Skip to content Ananthacharyulu / Ananthalwar – Gardener of Tirumala
Bhagawad Ramanuja (1017-1137A.D) the founder of Vishista Advaitha was once giving a discourse on Saranagathi, Prapathi (seeking refuge) to his disciples. He was explaining different ways of worshipping the God.
During his discourse, he mentioned the significance of three holy places namely Sri Rangam, Kanchi and Venkatachalam. These three places have three different names. Sri Rangam is known as Bhoga Mandapam. The Kanchi as Thyaga Mandapam and Venkatachalam as Pushpa Mandapam. He further said Sri Srinivasa of Tirumala Hills is fond of flowers.
Ananthacharya stood among all the disciples
He wanted to know whether there was one among his disciples who could go over to Venkatachala Kshethra and devote himself to planting a beautiful flower garden there. He said that it is not that easy to grow flowers. One has to bear the vagaries of nature. Not only that the place is full of insects. After raising this question he kept quiet for some time and looked around. There was total silence for some time.
Breaking the silence one disciple by the name Ananthacharya stood up with folded hands. He slowly said: Guruji I am ready to carry out your orders. I will go to Tirumala. Please permit me.
Anandan Pillai
Ramanuja was happy to hear the words of Ananthacharya. By patting his back he said: ‘Anantha you are the man (Anpillai in Tamil)’. He permitted him to go over to Tirumala and serve God with flowers. From that day onwards he became famous as Anandan Pillai in Tamil and Anantha Purushudu in Telugu and Sanskrit.
‘Anandan Pillai’ considered his Guru Bhagavad Ramanuja as God. This made him proceed to Tirumala along with his wife with greater devotion. He started collecting different types of colourful fragrant flowers. He made beautiful garlands out of those flowers and offered them to Lord Venkateswara. He got good information about flowers from Tirumala Nambi who had devoted his mind body and soul to fetch water from Sri Ganga Theertham for God.
Fragrant Flowers for Lord Venkateswara
Not only this, but Anandan Pillai also came to know that his Guru Ramanuja Charya’s own Guru and his guru’s Guru i.e., Paramaguru Yamunacharya had stayed in Tirumala and offered floral service to Lord Venkateswara (incidentally Tirumala Nambi too was a disciple of Yamunacharya).
Anandan Pillai was happy to know about Yamunacharya’s floral worship of Lord Venkateswara. He decided to offer the floral service to the Lord on behalf of his Guru’s Guru Yamunacharya. With this determination, in the precincts of temple, he began to grow a garden by the name Yamunottara Pushpa Mandapam.
From that day onwards different types of garlands are being prepared in this Pushpa mandapam. Anandan Pillai used to prepare garlands daily twice for the floral service of the Lord. The garlands prepared by Anandan Pillai used to adore the Chief Idol of the Lord. Though Ananthalwar was doing his best by preparing colourful garlands to adore the Chief Idol of Lord Venkateswara, he was not quite happy. He wanted to grow varieties of fragrant flowers to please his God, Lord Venkateswara.
Big Tank for water supply
He thought of developing a big garden for this purpose. A big garden needs a tank which can supply water continuously throughout the year. He decided to build a big tank. Being an orthodox Sri Vaishnavite he never wanted to take help from labourers. With the help of his wife, he decided to dig a big tank. At that time his wife was carrying. Still, she cooperated with him. He selected a place for the tank and started the digging work. That was on the southern side of the temple.
After offering garlands to god and after having theertha prasadams from the temple he used to go to the spot and start the digging work. His wife used to carry dug soil in a basket and deposit it at a particular place. Though it was not an easy task, the couple carried out the work with all the sincerity they had at their command. Lord Venkateswara was very happy to see the progress of the work. He wanted to extend His helping hand to His devotee. He took the guise of a 12-year-old boy and approached Ananthacharya. He humbly requested Ananthacharya to permit Him to help them.
