion of the homa. Naivedya is offered to God. The arjita Seva ticket holders who took part in this seva are presented with vastra bahumanam. The Visesha Pooja was started by TTD on April 8, 1991 and then after it became as Arjitha Seva.
"பாதோஸ்ய விச்’வா பூதானி, த்ரிபாதஸ்யாம்ருதம் திவி"
இங்கு தோன்றுவது அனைத்தும் அவருடைய கால் பங்கு, அதாவது பாதம் மட்டுமே. அவரது முக்கால் பங்கு அழிவற்ற விண்ணில் உறைகிறது என்கிறது வேதம். "எனது ஒரு அம்சத்தால் இந்த புவனம் முழுவதையும் தாங்குகிறேன்" என்று பகவான் கீதையில் கூறுகிறார்.
Lord venkateshwara is adorned with white camphor (that looks like a white spot) on his chin. There is an interesting story behind this application of camphor at his chin & it's significance.
It is due to an action done by Anantāḻvār. (āḻvār is added as a suffix to great bhaktas in Vaishnava tradition like Garudāḻvār etc.,)
Anantāḻvār is one of the disciples of Sri Ramanujacharya. After Sri Ramanujacharya has solved the dispute on the identity of the deity on the Tirumala hills, he appointed simhāsanādhipati at that place in the year of 1057 AD. He also appointed one of his favourite disciples Anantāḻvār to take care of the temple administration and daily worship. Ananta was a staunch devotee of his teacher. So he started to live in Tirumala hills along with his wife.
Sri Ramanujachrya ordered Anantāḻvār to build a flower garden for the service of Lord Venkateshwara. He also told Anantāḻvār that all the flowers in this garden should be grown for Lord Sri Venkateswara alone and all these flowers should be used in the daily sevas and kainkaryams performed to him in the Tirumala Temple everyday.
According to his master's orders, Anantāḻvār started building a garden for the Lord's service. As already said, He was a staunch devotee of his guru. So he thought that he should not seek help in achieving this divine task. He said the same to his wife. This is a very divine task our Acharya had assigned to us hence we would not be seeking assistance from anyone outside our family. We must carry entire burden of building this garden for the Lord,on our own shoulders.
His wife obliged her husband's orders, the work went on for many days. He engaged in work along with his wife.
But it was not an easy task. Tirumala hills were very dangerous back then with many wild animals. The area too was not fertile to build a flower garden. It was a hilly area, wife of Anantāḻvār was pregnant during that time.
So Lord Venkateshwara wanted to interfere in the work and help his ardent devotees. After few days, He assumed the form of a child and began to help Anantāḻvār's wife in the work. Anantāḻvār noticed this change and got angry because he didn't wanted any outsiders to interfere in the work assigned to him by his Acharya.
He ordered the boy to go away from the site. But the boy didn't listen to the words of Anantāḻvār and continued to help them. Then Anantāḻvār could not control his anger. So he decided to punish the boy for intruding into his land, his work and also into his personal affairs.
Out of anger,he threw the crow bar (which he was holding in his right hand) towards the boy. The crow bar hit the boy's chin.
After this incident, the boy disappeared from the sight of Ananta. As usual, when he went to the temple for worship , he found that the chin of the main deity is bleeding. It was the time when he realised that the boy who came to help him and his wife is none other than Lord Venkateshwara. He pleaded to lord to forgive him for his folly. He then applied camphor(పచ్చ కర్పూరం in telugu) on the chin of the idol of Venkateshwara to heal the wound caused by him. Camphor reduces the heat in the body and increases coolness. So, this has become a tradition and is being followed even today.
Also in śrīnivāsa gadyam, a sanskrit hymn composed on Lord Venkateshwara which is penned by Purusai Rangachari, it is stated as
आर्यधुर्यानन्तार्य पवित्र खनित्रपात पात्रीकृत निजचुबुक गतव्रणकिण विभूषण वहनसूचित श्रितजन वत्सलतातिशयः
āryadhuryānantārya pavitra khanitrapāta pātrīkṛta nijacubuka gatavraṇakiṇa vibhūṣaṇa vahanasūcita śritajana vatsalatātiśayaḥ
Translation of the line: The one who is adored by the scar on the chin which is caused by the sacred crowbar of foremost devotee Ananta which indicates that you are affectionate towards the needy.
We can see the crow bar which is the cause of the scar on the chin of Lord Venkateshwara even today. It is displayed on the wall of right side of the main entrance of the temple.
