Tirumala Tirupati Yatra, Author At Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Brahmotsavams 2024 – The Festival Performed by Lord Brahma

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Srivari Brahmotsavams 2024

The celebration of Srivari Brahmotsavams is the grandest spectacle of the year. Hundreds of thousands congregate at Tirumala to have the grand darshan of Lord Venkateswara as He moves around the streets on a different mount each morning and evening for nine days.

Filled with excitement and devotion, the atmosphere is charged. These days, even those who cannot participate in person can participate virtually because of television and live streaming on the TTD SVBC channel and other websites and the sharing of photos and videos on social media.

CHANDRA PRABHA VAHANAM — Chandra Prabha Vahana Seva

Celebration of festivals has been part of the culture of the temple at Tirumala since ancient times. For example, there is a reference in the Ahananooru, one of the eight anthologies (ettuthokai) of the Sangam Tamil literature to ‘Vengadam, prosperous because of the festivals celebrated there.’

The earliest epigraphic references can be traced back to 966 CE citing the endowments made by the Pallava queen Samavai, and subsequently others such as the Telugu Pallava king Vijaya Ganda Gopala Deva, Tribhuvana Chakravarthi Tiruvenkatanatha Yadava Rayalu and Veera Prathapa Rayalu to organize the Brahmotsavams to the Lord at Tirumala.

But why the name ‘Brahmotsavam’, Brahma’s festival?

Srivari Brahmotsavams 2024 – will be celebrated between 4th October and 12th October 2024.

Venkataachala Maahatmyam – Bok

In his book, ‘Venkataachala Maahatmyam’, Paravastu Venkata Ramanuja Swamy cites the Varaha Purana explaining the origin of the Brahmotsavam. Many eons ago, sages and yogis were being harassed by ‘asuras,’ especially Ravana. They went to Vaikunta in search of Mahavishnu, the only one who could save them. ‘He is visiting the earth’, said a dweller of Vaikunta. So, they made their way to the earth.

On the way, they met the sage Narada and he suggested that they all go and ask Lord Brahma for a solution. They prostrated before Lord Brahma and prayed for his help. Lord Brahma narrated the story of how Ravana’s power was built through penance and that he could be killed only by a non-human. The only solution was to seek the help of Lord Mahavishnu. But where is he on earth? Lord Brahma opined that Lord Vishnu was at that time believed to be in Venkatadri, because it was after the Varaha ‘avatara’ and it was ‘Varaha kshetram‘.

Sri Varaha Swami - AdiVarahaKshetram — Sri Varaha Swami – AdiVarahaKshetram

Now, all the sages along with Lord Brahma trudged to Seshachalam. They searched here and there but could not find Lord Vishnu. Led by Lord Brahma, they performed penance. Meanwhile, the king Dasaratha who had no sons was advised by the sage Vasistha to head to Venkatadri. Bathing in the sacred waters and washing off his sins, he wandered around and saw many rishis immersed in the worship of Lord Vishnu.

Amidst them was Lord Brahma on a tiger skin, His four faces glowing brilliantly as He meditated on Lord Srinivasa. Vasistha initiated Dasaratha with the ‘Venkatesa Ashtakshari Mantra’ and Dasaratha devotedly chanted. Lord Mahavishnu would not deny His beloved devotee a glimpse!

There was a blinding flash of light and suddenly they all found themselves in the abode of Lord Mahavishnu! Ecstatic at this rare divine vision, everyone eulogized the Lord. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Srinivasa asked them what their problem was. Lord Brahma, the sages like Agastya and Sanaka, and Dasaratha explained their difficulties to Him. The Lord smiled and said that He would solve all their problems. Full of relief and happiness, the sages and others left. But Lord Brahma stayed behind.

Seeing him, Lord Srinivasa asked how he could help. Lord Brahma explained that it went to His heart that the Lord was not visible to the people. In Kaliyuga, people couldn’t do penance to be able to see the Lord. It was important for the Lord to take care of His people as otherwise they would be condemned to Hell. Lord Brahma requested Lord Mahavishnu as Lord Srinivasa to stay back in Venkatadri in His physical form for all to see. And the Lord agreed that He would stay here in Venkatachala till the end of this ‘Kalpa’ along with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Lord Brahma still stood there. Then Lord Vishnu asked Lord Brahma about his wish. To this, Lord Brahma replied that He wanted to celebrate Lord Srinivasa’s glory by hoisting His ‘dwaja’ or flag and holding a festival. The Lord agreed to this also. This happened on the day of Shravana star in Kanya Month. Since Lord Brahma Himself conducted ‘utsavas’ for nine days ending on the day of the Lord’s self-manifestation, this event is known as ‘Brahmotsavams’.

Just as Lord Brahma invited all the gods, demi-Gods and others to participate in the festival, before the auspicious ‘dwajaarohana’, the ‘utsava murthis’ along with the ‘parivar’ (family) deities are taken around the four Mada streets in procession. Garuda flying high invites everyone to participate.

Let’s take part in the grand divine festival and obtain the graceful blessings of Lord Srinivasa!

Brahma Ratham

To this day, in commemoration to Brahmotsavam, a small empty chariot known as the ‘Brahma Ratham’ goes before the daily procession of the ‘utsava murties’ (processional deities) twice on the Brahmotsavam days.

9 Hassle-Free Facilities offered by TTD

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Hassle-Free Facilities for Darshan

As the saying ‘Manava Sevaye Madhava Seva’ goes, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is committed to providing basic services to the common pilgrim visiting the abode of Sri Venkateswara, including free darshan, food, drinking water, travel and tonsuring.

There are numerous facilities offered by TTD for the benefit of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine. As many as 60000 to 80000 devotees take darshan of Swamivaru on average every day, which needs an efficient crowd management mechanism and hassle-free token allotment system, which the TTD has effectively mastered.

While there will be just a couple of choices for devotees in other temples, the major factor that distinguishes the TTD is the large number of options to choose from while opting for Darshan.

The TTD provides a multitude of services to ensure pilgrims have a smooth and fulfilling experience during their pilgrimage from Tirupati bus station/railway station to Tirumala and back. Of course, the devotee has to carry some minimum amount towards payment of caution deposit for the room/locker, which will be returned while vacating.

Note: The TTD may change the facilities from time to time depending on the exigencies of the situations. Readers are requested to note this point and follow the TTD website www.tirumala.org from time to time.

Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD)

There are many avenues through which a devotee can opt for Darshan. The first choice opted by most devotees is the SSD (Slotted Sarva Darshan) Tokens, which are free tokens allotted for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

Most devotees arriving at Tirupati on an unscheduled visit can get SSD tokens at the counters in Srinivasam (opposite RTC Bus Station), Vishnu Nivasam (opposite Railway Station) and Bhudevi Complex (Alipiri Link Bus Station). Based on the time slot, they can reach Tirumala at the scheduled hour and have an eyeful of Darshan of Srinivasa.

Special Entry Darshan (SED)

The second major option that is used by devotees is the SED (Special Entry Darshan) Tickets. These tickets can be booked online on payment of Rs.300 per person. This ticket is the most affordable for middle-class devotees who intend to visit Tirumala as per their itinerary and who want to stick to their travel plan.

Unscheduled Sarvadarshan is also available for those who neither plan their schedule nor book their SSD slot. Such devotees will be allowed into the queue line at regular intervals, but priority is given to those who have booked Darshan or Sevas.

Divyadarshan

Divyadarshan’ is another format that is useful for the devout who have taken a vow to trek the hills. A huge chunk of the devotees reaching Tirumala come on foot, which they believe will endear them to Lord Venkateswara and get his blessings. Because of the tiredness and fatigue involved in trekking the hills, such devotees find it difficult to spend long hours standing in the queue lines.

It was to reduce their strain that the TTD management offered these ‘Divyadarshan’ tickets to the pilgrims as a token of relief for trekking the hills. Trekking devotees will have to get these tickets issued at the foot of the hill and get them validated/checked at a designated point mid-way, on the trekking route in Srivarimettu.

At present Divyadarshan tokens are being issued only in Srivarimettu (soon the old method will be resumed in the Alipiri footpath also).

SRIVANI ticket

The TTD gives priority in Darshan to those who donate to Sri Venkateswara Alaya Nirmana (SRIVANI) Trust formed to construct and maintain Sri Venkateswara temples across India. The trust also supports the conduct of various festivals and religious rituals, besides taking up repair, renovation, maintenance and preservation of Gopurams and archaeological buildings that reflect the glory of Indian culture.

As a token of appreciation for the commitment exhibited by the donors who contribute Rs.10000 or above to SRIVANI TRUST, the TTD provides a one-time privilege of VIP Break darshan, which costs an additional Rs.500.

Senior Citizens and Differently abled

According to special concern to age and physical disability, the TTD offers special privilege to the senior citizens and the differently abled persons by providing them a separate slot in the queue lines, so that they need not undergo pushing and jostling with the regular crowd. Such people can avail darshan of Lord Venkateswara by booking tickets under the head ‘Senior Citizen/ Differently Abled/Medical cases’ at the TTD website.

The senior citizen must have completed 65 years of age and the spouse is allowed as an attendant. Similarly, the Differently abled person should possess a certificate provided by the state or central government, and their spouse will be allowed to accompany as an attendant.

As a special privilege to those having tough medical conditions, the TTD allows those who have undergone/are undergoing kidney transplantation, open heart surgery, dialysis, liver transplantation, brain surgery, cancer or spine surgery (unable to walk). Such cases should bring a medical certificate from the concerned surgeon or specialist. His/her spouse will be allowed as an attendant.

In all the above cases, a maximum of 1000 persons will be allowed from Monday to Saturday at 3 pm per day.

Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam

The newly launched ‘Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam’ at the Alipiri Goshala offers yet another Darshan opportunity for the devout. The Homam is performed by the TTD for global well-being and general prosperity of all humans. Sri Venkateswara Vedic University has been entrusted with the task of providing qualified and skilled manpower to perform the ritual.

Those willing to participate in the Homam can do so on payment of Rs.1000 per couple, for which they will be allowed entry through the queue line meant for SED tickets (on purchase of tickets for Rs.300 each). The Homam is getting popular day by day and is getting huge responses not only for getting the divine grace of Srinivasa, but also due to its popularity as a reliable mode of Tirumala darshan.

Srivari Sevak/Parakamani

The TTD invites the public to render voluntary service to the devotees and involves them in several of its activities in the temple as well as outside the shrine such as in maintaining queue lines, vigilance, health, Annaprasadam distribution, garden, medical, transport, Kalyanakatta, book stalls etc.

The duties are allotted to the volunteers based on the electronic dip system and as such, everyone may not get duty within the temple complex. The registered devotees will have to apply for the Seva and render voluntary service at the spot allotted to them.