Ananthacharya was much impressed by the gleaming form of the boy. He told him “Look my dear boy, we are doing this work at the behest of our Guru Sri Ramanujacharya. This is a divine work. We do not want to take help from others. Moreover, we don’t want to take work without paying wages. Hence please do not disturb and pester us’’. Lord Venkateswara who was in the guise of a boy was very happy to know about the firm determination of his devotee Ananthacharya. Yet Lord Venkateswara decided to extend His helping hand, somehow or the other.
The work went on briskly for some days. It was a hot afternoon. Ananthacharya was giving a basketful of dug earth to his wife. She took that basket on her head and emptied it at a designated area. This was going on uninterruptedly. Ananthacharya’s wife was in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Slowly she was carrying the basket on head. Ananthacharya was concentrating on his work. He was very eager to complete the digging work so that the tank can have water upto its brim level.
Once the tank is full he can plant varieties of flower-giving plants with fragrance. With abundant flowers, he can make more and more beautiful garlands which can beautify the life-size Chief Idol from top to bottom. Being absorbed in these thoughts he forgot everything other than the work that he was executing.
Ananthacharya’s wife helping for digging up the Well
Even his wife was equally interested in completing the work as early as possible. To her, her husband was everything. To serve her husband, who is a staunch devotee of Lord of Ananda Nilaya, sincerely, she thought is her only duty. She felt she was fortunate enough to have a husband like Ananthacharya. However difficult it is to carry the basketful of fresh earth, she decided to carry it out as long as she can.
While walking to the spot to download the basket that too in an advanced stage of pregnancy she used to chant the holy name of the Lord to forget the strain.
On one occasion Ananthacharya’s wife deeply immersed in chanting the name was carrying the basket full of dug earth. Lord Venkateswara in the form of a boy approached her. He asked her to hand over the basket she was carrying to Him so that He could empty it at the designated spot.
Without waiting for her consent He took it from her. Somehow she could not say no to the boy’s request. Every time the boy used to meet her in midway and take the basket from her. Quickly he used to give empty baskets to her.
Ananthacharya was wondering why she was coming back with an empty basket even before he could dig. He wanted to know how she could empty the basket so fast. Almost swallowing the words she told him that a boy was helping her.
Ananthacharya got to know about Boy’s help to his wife
After coming to know about the boy’s help, fuming with anger he came out of the pit. He went to the boy and started scolding him. You fellow! We do not want your help. We are doing this work for the sake of God of Ananda Nilaya. You have cheated my wife to take part in this divine work. I cannot spare you. With an iron crowbar, Ananthacharya ran after the boy. Seeing dangerously approaching Ananthacharya the boy took to his heels.
Ananthacharya sometimes reaches him within the striking range. But somehow he could not strike him with his iron crowbar. Disgustedly Ananthacharya threw the iron crowbar at the boy. The iron crowbar struck the chin of the boy. Blood started oozing from the injured portion of the chin. Somehow the boy managed to run into Ananda Nilayam and hid Himself.
For some time Ananthacharya searched for the boy. He could not find him. As Ananthacharya was dog-tired he could not try further to locate the boy. He knew that He will be there somewhere and he could find Him if not tomorrow at least on some other day. He thought I could catch hold of that boy and punish him.
Using Camphor to stop the blood
After sunset and after performing evening ‘Sandhya Vandanam’ Ananthacharya entered into Ananda Nilayam to have the darshan of the Lord. He found some commotion in the Sanctum Sanctorum. He eagerly enquired the reason for that prevailing commotion. The priest pointed his finger to the chin of the Lord. From there blood was oozing continuously. The priests started applying crude camphor to arrest the oozing.
The priests thought the Lord would have played some prank with some devotee. Anantha stood motionless for a while. He could put two and two together. He could realize the wrong committed by him. He prostrated before the Chief Idol and begged the Lord to pardon him. Ananthacharya could see the figure of that boy who came forward to help his pregnant wife. He could see the smile on the face of the Lord.