The flower garden which was built by Anantāḻvār is still maintained by the successors of Anantāḻvār. It is called as Anantāḻvār's Bṛndāvanaṃ. We can visit that garden too. A seva is performed at this garden by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam(TTD) every year as a honour to the great devotee Anantāḻvār. This is called Purusaivari Thototsavam. Lord Malayappa visits that place during this seva.
This legendary sweet, also known as Sri Vari Laddu, is a signature prasadam/naivedhyam served at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The laddoo, arguably the greatest temple sweet offered to worshippers, has been cherished for more than 302 years. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams applied for a patent and acquired the Geographical Indication designation in 2009 due to the sweet's popularity and curiously delectable nature. The TTD is an autonomous trust that oversees the famed Tirupati temple and is the world's exclusive authority for preparing, serving, and selling the delicious delicacy.
The sacred offering was first introduced on August 2, 1715, according to temple officials.
The laddu, prepared with flour, sugar, ghee, oil, cardamom, and dry fruits, is an essential part of every visit to the world's richest Hindu temple. After prayers to Lord Venkateswara, the mouthwatering sweet is the most sought after prasad.
The laddu and other prasad-making operations employ around 620 people, including 270 cooks. In 2014, the TTD began modernising the temple kitchen by installing two escalator belts for laddus and boondi boxes. According to TTD, the conveyor systems can transport up to 800,000 laddus each day.
The Tirupati laddu was granted Geographical Indication (GI) designation by the Office of the Registrar of Patents, Trademarks, and Geographical Indications in 2014. TTD authorities stated that they were forced to defend GI rights since some small-time criminals as well as well-known sweet shops were selling laddus with names that sounded close to 'Tirupati laddu.'
In 2013, the Madras High Court barred a sweet shop in Chennai from using the trademark 'Tirupati laddu.' The TTD stated that because 'Tirupati laddu' is given at Lord Venkateswara's feet before being distributed to worshippers, it has its holiness.
Tirupati Laddoo's main ingredients are Gram flour, Cashew nuts, Pure ghee Sugar, Cardamom, Sugar candy and Raisins.
The Laddu Potu (Kitchen):
Within the temple, there is a separate kitchen called Laddu Potu for the unique laddu. Three conveyor belts run through the potu, delivering the ingredients inside and the completed sweets to the sale counters. Originally, all of the potu's preparations were done using firewood. In the year 1984, LPG took its place. The Laddu Potu, which now prepares 150,000 laddoos per day, can increase this to 800,000 per day.
Jewels Adorned on the Lord
Brahmotsavam
The Brahmotsavam festival is one of the most important and auspicious functions in Tirupati. Popular stories trace the origin of this celebration to Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati. Brahma worshiped Sri Balaji on the banks of the holy Pushkarini in Tirupati as a way to give thanks for the Lord’s protection of mankind. Hence, this utsava bears his name as “Brahmotsavam,” which means “Brahma’s Utsavam.” In Tirumalai, Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of October.
The Brahmotsava is performed over a nine-day period in the Tamil month of Purattasi. On the evening before the start of the first day, the rite of “Ankurarpana” (sowing of the seeds to signify fertility, prosperity and abundance) is performed along with a festival for Sri Vishvaksena (the leader of Narayana’s retinue who removes obstacles and protects worship). On the first day, the main activity is the “Dhvajarohana,” the hoisting of the Garuda flag at the Dhvajastambham. This signifies the commencement of the Brahmotsava. It is believed that Garuda goes to Devalokam and invites the Devas to attend the function. During the days of the festival, the religious activities include daily homas and processions for the utsava murti on different vahanas (chariots) that can be seen in the temple. Every evening, the utsava vigrahas are decorated with different alankarams. The concluding day is the Janma Nakshatra (birth star) of Sri Balaji, which is celebrated in a grand way with Avabhritha Utsava (special abhishekams for the utsava murti). In Tirupati, the Sudarsana Chakra is bathed in the Pushkarini and all the devotees bathe afterwards. In Aurora, a priest takes the Sudarsana Chakra on his head and takes a holy bath near the Dhvajastambham. Afterwards, the Chakra is placed on a high platform, so the devotees can walk under it and be blessed with the water dripping down from the Sudarsana. The celebration officially concludes with “Dhvajavarohanam,” the lowering of the Garuda flag. The priests pay respects to Gods and Sages with the chanting of Vedic mantras and see them off on their return to the Devaloka.