As a token of appreciation for their voluntary service, Darshan will be provided to them. Similarly, those volunteering to monitor the Parakamani (counting of currency and coins dropped in Srivari Hundi) will also get a Darshan opportunity.

Angapradakshinam

Anga pradakshinam is the process of rolling one’s body around the sanctum sanctorum in the ‘Praakaram’. This is a centuries-old practice in vogue, performed to appease the Lord of Seven Hills. Pilgrims can perform Angapradakshinam by booking the ticket well in advance through the TTD website.

For this, the devotees should first take a bath in Pushkarini and arrive at the temple in wet clothes. They have to produce the identity card mentioned while booking to get into the temple for this purpose.

The Other Facilities for pilgrims

The TTD provides various facilities for the devotees visiting Tirumala. Right from drinking water to Annaprasadam, hot milk for infants and adults, toilets to lockers, everything is free.

For the pilgrims patiently waiting in the various queue lines for their turn of darshan, milk and Anna prasadam are supplied at regular intervals. This helps them maintain calm and chant the holy names of Lord Venkateswara during their period of stay, without having to worry about the waiting time.

Annaprasadam (food) is served at Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasada Kendram during most parts of the day. No pilgrim is required to spend a penny to buy food as the TTD provides steaming hot food to every visiting devotee. The high quality of food draws laurels from the devotees.

Similarly, pilgrims need not have to buy potable water to quench their thirst during their stay at Tirumala. Reverse Osmosis (RO) treated water is made available at regular intervals throughout the areas visited by pilgrims on the hills. Tonsuring of the head is done since time immemorial in fulfilment of a vow at Tirumala. Offering hair is considered one of the most significant contributions to Lord Venkateswara. It is hence tonsuring is done free of cost for the devotees.

For patients travelling to Tirumala and also for those falling sick during the journey, there is a free emergency medical facility at Aswini Hospital and Vaikuntam queue complex. People in need of emergency and superior treatment are rushed to Tirupati downhill for the same. There are ambulances kept ready on both the ghat roads to meet such exigencies.

Trekking devotees bringing heavy luggage need not bother about physically carrying them to the hills, as the TTD offers a free luggage transportation service. Once the baggage is handed over to the centre at the foot of the hills, it will be transported by road to a similar point at the hilltop, where the trekkers can pick up their bags.

Once a pilgrim arrives at the bus station or railway station downhill, there are free buses available to drop them at Alipiri and Srivarimettu, from where they can trek the hills. Similarly, free buses will be continuously roaming on Tirumala hills, which can be used by the pilgrims to reach their destination. Pilgrims will have to pay only if they are travelling by bus on the ghat road.

For pilgrims coming by own transport, the TTD has developed several parking lots across the hill town. The parking places are planned and made available at regular intervals that thousands of cars arriving on a single day can be parked with ease.

The TTD has also made available battery-operated vehicles for the senior citizens and the disabled to move around the temple. The vehicles are used to ferry the aged and sick persons from the car parking up to the temple entrance.

GOVINDA App

The TTD has come up with a mobile app ‘GOVINDA’, which provides booking of all services at a single click. Pilgrims are advised to download the free app and get the facilities within minutes.

Final Word

Because of the dynamic situation at Tirumala, all the services and facilities offered by the TTD are subject to change in the last minute. Pilgrims are advised to check for the services ahead of planning their travel.

Pilgrims are suggested to make their arrangements for pilgrimage well in advance and also make use of all the facilities available at Tirumala.

In a nutshell, a well-planned trip to Tirumala is always fruitful, comfortable and gratifying..!

AVOID PLASTIC

Devotees are requested to avoid plastic materials like covers, water bottles and other plastic-based materials at Tirumala to safeguard the environment.
Devotees walking along footpath routes are requested not to carry plastic bottles.
They should not throw plastic covers and other related items in the ghat roads.
Keep Tirumala clean and tidy.

Lord Venkateswara Swamy

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Manifestation of Lord Venkateswara Swamy Shines with

Lord Sri Mahavishnu left Vaikuntam and reached Venkatadri as Lord Venkateswara Swamy to protect and bless the devotees. Venkatadri is also known as Venkatachalam. It is one of the seven hills of Tirumala, considered a heavenly abode on the earth.

The sanctum sanctorum where Sri Venkateswara Swamy resides in the temple was covered by a gold-plated ‘gopuram’ called ‘Ananda Nilayam’.

Sthanakamurthy / Sthanaka Virahamurthy

In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Venkateswara Swamy is in the divine form in the ‘Brahma Sthaana.’ The image of the Lord is over eight feet tall and is believed to be the self-manifested one. This Salagramamurthy is called ‘Sthanakamurthy’ because He is in the standing posture. He is Dhruvamurti or Dhruvaberam because His idol is stable.

The Lord is also called ‘Sthanaka Virahamurthy’ as He is the only one without His consorts.

Entamatramuna nevvaru dalachina antamatrame nivu
antarantamu lenci chuda bindanthe nippatiyannatlu
koluthuru mimu vaishnavulu kurimito visnhudani
palukuduru mimu vedantulu parabrahmambanuchu
taluturu mimu saivulu tagina bhaktulu sivudanuchu
alari pogududuru kapalikulu adi bhairavudanuchu….

—Thallapaka Annamacharya

You are that, what one perceives you as if appraised rightly, however, the dough is, so turns out the pancake! If you are Sree Venkatapathi, the Lord who accepts us, right here I surrender unto you! For me, this is the highest truth!

Standing on the Padma Peetham the Lord wears a sword called ‘Nandaka’.

The manifestation of the Lord shines with Surya Katari, Crown, Thirunamam, Vyuha Lakshmi in His bosom along with Sankhu, Chakra, Varada and Kati ‘hasthas’, Naagabharanaas, Camphor on the chin.

Netra Darshan

In Tirumala every Thursday, the main deity was divested of all ornaments, flowers etc. The deity was draped only in Dhoti and Uttareeyam. The Thirunamam and Kasturi on the forehead of the main deity were also reduced in size resulting in the unique ‘Netra Darshan‘ (where the divine eyes of the Lord can be seen).

Now, here Let us see some specialities of the Lord in a glance.

1. Thirunamam

Thirunamam worn on the forehead of the Lord is called ‘Urdvapundram.’ It is offered once a week after Abhishekam every Friday. It is made of 16 tulas of ‘pacchakarpuram’ (camphor) and one and a half tula of ‘kasturi’ (musk).

Before the Brahmotsavams and during the Brahmotsavas, on Fridays following the Brahmotsavams, double camphor and musk are used for ‘Thirunamam.’ Therefore, this ‘namam’ is called as ‘Rettimpunamam’ and on every Thursday this ‘namam’ is shortened and the Lord’s eyes are visible to the devotees.

2. Sankham and Chakram

The Lord appears with Sankham (conch) and Sudarshana Chakram (Discus) in both hands. They are said to have been established by Sri Ramanujacharya in his times.

3. Varada Mudra

The two hands of Lord Venkateswara are called Varada Hastha and Kati Hashta. Varada Mudra is found in the right hand of the Lord. His right palm points downwards. Varada means giving boons. This is said to be an indication that whoever takes refuge at His holy lotus’ feet is a true devotee and will be blessed.

4. Kati Hastam

Swami holds Kati Hastam (left hand). Keeping the hand near His knees, kati, symbolizes that whoever surrenders at His feet will be blessed with boons. By placing His hand on the pelvis, the Lord reminds the vital part of man and warns him not to get too much attachment towards anything.

5. Camphor on the Chin

The Lord’s chin is decorated with ‘pacchakarpooram’ and appears white. Earlier, a devotee named Ananthalwar reached Tirumala and developed a flower garden to serve the Lord. With the help of his wife, he used to dig the garden well. During this time the Lord appeared as a boy and tried to help in digging.

But Ananthalvar refused. But the boy continued to help Ananthalvar’s wife. Ananthalvar got angry and threw the crowbar at the boy. The boy got injured. Later the boy was identified as the Lord and ‘pacchakarpooram’ was applied to the wound on the chin.

Bhakta Ananthacharya - Anantalwar Crowbar — Bhakta Ananthacharya – Anantalwar Crowbar

6. Vakshasthala Lakshmi

Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is on the chest of Lord Srinivasa. It appears that Goddess Lakshmi is on both sides of the Lord’s bosom, but Ammavaru is on one side of Moolavirattu’s bosom. Ammavaru is invisible due to decoration. During Abhishekam, Ammavaru appears clearly. She is smeared with turmeric powder.

Chaturvimshati Namavali Puja

It is said that Ammavaru is the main reason for ‘Abhishekam’ to the Lord on Friday. After chanting the Lord’s Sahasranama and Ashtottaranama thrice daily, the Goddess is worshipped with the 24 names from the Varaha Puranam. The name of this worship is ‘Chaturvimshati Namavali Puja’.

The grand ‘darshan’ of the Lord holding the goddess in Her bosom brings grace to both. Moreover, the Lord tells the world the real position of a wife which is very significant.

for Arjitha Seva’s booking, click here for the official booking portal

7. Surya Katari

The sword is one of Lord Vishnu’s five weapons. It is known as Nandakam and Surya Katari. It is believed that this weapon is meant to punish the wicked and protect the righteous. Pada kavita Pithamaha Thallapaka Annamacharya emerged from the sword called Nandaka to write ‘keerthanas’ on Lord Venkateswara and condemn the sinfulness of the world. The message given by the Lord through this sword is to remove ignorance, carelessness and disregard on the part of human beings.

8. Nagabaranas

The Lord appears wearing ‘nagabharanas’ on both the lower sides of the shoulders and above the elbows. These jewels are symbolic of Adisesha and the Lord shows His benevolence by making His followers the part of His body. Remarkably, Seshu is the first vehicle in the Brahmotsavams.

9. Silk Clothes

Every Friday after Abhishekam, a 24-mura-long and 4-mura-wide ‘dhoti’ is used for decorating Lord Venkateswara. Apart from this, a 12 mura long and two mura wide silk cloth is worn as Uttareeyam. On Thursday, these are removed and the ‘dhoti’ is decorated and the Uttariyam is put up like ‘yajnopaveetham’

Brahma Kadigina Paadamu
Brahmamu taane nee paadamu….
– Sri Thallapaka Annamacharya

The Lord stands on Padmapeetham. His lotus feet are always covered with golden sheets, wonderful flowers and ‘tulsi’ leaves. It is possible to see the Lord’s feet only on the day of ‘Abhishekam i.e, Friday. While worshipping the Lord’s feet, taking shelter and serving Him means that the devotee has given up his pride at the Lord’s feet and becomes His true devotee by his humbleness.