To the happiness and surprise of everybody in general and Ananthacharya in particular Lord said: You! Ananthacharya, do not feel sorry for what has happened. I wanted to tell the world about the noble service-oriented work you are doing. The injury on the chin caused by you will leave a permanent mark on My chin. From tomorrow onwards the priests will apply crude camphor on that scar. The crude camphor covering the scar will reveal the work done by you. This will make all My devotees remember you. Thus you will be immortalized.
Camphor beautifying the smile
From that day onwards, the crude camphor application on the chin started further beautifying the enchanting smiling face of the Lord. People are attracted towards the face uncontrollably. No one would like to withdraw his eyes from the face as long as they stay in front of Lord.
Great Tallapaka Annamacharya has beautifully described the divine plays of the Lord thus:
He is a benevolent Lord
Grants easily big sized boons
He patronaged Bhima the potter
And fulfilled all his wishes
Opened the eyes of emperor Thondaman
Made him to accept the greatness of mudflowers
Appreciated the hardwork of Anantha Acharya
Readily became a bonded labourer
Played pranks with Tirumala Nambi
Sportively listened to abuses of Nambi
He is a benevolent Lord, Grants easily big sized boons
Govinda! Hari Govinda! Govinda! Hari Govinda!!
After that unfortunate sweet incident, Ananthacharyulu could complete the tank work quickly. He could raise a beautiful garden around the tank. As if to immortalize the name of his beloved Guru Sri Ramanujacharya, he christened the garden Ramanuja Udyana Vanam. He developed that beautiful garden as if it is his child.
The garden slowly began to bloom with a variety of fragrantly beautiful flowers of all shades and all colours. This garden apart from catering flower needs of the temple, became the centre of attraction to all those who visited Tirumala.
It is said Lord Venkateswara to whom flowers are very dear, used to roam in this garden with His Consorts, day in and day out. It is further said that the Lord used to feel and talk to every flower-bearing creeper and plant. To celebrate His love for flowers on a particular day of the year even to this day Lord comes out with His two Consorts with all His paraphernalia. The priests will be chanting Veda Mantras and the music will be played by pipers. This stoutly proves that to Lord Venkateswara His devotees are more dear.
What happened on that particular day which is being celebrated even today!
Moving heaven and earth Ananthacharyulu with the active co-operation and help of his wife, could complete the tank work. After completing the work he began to plant different plants and creepers that can give fragrantly beautiful flowers. From the bloomed flowers he used to carefully pluck only beautiful fragrant flowers. With great devotion, he used to prepare life-size garlands. These garlands were used to further beautify the ever-handsome Lord Venkateswara and make him more attractive and enchanting.
Dedicated his entire life to Ramanuja Udyana Vanam
Ananthacharya had wholeheartedly dedicated his entire time to the development of the Ramanuja Udyana Vanam. Keeping the beautification of Lord with garlands in his mind, he used to think about various permutations and combinations. While preparing garlands, he even adopted the trial and error method. To him the size and appropriate place was very important. He used to think about size and colour combination of flowers in making a garland which can adore the crown of the Lord.
Ananthacharya used to spend his time only in the garden. He was quite familiar with every plant and creeper. He particularly knew how much watering the plants and creepers require to bear attractive flowers. Whenever or wherever he finds any weed he used to weed it out immediately. He knew perfectly well when to arrange for support (prop) for a plant or creeper. He used to experience a wonderful thrill when he found attractive half-opened buds at the further end of a plant or creeper.
He knew the pulse and the heartbeat of every plant and creeper by simply touching them. The garden slowly became a home for parrots, butterflies, cuckoos and rabbits. He befriended them. Every day Ananthacharya used to prepare different types of garlands. Adored with these garlands God used to look more and more handsome day after day.
