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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.

Poolangi Seva (Garlanding Service)

Poolangi Seva (Garlanding Service)

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Poolangi Seva

Tomala Seva which takes place every Thursday in the evening is called Poolangi Seva (Garlanding Service). This takes place completely in solitude. Priests adorn the main deity from head to foot with the flowers brought by the Jiyyangars. The Lord appears as though he has worn a flower dress.

The visitors are enraptured by the sight of the Lord in Poolangi Seva emitting fragrance. The sight, it is said, burns all your sins and scents of the past lives.

Thursday Poolangi Seva

After the mid-day puja on Thursday, the Lord is dressed only in dhoti and uttariyam. The Kasturi is also removed leaving only a thin mark. In the evening after suddhi is performed, the flowers are brought for decorating the murti. The body of the Lord is now dressed in an ordinary dovati.

This process is called sadalimpu or sallimpu which means lossening or removing.

After evening puja and naivedyam offering of panakam and split green· gram, a laced velvet gown is put on the Lord and the body is decorated fully with garlands of flowers extending from the crown to the feet. This decoration exclusively with flowers is called ‘Poolangi seva.’

After this is over the Ekanta seva takes place following the usual routine. It is not known from the epigraphs as to when and why this arrangement was first introduced. There is a reference in Silappadikaram, the early Tamil classic to ‘puvadaiyil polindu tonriya.’

The Tamil word ‘Puvadai’ is a translation of the Telugu word ‘Pulangi’ and hence we can ascertain that by about the 8th century this Pulangi seva was in vogue. Perhaps the reason for this is purely a pragmatic one namely the difficulty of having to remove the clothing ornaments etc., on the Lord on Friday before the elaborate Abhishekam is done.

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Meaning of “Singan Murai” and “Jeeyar”

Meaning of “Singan Murai” and “Jeeyar”

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Singan Murai

Singan was a devotee who used to supply wood for the temple kitchen service. Intending to show his service to Him with devotion, Tiruvenkatamudayan sent wood for his cremation when he died.

This kind of kainkaryam by supplying wood to the Sannidhi kitchen Singan is even now called “Singan Murai”. Murai means “doing agreeable service”.

Jeeyar

The word “Jeeyar” means Swami. This is stated in Jeeyar Padi of Sri Vachana Bhushanam commentary.

The Itihyam in the Sannidhi of Tiruvenkatamudayan in Tirumala and the Sannidhi of Govindaraja Swami temple in Tirupati is as follows:

The reason for not having Divya Prabandha Anusandham on the morning of the first day during Brahmotsavam is as follows –

According to Sri Vaikhanasa Agama Samhita, on the first day of Dwajarohana Utsavam, in the evening Yagasala is arranged with Kalasa and Avahanam of Devas and then Aradhanam is done. Next Vedaparayanam begins as stated in the Samhita “vedarambam chareth vidwan vishnoryagan thathachchareth”.

Dravida Veda which is equal to the Vedas begins next and hence in the night when Malayappa swami goes around up the streets in Sesha Vahanam, the recitation of Dravida Veda begins. This is the order of Sri Ramanuja as said by elders in Tirumala.

Ramanuja - Jeeyar

In such a case, why Tiruvoymozhi is not recited first or other Prabandhams are not recited first, but a recitation of Iyarpa is done? The reason for this custom is that Sri Ramanuja ordered with contemplation to recite first Iyarpa as said by Periyavachchan Pillai in his text Kaliyan Arulappadu Rahasya.

Venkateswara's 'Saare' to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

Venkateswara’s ‘Saare’ to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

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Article posted on Saptagiri Magazine by – Dr. Venkata Harshavardhan R.D.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Kartika Brahmotsavams is a spectacular festival of Tiruchanur and Tirupati. Just as Tirumala Brahmotsavam ends with CHAKRA SNANAM, even Tiruchanur Kartika Brahmotsavam ends with a Chakrasnanam on the auspicious Panchami Teertha day known as ‘Panchami Theertham’.