Sri Venkataachalaadheesham
sriyadyaasitha vakshasam
Srithachetana mandaaram
sreenivasa mahambhaje!!

Divine Verses (4000) During Brahmotsavams at Tirumala

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4000 Divine Verses

Srivari Brahmotsavams

Srivari Brahmotsavams of this year will be celebrated between 4th October and 12th October 2024.

The holy Thiru Vengadam Hills, perhaps the most famous place of pilgrimage, always carries a festive atmosphere with the crowds pouring in from all parts of the world and this vast land of ours.

To many who come from faraway places, this pilgrimage is a sacred duty to be undertaken at least once in a lifetime. For many others, Lord Srinivasa is the family deity and the trek up the hills has to be done to mark occasions like marriages, the birth of children, and the fulfilment of prayers. Other groups make it to the hills during the Tamil month ‘Purattasi’ (September-October) with utmost devotion.

The Saturdays of this month are considered to be very sacred. The pilgrims light lamps at the base of the hills and worship the hills. This crowd swells to a lakh and more during the annual Brahmotsavams!

The structure of the temple and the narrow interiors allow only a split-second darshan of the main deity to the devotees, though the sanctum sanctorum remains open and the Lord gives His grand ‘darshan’ through the day and night with a break of hardly an hour or so. This is of course a very special moment to be cherished, but most of the devout pilgrims come out longing for more.

Most console themselves saying, “What if I can’t see the Lord for long? He surely saw me and will shower His immense blessings on me! He has come from His celestial abode and is standing here to see us”.

The unfulfilled desire in the hearts of all pilgrims is satisfied by the grand Brahmotsavams conducted in the holy month of Purattasi when the Lord incarnated on the hills in Sravanam asterism. The Utsavam brings the processional deity, Malayappa Swami, with His divine consorts from the temple into the broad Mada streets in various floats twice every day in the morning and the evening.

Thousands of devotees who can sit on the stands have a glorious darshan and give their humble offerings to the Lord. The SVBC channel of the TTD brings the entire festive ambience into our homes through their live telecast. Millions can watch the hoisting of the flag at the Dwaja Sthambha, the Agama rituals, the Vahana Sevas, and the salubrious environment of the hills and get a complete experience. Many elderly devotees used to stick to the television all nine days and feel blessed by the Lord.

The most important part of the Vahana Seva is the chanting of the Vedas in Tamil (the 4000 divine verses of the Alwar saints) leading the procession which is headed by the Jeeyar swamies in Tirumala. This demonstrates that the Lord of Thiru Vengadam is the Supreme Almighty who has been praised by both the Vedas. It is heartwarming to see the very large number of scholars taking part in this service. The role of the educational institutions run by the TTD for nurturing the Vedic, Prabhandha and Agama studies is highly commendable.

Four thousand verses are chanted

In the course of the nine days of the Brahmotsavams, the entire four thousand verses are chanted. On the very first day when the Malayappa Swami ascends the Big Sesha Vahanam flanked by His consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, the Mudal Thiruvandadhi of Poigai Piran is chanted. This Alwar’s birth asterism was on the sacred Thiruvonam star which also is the ‘Aavathara Thirunakshatram of Lord Srinivasa.

Divya Prabandha Ghoshti - Tirumala — Divya Prabandha Ghoshti – Tirumala

Iyarppa Perumal

Poigai Alwar has sung about many Divya Deshas but the Seven Hills of Tirumala are very special to him and the Alwar’s magical verses on the ‘kshetra’ are very special to the Lord. At Tirumala, the chanting of Nalayira Divya Prabhandam is always started with Poigai Alwar’s Mudal Thiruvandadhi verses followed by the entire “Iyarpa” on subsequent Vahanas.

The Lord of the Seven Hills is fondly called ‘Iyarppa Perumal’.

Iyarpa is the last thousand verses of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham and consists of Poigai Alwar’s Mudal Thiruvandadhi, Bhoodath Alwar’s Irandam Thiruvandadhi, Pei Alwar’s Moondram Thiruvandadhi, Thirumazhisai Alwar’s Nanmugan Thiruvandadhi, Nammalwar’s Thiruviruttam, Periya Thiruvandadhi and so on.

On the day of Garuda Vahanam the Lord listens to the rendering of Nammalwar’s glorious Thiruviruttam wherein the Alwar describes the glory of the Thiru Vengadam Hills in numerous verses.

In many Srivaishnava ‘kshetras’, the chanting of Divya Prabhandham begins with mundane desires, men of wisdom, great souls like the Alwar saints who blessed the Lord with their powerful words of ‘mangalasasanam’ and the residents of the celestial land too.

In verse 37 of the same Prabhandham, Poigai Alwar describes an enchanting scene that unfolds before him. Streams of Vedic Scholars converging on the hills from all directions hurrying towards the temple are observed by the Alwar. These enlightened souls are carrying lamps, incense, pure water, and fresh flowers for the worship of the Lord.

Swami Periyavachan Pillai in his commentary on this verse observes that the depiction of the Alwar seems to convey that there is a big festival, most probably the Brahmotsavams being conducted in the temple.

The Mangalasasanam of the Alwar was conferred on the ‘kshetra’, the Lord of the Seven Hills, the devotees and the ‘utsavam’ too!

Today, as we watch the ceremonial commencement of the Divya Prabhandham recital during the Brahmotsavam in the South Mada Veedhi near the shrine of ‘Tirumalai Nambi’, a deep conviction arises in the heart that it is the benedictory power of the Alwar’s verses that has blessed Lord Venkatesa.

It has made him the Supreme Deity of Kaliyuga and the Seven Hills a replica of the celestial land (Bhooloka Vaikuntam) on the earth. It has ensured that the flow of the faithful will always increase and the Lord’s grace will flow towards all of them at all times. The Vedas and the devout devotees who abide by it will be protected by His abundant grace!

Deepavali – The Divine Victory

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Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. Among the many legends associated with this festival, the story of Lord Krishna and His consort Satyabhama’s victory over the demon Narakasura stands out. This tale is a testament to the triumph of good over evil and highlights the divine partnership between Lord Krishna and Satyabhama.

Let’s delve into this story in detail, exploring the profound devotion and power that make Deepavali a truly unique and spiritual experience.

Narakasura was a powerful demon who ruled the kingdom of Pragjyotisha. Despite his divine lineage, Narakasura turned to evil ways, causing immense suffering to the people and the gods. He captured 16,000 women and imprisoned them in his palace, stole the earrings of Aditi (the mother of the gods), and usurped some of her territories. His reign of terror knew no bounds, and the heavens trembled at his name.

The gods, unable to bear Narakasura’s atrocities, approached Lord Krishna for help. Krishna, ever the protector of dharma (righteousness), decided to end Narakasura’s tyranny. He was accompanied by His wife Satyabhama, who played a crucial role in the battle. According to a prophecy, Narakasura could only be killed by his mother, and Satyabhama, an incarnation of Bhumi Devi, was destined to fulfil this role.

Lord Krishna and Satyabhama set out for Pragjyotisha on Garuda, Lord Krishna’s celestial mount. As they approached the city, they met with fierce resistance from Narakasura’s army. The battle was intense, with Lord Krishna and Satyabhama displaying unparalleled valour and skill. Lord Krishna used His divine weapons to combat the demon forces, while Satyabhama, with her unwavering courage, fought alongside him.

Satyabhama sahayena Krishnena cha mahatmana,
Nihato Narakah papo lokanam hitakamyaya.

(With the assistance of the great soul Lord Krishna, Satyabhama killed the sinful Narakasura for the welfare of the world.)

This sloka from the scriptures highlights the divine partnership between Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, emphasizing their combined efforts in defeating Narakasura. During the battle, Narakasura hurled a powerful weapon at Lord Krishna, causing him to feign unconsciousness. Thinking that Lord Krishna had fallen, Satyabhama was filled with anger and determination. She took up her bow and shot arrows at Narakasura. Her fierce onslaught overwhelmed the demon, and in a final act of valour, she struck him down, fulfilling the prophecy.

Satyabhama tada devi kruddha samprekshya Keshavam,
Uvacha Narakam daityam yudhyasveti punah punah.

(Then the goddess Satyabhama, seeing Lord Krishna, became enraged and repeatedly challenged the demon Narakasura to fight.)

This sloka captures the moment of Satyabhama’s fierce determination and her pivotal role in the battle.

With Narakasura’s death, the sixteen thousand women he had imprisoned were liberated. Lord Krishna and Satyabhama ensured their safe return and restored their dignity. This act of liberation is a significant aspect of the story, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of ‘sanatana dharma.’

The defeat of Narakasura is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, a day before Deepavali. It marks the victory of light over darkness and the liberation of the oppressed. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the ushering in of knowledge and righteousness.

Tamo nashaya dipanam prajvalyante grihantare, Narakasura vadhenaiwa Deepavali prakirtita.

(To dispel darkness, lamps are lit inside homes. With the slaying of Narakasura, Deepavali is celebrated.)

This sloka beautifully encapsulates the essence of Deepavali, highlighting the significance of lighting lamps to dispel darkness and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The story of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama’s victory over Narakasura is a profound narrative that embodies the essence of Deepavali. It teaches us the values of courage, righteousness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As one celebrates Deepavali, lighting lamps and sharing sweets, one is reminded of these timeless lessons and the divine power that guides one towards light and knowledge.

May the divine tales of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama inspire us to lead lives of virtue and devotion, and may the festival of Deepavali bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all!

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam

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This article is dedicated to one of the 4 parts of Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam, Mangalasasanam (or Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam)

Introduction

Sri Venkateswara or Balaji is the Saviour of Kaliyuga. The devotees have immense belief in Lord Venkateswara. God in return is showering boons on His devotees, as per their desires. The devotees Praise the Lord’s excellence, His pranks and other interesting stories in various ways.

This article ‘A Commentary on Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam (or Balaji Suprabhatam), Stotram, Prapatti and Mangalasasanam’ written by the Late Sri V.S. Venkata Narayana is an appreciable work.

The Sanskrit slokas are translated into English in a detailed prose form. The prosiness style is easy for any reader to understand.

Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam comprises of four parts Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapatti and Mangalasasanam.

Suprabhatam is the awakening of Lord Venkateswara who was put to bed (Ekanta Seva) the previous night. In this part, devotees praise Lord Srinivasa and submissively request Him to wake up and bless the devotees eagerly waiting to seek His blessings.
The next stage is presenting Stotra in praise of Swami. Here, the devotees describe the pious qualities and Glory of God’s Chaitanya (kinetic) form.
After praising the Glory, the devotee surrenders himself in Prapatti (Total Surrender) to Sripati. The believers feel that Srinivasa is the only God who will protect them from the evil aspects of this mundane world.
The final part is Mangalasasanam in which the devotee puts forth his respect and divine feeling for Balaji.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam

The auspicious well-being of the Lord is the blessed well-being of the Universe. We wish well for the Lord for His Chaitanya to be always in us, of us, with us, through us and by us, for us to be safe and sound in His blessed service all through.

