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Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, Nandalur

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, Nandalur

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Sri Soumyanatha Swamy

Sri Maha Vishnu is sheltered in a beautiful gentle form as Sri Saumyanatha Swami in Nandaluru temple. The deity of the temple is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire necessity of God’s blessings. It is believed that He blesses all his devotees generously.

Location

Nandalur is located on the banks of the Bahuda River on the Kadapa – Tirupati main road, about forty kilometres from Kadapa in the Annamayya district.

Click here for Google Maps Location

In the olden days, this region was ruled by a king namely Niranthara Maharaja. He had a concubine named Nelanda. As per her wish, Maharaja Niranthara built a village and named the village ‘Nelandaluru’ on the banks of the Bahuda. Maharaja gave Nelandaluru to the Brahmins as Agrahaaram.

According to Mackenzie Kaifiyat (he was the first surveyor general of India), Nelandalur later became Nendalur and then Nandalur. Nanda means Lord Vishnu. It is the town where Lord Vishnu appeared as Sri Saumyanadha. His temple in Nandalur has a history of more than a thousand years and is resplendent with magnificent architectural splendour.

Legend

There was an interesting ‘sthalapurana’ about the temple and God. Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu went on a world tour as per Maharishi Narada’s wish and visited different parts of the world. During his visit, Sri Maha Vishnu reached the banks of River Bahuda.

After seeing the beauty of this region Sri Maha Vishnu wanted to settle there with the name of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy with an enchanting appearance. Sthalapurana reveals that it was Narada who asked Lord Vishnu to roam around the earth which was consecrated and puja was performed.

Temple Description

Nandalur Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple has exquisite sculptures. The Temple has three entrances and Gopurams. The main entrance faces the East and the other two face the North and the South. The East Rajagopuram is built in five stairs with five ‘kalashas’ at the top.

A three-storied gopuram has also been built on the north gate. A gopuram was also built on the south gate but it got destroyed over time and now only the gate remains.

As soon as one enters the temple from the main gate, one will see the temple in a wide courtyard. Opposite the main temple, there are Dwajastambam, Bali Peetham and Garudamandapam. There is a pushkarini in the north direction of the Dwajastambam on the temple premises.

Sri Veeraanjaneya Swamy appears in the mandapam on the south side of the Dwajastambam. Devotees believe that Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy protects the devotees from all ‘grahapeedas.’

The main temple consists of Ranga mandapam, Mukha mandapam, antaralayam and Garbhalayam. The Ranga mandapam built with pillars along with Pradakshana mandapa. The main temple from Mukha mandapa is on elevated platform. On the way to Mukha mandapam there are Dwarapalakas on both sides.

In the main sanctum sanctorum, we find the Lord Sri Soumyanatha Swamy having four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Gadha and Abhaya Hastam.

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, Nandalur

Abhaya mudra

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy is similar to Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala in His features. The only difference between Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Soumynatha Swamy is that Sri Venkateswara Swamy shows his feet with Varadamudra and Sri Soumyanatha Swamy bears the Abhaya mudra.

Chokkanadha Swamy

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy also known as Chokkanadha Swamy is a beautiful deity. About 6 feet tall Sri Soumyanatha Swamy shines brightly without any lamps from sunrise to sunset when the temple is open. Even though the entire temple is dark, light continues to shine on the Moolavirattu in the sanctum sanctorum.

This light can be seen even on moonlit nights. It is a great feature that the temple is built with light-emitting towers on the Lord at a distance of about 105 feet from the main door. In temple premises, there are small ‘garbhalayas’ for Sri Vishwakshena and Sri Narasimha Swamy.

108 Pradakshinas

Many ‘leelas’ of the Lord are in circulation. It is a deep rooted belief among the devotees that doing nine pradakshnas and standing in front of the Swami in the Pradakshina Mandapam and if wished for any desire it would be fulfilled.

It is a tradition in this temple that the devotees who have fulfilled their wishes should come back to the temple and thank the lord and do 108 pradakshinas. In this way, devotees who make 108 circumambulations to fulfill their wishes can be seen in this temple regularly.