Lord Venkateswara visiting Ananthacharya ‘s garden
Lord Venkateswara who was completely enamoured by the garlands prepared by Ananthacharya decided to see the garden raised by him. After the Ekantha Seva (a retirement pooja for the night) and after the Ananda Nilaya’s doors were closed as per the norms,
Lord Venkateswara along with His Consort Alamelu Manga started freely roaming in the beautiful garden raised by Ananthacharya. He appreciated the efforts put forward by Ananthacharya in shaping and pruning the garden. Enthusiastically He started to smell every bloomed flower.
Sometimes He plucked some alluringly beautiful fragrant flowers and placed them in the locks of Padmavathi’s hair. When He comes across another beautiful flower He plucks it and decorates the tress of Padmavathi by removing the one He had put earlier. Even Padmavathi started moving freely without any inhibition.
She too started appreciating the grandeur of the garden. She also used to pick up a flower and go to Lord Venkateswara saying dear look at the beauty of this bloomed flower. Throughout the night with hand in hand, they roamed in the garden. Seeing that it is Suprabhatham time they silently returned to Ananda Nilayam.
As usual in the morning Ananthacharyulu entered into the garden to pluck bloomed flowers. He was shell-shocked to see crushed flowers, cut stems, withered buds, broken branches etc., He could find spit pan juice. Seeing the completely damaged garden Ananthacharya’s blood began to boil. He thought somebody had stealthy entered into the garden and destroyed it. He scolded the unknown thief profusely.
He went round the garden to locate and catch the thief. He was disappointed. His anger knew no bounds. He decided to stay back in the garden even during nights from that day onwards. By burning the midnight oil he spent the night in the garden. But that mischievous prank-loving Srinivasa began to pluck flowers, buds, break branches twist stems etc., almost every day. This destruction continued for eight days.
Despite his vigilance, he could not catch hold of the thief. He was in a state of helplessness. He was just wondering at the bad time he was going through. He thought why God is putting me to this tough test? As of my knowledge, I have not knowingly or unknowingly hurt anyone. Still some unidentified person is stealing and destroying the garden which is exclusively meant for Lord Venkateswara. Whom shall I approach for help. Is there any way out or not. Finally, he appealed to God to come to his rescue. He prayed: ‘Oh! Srinivasa though not me, at least you could have caught hold of that wicked thief ’. He was almost in tears.
As everybody knows Lord Venkateswara is one God who is within the reach of His devotees. He listens to the prayers of His devotees and helps them. Lord Venkateswara decided to bring to the notice of one and all how sincerely and devotedly Ananthacharyulu is offering his floral service to him. On the ninth day night also Ananthacharya came to the garden to catch the thief. It was midnight, and Ananthacharya heard some movement among thickly grown Tulasi plants. With wide open ears and eyes, he slowly moved towards the Tulasi bush. He could notice two people. Seeing them he concluded that they are young couple.
Slowly he realized one is male and another is female. They were holding each other’s hand. He understood that Both are very delicate persons. He was carried away by Their brilliant lustrous form. The fragrant smell was radiating from Their body. He thought They may be a kingly couple. Maybe to spend some romantic time They would have selected this garden. He came to his senses soon. He thought what if they belong to a royal family? Because of Their act, They are, for all practical purposes only thieves. They are a wicked couple as They have destroyed the garden exclusively meant for my Lord Sri Venkateswara. I should not spare them. I will have to give a good dressing down.
With this in his mind, he jumped between Them. With his two arms around Them, he could hold Them in his grip firmly. They were two, whereas he was only one. The youngster somehow succeeded in releasing Himself from the steel grip of Ananthacharya. But poor Young Girl could not free Herself. Instead of worrying about the youngster who could manage to escape Ananthacharya was content with his catch.
He started asking that young woman some pertinent questions. Who are you? Are you celestial beings or human beings? Do you belong to any royal family? You are hypocrites and I know for sure! Are you not ashamed of your act of destroying my garden? What made you to select my garden for romance. Why you have preferred the flowers of my garden for your love play. You have committed a great sin. The flowers are meant for the spouse of Lord Venkateswara i.e., Sri Maha Lakshmi.