Srinivasa Ghadyam
Srinivasa Gadyam is an elaborate prose composition on Lord Srinivasa that describes the lord’s beauty, and his qualities and concludes with a prayer seeking refuge unto Him to help us cross this ocean of samsara. It was composed by the great bhakti saint and philosopher Sri Ramanuja. Click the link below to listen to this great slogam:
For all Utsava Idols Thirumanjanam is performed on Ekadesi, Amavasya, Masapirappu (Per Tamil Calendar) and Perumal's Thirunakshthram (Star). The perumal and Thayar's Sevai is without Aabharanams (Temple Jewellery). The accompanying rare Chant in Sanskrit is "Sri Venkateswara Gadyam" and rendered by Sri PV Ananthasayanam Iyengar (A very rare original TTD recording). The Gadyam extols the virtues of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala. The Gadyam mentions all the 72 Melakarta Raagas in Carnatic Music.
Sapthagiri
Tirumala is placed on a group of seven hills, and there are multiple mythological events associated with it. Let us see some of them. This hill is 853 m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles (27 km2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri.
Adisesha and Vayudeva fight for Supremacy:
During the Dwaparayuga, Vayudeva (the Wind God) went to Vaikuntam to pay his obeisance to Lord Shri Vishnu. The Lord was reclining in the company of Shri Lakshmi. The doorway was guarded by Adisesha, the snake god. Vayudeva was incensed when Adisesha prevented him from entering Shri Vishnu’s mansion. Adisesha and Vayudeva began to fight with each other. When Lord Vishnu intervened, each was boasting of his superior valour and supreme might. To test who was stronger, the Lord suggested that Adisesha encircle the Ananda hill, an off-shoot of the Meru mountain on its northern side, and that Vayudeva blow hard to try and dislodge the Ananda hill from Adisesha’s hold. The contest waxed furiously, and as the World trembled, Brahma, Indra and the other Divine Beings requested Adisesha to yield victory to Vayudeva for the welfare of the world. Obliging them, Adisesha released his hold on the hill. As a result, Adisesha and the Ananda hill were blown away to the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. Adisesha was dejected by his defeat. Lord Brahma and the others appealed to him by saying that he would be merged with the hill Venkatadri and Vishnu would reside on him. According to Bhavisya Puranam, this hill is called Seshadri or Seshachalam.
When Lord Srinivasa was hit by a Shepard on his head, a small portion of his scalp becomes bald. There is no hair growth over that place and this was noticed by Gandharva princess, Neeladevi. She felt such a handsome face should not have any defect. Immediately she cuts a portion of her hair and implants it on his scalp with her powers. As hair is considered the beautiful aspect of women, Lord Srinivasa notices her sacrifice and he said all the hair given to him by devotees in Tirupathi belongs to Neeladevi. Giving our hair to god is the symbol of leaving our ego. One of the seven hills is known as Neeladri, as a mark of her sacrifice and love to Lord.
Anjana and Hanuman
The sacred temple of Sri Venkateshwara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.
These Seven Hills are symbolic of the seven Chakras present in the human body such as Aadhaara, Swaadhishtaana, Manipuraka, Anaahatha, Visuddha, Aajnaa and Sahasraara Chakrams. So also, the individual who crosses each successive Chakram starting from the Aadhaara Chakram to reach the Sahasraara Chakram would reach the summit and the State of Samaadhi in the Ashtaanga Yogam, the devotees who climb the seven hills of the Tirumala would really reach the abode of the Lord Venkateswara.
Venkateswara Represents all the Deities
The Lord is said to represent Lord Subramanya as well as found in itihasa - Shiva Rahasya. The name "Swami Pushkarani" is said to refer to Swaminathan or Subramanya. The Venkatesa Sahasranama contains reference to Swaminathyeyaya namaha and Karthikeyavapushe namaha, which are contained din Venkatesa Sahasranamavali refer to Lord Subramanya. It is common in South India to name the child as Venkata subbaiah or Venkatasubramanya, both refer to Lord Muruga. Further, Sri Muthuswami Deekshidar, in his sons titled "Subramanyena" refers to Lord Subramanya as "Venkatesa Namarupena".
The Lord at Seven Hills is also said to represent Devi Bala Tripura Sundari. In fact the very name "Balaji" sprang out of this belief. The Bramhotsavam of the Lord is performed during Navaratri days, which is specific to Goddess Lalitha. The Lord is carried in Simhasana which is Devi's Vahana. On all Fridays, the Lord is bathed in Turmeric, denoting His Rupam as Devi. The Hundi of the Lord is placed over a Sri Chakra installed by Sri Adi Sankaracharya. The Lord has long hair touching the knees, which is characteristic of Devi. The name Tirupathi has its roots in "Tripati" which refers to the trikona or triangle in Sri Chakra. It is found in Venkatesa Sahasranama the one of the names is "Tripatisha". The Golden Vimana at Tirumala temple contains Lion heads in all directions, which is common only for Devi temples.