History of the Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Historical evidence reveals that the temple has a history of more than one thousand years. Inscriptions reveal that the Chola king Kulottunga Chola (1069 – 1122) built this temple in the 11th century and presented 120 acres of land to the Lord.

Inscriptions also reveal that Prataparudra, the ruler of the Kakatiya kingdom who ruled with Orugallu as his capital, built the Galigopuram of the temple and gave five villages to the Lord and made regular offerings with the income coming from these sources.

It seems that Saluva Narasimharaya, who ruled the Vijayanagara Empire before ascending the throne of Vijayanagara during his stay as Dandanatha at Tanguturu near Nandalur and after becoming the emperor of Vijayanagara visited and served this Lord.

Thiruvengalanath’s wife Chennamani, who ruled with Pottapi near Nandalur as her capital, and also Jakkala Thimmasani, offered jewels to the Lord. However, during British rule, the temple began to lose its glory when the grants were stopped.

Sir Thomas Monro, who worked as the Collector of Kadapa and later as the Governor of Madras State during the years 1800-1807, restored the grant system but it was not in operation for a long time. Owing to financial difficulties, the temple lost its former glory. Later it started running with the help of devotees.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took the administration of the temple in the year 2022. The emperors, kings, rulers, poets, singers, orators worshipped this Lord. Evidence reveals that the poets who wrote the Mahabharatha in Telugu – Nannaya, Tikkana and Erra pragada visited the Lord.

Sri Thallapaka Annamacharya, who worshipped Tirumala Sri Venkavenkateswara Swamy with more than 32 thousand ‘kirtanas’, visited this Lord and wrote ‘kirtanas.’ Tallapaka, the birthplace of the Annamacharyas of Tallapaka, is six kilometers away from Nandalur.

Annamayya who visited many times wrote on Sri Soumyanatha Swamy as

Choodanannichata jaanadu jokkaanaadhudu
Veedemicche naaku chokkaanaathudu
Chullara Vettu Jetala Chokkanadhu
Pullamlo Neladalur Chokkanadhu

Brahmotsavams

The Brahmotsavams of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy are performed every year in the month of Ashada for ten days besides daily poojas.

During the Brahmotsavams different ‘vahana sevas’ including Radhotsavam and Kalyanotsavam are performed in a grand style. Besides the Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dhanur Masa Pujas will also be performed annually.

Transport and Accommodation Facilities

There are no accommodation facilities for the devotees in Nandaluru. Accommodation is available in private lodges in Rajampet and Kadapa. Nandaluru is located at a distance of 40 km from Kadapa, 10 km from Rajampet and 100 km from Tirupati.

Transport facilities are available from Rajampet, Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Bangalore and Chennai. Passenger trains stop at Nandaluru. All trains have stops at Rajampet on the Chennai-Mumbai main railway line.

Final Word

The visit of ‘Nandaluru’ brings out peace and joy to the devotees.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram

Andal Thiruvaadipooram

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Andal Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of Andal or GodaDevi)

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

 

Andal Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine published by TTD

Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Goda Devi or Andal

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

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Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of GodaDevi)

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Goda Devi or Andal

Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal. Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

Sri MalyappaSwamy Decorated as Goda Devi

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

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Vaikunta Dwaram

Vaikunta Dwaram is located on the left side of the Main shrine and faces east. This door is opened only on the Day of Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi i.e. only on two days a year.

This Dwaram does not have any special gopuram of its own and is also devoid of any elaborate decorations etc. But the entry into the main shrine through this entry (and not the Bangaru Vakili) is considered one of the most revered and auspicious achievements for all devotees.

As legend put it entry through the door is said to bring some extraordinary blessings of the Lord Venkateswara which were normally meant for the Gods who live in Vaikuntam.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

At Tirumala, Vaikunta Ekadasi has always been a special occasion for the visiting devotees and it is a feast to the eyes and solace to the soul. In recent times, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) management decided to observe the event as a ten-day festival by throwing open the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ to the visiting pilgrims for ten days.