Saare – From Tirumala to Tiruchanur

On this special day, “Saare” (an auspicious and devotional offering) comes from Tirumala Venkateswara Swamivaru to the Goddess Padmavathi. The movement of the divine ‘‘Saare’’ starts (Praramba Yaathra) at BRAHMA MUHURTHAM time in Tirumala and travels through ‘Mada Veedhis’.

Later on, this ‘‘Saare’’ travels through the steps and roads of Tirumala to Tirupati and again from Tirupati to Tiruchanur. This Saare’s Mugimpu Yatra (conclusion part) happens with its travel through four Tiruchanur Mada streets before it is offered to Goddess Padmavathi Ammavaru.

SriVari Saare to Ammavaru from Tirumala

Indian Tradition – SAARE

Normally in India, after performing a wedding or marriage, the bride’s family sends a “SAARE’’ to the in-laws along with their daughter who enters her in-law’s place. This ‘Saare’ mainly consists of food items and gifts to family members and relatives of the bridegroom.

This ‘Saare’ has to do with the gifts meant for the son-in-law and the favourite things used by the daughter from her birth till the wedding day.

Ramayana in Thretha yuga also mentions ‘Mandhara’, the servant of Kaikeyi, who accompanies her to her in-law’s palace. This is one of the famous instances of this tradition.

Coming to the age-old ‘Tirumala Swamivari Saare’, many old aged priests and devotees opined that, this Saare consists of not only Jewellery, Silk Sarees, Turmeric, Saffron (Kumkuma), Traditional Chandan (Sandalwood), Flowers, Betelnuts, Betel leaves, Fruits, Sweets, Elaichi, Aroma oils or Scents, Mirror, Vinjamaras, Handheld fans, Koppu and Jada Kuchulu (hangings worn at the end of plaited hair) just to name a few.

Srivari Saare

These items in the ‘Srivari Saare’ represent the traditions to be followed by Indian girls, and women for the welfare of the family, the safety of society, and their personal “devotional and traditional safety” as well.

The following are some of the important Sanathana Dharma procedures to be followed of Hindu girls, women, and married men.

Wearing Turmeric

The application of turmeric to the face and body not only helps to give glory and glow but also protects the skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungal bodies because of its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic nature with its strong antioxidants inside.

Wearing Gold

Even a small amount of gold on the body activates some parts of the nervous system apart from the extension of prosperity which is evident from ancient medical scripts, the Puranas and Sastras.

Padmavathi Ammavaru - Saare from Tirumala

Draping Sarees

The silk sarees with their strong ‘semi-conductor property’ connect the body with the “five elements” (Pancha Bhoothas) of mother nature and activate and energize the body. The current youth especially girls and women wearing ‘Jeans’ are said to face many problems related to health care.

It’s time for all of us to understand the importance of items in Saare and the message from Lord Venkateswara regarding the same.

Wearing Vermilion

The most important aspect to learn from Kumkuma (vermilion) used by Indians to keep it on the top of “Gnana Netra” (the place between two eyes) to protect, radiate, and energize the ‘third eye’ of the human being and attract the Gnana (Knowledge) and positive powers.

The colour red symbolizes the Goddess and Sun which predominantly appears in Kumkuma. The material in Kumkuma invites eight types of wealth, cosmic power and prosperity through the third eye or gnana netra of the person.

Tying the Hair

The Koppu (Hair Holding Flower like structure to keep the tips and ends of the hair or Jada Gantalu) is another important material-based message from the Saare or Lord Venkateswara to the women. All of us are familiar with the current wires or power cables. When you get in touch or contact the ends of the same when they are open, it is quite obvious that you will get an ‘electricity shock’.

Koppu - Padmavathi Ammavaru - Saare

Hope you remember the electrician closes the ends of these copper or metallic wires with plastic tape to stop the flow of electricity through the wires. Similarly, when girls and women with long and movable hair, that too when they are moving in public places, there is a possibility for their hair ends to get in touch with people with negative energy.

This will lead to the transfer of their positive power to others and take their negative energy in that place. Hence, the message from Koppu and Jada Gantalu from the Saare is “How to protect your positive powers and avoid getting negative energy?” by closing the tips or ends of your hair.