The devotee therefore prays now for the Mangalam or well-being and auspiciousness of the Lord after invoking the Lord’s person by worshipping His Feet to which he has surrendered ‘in toto’, without any reservation.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 1

Sriyahkaantaaya Kalyaana nidhaye Nidhayerthinaam!
Sree Venkatanivaasaaya Sreenivaasaaya Mangalam!!

“May all auspiciousness and blessedness be fall on the Lord Srinivasa, the Husband of Goddess Sree, the mine of all blessedness, the sole resource of those in need that lie to Him, the Lord of the Venkata Hill!”

The devotee now prays to the Lord as the Lord of Goddess Sree. For, auspiciousness and blessedness come when the Goddess of all auspiciousness and blessedness Mother Lakshmi is with Him. In conjunction with Her and being of Her the Lord is a veritable mine of all qualities that bring happiness and blessed existence to all devotees.

He can vouchsafe all these blessed qualities to the devotees as the Mother who forms the eternal resource of such things has residence in Him and intercedes for their bestowal on the real devotee.

Any prayer or mantra invoking the Lord must have mentioned Her in conjunction with the Lord. Narayana Hridayam can be obtained only by the utterance of Lakshmi Hridayam.

That is why it is said :

Naaraayanasya hridayam Sarvaabheeshta phalapradam
Lakshmee Hridayakam Stotram Yadichaitadvinaakrutam
Tatsarvam nishphalam proktam Lakshmeeh krudyati sarvadaa
Etat samkalitam Stotram Sarvaabheeshta phalapradam
Japetsankalitam Krutvaa Sarvaabheeshta Mavaapnuyaat
Naaraayanasya Hridayamaadou japtvaa tatahparam
Lakshmeehridayakam Stotram Japennaraayanam punah
Punarnaaraayanam Japtvaa Punarlakshmeehrudayam japet!

If all wish-fulfilling Narayana Hriyada Stotra is uttered without the prayer of Lakshmi Hridayam, its utterance will be a futile exercise and will have no effect at all. As a result, we will attract the ire of the Mother. The utterance of Lakshmi Hridayam with Narayana Hridayam can alone grant all our desires and bring us all auspiciousness and blessedness.

First, we should utter Narayana Hridayam and then Lakshmi Hridayam. Once again we have to give utterance to Narayana Hridayam to be accompanied by Lakshmi Hridayam. Thus it is incumbent on one to utter the Hridayam Stotras twice.

This Mangalasasanam is therefore keeping with this tradition. Without thinking of the Lord first as one with ‘Sree’, no one can get any blessedness. The way to gain the affection of the Lord is only through ‘Sree’. She is the repository of all auspiciousness and blessedness and with the Lord in inalienable contact with Her, there is no dearth of Mangalam or blissful existence and well-being to any devotee who surrenders to the Lord visualising Him as “Sree Kaanta”.

To cite an example, the 38th Adhyaya of Varahapurana gives the history of ‘Atmaram’, a devotee of the Lord who lost everything after the death of his father and became penniless. He thereupon thought of going to Venkatadri and did so after bathing in the Kapilatirtham. He saw the great sage Sanat Kumara in a cave and prayed to him for help and guidance to get redemption from his sins.

The sage said, “You had committed a lot of sins in your previous births. You are undergoing the consequences now. You have not worshipped Lord Vishnu properly. I shall give you a guiding hand. The Mother of the Universe, Goddess Mahalakshmi, has to be worshipped alongside of the Lord who is Lakshmi Vallabha. I will initiate you in Her Vyuhamantra. By concentrating on Her through it, you shall attain your cherished desires”. Atmaram did so and bathed in Swami Pushkarini.

As he did so, the Lord appeared in a vision with the divine Mothers Sree and Bhoo and said, “Do not be afraid. You are excused. Hereafter you shall not have any difficulties. I give you long life and untold riches”.

Atmaram was glad. He got down the hill and made residence near Venkatadri lived happily thereafter. This incident shows how the Lord would be propitiated if the Mother is propitiated along with Him. He is the gratifying mine of Desires and one who seeks His help as Sreemath Venkateswara will have no cherished desire unfulfilled.

The epithets (Sreenivasa) and (Sriyah Kanta) are therefore very potent and vouchsafe illimitable riches. He is not only ‘Srinivasa’ but also (Sree Venkata Nivasa). “Venkata” has the power of bestowing eternal bliss cutting as under all sins of persons that come near it. It is because it is the residence of Srinivasa, Sriyahpati.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 2

Lakshmee Savibhramaaloka sabhroovibhrama Chakshushe!
Chakshushe Sarvalokaanaam Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Let all auspiciousness and blessedness be for Lord Venkateswara who looks at Goddess Lakshmi with wonder, Himself being the eyes of all the Universe with delightful and beautiful eyebrows!”

Lord Venkateswara is contemplated upon here as espying His Divine Consort with eyes of wonder at Her beauty and charm. The beauty of the Mother is indescribable. She is (Hiranya varnaa – golden hued). Her charm is such as to bewitch even the Lord. The scene presented is very blissful. Mother Lakshmi is pictured in Lakshmi Hridayam thus:

Dhyayellakshmeem Prahasita mukheem Kotibaalaarka Bhaasaam
Vidyudvarnaambara varadharaam Bhooshanaadhyaam Susobhaam
Beejaapuram Sarasija yugam bibhrateem Swarnapaatram
Bhartraayuktaam Muhurabhayadaam Mahya mapyachyuta Sreem!

The devotee has to visualise before him the Divine Mother who is intensely smiling in the face, having the effulgence of a crore of rising suns shining resplendently yellow and mild without heat, garbed in a dress if lightning radiance, dazzling to the eyes, perfectly decked in All Ornaments, in excellent brilliance, with earrings of the shape of the ear of corn, holding Lotuses and a Golden Vessel in Her hands, in conjunction with the Lord, Her Husband, vouchsafing Her protection and shelter to Him and being a veritable mine of Beauty, Glamour and Riches.

The beauty of the Divine Mother makes the Lord look at Her with wonder. It is indescribable. Her eyes when light on one given untold mangalam.

Yathaa Rasasparsana Toyasepi
Suvarna taasyaatkamale Tathaate
Kataaksha Samsparsanato Janaanaam
Amangalaanaamapi Mangalatvam!

Prayer is made to Her thus: “O Mother Lakshmi! Just as the dull iron becomes golden by contact with Mercury, in the same way, Your looks when they light on persons wipes out the inauspiciousness of their state and bestow all auspiciousness and blessedness on them!”

The Lord is espying with wonder at the excellence and effectiveness of the Mother’s looks which bring well-being and auspiciousness to everybody. Naturally, He is Himself influenced by Her looks, He is the primary cause for them.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 3

Sree Venkataadri Srungaagra Mangalaabharanaanghraye!
Mangalaanaam Nivaasaaya Sreenivaasaaya mangalam !!

“Let all blessedness and auspiciousness be for Lord Srinivasa (the Abode of Sree) whose blessed Feet form the ornament crowning the peak of Sri Venkatadri!”

Sri Venkatadri has become the source of all blessedness as a result of its being trodden upon by Lord Srinivasa. The Lord’s Feet make the Hill very Holy and auspicious. For He is the repository of all auspiciousness being the Abode of Mother Sree. She is (Sarva Mangala Sampoorna, (Sarvaiswarya Samanvita), (Sarva Sowkhyaprada) – full of auspiciousness, riches and happiness bestowing them on all those who surrender unto Her and Her Lord. Having Her in His Chest, the Lord is (Sarvamangala Kaaraka) the causative force of all auspiciousness.

The devotee prays for the Lord’s existence in this manner eternally for the benefit of the supplicants. Sri Venkatadri did not have any prominence before Lord Sreenivasa had set Foot on it and made it His Sacred Abode. There is no peer to it in the Whole Universe as there is no peer to Lord Sri Venkateswara as the Universal God.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 4

Sarvaavayava Soundarya sampadaa Sarvachetasaam!
Sadaa sammohanaayaastu Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Let there be all auspiciousness to the Lord Sri Venkateswara who bewitches all by the extraordinarily rich beauty of all the shapely organs of His Body!”

The Lord is very charming in shape and all fall in love with Him and come under His spell. Even Lord Shiva is no exception. Perfectly formed, He is the cynosure of all eyes. One who has the immense good fortune of looking at the Lord’s Archa Moorti (idol which is worshipped) will fall attracted to it by its perfect anon enticing beauty. He or She cannot take the eyes of it even for a fraction of a second. It beckons to everybody and enthrals one.

One will have no desire to leave the presence of this Spiritual Mine and has to be forcibly moved out to make way for the other devotees to have their look at it. Every moment the beauty of the Moorthy changes and seems filled up with new shades of brilliance and charm.

That is why the saint Thyagaraja sang : (Venkatesa! Ninuchooda Veyi kannulu kaavale raa) – Thousand eyes are required to see You! While so that need be said about His exact moorthy; the (Divyamangala Vigraha)? We cannot even look at it. For it, we require Occult and Divine eye. That is why the Lord said to Arjuna, (Divyam Dadaamite chakshuh). Arjuna prayed for the Divine Vision of His charming shape after he saw the Viswarupa which awed Him. He said :

Adrushtapoorvam Hrishitosmi drushtvaa
Bhayenacha pravyathitam Manome
Tadevame darsaya devaroopa
Praseeda Devesa Jagannivaasa
Kireetinam Gadinam Chakrahasta
Micchaami Tvaam drashtu Mahamtathaiva
Tenaiva Roopena Chaturbhujena
Sahasrabaahu Bhava Viswamoorte!

Arjuna said: “I have got all bliss by seeing the cosmic form of Yours not seen by me or anybody before. My mind is affected with fear. O Lord of Lords! Omnipresent in the Universe! Please show me Your former form! Be pleased! O Thousand Armed Lord, I would like to see You, as decorated with the Crown Holding the Discus and the Mace with Four Arms!”