This is followed by a procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy’s deity on the golden chariot and the conduct of ‘Chakra Snanam’ on Vaikunta Dwadasi.

Golden Chariot - Tirumala (3)
Golden Chariot procession on Tirumala Mada Streets

Since this event is a celestial spectacle, lakhs of devotees plan to visit Tirumala on this occasion, but only some of them get the opportunity to pass through the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ on this day. Devotees who could not make it to Tirumala for the auspicious day in the past were a disappointed lot.

Now, several thousands of pilgrims get the satisfaction of walking through the ‘Uttara Dwaram’ and praying to the Lord of Seven Hills for salvation, due to the decision of the authorities to keep the northern entrance open for ten days.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Utsavam) Inside Temple

It is a devotional bliss to enter the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ and pass through the inner precincts around the sanctum sanctorum, which is believed to rid a person of all sins of the past and provide salvation. On this special occasion, the ‘Praakaaram’ is tastefully decorated with rare and exotic flowers of multiple colours, which look like heaven.

Devotees get the mesmerising experience of passing through the original ‘Vaikuntam’ while walking on this path.

May Lord Venkateswara grant liberation of the worldly shackles to all the devotees worshipping Him on this most auspicious occasion.

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukoilure (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukoilure (108 Divya Desams)

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Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

Thirukoilure Location

Tirukoilur also spelt as Tirukkoyilur or Tirukovilur is a city and the headquarters of Tirukoilur taluk in Kallakurichi District, Tamil Nadu, India. Thirukovilur is located 34km towards the west of the district headquarters Villupuram in Tamilnadu. It is on the Panruti-Vellore route. It is a small town with a very ancient temple.

Click here for Google Maps Location

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple – Sthala Puranam

King Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada. The king was known for his prowess and had brought all the worlds under his control. Lord Indra, fearful of losing control over his domain appealed to Lord Narayana for relief. The Lord descended as Vamana, the dwarf bachelor.

He went to Mahabali’s ‘yajna’ and requested for a donation. The King asked what he wanted. Lord Vamana replied to three steps of land as measured by His foot. Mahabali thought this bachelor did not know what he needed to survive and offered a lot of wealth.

Lord Vamana responded that if he can offer all this, surely, three steps of land should be possible. Shukracharya, the preceptor of the ‘asuras’ realised who Vamana is and cautioned Mahabali to withdraw from the gifting ritual.

Mahabali, renowned as the man of his word, declined to do so and went ahead. As soon as the ritualistic exchange of water from Mahabali’s hand to Lord Vamana’s hand took place completing the process of donation, the Lord started growing to His Trivikrama form.

With one foot, He measured all of this world. With another step, He measured all of the heavens. It is in this form, with one leg raised, the Lord gives ‘darshan’ in Thirukovilur to Prahalada, Shukracharya and the first three Alwars in addition to Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and the sage Mrikandu.

This temple finds mention in old Tamil literature which dates to the period 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. This makes the original temple over two thousand years old. Initially built of bricks, it was later converted to a stone structure by medieval Cholas.

It spans 5 acres of land near the South Pennar River.

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Thirukoilure (108 Divya Desams)

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple – Special Features

Nalayira Divya Prabhandham was born in this place. The very first ‘pasuram’ was uttered by the three first Alwars here. The three Alwars met on a rainy day in this small village and the Lord joined them.

Poigai Alwar while travelling landed up in Thirukovilur during heavy rains. He sought shelter in a small passage in front of an ashram. Then Bhoothath Alwar also arrived there asking for shelter. The two sat together in the available space. Then Pei Azhwar also arrived. The three stood in the passage.

Suddenly they felt the presence of an unseen fourth person crowding the small space. Realising that the Lord was with them, they composed poetry in the ‘Andhadhi’ style (the last word of the pasuram is the first word of the next pasuram) – each 100 stanzas.

  1. One took the path of Bhakti.
  2. The other took the Jnana route and
  3. the third took the Parabhakti route to visualize the Lord using the light of the lamps of ‘bhakti’ and ‘jnana’ lit by the other two.