Balanced diet:

The importance of elaichi and fruits / dry fruits / prasadams etc. as a diet is well-known even in the modern world. Even in the past two years, every person has badly gone through the COVID pandemic in one way or another. At that time, a balanced diet like dry fruits etc plays a major role in our immune system.

Wearing flowers

Similarly, the role of flowers and aromatic materials in cleaning the airborne negative energies apart from igniting six out of ‘Eight Chakras’ of human bodies is evident from puranas, vedangas and sastras.

Conclusion

Finally, there is a message from Lord Venkateswara to the married man on what to inscribe and prescribe to his wife and daughters for the welfare and prosperity of the society and family. The same will spread the culture and legacy to the sons or boys of the family as “doing is believing”.

The objective of this post is not just to touch upon the material and ingredients of Tirumala Sri Vaari Saare to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru during the Karthika Tiruchanur Brahmotsavams on Panchami Theertham Day, but also to express the significance of contents of the Saare to spread the prosperity and welfare to the Society, family and individual.

TTD - Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati

TTD – Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati

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Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / SV Ayurveda Hospital

Dhanvantari

Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the immanent divine consciousness, represents the divine healer in the tradition of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanvantari considered the God of Ayurvedic medicine is believed to have emerged from the sea during Samudra mathan, holding a pot of Amrit in one hand and the sacred Ayurveda text in the other.

Dhanvantari

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an elegant healing system, described approximately 5,000 years ago in ancient Vedic texts as comprehensive teachings on preserving and maintaining health. The fact that this ancient medicine is still in use today is a testament to the wisdom it holds when it comes to understanding the human potential to achieve a happy and wholesome life.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to promote the Vedas and allied sciences, established Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College, Tirupati in 1983. It is affiliated with Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The college has become one of the best institutes in India and has produced several graduates and post graduate students from time to time.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College

The Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / College has an attached teaching hospital with 210 beds with all Investigations and therapies and also renders Ayurvedic medical services to the people free of cost. People from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and even from other states utilise the services of this Hospital.

The teaching hospital is a part of the College administration for imparting better education and training to the PG& UG students being admitted into the College. Teaching faculty (Professor, Reader, Assistant Professor and Lecturer) are the consultants of the Hospital.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / SV Ayurveda Hospital

OPD Services at SV Ayurveda Hospital

  • OPD functions from 7.30 AM to 12.00 PM and 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM.
  • Consultants are available from 9.00 AM to 11.30 AM & 3.30 PM to 4.30 PM on all working days.

Duty Medical Officers and doctors are available for consultation around the clock. The hospital has well-experienced, well-qualified and dedicated Ayurvedacharya / B.A.M.S. / M.D. doctors who attend to the patients.

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OP (outpatient) Services are available in all specialities. S.V. Ayurvedic Hospital has approximately 210 beds with a bed occupancy rate and runs 10 OPDs daily with at least 350-500 patients attending exclusively to OPDs.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital

Procedure for Consultation

For outpatient consultation services, the patient has to register his/ her name at the registration counter. Doctors will do initial screening at the counter. Depending upon the requirements and the medical issue the staff will guide the patient to the concerned consultant.

Patients are advised to bring a copy of all previous evaluations and investigations.

Old (Follow-up/Review) Patients

The patient has to plan his/her follow-up visits according to the availability of the concerned consultant. They should visit the OPD on the duty day of the concerned consultant. They must also bring the Registration OPD Card or Discharge Summary Card during follow-up visits.

The Outpatient Department is generally crowded and free-of-cost medicines are distributed to each patient. SV Ayurveda Hospital caters to the medical requirements of all sections of society. The TTD management seeks and appreciates the patience and cooperation of the visitors.

S.V. Ayurveda Hospital OPD & Department-wise details in a glance

Kayachikitsa OPD (internal medicine)

Kayachikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda(Ashtanga Ayurveda) that deals with general medicine. It is the first branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda which mainly deals with diagnosis and treatment of various general health problems.

Kayachikitsa, representing the school of medicine forms the basis for all other branches of Ayurvedic treatment and hence this lays the foundation for shaping a skilled Ayurvedic physician. Kaya also refers to digestive fire or Agni.