So to have a glance at the beautiful shape of the Lord too, the occult eyes are necessary. Otherwise, they cannot bear the impact of the blinding beauty of the Lord’s form. Being the personification of beauty the Lord’s handsomeness goes without saying. For He is Satyam, Sivam, Sundaram – Truth, Blessedness and Beauty.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 5

Nityaaya Niravadyaaya Satyaananda Chidaatmane!
Sarvaantaraatmane Sreemad Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Let all auspiciousness be for Lord Sri Venkateswara, Who is not affected by Time, Who is free from any blemish, Who is the Truth, Bliss and Consciousness, Who is Resident in All Creatures as the Atman and Who is Conjunction with Sree!”

The devotee makes mention here of the Supreme character of the Lord, namely, His being beyond the influence of the time spirit. He is Himself the Lord of Time which is His creation. He has said in the Geeta (Kaalosmi). He is Sat, Chit and Ananda, as He is prayed to be Deva Sarma in the third Adhyaya of Venkataachala Maahaatmyam as:

Satyesam Satyasankalpam Satyam Satyavratam Harim!
Satyacharyam Satya yonim Satya seershamaham Bhaje!!

He is the Lord of Satya (Truth), of the volition of Satya, Satya in person, of the conduct of Satya, the source and womb of Satya as well as its crown and head. He is in the Hearts of all – Sarvantaryamin. He has Himself said in the Gita:

Ahamaatmaa Gudaakesa, Sarva Bhootaasaya Sthitah!

meaning – I am the Atman residing in all creatures. Also,

Samam Sarva bhooteshu tishtantam parameswaram

meaning – ‘I am in all creatures to the same degree in the same way, equally without partiality.’ Again,

Easwarah Sarvabhootaanaam Hruddeserjuna Tishtati!
Bhraamayan Sarvabhootaani yantraa roodhaani maayayaa!!

Lord Narayana is resident in the hearts of all beings. He is regulating them while they move on the wheels of Samsara under the influence of the Lord’s illusion like the dolls on the revolving machine. These words coming as they do directly from the mouth of the Lord are indisputable.

The Upanishads have recorded these attributes of the Lord, namely, satyatva, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, being without beginning, middle or end and everlasting blessedness. Verily, Lord Sri Venkateswara, is the Supreme Brahman with all these qualities being Lord Vishnu come down to Sri Venkatadri in full blast for the welfare of humanity at large in this age of Kali.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 6

Swatassarva vide Sarvasaktaye Sarvaseshine!
Sulabhaaya Suseelaaya Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“All auspiciousness is for Lord Venkateswara who knows everything by Himself, who comprehends the way and wherefore of everything, who is all-powerful, Prime among all, Supreme and easily attainable, with Spotless character!”

Here, the Lord’s blissful characteristics are amplified. He is easily accessible to and attainable by His devotees. In the Gita, He said “Let your mind be firmly in Me. Place the intellect in My thought. Contemplate intellect in My thought. Contemplate only on Me. Then your progress is certained. If you have no willpower to fix your mind firmly on Me, then try to reach Me by practice following Yoga.

If you cannot even do this, dedicate yourself to the performance of all My actions and serve Me wholeheartedly.

Even by doing actions consecrating them to Me, you can reach perfection. If you are unable to do even this much, seek shelter by surrendering to Me, taking refuge in Me by renouncing the fruit of all actions”. He finally gave the sovereign remedy to attain Him for the weak and wavering.

Sarvadharmaan parityajya maamekam Saranam vraja!
Ahamtvaa Sarva paapebhyomokshayishyaami Maasuchah!

“If you completely surrender unto Me, the Supreme one, leaving away everything and all Dharmas, I shall free you from all sins. Don’t feel sorry or depressed. I shall give you salvation!”

Can There be any easier way? Is not the Lord compassionate and well within the reach of the devout? He is (Sulabha prasanna) – easily pleased. He is easily propitiated. He is character personified. As revealed in the Vibhuti yoga of the Bhagavad Gita, He is the Prime and the Best of every manifestation of life. He is the Highest of the Highest.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 7

Parasmai Brahmane poornakaamaaya Paramaatmane!
Prayunje Paratatvaaya Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Lord Sri Venkateswara, who is the embodiment of the Supreme and the Ultimate, having attained fulfilment of all the desires and had nothing else to desire, He is the one who symbolises within Himself as the Supreme of All Deities. He is the one who represents the final truth. Let this be the reverential or humble salutation and facilitation to Him!”

Various arguments advanced to convince people about Lord Venkateswara being this or that Deity. He is regarded as Balaji or Bala Tripura Sundari or Shakti Swarupi. The very Brahmotsavam of Him takes place during Durga Puja or Dasara days.

The Alwars had sung of Him as Hari Hara Rupa – a combination of the Preserver and the Destroyer aspect. He is regarded as Durga or Narayani. It is the yoga-maya aspect. Be it as it may, but even the saptharishis regarded Lord Venkateswara, each in his thought. It is true that ‘Ekam Sat: Vipra bahuda Vadanti’ – The substance is one.

The sages call it by devious names. God is One and He is Ultimate. He is Complete and ‘The Supreme’. He is none other than Lord Venkateswara. So the devotee rightly salutes the Lord in these lines, bringing out the Supremacy of the Lord.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 8

Aakaalatatvamashraanta maatmanaamanupasyataam!
Atruptyaamruta roopaaya Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Let all the auspiciousness be for Lord Venkateswara, who is like Ambrosia with never satiating sweetness to all those who look at Thy Divine and the Beautiful Form forever, forgetting the passage of time!”

The devotee points out the real sweetness in uttering the Bhagavannama. A person who dedicates himself with devotion to God or surrender to God will realise how sweet is the name of the Lord. Be it ‘Rama nama’ or ‘Sri Krishna nama’. Saint Thyagaraja and Bhakta Ramdas had showed it. Annamayya showed it as well. They had tasted the nama and shared their joy and experiences with others through their kirtanas.

The more you utter and surrender to God, the more is the sweetness, surpassing the sweetness of the earthy Sugarcane juice. While juice gives a temporal sweetness and happiness, Nama Sankirtana gives us a permanent sweetness bounded with the Love of God. This is the nector which paves the way to reach Him and if one worships Him with utmost devotion, He will be with the devotee. Bhagavan in His Celestial Gita clearly mentioned to Arjuna about this.

Manmanaabhava madbhakto madhyaajeemaam namaskuru
Maame vaishyasi satyante pratijaan priyosme!

Bhagavan Sri Krishna said to Arjuna “Put your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me and bow to Me. By doing so, you will come to Me alone. I promise you, for you are exceptionally dear to Me!”

The fact that Bhagavan Nama Sankirtana is the Ultimate Weapon for a devotee to attain Him is very clearly explained by Bhagavan Sri Krishna. With that weapon alone one can attain the Grace of Lord. The devotee aptly praises Lord Sri Venkateswara as the Ultimate God, again and again as His name is the Ambrosia with ever-growing sweetness and hails Him.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 9

Praayah swacharanou pumsaam Saranyatvena paaninaa!
Kripayaa disate Sreemad Venkatesaaya mangalam!!

“My reverential salutations and felicitations to Lord Venkateswara who point out with Hands to His Two Feet showing that those are the Ultimate Refuge for all the human race!”

Those who believe and trust Me are Mine, that’s what Bhagavan said in Gita :

Ananyaaschintayantomaam yejanaah paryupaasate!
Teshaam nityaabhiyuktaanaamYogakshemam vahaamyaham!!

Sri Krishna said to Arjuna that “the devotees who love Me and think of Me constantly and worship Me in a disinterested spirit and who get even united with Me in their thoughts, will be fully secured and I attend to them and their needs!”

Reaffirming His own words Bhagavan in the form of Lord Venkateswara further simplified these words by pointing out that if the devotee surrenders to Him, He would take care of everything. (Nannu talachinavadu naavaadu – in Telugu, meaning one who thinks of Me is Mine) is all about Lord Venkateswara’s Sharanagati Mahima, Fulfilment of one’s purpose in life can be obtained only by describing the Glory of the Lord and chanting His name.

One should contemplate upon the divine sport of the Lord and His illuminating stories. As Narada told to Veda Vyasa, “To win the Grace of the Lord you should be washed of your impurities of the mind by incessant singing or praising of the Lord”. Bhagavannama Sankirtana enables us to conquer sin and the world.

If we bow to the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara seeking refuge, as promised by Him we will be graced by Him. There is no doubt about it. Because once Lord Himself told Narada muni as follows.

Naaham vasaami Vaikunte na Yogi hridaye ravaou!
Madbhaktaa yatra gaayanti, tatra tistaami Naarada!!

Once, Lord told Narada, “I am not in Vaikunta, not in the hearts of the yogis who are all on penance all the time. I will be in the hearts of my Bhaktas who always sing My Name!”

So, it is no wonder that if one surrenders to the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara and utters His name all the time will certainly win the Grace of Lord Venkateswara and He will look after him. The posture of the Deity, Lord Venkateswara conveys this inner message to the devotee. So there is no hesitation or personification in the saying of this salutation to Lord Sri Venkateswara.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 10

Dayaamrita taranginyaa starangairiva seetalaih!
Apaangaissinchate Viswam Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“All the auspiciousness is for Lord Sri Venkateswara, who can restore peace and tranquillity to this whole Universe by His warm looks of Kindliness and compassion flowing of the tide of the nectar like river!”

Sri Venkateswara is the Lord, the Creator of this Universe, its bearer and animator as Jamadagni, one of the Sapta rishis pointed out in his Saranagati stotra. God makes no distinction among the devotees. He shows One hand to the devotee with an inherent indication, telling “Come and surrender to Me. I am like a tide of the nectar like river. I am the only one who can give you the salvation. Come, swim in the nectar tide, find Me and enjoy.”

So, it is no wonder that the devotee views Lord Venkateswara as the tide of the nectar-like river. His looks are full of kindness. He is the saviour of the Universe. On total surrender, the devotee is assured of complete protection by Him in this age of Kali.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 11

Pragbhooshaambara Heteenaam sushamaavahamoortaye!
Sarvaarti Samanaayaastu Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Lord Venkateswara is Divine and the blessed form in keeping with the splendour of Thy glittering ornaments, garlands, yellow silk robes, armour and weapons. He only can dispel and alleviate all our sufferings and distress. These are the humble salutations to Him!”

God is formless and takes all the forms, as we think of Him. Each of the Saptarishis viewed Him in their forms. For Bharadwaja Maharshi, Vishnu and Venkateswara are one. To Viswamitra Sri Venkateswara is the Vishnu and Lord Sri Raama. To Gautama Maharshi, Sri Venkateswara is the Govinda, the cow protector (in Dwapara yuga).

For Jamadagni Maharshi Lord Venkateswara is the Jivesa, while Vasishta Maharshi found Parabrahman in Sri Venkateswara. Lord Venkateswara is not this or that Diety, for Vasishta Maharshi. He is of Him, by Him, through Him.