All three having seen the Lord, Pei Alwar outlines the vision of the Lord and His Divine Consort opening the stanza by saying Thiru-kandaen – ‘I saw the divine lady. Pon meni kandaen – I saw the golden form.’ Since they are the first three Alwars in the Srivaishnavaite canon, their works appropriately are called Mudhal, Irandam and Mundram (First, Second and Third) Thiruandhadhi.

The temple is regarded as the ‘avatar sthalam’ of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham as the first three pieces of poetry were sung here.

Many say that the original deity of this temple is Lord Krishna. It is part of the five Krishna ‘sthalams’ of Tamil Nadu. The temple, known as Sri Ulagalantha Perumal temple finds mention in the Sangam literature around the 3rd century of the current era. The true age of the temple is unknown.

There are contributions from various Chola kings during many years ending with the Vijayanagar dynasty.

Cheng-Kamala Natchiyar / Poong-Kothai

The legend of Trivikrama is also connected to Thrikkakara temple of Kerala and Ulagalanda Perumal Koil of Kanchipuram. The main idol is more than 20 feet tall. Since the Lord holds the Panchajanya in His right hand and Sudarshana in His left, He is deemed to be giving knowledge to all those who approach Him.

The Lord is in standing posture facing east with one leg raised. The Universal Mother is ‘Cheng-Kamala Natchiyar’ or ‘Poong-Kothai’. The temple tank is ‘Chakra Theertham’. The Lord is also called ‘Idai-Kazhi Nathan’ (in Tamil) or ‘Dehali-Eswaran’ (in Sanskrit).

There is a shrine of Vishnu Durga in one of the ‘prakaras.’ There is also a 40 ft tall pillar on top of which, it is said, that Garuda prays to the Lord of this temple. Vaanavan Devi, the mother of King Rajaraja Chola and King Rajaraja himself were both born here as the mother hailed from this town.

Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

Mangalasasanam

Poigai Alwar refers to the Bhakthi ‘marga’ to realize the Lord. He says with the earth as the vessel, the ocean surrounding as the ghee, he is using the sun with its rays as the light in the lamp to write these ‘pasurams’ in Tamil as garlands at the divine feet of the Lord.

He is requesting the Lord to remove all obstacles of ‘samsaara’ from his path so he can realize the Lord because of his bhakthi. In Mudhal Thiruandhadhi (2167), Poigai Alwar considers his meeting with the Lord.

Peria Vachan Pillai comments that if the Lord had gone inside the house, He would have met the ‘rishi’ staying there. If He had stayed outside, He would have met the people who live there. Instead, He chose to stay in the passage to be with His devotees who sang about him.

Bhoothath Alwar says that with his love for the Lord as the vessel, with his desire to realize the Lord as the ghee, he is using his melting thoughts as the wick to light the lamp of knowledge (Jnana) to realise Srimannarayana. In Irandaam Thiruandhadhi (2252), Bhoothath Alwar visualizes the consequences of Trivikrama ‘avatar’.

When the Lord (who rests on Adisesh emitting poison and fire), raised and grew His foot to measure the worlds–the left curved conch (Panchajanya) in his left hand made sound and the golden fire emitting discus (Sudarshana) started emitting fire to reduce the enemies to inaction.

The Alwar describes Trivikrama in all His stunning glory spanning all directions. The implication is that all the ‘nityasuris’ were alerted and alarmed to their intended state (conch blowing, discus emitting fire and Adisesha emitting poison and fire) hearing the Lord grow big as Trivikrama wondering who was attacking the Lord and if they should perform their duty of protecting Him.

In Mundram Thiruandhadhi, Pei Alwar completes the exercise. Poigai utilized that path of devotion to achieve Para-bhakthi. Bhootha utilized the path of ‘jnana’ to achieve ‘Para-jnana.’ Pei Alwar utilized what the other two have realized and sings of how the Lord is realized. ‘Thiru- Kandaen–I saw Her (Mahalakshmi).