Ayurveda believes that the imbalance in our digestive system is the root cause of multiple diseases. Hence, the chikitsa (treatment) also involves correcting the digestive fire or Agni to restore good health.

Kayachikitsa (or internal medicine), wherein Kaya means ‘body’ and chikitsa means ‘treatment’. The treatment also involves correcting the imbalance caused due to tridosas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The remedy encompasses a range of internal and external medications, detoxifications etc., along with specialized therapy to treat the disorder. The approach of Kayachikitsa involves the complete management of body and mind.

Kayachikitsa is used to tackle issues related to chronic illnesses and common illnesses.

Some of the diseases which are dealing Kayachikitsa OPD are:

  • Skin diseases (Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis, Eczema, Urticaria etc.)
  • Gastritis, Neurovascular disorders
  • Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders)
  • Respiratory diseases (Kasa, Swasa)
  • Kaamale (jaundice) – Irritable Bowel syndrome

Panchakarma OPD & Theatre services

SV Ayurveda Hospital has well-equipped male and female Panchakarma theatres separately. Panchakarma is performed by highly trained and skilled panchakarma therapists under the supervision of Panchakarma specialist doctors. This purification process helps to maintain good hygiene both at the mental and physical levels.

The treatment is customized according to the requirement of the patient depending upon their body constitution and health disorder.

Panchakarma OPD

Shalyatantra (Surgery) OPD & Theatre services

Shalyatantra is one of distinct branch of Ayurveda which explains and demonstrates surgical knowledge and procedures that were performed and used since thousands of years ago and are useful even today. The name of the sage-physician, Susruta, is synonymous with surgery. From his treatise Susruta Samhita, we have become aware of the sophisticated methods of surgery that were practised in India thousands of years ago

Diseases treated

  • Piles, Fissure in Ano, Fistula, & recurrent Abscess.
  • Inflammatory conditions-boils
  • Gallstones, Injury to marma
  • Deformities, Traumatic conditions
  • Cysts, Corns, warts
  • Varicose veins, Osteo Myelitis
  • Urinary track infections and hernia
  • Traditional Para surgical procedures like Agnikarma, Ksharakarma, Kshara Sutra and Jalukavacharana.

PG – A&B OPD (Dravyaguna Vigyana, Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana & Ayurveda Samhita)

Dravyaguna Vigyana

Doctor of Medicine in Dravyaguna Vigyan (Ayurvedic Pharmacology) is a non-clinical course. It provides the principles of Ayurvedic pharmacognosy and pharmacology with a special focus on the identification of controversial drugs, adulterants and substitutes used in Ayurvedic practice.

Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana

Doctor of Medicine in Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana (Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacy) is a Non-Clinical course. Keeping with tradition, the course prepares students for an Ayurvedic physician who is capable of formulating and preparing medicines according to the specific needs of a patient.

The program provides training in medicinal chemistry and the preparation of highly potent medicines from minerals and metals. The course also deals with the principles and practice of Ayurvedic Pharmacy with its varied pharmaceutical methods and dosage forms.

Ayurveda Samhita

This is a Non – Clinical course provides research training in the study of classical texts of Ayurveda, their scientific exploration and validation.

Balaroga OPD (Paediatrics)

Balyavastha or childhood is a crucial phase in human life. This phase is different from other stages because of the Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle) and Aushadhi (medicines) administered during that period. As these factors play an important role during childhood, the methods adopted in the treatment of children are also different.

Balaroga is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with neonatal care, infant feeding, diet for the newborn, daily and seasonal regime and also deals with diseases and disorders relating to children including nutrition of children, immunization etc. Usually, childhood is prone to common ailments like Digestive disorders, Respiratory infections, Skin problems, Worm infestation, etc.

Diseases treated:

  • Treatment for cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, etc.
  • Delayed milestones
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Kasa and general health.

Balaroga

The M. D. in Balaroga provides research training in the study of classical texts of Ayurveda, their scientific exploration and validation. This branch of Ayurveda, also known as ‘Kaumarayabhritya’ is one of the significant branches that focus on nursing and nurturing infants, newborns and children.