Lord Venkateswara is the Supreme Being from whom everything has come out. He is the (Sarvaantaryaami). He is none other than Sri Venkateswara, who is covered with glittering ornaments, garlands, armour and weapons, dressed in yellow silk robes and is ready to destroy all of our sufferings and distress.

The devotee praises Lord again and again and pays his humble salutations and felicitations to Him.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 12

Sree Vaikunta viraktaaya swami pushkarinee tate!
Ramayaa Ramamaanaaya Venkatesaaya Mangalam!!

“Let all the salutations and felicitations be for Lord Sri Venkateswara, who gracefully sports with His Consort Divine Sree in a happy alliance, on the banks of the sacred tank or Pushkarini, unable to prolong His stay alone in Vaikunta!”

Males and females make a form complete. Sree and Venkateswara mean Goddess Maha Lakshmi and Lord Maha Vishnu (or Sri Venkateswara) together make the ‘God’ complete. Once, Goddess Lakshmi got annoyed with what Bhrigu Maharshi did towards Her, the Best Half of Lord Maha Vishnu. Maha Vishnu did not take any measure to soothe Her, though Lord’s intentions were kept secret.

So, She left the Lord alone at Vaikunta and started staying on the Tirumala Hills, on the banks of the sacred tank – Pushkarini. Unable to bear the loneliness, Lord Maha Vishnu left Vaikunta and reached Ramaa and started staying on the very banks of the Pushkarini. Ramaa is none other than Goddess Maha Lakshmi. Both started staying on the banks of the pushkarini.

Hence, Tirumala is aptly called as ‘Kaliyuga Vaikunta’.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 13

Sreematsundarajaamaatrumuni maanasavaasine!
Sarvaloka nivaasaaya Sreenivaasaaya Mangalam!!

“Let all the auspicious salutations be to the Lord Srinivasa, who made the heart of the Manavala Maha muni as His Abode and who stays in this entire Universe!”

The devotee offers all of his salutations and felicitations to Lord Srinivasa. The devotee believes that Lord Srinivasa who is in the entire Universe, made the heart of his Ramya jamatru muni (Manavaala Mahamuni) as His Abode. So the devotee makes it to mention here, at the end of his Mangalasasanam to Sri Venkateswara. Again to make us remain in the thoughts that God is only one.

One should have single-minded devotion to attain God, and call Him by whatever Name. He is the Ultimate. He is Everywhere. He is the same. He is very much in the hearts of His devotees, who surrender to Him, pray Him, praise Him. Afterall, He is the creator, Lord, bearer and the Animator of this Entire Universe.

Realising this very well, Manavala Maha Muni won the Grace of Lord Venkateswara. So the devotee makes a special mention about this and offers salutations to Lord Venkateswara.

Sri Venkateswara Mangalasasanam – Sloka 14

Mangalaa saasana parairmadaachaarya purogamaih!
Sarvaischa Poorvairaachaaryaih Satkrutaayaastu mangalam!!

“Let all the auspiciousness be for Lord Venkateswara, whom my entire predecessors have worshipped including those who offer the present felicitations, adore and worship!”

The devotee having paid the salutations in all four parts namely Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapatti and Mangalasasanam concludes his hymn to Lord Sri Venkateswara by conferring all the auspiciousness to Him – the Lord Srinivasa, whom his predecessors also worshipped.

It is just like a pravara that any Brahmin used to utter while introducing Himself to others, the devotee humbly concludes his salutations to Lord, mentioning that he is just continuing what his predecessors carried out – that is worshipping Lord Sree Srinivasa.

This has an inbuilt message to the common person who prays to Lord Sri Venkateswara that the tradition should continue, as it was carried out by the ancestors in their days of Lord’s Worship.

Here ends the Mangalasasanam.

Concluding remarks

The Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapatti and Mangalasasanam as written by the devotee is indeed a great weapon to an ordinary human being to invoke the inmate God and the stotra has great power and all the devotees will do well to recite it every day and enjoy the fruits of it.

Let all the distress, unhappiness and the earthily miseries vanish. Let Lord Sri Venkateswara, the Ultimate God of this Kali age bless the needy and devoted.

Tirupati Balaji Darshan – ecstatic happiness

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Tirupati Balaji Darshan – Tirumala

Tirumala is an ancient famous Pilgrimage centre. Maha Vishnu took the avatar of Srinivasa in Kaliyuga after the Rama and Krishna incarnations. Venkateswara is an idol form of Srinivasa. The Worship form of Srinivasa is Venkateswara Swamy.

It is called Adi Varaha Kshetra. It is more than two hundred crore years old as told by archeologists. Even from the Vedic times, devotees considered Tirumala as a sacred and divine place of great richness. Since then it has been considered a great Vaishnava Kshetra.

“Vishnuh parvathanamadhipatih” is a saying of verses. That is why we observe that the Vaishnavite temples are seen only on Hills and valleys. It is called ‘Sree Parvatha’ in Rigveda.

Sloka

“Araayikaane vikate girim gacha sadanve
Sirimbi tasya satvabhisvetabhishtvachatayaamasi”
-(Rigveda 10-15-1)

Sloka Meaning

The meaning of the sloka is though you are poor, you are in loss of internal and external sights, if you aspire to get rid of sin, and get spiritual richness, you go to Sri Parvata where Lord Venkateswara is installed and pray Sri Hari along with the devotees of the Lord.

The Veda says – that if you are interested and anxious to get Purushartham i.e., Dharma, Artha, kama, and Moksha or interested in achieving wealth, and spirituality, you pray to God Venkateswara Swamy existing at Sri Parvatam.

Divine Place granting prosperity

True! if you read the conversation of Indra and Upendra of veda, and the story of Bhrigu Maharshi in Venkatachala Mahatmyam, it will be clear that Sri Maha Vishnu came to Earth in search of Laxmi Devi and He is residing permanently at Tirumala, His favourite Kshetra. ‘Sri’ means Lakshmi.

Srinivasudu / Sri Parvata

As He is the residing place of Lakshmi, He is called ‘Srinivasudu’. It is also called ‘Sri peetam’ as per Veda. ‘Tiru’ is a Tamil word that is used to say ‘Sri’ and ‘Mala’ means Parvata. Hence Tirumala is called as ‘Sri Parvata’. It is also called Sri Sailam. This is a place of Srinivasa who grants wealth to Kubera, the owner of mine treasures.

By all means, it is called a Divine Place granting prosperity.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala — Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

This is the story of Kruthayuga. Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of VarahaSwamy uplifted the Earth from the sea. Since then, VarahaSwamy is wandering on Tirumala Hill along with Ramaa happily as said by Puranas.

“Mayavee Paramanandam
Tyaktva Vykuntamuttamam
Swamy pushkarini teere
Ramaya saha modate” (Brahmanda Purana)

It means that Sri Maha Vishnu known as Mayavi after leaving delightful Vaikunta is playing with Ramaa on the bank of Swamy Pushkarini. Even now Sri Varaha Swamy is Staying with His Consort Laxmi northwest of Pushkarini. Srinivasa asked them for one hundred feet of land to construct a temple for His stay.

Srinivasa bestowed 2 boons

He promised to share the gifts offered by the devotees as mentioned in legends. The tactful drama played by Srinivasa in the form of a mortal being took place at the beginning of Kaliyuga. At that time Srinivasa bestowed two boons on VarahaSwamy.

Firstly, devotees will visit VarahaSwamy after taking a bath in Pushkarini and then only have Tirupati Balaji Darshan – Ananda Nilaya. This is the first boon. This rule is to be followed.
The first Naivedyam food (offering) will be submitted to VarahaSwamy before Srinivasa. This is the second boon.

Varaha Swamy – Govinda

Varaha Swamy is also named ‘Govinda‘ as told by elders. The name “Maha Varaho Govinda” is found in Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotram. “Go” means Earth; “Vinda” means who has procured. Devotees will call me Govinda said Srinivasa.

When devotees visit Tirumala, they will recollect the mythological story of Sri Varaha Swamy. This is the hidden myth behind Srinivasa Darshan. As soon as devotees step into Tirumala, they feel as though they are on flight i.e., in bliss.

This is the divine experience of the devotees who visited Tirumala for Tirupati Balaji Darshan since the cycles of ages. There is no pilgrimage centre like Venkatadri and no equal God to Venkateswara as narrated by Brahmanda Purana.

“Venkatadri Samam sthanam, brahmande nasti kinchana
Venkatesa samo devo no bhooto na bhavishyati.”

There is no divine place equal to Venkatadri and no God equal to Venkateswara in past and future.

Sri Krishna Avatara took place in Dwaparayuga. After the completion of Sri Krishna Avatara, Kaliyuga began.

Srinivasa introduced himself to Padmavathi, saying thus –

Sindhuputrakulam prahuh asmakam tu pura viduh
Janako Vasudevastu janani Devaki mama
Agrajaswetaketustu Subhadra bhagini mama
Partho api me sakha devi Pandava mama bandhavah

“My parents are Devaki and Vasudeva. Balarama is my brother. Subhadra is my sister. Arjuna is my friend and Pandavas are my relatives. My caste is Sindu putra (Moon dynasty)” as told by the persons versed in the Puranas.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan — Inside Tirumala Temple on the occasion of Telugu New Year – Ugadi

Anjanadri

‘Anjanadri’ is one among the Seven Hills. Hanuman was born here. A mythological story says that during the time of Vanavasa, Sri Rama had visited Anjanadri. The mention of Sri Rama is made in Srivari Suprabhatam saying

“Kausalya Supraja Rama, Purva Sandhya Pravartate
Uttishttha Narasardula, kartavyam daivamanhikam!”

“Good son of Kausalya! The Sun is rising in the east, Oh! great man! wake up, it is time to perform Vedic Rituals to You.”

Inside the golden door of Sri Venkateswara temple, the first portion behind Jaya and Vijaya is named “Ramulavari meda“. Banjara devotees (the followers of Hatheeram) call Swamy as Sri Ram Balaji. This stands as proof of Rama’s visit during His vanavasa.

The memories of the stories of Rama and Krishna Avataras bring a divine touch when anyone visits Tirumala. Every stone, tree, hill, valley, lake, insect, animal and bird in Tirumala is the form of Srinivasa. They are all different forms of Lord Venkateswara. Bhagavad Ramanuja (11th century) walked on his knees and reached the Hill.

He thought that even the touch of feet on the Hill was a sin. This holy thought of Ramanuja reveals the chastity and divinity of the pilgrimage and the importance of mythology.