I saw His golden form shining like the sun. I saw the Sudarshana that puts fear in the hearts of enemies in battle. I saw the left whorled conch in his hand also. I saw all this in the form of my dark-complexioned, sea-hued Lord.’

Between the three of them, they set the tone for the evolution of Nalayira Divya Prabhandham –a combined and consummate effort by twelve Alwars of whom these three were the first. The routes to achieve the Lord are dealt with by the Lord Himself in the Varaha Purana (His discourse to Sri Bhumi Devi) and the Bhagavad Gita. But here in three pasurams, four lines each, with the blinding brilliance of simple Tamil, the three Alwars give it to us.

Thirumangai Alwar in Thirunedunthandagam (2052-2081), refers to the Lord at Thirukovilur and encourages everyone to worship Him there. The Alwar speaks of Trivikrama ‘avatar’ in this and refers to Him as Ulagalandaan.

The Alwar says: ‘You are in a place filled with lotus-filled ponds, wide streets, parks and lush green vegetation and guarded by deities such as Kali.’ Let us all concentrate on worshipping the Lord of Thirukovilur. In his Parakala Nayaki state, Thirumangai Alwar refers to Thirukovilur in more than one place in Sirya Thirumadal and Periya Thirumadal as the residence of the Lord who measured the world.

Let us all concentrate on worshipping the Lord of Thirukovilur.

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Sudarshan Chakra - Protector of the Good

Sudarshan Chakra – Protector of the Good

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sudarshan Chakra

Sudarshan Chakra

Sudarshan Chakra is the most powerful weapon of Lord Vishnu in the form of a rotating disc with sparkling spikes to protect the righteous and destroy the evil-minded people. The literal meaning of the weapon is that it is a “wheel with an auspicious vision which is always in motion.”

Sudarshana Chakra Teertha Mukkoti
Sudarshana Chakra Teertha Mukkoti

Lord Vishnu as Protector of the Universe used the wheel to protect His devotees and punish those who harm His followers. During the incarnation of Lord Krishna in Dwaparayuga, He adorned the same weapon to protect the Pandavas.

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Stories

Here are a few stories where Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna used this magnificent weapon.

The story of Ambarisha

King Ambarisha was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu who religiously followed the rituals of ‘dharma.’ He was performing the auspicious “Ekadasi Vrata” on each Ekadasi day. As per the ritual, the devotee should be fasting on Ekadasi and should consume the food before the next star (day) Dwadashi.

On one occasion, when Ambarisha was about to consume his food on Dwadashi day, Rishi Durvasa came to his court and said that he would receive food from him. He left to take his bath. He did not return in time and Ambarisha observed that the period of Dwadashi would not last long.

On the advice of his ministers and ‘gurus’, he drank a few drops of water to complete the ‘Ekadasi Vrata’. He found Durvasa entering his place and saw him taking food in the form of water without feeding the guests whom he invited. Angered by this action, Durvasa in a fit of anger created a demon and ordered him to kill the king.

story of Ambarisha - Sudarshan Chakra

Lord Vishnu became furious. He ordered His Sudarshan Chakra to kill the demon to protect the king. The Wheel of Lord Vishnu after killing the demon, chased Durvasa. The rishi went to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva requesting them for protection from the Sudarshan Chakra.

When none were giving refuge to him, he approached Ambarisha to pray to the Sudarshan Chakra to save the life of the sage. Ambarisha prayed to the Lord to withdraw Sudarshan Chakra.

He prayed:

“O Sudarsan Chakra, You are fire. You are the most powerful Sun and the Moon, the Master of all Luminaries. You are the water, the earth and the sky. You are the air. You are the five senses sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.

Please forgive the ‘rishi.’ The sage Durvasa was saved.

The Story of Shisupala

Lord Vishnu in His incarnation as Lord Krishna used the Sudarshan Chakra as His magnificent weapon. Owing to a vow given to His aunt, Lord Krishna has to spare Shisupala for the one hundred mistakes he committed.