Balaroga not only involves prenatal, and postnatal baby care but also some ailments under the branch of Gynaecology. The specialist doctors in Ayurveda Paediatrics create awareness among the parents about child care, food habits, physical growth, and physiological and psychological issues related to child growth. This helps in bringing up a healthy child.

Shalakyatantra (ENT & Opthomology)

Shalakyatantra is Ayurveda branch for ENT & Ophthamology. It is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with diseases affecting the body parts located above the neck. It encompasses the treatment for the medical conditions related to organs of the head and above the shoulder like Eyes, Ears, Lips, Nose, Throat, Teeth, Skull, Central Nervous System and Brain.

These body parts are vulnerable to diseases which can get complicated as they progress.

The name ‘Shalakyatantra’ came into existence as the therapy involves excessive usage of Shalaka’ which means ‘probe’. This is a branch of Ayurveda where the treatment is done using appropriate tools for ingesting medication to the affected body parts. Various specialized instruments are used for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes as this speciality deals with delicate and narrow sections of the head.

In some places, this treatment is also called as ‘Urdhwangachikitsa’ where ‘Urdhwanga’ refers to body parts above the head, and ‘chikitsa’ relates to treatment. This system of medicine is also concerned with preventing contagious diseases.

By adopting a daily or seasonal routine with the appropriate cleansing procedure, the functional integrity and structure of body parts situated above the head are taken care of.

The disorders treated in the Shalakyatantra Department are

  • Treatment for Netra rogas (Eyes)
  • Nasa rogas (Nose)
  • Karna rogas (Ear)
  • Mukharogas (Oral Cavity Disorders)
  • Shirorogas (Head)

Prasoothi & Streeroga (Obstetrics/Gynaecology)

Prasoothi & Streeroga is a significant branch of Ayurveda, mainly dealing with childbirth /Parturition (Prasuti Tantra / Obstetrics) and Gynaecological (Streeroga) disorders. Prasuti tantra deals with pregnancy, labour and puerperium, whereas Streeroga deals with the management of diseases manifesting mainly in women.

The OPD services of Prasoothi and Streeroga at SV Ayurveda Hospital offer exceptional ayurvedic care in addressing pre-natal, post-natal and anti-natal care.

Diseases treated

The Specialist doctors cater to the following problems related to women’s health:

  • Pre conceptional care
  • Month-wise regimen for pregnancy, Yoga pregnancy
  • Menstrual issues due to thyroid dysfunction and obesity
  • Post-natal care
  • A promising approach for Infertility (male and female)
  • Non-surgical management of pregnancy-related complaint
  • Nausea, vomiting, headache.

Swasthavritta

Swasthavritta (Social and Preventative Medicine)

Swasthavritta (Social and Preventative Medicine) is a non–clinical course. The program provides training on the principles and practice of Social and Preventive Medicine at both the personal and communal levels. Social and Preventative Medicine in the School of Ayurveda gives elaborate guidelines and regimens for maintaining and promoting the health of the individual and the community integrating modern concepts with principles of Ayurveda.

Swashavritta means “regime of abiding by one’s nature”. It highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy life by adopting principles of a daily regimen, seasonal regimen, and ethical regimen to combat the diseases associated with lifestyle changes. It incorporates principles and practice of treatment both at personal and communal levels. The OPD at SV Ayurveda Hospital mainly deals with counselling.

The patients are advised to maintain good health and prevent diseases by adopting a holistic approach to life. They are guided to consume healthy food, bring positive changes in lifestyle, practice yoga and also follow ethical behaviour.

The counselling on lifestyle modification and preventive aspects are done based on the prakruthi analysis, which is the body constitution of any individual. These practices not only build immunity but also helps to restore balance in the tridoshas, i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and thus helps one attain stability in life.

Purpose

As the detailed information given above would have made it clear, the purpose of the T.T.D. SV Ayurveda College promotes Ayurveda and imparts quality education to the students and makes them good teachers and efficient Ayurvedic Physicians the Hospital provides free Medical Services for more than one and a half lakh patients per year.