Thus we find that the Lord of Seven Hills represents all these deities in the form of Paramapurusha of Brahman Himself befitting the names of "Harishankar", "Sankaranarayana", "Skandanarayana", etc.
Sri Padmavathi Thaayar, Thiruchanoor
(Alamelumangapuram)
Eeshaanaam jagatosya venkatapate rvishnoha paraam preyaseem
tadvakshaha sthala nitya vaasara sikaam tath kshaanti samvardhineem
padmaalankruta paani pallava yugaam padmaasanasthaam shriyam
vaatsalyaadigunojjvalaam bhagavateem vande jaganmaataram
Meaning:
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The rituals in the famous shrine of Goddess Padmavathi Devi at Tiruchanoor are being observed as per the tenets of Pancharatra Agama Vidhi. The festivals of the temple are broadly classified as three Viz. Nityotsavams, Naimitthikotsavams and Sankalpotsavams, which are all, performed as per Pancharatra. Daily kalayanotsavam is performed and Abishekam and kumkumarchan also done. In the month of Margazhi special Tirupavvai seva is performed. Different variety of laddu is given as Prasadam.
Mathas samastha jagatham madukaitabhare
Vakshoviharini manohara divyamoorthe
Sree swamini srithajana priya danaseele
Sree Venkatesadayithe thava suprabhatham
Devi ! You are in Venkateswara's's bosom,
With Your lotus-eyes wide open to the world.
Get up dear Mother.
Among the listed Vahanas, Gaja Vahanam and Panchami Theertham are the most sacred Vahanam and dates. Lakhs of devotees takes holy dip in the Pushkarini for Panchami Theertham. It is believed that the wishes will be granted by taking holy dip in the Temple Tank. Gaja Vahanam is the favorite Vahanam for the Goddess Padmavathi Devi, which is similar to Garuda Vahanam for Lord Venkateswara.
Take a look at the holy dip in Pushkarani in the following Video - click the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0RmORbcrc
During the Brahmotsavam, the jewels worn by Malayappa Swami from Tirumala is brought down to adorn Sri Padmavathi Devi.
Is Goddess Padmavathi and Lakshmi are one and same?
Many assume the Goddess at Tiruchanoor temple as Padmavathi, the one who married Lord Srinivasa (Venkateswara). But in fact, She is not Vedavathi who was born as Padmavathi the one who married Lord Srinivasa. The Goddess at Tiruchanoor is saAkshaAtt (per-se) Goddess Sri Maha-Lakshmi. She is also referred to as Padmavathi; hence, the confusion. There is a legend from Padma Purana that refers to the origin of Goddess Padmavathi (Lakshmi Devi). Goddess has emerged out from the sacrificial pond called Padmasarovara (lake of lotus flowers) as a result of penance performed by Lord Srinivasa (Vishnu); Since she has emerged out in the midst of Lotus (Padma) she is called as Padmavathi.
Goddess Lakshmi's image in Sandal Paste
As per scripts Goddess Lakshmi came out of Padmasarovara on Friday, the fifth lunar day (Panchami thithi) of the bright fortnight in the lunar month Karthika maasam in the constellation of Uttarashada. To commemorate this event that marks the preamble, even today special annual celebrations (Brahmostavam) are held for Goddess Padmavathi Devi (Lakshmi Devi) at Tiruchanoor every year during Karthika/Maargasira maasa coinciding with Panchami thithi/Uttaraashaada.
One can see this Padmasarovara even today at Tiruchanoor (about 5 km from Tirupathi) where Goddess Lakshmi Devi is worshiped in Archaroopa as Padmavathi who is also known as AlaMeluManga. Hence, this place is also called as Alamelu Mangapuram.
SILA THORANAM
Sila Thoranam literally means ‘garland or festoon of rocks’. It is a natural stone arch, which was found by archeologists excavating a geological fault in the area. Located just around 1.5 km from the Venkateswara Temple, this arch is naturally compared to the divine serpent Adishesha. Legends talk about different rocks making up the arch and the Lord’s conch, discus etc. It is believed that this is where the Lord entered Tirumala!
The formation is categorised as pre-Cambrian that dates back to millions of years. The age of the rock itself has been estimated to be about 2500 million years, and the age of the arch is computed to be about 1500 million years! it is certainly unique for this is the only such formation in Asia. It is believed to have only two similar formations in the world―Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah in the USA and the arch that cuts through the Dalradian Quartzite in the UK.
The famous Suprapadham recited by Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi has its origin in 14th century when it was composed by Tamil and Sanskrit scholar, Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Aṇangarachariyar, a Vaishnava acharya.  |
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