But you see what you have done, you have plucked them. Not only that you have smelled them. After smelling you have crushed them. You have nipped the buds, cut the branches. You cannot be excused for this sin. Let me hold you as my prisoner. I am sure your husband will come here to rescue you. Every husband will try to release his spouse from the clutches of his enemies. Don’t think I will let you go. With these words he took that young woman and tied her down against a tree with champaka creeper.
The helpless young lady started pleading with Ananthacharya. She said ‘Sir, I am like your daughter. Please leave me. I appealed to My husband not to enter this garden. But He turned a deaf ear. He said look this is a beautiful garden. Let Us spend Our quality time. We married women you know cannot turn down the orders of the husband. You being an elderly person know these things very well. How can I know where My husband has gone and where He stays. He is a big deceiver. It is not very easy to catch Him.
Right from the day I got married to Him I have been observing Him. He is a deceitful person. You see what He has done now. He has left Me to My fate. I don’t think He will come back. Father, be kind and merciful. Leave Me. I will go away from this place. The young lady pleaded with folded hands. Ananthacharya did not budge even an inch from his stand.
After tying Her with a strong creeper against a tree Ananthacharya left that place. He went out of the garden in search of that young man. At one place Ananthacharyulu spotted Him. Seeing Ananthacharyulu menancingly approaching Him the young man started running. He ran towards the southern street. Ananthacharyulu chased that young man who was running in an anticlockwise direction around the temple. He covered the entire area of the temple and disappeared near the garden.
Even Ananthacharyulu in his desperate attempt to catch that young fellow reached the garden. Seeing Ananthacharyulu the young lady once again appealed to him to show some mercy. He did not oblige Her. He simply said wait till dawn. As he was dog-tired he slept for a while.
As usual, early in the morning, the priest opened the doors of Sanctum Sanctorum to wake up the Lord. They looked at the Chief Idol. They were shocked. They could not find golden picture (Pratima) of Sri Maha Lakshmi near Lord’s Chest. To relieve the Archakas from the shock Lord Venkateswara told them not to worry. He further said ‘Alamelu Manga has been tied down against a tree by Ananthacharya. Please go over there and bring Her back with all temple honours’.
With temple paraphernalia priests went to Ananthacharyulu’s garden. They conveyed Lord Venkateswara’s wish. They praised Ananthacharyulu. They said: ‘Oh! Ananthacharya you are a lucky person. Being a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara and Alumelumanga, you have tied Her down to a tree. After listening to priests Ananthacharyulu realized his mistake.
Immediately he prostrated before Alamelumanga and requested Her to pardon him. He requested Her to sit in a basket and he carried that basket to the Sanctum Sanctorum. Seeing Ananthacharyulu carrying Mahalakshmi, Sri Venkateswara addressed him as Mama (Father-in-law). Lord further continued saying that traditionally you are offering your beloved daughter Sri Mahalakshmi to Me as My wife. People assembled there, saw Sri Mahalakshmi taking Her designated place. Lord felicitated Ananthacharyulu with a new set of clothes and Thamboolam.
Pursai Thota Utsavam
Just to commemorate this memorable occasion or event even to this day i.e., during Brahmothsavams in the Kanya Masam of Solar calendar a day after Dhwajarohanam, a ceremony by name Sri Vari Bagh (Garden) utsavam is celebrated. During this utsavam the utsava idol of Lord Venkateswara will be taken in an anti-clockwise direction around the temple. This is also known as ‘Pursai Thota Utsavam’.
‘Pursai’ in Tamil gives the meaning of ‘purusha’ or Man. The title ‘purushai’ was confirmed by the Bhagawad Ramanujacharya when Ananthacharyulu came forward to go and serve Lord Venkateswara with flowers. On this day only Lord Venkateswara moving in an anti-clockwise direction reaches the garden maintained by Ananthacharyulu. There the Lord will be offered poojas.