Story of Shisupala - Sudarshan Chakra

During Lord Krishna’s visit to Duryodhana’s court to bring peace between the brothers, Shisupala started blaming Lord Krishna once again and crossed his limit of a hundred mistakes. Then Lord Krishna used Sudarshan Chakra to kill Shisupala.

The story of Sati

Aggrieved by the decision of his father, Daksha, not to invite Lord Shiva to the ‘yagna’ performed by him, Sati immolated herself. Lord Shiva out of love and affection towards his wife carried the charred body of Sati all around the world and was not allowing anyone to separate the body from him.

Lord Vishnu to remove the illusion of Lord Shiva ordered the Sudarshan Chakra to cut the body of Sati into pieces. The charred body was made into 51 pieces which fell at various places in the world. Those holy places are called ‘Sakti Peetams’ and are being worshipped in reverence to Sati and Lord Shiva.

The story of Rahu and Ketu

Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and distributed the ‘amrita’ churned out of the Milky Ocean between the ‘devatas’ and the demons. She distributed the entire ‘amrita’ to the ‘devatas.’

Churning of ocean

Two demons, Rahu and Ketu noticed this and mixed in the line of the Devatas. They were also served the ‘amrita’ by Mohini. Before they gulp it, Lord Vishnu noticed the mischief of the demons and cut their throats with the Sudarshan Chakra. Thus, He protected the ‘devatas’ from the devastating effect of the demons.

The Story of Jayadrath

During the war at Kurukshetra, Abhimanyu was killed by Jayadrath when he entered the Padmavyuha laid down by the Kauravas as a strategy to kill all the Pandavas who entered the riddle. Angered by the death of his son, Arjuna vows to kill Jayadrath before sunset.

All the Kauravas hid him in a place where Arjuna could not find him. Lord Krishna mastered a plan and hides the Sun with His Sudarsan Chakra. Jayadrath comes from the hiding place presuming that it is already sunset and he could not be killed by Arjuna. Lord Krishna removes His Wheel. Immediately, Arjuna kills Jayadrath.

Final Word

Sudarshan Chakra always adorns the right hand of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu protects His devotees and safeguards them with His blissful vision and with His marvellous weapons.

Silver Coins and Dollars in Tirumala Temple

Silver Coins and Dollars in Tirumala Temple

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Silver Coins and Dollars

Srivari Thulabharam

Generally, the devotees of lord Venkateswara use to perform various sevas like Vasanthotsavam, Dolotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankarana seva etc. In addition to this Niluvu dopidi (giving up their belongings-silver, gold or cash to the lord), Thulabharam can also be performed at Tirumala.

The objective of the Srivari Thulabharam is to donate some offerings as per the wish of the pilgrim which is equal to their weight.

The offerings like Rice, Jaggery, Sugar Candy, gold and Silver Coins can be offered to the Lord. But devotees need not bring these things along with them because TTD will provide these offerings to the devotees on payment basis inside the temple.

In addition to this 5 grams, and 10 grams of silver dollars of Lord Venkateswara and his divine consort Padmavati Devi are also sold by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to devotees at bullion market rates on the date. People also consider these dollars sacred.

Nakshatrotsavas – Tirumala

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MASOTSAVAS / Nakshatrotsavas

There are a few ceremonies in the Tirumala Lord’s temple every month on certain days of special stars. These stars come once a month, and they are also called Masotsavas.

ROHINI Nakshatrotsavam

There will be Abhisheka to Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy along with Rukmini and Srikrishna in the morning on the day of Rohini star every month after Suprabhatam. The same evening Lord Sri Krishna along with Rukmini is brought out of the temple to participate in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva of the Court Hall (Koluvu Mantapam).

After the procession, Rukmini and Sri Krishna enter the temple through the greater circumambulation path (Maha Pradakshina Marga). The visitors of the seva are purged of all the evil effects associated with stars, especially that of the Rohini star.

Utsava Murthy - Suprabhatam - Sri Malayappa Swamy

ARDRA Nakshatrotsavam

Ardra is the ruling birth star of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. On the evening of Ardra star every month, Sri Malayappa Swami participates in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja is placed on another pedestal before the Lord is also taken out in procession in the streets of Tirumala.