Darshan Starts from Alipiri

Tirumala Srivari Darshan / Tirupati Balaji Darshan starts from Alipiri. As soon as we reach “Gali Gopuram” climbing the steps of the Hill and after touching the head to “Talayeru” (a sandstone) all our sins will vanish. The elements of the body will be purified. As soon as we step up the “Mokalla Mettu” bad qualities like Kama, and Krodha will perish and mild-gentle thoughts will arise.

After reaching Tirumala, the human soul (Jeevudu) will wake up. It is hard to climb the steps on the knees to get rid of sins and request Swamy to uplift to attain salvation (Moksha). The secrecy of Yoga Marga is hidden in climbing up the Hill.

Mokali Mettu - Alipiri (to Tirumala) — Mokali Mettu – Alipiri (to Tirumala)

Tallapaka Annamayya is a virtuous person (15th century). He Praised and described Tirumala grandly.

Pallavi
Adivo alladivo Sri Harivasamu
padivela Seshula padagalamayamu

Charanam-1
Ade Venkatachala makhilonnatamu
Adivo Brahmadula Kapurupamu
Adivo nithyanivasa makhilamunulaku
Ade chududade mrokku dananda mayamu //Adi//

Charanam-2
Chengatanalladivo Seshachalamu
Ninginunna devatala nijavasamu
mungitanalladivo mulanunnadhanamu
Bangaru sikharala bahubrahmamayamu //Adi//

Charanam-3
Kaivalya padamu venkata nagamadivo
Sri Venkatapatiki Sirulainavi
bhavimpa sakala sampadarupamadivo
pavanamulakella pavanamayamu //Adi//

That is the residence of Sri Hari, it is spread over with ten thousand hoods of Adisesha. Venkatachalam is the greatest of all in the world. It is the residence of all sages. It is a wonderful place even for Brahma etc.,

Venkatachalam / Seshachalam

Let us see and salute to Venkatachalam.

This is a Hill called Seshachalam near Venkatachalam where all deities reside. Venkatachalam is considered a treasure mount in front of us. It is non-perishable. The peaks of Venkatachalam are made of gold which shower heaps of wealth. It is the sacred place of whose darshan leads to salvation. It is the most sacred among all pilgrimage centres.

Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan / Tirupati Balaji Darshan — Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirumala Hill is described as Golden Hill in Skandha Purana. These Hill ranges appear like a snake. The colour of this Hill is not like Blackstone.

But it shines like a cast gold among green trees. Deities, Sages, Saints, Kinnera, Kimpurusha etc., will be wandering in these Divine Hills. There is a saying that Gods like Brahma will come over to this place to worship Lord Venkateswara at night.

Here, Gold is not mere metal gold, but it is Yoga siddhi (attainment of divine knowledge). It is mentioned by Maha Yogi Vemana as knowledge of Hemataraka. Moksha Lakshmi is also a form of gold. Seshadri with golden peaks provides divine knowledge relating to Brahma.

This is the divine wisdom (Brahma Vidya) provided by Seshadri with brightening golden peaks.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala / Vaikuntha Ekadashi — Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta on Earth

Annamacharya described Seshadri as Vaikunta on Earth.

Pallavi
kattedura Vykunthamu – kanachaina Konda
Tettelaya mahimale – Tirumala Konda IIKatteduII

Charanam-1
Vedamule silalai velasinadi konda
Ye desa punya rasule – uerulaindi konda
Gadili Brahmadi lokamula kanula konda
Sri devudundeti seshadri Konda //Kattedu//

Charanam-2
Sarva devatalu mrugajatuli elinche konda
Nirvahinchi jaladhule – nittaina kond
Urvi tapasule taruvilai nilichina konda
Purvaputanjanadri – ee podavaati Konda //Kattedu//

Charanam-3
Varamulu kotaruga vakkaninichi penche konda
Paragu Lakshmi kantu sobhanpu konda
Kurisi sampadalella guhala nindira kond
Sirulaina didivo – Sri venkatepu Konda //Kattedu//

“Vaikunta in the form of Tirumala is standing in front of us. It is “SriNidhi”. It is full of glory. The rocks seen there, are sacred Vedas. Rivers flowing are heaps of holiness (Punyam). Tirumala is itself Vykunta which stands second to Satyaloka.

Deities wander in Tirumala in the form of animals. The water of the seas became hard and got shaped into Hilly rocks. Many Rishis are born as trees in Tirumala. It is a place that showers limitless boons needed for devotees. It is the cause of growth and prosperity. There are caves filled with valuable Treasures. Tirumala is a place for auspicious ceremonies of God.”

There is no exaggeration in the words of Annamayya. The story of Anantalwar reveals the truth. Once Anantalwar proceeded on a southern tour. His wife gave him a pack of sweet pressed Rice (Poha) as food for the Journey. After getting down the Hill, he opened the pack near a well to eat the pressed rice. He found ants in the pack.

Anantalwar saluted them. He felt sorry and said, “Alas! I have committed a sin. Who would be these sages who have been wandering in Tirumala in the form of ants? I Separated them from God”.

With grief, he returned to the Hill and left them free. He felt happy for having left them free on the premises of Lord Venkateswara. This is how a pilgrimage centre is considered a sacred and holy place.

Kulasekharappadi

Kulasekhara Alwar, another devotee (8th century) had a peculiar desire and prayed thus – “Swamy! Venkatachalapathi! Had I been a doorstep in front of You, I could have seen the Lotus face of Yours always.” Even now we can see him in the shape of a door-step in front of Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s Sanctorum.

That is why the doorstep of Garbhagudi (Sanctorum) is called “Kulasekharappadi.”

There are many instances to recollect the devotees like Kulasekhara Alwar. It is quite appropriate to call Tirumala as ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’. The Divine Hill Tirumala which attracts us before darshan has a lot of mythological fame. That is the strength of that location. Kshetra darshan is the first stage during the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan.

This pilgrimage is the natural wealth of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Nature itself is another form of the Lord.

A tamarind tree stood as a witness to the marriage of Srivaru. The waters that helped in cooking food for marriage are Akasa Ganga, lakes like Papavinashanam; the iron crowbar thrown by Anantalwar that hit the chin of Srivaru; the cowherd (Sannidhi Golla) who died after throwing an axe on Srivaru – They are all speaking to devotees every day. This is another important feature of Tirumala.

Akasha Ganga or Akasa Ganga - Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala — Akasha Ganga or Akasa Ganga – Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala

Reciting the sankirthanas of their ancestors in traditional services such as Melukolupu, Pavalimpu, and honour which the bride’s party give during the marriage ritual, those people, i.e., the successors of the Tallapaka dynasty, and submission of the pearls Harati during Ekanta Seva, i.e., the successors of Tarigonda Vengamamba are residing in Tirumala generations together and are protecting their culture.

The Puja procedure (according to Vykhanasa Agama Sastra) established by Gopinath is being followed even today. The divine service namely “Jiyyangar” introduced by Srimad Ramanuja is being followed now. Maha Vishnu is known as the protector of the Vedas. The greatness of Maha Vishnu is being announced continuously by reciting the Four Vedas and discourses on Puranas.

Srivari darshan begins with Veda nada sravanam. (hearing), one of the nine ways of devotion (Nava vidha Bhakti). Sankirtana of names of Govinda (Govinda Namalu) chantings of ‘Govinda’ ring in the hearts of devotees like the sound of bells. They remind us about the existence of Lord Venkateswara on the Hill. Thus devotees will become free for some time from the earthly bindings and feel spiritual calmness.

Sins committed in different parts of the land are perishable in Kshetras and Teerthas. Gentle lifestyles such as regulated life, meditation, Yoga practice, moderate food, and relaxation are prescribed during the stay on pilgrimages to obtain physical, mental and internal purity.

Sapta Girulu

Tirumala is a physical symbol of Srivaru. Ranges of Seven Hills are important in Tirumala. These are called “Sapta Girulu”. Addressing Srivaru as “Yedu Kondalavada! Venkata Ramana! Govinda” is very much liked by Him. Sapta Girish means sporting pranks on Seven Hills and staying permanently as “Tirumala Nayaka”.

“Sri Sesasaila Garudachala Venkatadri
Narayanadri Vrushabhadri Vrushadri Mukhyam
Akhyam Twadeeya vasateranisam vadanti
Sri Venkatachalapathe Tawa Suprabhatam”.

Oh! Swamy! Your residence in Tirumala is called as Seshadri, Garudadri, Venkatagiri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhachalam, Vrishadri (Anjanadri) etc., A warm wakeup for You!

‘Vrisha’ means Dharma. There is Veda Pathasala (The school where Veda is learnt) in Dharmagiri. Narayanadri-Narayanagiri is the place of pranks of Srivaru. Seshadri has a mythological fame. Anjanadri reminds us of the birth of Anjaneya. As we climb the Hills, we get reminded of the greatness of Srivaru and our hearts will have His darshan throughout our journey.

If you are planning for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan- Click here for the Official booking portal

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Final Word

‘Kshetram’ means a place. ‘Tirumala’ is a Kshetram. But there are a lot of (rivers, streams, reservoirs) places of holy water (Teertham). To witness and perform Tapa, Rishis, and Deities used to come to this Abode for many ages.

Likewise, human beings started to come and visit the places. Hence it has been called as “Teertham” by the elders.

Maharshi Vyasa opined that it is a sacred work to visit Teertha. The pilgrimage to Teertha is a sacred work and it is a hidden factor unknown to Rishis even. It is greater than performing Yagnam.

“Rushinam paramam Guhyamidam Bharata sattama!
Teerthabhigamanam punyam yagyirapi vishishyate!”

Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple (108 Divya Desams)

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Tiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple (Thondai Nadu)

Location

This temple is located just a few km west of the Chennai inner ring road, Chennai. It is very accessible from Tambaram.

Sthalapuranam

The sage Valmiki came down to this hill after worshipping the three forms of Lord Ranganatha, Lord Nrusimha and Lord Trivikrama feeling dissatisfied because he could not worship Lord Rama there. The Lord heard his thoughts and appeared in the form of Lord Rama along with His brothers and Lord Anjaneya at the foot of the hill.

The sage begged the Lord to give him His grand ‘darshan’ like this till the end of time for His devotees and the Lord agreed. The place was known as Kandabavanam before Tirumangai Alwar came here. On his arrival he found that the hill was surrounded by water and he was unable to get the ‘darshan’ and so stood on a nearby hill called Mandragiri to watch.

It became Tiruneermalai because of the water. After six months Thirumangai Alwar was able to get the ‘darshan’ and went away.

Click here for the Temple location (Google Maps)

Special Features

The temple is in two parts – one atop a hill and the other at ground level.

The Divya Desam has the Lord in all forms–

resting (Ranganatha),
sitting (Nrusimha),
standing (Neervannan) and
walking (Trivikrama).