After the regular poojas the garland worn by the Lord will be placed on the Ananthacharyulu’s Brindavanam i.e., the place where Ananthacharyulu’s body was laid to rest. There stands a Vakula tree, till today. After this, the Utsava Idol is taken out of the garden.
When the Idol comes out of the garden the ‘sattari’ a cup-like vessel bearing Lord’s Sandals will be gently sprinkled. Then the Idol will proceed to Ananda Nilaya in an anti-clockwise direction. The priest conducts the ceremony of offering garland to Brindavanam and keeping the sattari in an inclined position on Brindavanam. Then he goes straight to Swamy Pushkarini. He will take bath and then enter into the temple to conduct poojas.
Thiruvai Pooram
Similarly, on every solar year during the month Adi (i.e., karkataka month which starts on Ashadha Bahula Prathama and continues till the Sravana Shukla Poornima) under the star poorva phalguni a utsavam by name “Thiruvai” pooram is organized on this day. The utsava idols of Sri Varu along with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi will be taken in procession. This procession around the temple will move in a clockwise direction. The procession will reach Anantha Charyulu’s garden. There Sri Varu will receive all traditional poojas.
After the poojas, Sri Vari’s garland will adore the Vakalu tree which has grown on the land where Ananthacharyulu’s mortal body was laid to rest. As usual, the Sattari will come into contact with that tree and then Sri Varu with His two Consorts reaches Ananda Nilaya.
It is believed that in the month of Adi (Tamil month) under the star poorva phalguni Ananthacharyulu breathed his last. There is one more happy coincidence. It happens to be the birthday of Goda Devi who is popularly known as Andalu. After performing the poojas to Ananthacharyulu’s Brindavan’s Vakula Vriksha the priest takes a bath in Pushkarini and enters into the temple to continue further poojas.
Ananthacharyulu was younger than his guru Sri Ramanuja by 36 years. It is believed that he was born in 1053 A.D. and lived for 84 years. After serving Sri Varu for a longer period, Sri Ananthacharyulu breathed his last near Sri Varu. Sri Varu had played pranks with Ananthacharyulu not once but several times. We cannot know how many times Sri Varu would have had fun with him.
Ananthacharyulu had initiated one particular service known as ‘Yamunottarai’ pushpa kainkaryam. Even to this day, T.T.D.’s department of horticulture is religiously observing this festival. Ananthacharyulu had started this particular service in memory of his guru Sri Ramanujacharya. The continuation of this particular service proves the fact that to Lord of Ananda Nilaya, His devotees are very very dear.
Ananthacharyulu Tank Cottages (ATC)
The dwelling place at Ananthacharyulu is well preserved within the precincts of Ananda Nilaya. It is towards the south-east direction on the path of circumambulation. There is a garden abutting this house. Towards the south of this garden i.e., by the side of present-day Vykunttam complex, there is a tank. We can have a look at this garden and the tank. This tank was dug by Ananthacharyulu along with his wife. This tank is known as the Ananthacharyula tank.
The cottages are also known as Ananthacharyulu tank cottages (ATC). The tank water is now being used for the general usage of pilgrims.
On the rampants of Ananthacharyulu’s house and the mandapam, there in the garden, we can find stone carvings of Ananthalvar, his spouse, son and other servants. There is one well with steps to step down opposite to his house. Ananthalvar used to draw water from this well for his daily needs. In the place where his mortal body was laid to rest, there is one Brindavanam (tomb). A vakula vriksha (tree) has come up at that place. Even now this tree can be seen.
As if Ananthalvar had expressed his last wish to a tree or creeper or bird on the table land a Vakula tree has come from the tomb. From that day onwards, considering the Vakula tree as the incarnation of Ananthalvar, temple priests are offering poojas to this tree. Of late in the place of dried up Vakula tree a big baniyan tree is coming up.