The utsavas of Sri Bhashyakara commence on a grand scale ten days before Ardra star, especially in the Mesha masa.

The procession of Sri Ramanuja during these ten days takes place face-to-face with the Lord. The Asthanam of the Lord (Court meeting) is held in the premises of Sri Bhashyakara of the temple.

After the Nivedana, the garlands and the Shesha harathi (lit camphor) of the Lord are offered to Ramanuja. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Ardra are pacified through the seva.

PUNARVASU Nakshatrotsavam

Punarvasu is the ruling birth star of Sri Rama. There will be abhishekam for Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana along with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy after Suprabhatam on the day of Punarvasu star every month. There will be Asthana (court meeting) for Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana on Sri Rama Navami and the next day, i. e. Dashami before the Golden Entrance.

The same evening Sri Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Ajnapalaka Anjaneya Swami participated in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. After the procession in the Tirumala streets, Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana come to Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swami to offer the garland and shesha haarathi of Sri Rama to him.

Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana later enter the temple. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Punarvasu are pacified through the seva.

SHRAVANA Nakshatrotsavam

Shravana is the ruling birth star of Lord Sri Venkateshwara. On that day of the star in the morning, there will be abhishekam for Sri Malayappa Swami and His consorts along with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy. After all sevas and participation in the Sahasra Deepaalankarana Seva and procession in the evening, Sri Malayappa Swami will enter the temple.

There will be special utsavas for the star shravana in certain months in Tirumala.

Brahmotsavas always end on the day of shravana in every Kanya Masa. There will be Pushpa Yagotsavam for the Lord on the day of shravana star in Karthika Masa.

Punnami Garuda Seva

Besides nakshatrotsavas, there will be Punnami Garuda Seva at night for Tirumalesha on Full Moon day every month. That day around 7 pm, Sri Malayappa Swami is adorned with diamond armour, crown and other ornaments.

PUNNAMI GARUDA SEVA - Tirumala

Mounting Him on the golden Garuda vahana, a procession is taken in the Tirumala streets with the servants holding the chatra and Chamara while elephants, horses and oxen participate in it.

Ardra Nakshatrotsavam (Monthly Ceremony) – Tirumala

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Ardra Nakshatrotsavam

There are a few ceremonies in the Tirumala Lord’s temple every month on certain days of special stars. These stars come only once in a month, and hence they are also called Masotsavas.

Ardra

Ardra is the ruling birth star of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. On the evening of Ardra star every month, Sri Malayappa Swami participates in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja is placed on another pedestal before the Lord is also taken out in procession in the streets of Tirumala.

The utsavas of Sri Bhashyakara commence on a grand scale ten days before the Ardra star, especially in the Mesha masa. The procession of Sri Ramanuja during these ten days takes place face-to-face with the Lord.

Ramanuja - Jeeyar

The Asthanam of the Lord (Court meeting) is held in the premises of Sri Bhashyakara of the temple.

After the Nivedana, the garlands and the Shesha harathi (lit camphor) of the Lord are offered to Ramanuja. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Ardra are pacified through the seva.

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Sripadarenu

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Sripadarenu

A portion of the paste of the refined camphor mixed with civet oil called Sripadarenu is distributed to the hereditary persons doing service. The practice of pressing camphor on the chin of the Lord is related to a tradition.

A bhakta stated to be Anantalvar, a disciple of Ramanuja, undertook to excavate the tank, now known as Alvar tank, together with his wife. He observed a young person moving only small clods of earth, and being angry, he struck at his chin.

When later he went to the temple to worship, he found blood oozing from the Lord’s chin, felt remorse for his needless act, brought some drugs and applied them to the Lord’s chin. It is because of this that refined camphor is now said to be pressed to the Lord’s chin after his ablution on Friday.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

Sripadarenu is well kneaded by hand by the Jiyangar and is divided according to hierarchy. A small quantity is also given to the pilgrims, called kainidi i.e., what is left in the hands as prasadam.