The Lord on the ground level is Neervannan and the Universal Mother is Animaa-Malar-Mangai. The theertham is ‘Maniokarnika Teertham.

The Vimana is Toyagiri Vimana. Lord Rama was considered as Kalyana Rama appearing in His form before the exile with Sita and His brothers there. This was one of the eight ‘swayamvyakta- kshetrams.’

Mangalasasanam

Tirumangai Alwar in his Peria Tirumozhi (1078-1087) says in summary that the Lord can be seen in various towns and temples in all forms. All of them can be seen in one place and that is Tiruneermalai.

The Alwar said: ‘You joined with Napinnai who is the flower of her race, and with Animaamalarmangai, you joined happily with Mahalakshmi who is resident on a lotus. You destroyed the race of rakshasas without mercy. You stood, rested and sat in many places which can be seen at Tiruneermalai.

Kandavanam was a forest exclusively created for Indra. You encouraged it to be consumed by Agni. You also eliminated the burden on Mother Earth by initiating the Bharata war. You also destroyed Hiranya to protect Prahladha. You started from Vamana stature and became Trivikrama. You reside at Tiruneermalai.’

Bhuthath Alwar says in Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi (2228) referring to Tiruneermalai indirectly that He was the one who playfully measured the world with His feet. He is also the same Lord who picked the world up on the tip of His tusk. During the Pralaya, he held the world in His stomach and brought it forth during creation.

He saved us all and protected us all. When an individual devotee was threatened, He came as Lord Nrusimha and protected His devout devotee Prahalada.

Let us worship with garlands at His feet early in the morning every day and obtain His graceful blessings.

Click here for the complete list of 108 Divya Desams.

Sri Veera Raghava Perumal, Tiruvallur (108 Divya Desams)

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Thondai Nadu – Lord Sri Veera Raghava Perumal – Tiruvallur

Location and Introduction

Tiruvallur is located nearly 30km west of Chennai and just north of the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway.

Click here for the Temple Location (Google Maps)

Sthalapuranam

According to legend, the sage Salihotra used to grind rice into flour and share half of it with others and keep the other half for his prayers and personal use. Lord Sri Veera Raghava Perumal decided to test him and so He came in the form of a hungry old Brahmin.

The sage fed the Lord till he exhausted all his stock of rice powder. Then the Lord asked the sage for a place to rest and the sage told Him that He could take rest there. Pleased, the Lord showed His true form and blessed the sage. He took a rest at that place and placed His right palm on the head of the sage and asked him what he wanted.

The sage said that the Lord should stay there and bless His devotees at all times. The Lord granted the wish.

Special Features

The Universal Mother, Kanakavalli Thayar is the consort of Lord Sri Veera Raghava Perumal. The ‘vimana’ is ‘Vijayakoti Vimanam’ and the ‘theertham’ is ‘Hruth-Thapapa- Nasini.’ Because the Lord asked where he could rest and was told that he could rest there, the Lord was known as Kingruhesan which in Tamil is ‘Evvul Kidandhaan.’

It is believed that the right hand of the Lord which is stretched is above the head of the sage Salihotra and His left hand is in ‘Jnana Mudra’ teaching Lord Brahma. It was believed that Lord Siva was able to cast off His ‘Brahma-haththya dosha’ by visiting this temple.

Hence there was a shrine to Lord Siva on the banks of the temple pond. It was believed that Mahalakshmi was born as the daughter of a local king and married the Lord.

Mangalasasanam

In his Naanmugan Tiruvandhadhi, (2412) Thirumazhisai Alwar refers to this shrine indirectly by pointing out that when Lord Siva got affected by the curse by Lord Brahma, it was Lord Narayana who ended it. Those who don’t know about worshipping Lord Narayana will suffer from conception and their story will be as long as the Mahabharata war.

In Peria Tirumozhi (1058-1067), Tirumangai Alwar identifies the Lord of Tiruvallur as the one who destroyed Lanka which was the capital city of the king who came in the guise of a ‘sanyasi’ to abduct Sita. The Lord as Lord Krishna stole the butter from women when He was a naughty boy. He now rests in Tiruvallur.

He was a child resting on a tender banyan leaf during the ‘Pralaya’ holding all the seven worlds in His stomach for a long time. He, with lotus-like eyes, rests in Tiruvallur surrounded by neithal flowers where bees hum and fly.

For the complete list of 108 Divya Desams, Click here

The 9 Forms of Devotion (Comprehensive List)

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9 Forms of Devotion

Listening, singing, remembering, serving the feet, worshipping, offering obeisance, servitude, friendship, and complete surrender – through these nine paths one can reach God. These are known as the 9 forms of Devotion.

A devotee can choose any of these nine paths based on their ability, capacity, and opportunities. Regardless of the path chosen, the result will be the same.

Sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam pada sevanam
arcanam vandanam dasyam sakhyamatma nivedanam
iti punsarpita visnau bhaktiscennavalaksana
kriyate bhagavatyad’dha tanman’yedhitamuttamam

Reaching the divine is the ultimate goal of human life. But how do we reach that divine? The Supreme Being does not set specific rules. Scriptures tell us to worship the divine according to our capacity.

Adi Shankaracharya also stated, “Yadyatkarma Karomi Tattadakhilam Shambho Tavaraadhanam” – every action performed with pure intentions and dedication is an act of worship to Shiva. All we need to do is worship the divine in the way we have chosen, ensuring there is no lack of sincerity or effort.

9 Different Paths – Nava Vidha Bhakti

The Bhagavata Purana describes nine different paths to reach God. These are known as the 9 forms of devotion / 9 forms of Bhakti (Nava Vidha Bhakti). There is a verse related to this in the chapter of Prahlada’s story.

Listening (Sravanam) – Sravana Bhakti

Sravanam means listening. Listening to divine stories and glories with total immersion also equates to worshipping God. Listening does not merely mean hearing the words from the speaker’s mouth with our ears. The essence of the words heard should reach the heart.

Regardless of what work one is doing, the divine words heard previously should resonate within the mind. One should reach a state where the mind does not agree to hear any other kinds of words.

Only then can it be said that one has truly practised ‘Sravanam’. Prahlada heard about God from Narada even while he was in his mother’s womb. Dharmaraja, Janamejaya, Parikshit, and others attained salvation by continually listening to divine stories. This is known as Sravana Bhakti.

Singing Praises (Kirtanam) – Kirtana Bhakti

Kirtanam means extolling or glorifying. It involves speaking about the greatness of God, with elevated and noble emotions, both verbally and mentally. The main aspect of Kirtanam is to focus the mind on God with a sense of reverence for His virtuous qualities.

Continuously remembering and talking about God’s virtues helps the mind to easily become devoted to Him. From the moment we begin singing or chanting the names and glories of God, we draw closer to the divine.

Devotees like Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Annamacharya, Kancherla Gopanna, Mirabai, and Tulsidas attained salvation through their devotion by singing the praises of God. This is known as Kirtana Bhakti.

Remembrance (Smaranam) – Smarana Bhakti

Smaranam means remembering. No matter where we are or what circumstances we are in, we should always remember God. This is Smarana Bhakti. Hanuman and Sage Narada are excellent examples of this.

Narada cannot spend a moment without remembering the name of Narayana, and Hanuman cannot be without remembering the name of Rama. That is true Smaranam.

When we strive to remember God’s name without a break, even for a moment, we become closer to the divine. In short, true Smaranam is to never abandon the thought of God at any time or under any circumstances.

Serving the Feet (Pada-Sevanam) – Seva Bhakti

There is no greater path of devotion than serving the feet of the divine. Bharata worshipped Rama’s sandals as the embodiment of Rama himself and attained salvation through Padasevanam. Pundarika, absorbed in serving his father’s feet, did not even acknowledge the arrival of his beloved deity, Panduranga. Rama was so moved by Guha’s service to his feet that he granted him liberation. Such is the power of Pada-sevanam.

In the Kali Yuga, one might doubt the possibility of physically serving the feet of the divine. Serving the feet does not merely mean embracing or laying one’s head at the feet. It involves following the path shown by the divine and practising the teachings of the divine. This is known as Seva Bhakti.

Worship (Archanam)

Worshipping God with offerings such as incense, lamps, and flowers is a path of devotion that leads to the divine. This is known as Archana Bhakti. Simply placing turmeric, rice, or flowers on the deity does not constitute true worship.

The physical act of offering material items should gradually elevate to a higher state, ultimately leading to mental worship where one envisions the divine and performs rituals in the temple of the mind. One should leave behind negative qualities at the feet of the Supreme and embrace divine love.

Vandanam (Salutation)

Vandanam means offering respectful obeisance. When we bow down to someone, it signifies accepting their greatness and discarding our ego. Similarly, salutation to the divine should be conducted with reverence. Offering directly to the deity’s idol should mature into a salutation that acknowledges the presence of the Supreme within all beings and displays compassion towards all life forms.

By recognizing the omnipresence of God and conducting ourselves in harmony with divine guidance, we engage in meaningful vandanam, both in literal and spiritual senses. Salutation to God includes acknowledging His greatness, recognizing that the Supreme exists in all beings, and having compassion towards every creature.

It involves recognizing God’s greatness and treating every creature with the same mercy, which is the essence and ultimate truth.

Dasyam – Dasya Bhakti

Just by hearing these words, devotees of Rama and Hanuman come to mind. What is service? How should a servant be? Hanuman exemplifies and teaches it so vividly that others need not demonstrate it. It is not just about saying; it’s about doing. Without expecting results from service, we work hard for the master.

Similarly, considering the residents around the Lord as the master and worshipping the Lord, Dasyam is done. Lakshmana served Rama for fourteen years in exile. This is called Dasya Bhakti.

Sakhyam – Sakhya Bhakti

‘Sakhyam’ is to strive to grow in friendship with God as you would with a good friend. Sakhyata is to be ecstatic about God as a friend and extol His glory and supremacy. He is the Consciousness spread throughout the universe.

We should become closer to God with the same kind of care and love we show to our dearest person. Once a bond is formed even if we shake him off, he will not leave us. The Pandavas were in alliance with Krishna and received constant protection. Krishna and Kuchelula’s story is an example of sakhya bhakti which has been embraced by the whole world.

Surrender

Surrendering oneself completely to God is self-surrendering. Whatever is one’s own should be offered to the Supreme. Everything from the physical body to the inner life should be left at the feet of the Supreme Lord. This requires a lot of practice and maturity.

After surrendering everything we have, only the soul is left. That is Parabraham. In this state, there is no difference between God and devotee, both are one. Balichakravarti gave everything he had to the Supreme. Godadevi’s Atma Pratikshana belonged to Ranganatha.

Let us practise these Navavida Bhakti to reach the Lord.