TTD – In the service of Mankind

Garuda - The Valiant

Garuda – The Valiant

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Article by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi

Garuda – Pakshiraja

Garuda is described as Pakshiraja, the king of Birds. All of us recognize him as the vahana or mount of Lord Vishnu. When you enter a Vishnu temple, there is an image or icon of Garuda at the entrance. He is celebrated as ‘Periya Thiruvadi’ just as Hanuman is known as ‘Siriya Thiruvadi’.

Garuda Statue, Alipiri

Origin of Garuda

The origin of Garuda is described in the Adiparva of the Mahabharata. Briefly, he is the son of Sage Kashyapa and Vinata. He is the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya.

But how did Garuda become Lord Vishnu’s vahana? The story is as follows: His mother Vinata lost a bet with her co-sister Kadruva (who employed a trick) resulting in Vinata becoming a slave to Kadruva and her children, the nagas. This was due to a curse uttered by Aruna who also said that she would be delivered from slavery by her son.

This could be done only by getting the amruta for the snakes that were his step-brothers (Kadruva’s children). Valiant Garuda, the shapeshifter (for he was a master of ashtasiddhis), managed to obtain the amruta that was amazingly guarded. When Garuda was in the air with the pot of nectar, he met Lord Vishnu.

Slokas 13-16 in the 33rd Adhyaya (chapter) of the Adi Parva in Mahabharata describe the encounter (summarised here): At that time, the son of Vinata encountered Lord Vishnu Narayana was pleased with Garuda’s commitment.

He called out to Garuda – ‘I would like to give you a boon’.

Garuda the sky-roamer said, ‘Lord let me serve on your flag’.

And ‘Even without a drink of the nectar, may I be immortal’. The Lord said to Garuda, ‘Let it be so’.

Now Garuda said, ‘Lord, now I proffer thee a boon.’ Lord Vishnu said, ‘I wish that you become my steed’.

And that is how the mighty Garuda became the vahana of Lord Vishnu.

Garuda-seva or the processional of the lord mounted on Garuda is a wonderful spectacle in any Vishnu temple. Crowds throng to worship the lord on Garuda because it is believed that moksha can be easily obtained when worshipping the lord on Garuda Vahana.

Garuda Seva Crowd
Crowd waiting for Garuda Vahana Seva in Tirumala (Tirupati Balaji Temple)

After all, did the Lord not speed to Gajendra’s rescue flying there mounted on Garuda? This scene has also been captured dramatically by the poet Pothana in his ‘Bhagavatam’. Every single illustration of Gajendra moksha shows the lord arriving to rescue the King of Elephants riding his favourite mount.

The third chapter of the ashtama skanda of Srimad Bhagavatam describes what happened. Specifically, the 31st sloka says:

Hearing the mental prayer of the distressed elephant The lord of the world wielding the Sudarsana (discus) Swiftly arrived on his vahana, Garuda, who is Possessed of a speed that depends on his will.

Garuda Vahana is so closely associated with Sriman Narayana that in Narasimha Satakam, Seshappa describing lord Vishnu says “Garudavahana divya kaustubhalankara ravi koti teja sa rangavadana”: On his Garuda vahana, adorned with the divine Kaustubha gem, bright-faced like the sun…” (Verse 83).

But Garuda is much more than all that. In Garuda Panchashat, Swami Vedanta Desika writes that Garuda is the personification of Vedas (verse 3). He says Garuda’s eyes are the Gayatri mantra, his name is the Yajur Veda and so on. At the end of the verse Swami Desika prays saying that the Garuda thus extolled by the Vedas may show us the way to freedom.

Being like Garuda, selfless, devoted and committed to achieving the given task despite hurdles on the way pleases the lord and helps attain moksha.

Garuda Vahanam in Tirumala

At Tirumala, the sight of Sri Malayappa swami mounted on the golden Garuda vahanam during Srivari Brahmotsavam sends devotees into ecstasy. Garuda is often adorned with precious jewels such as the Makara kanti, Salagrama haaram and wears a golden crown.

Garuda Seva

The lord’s feet are securely placed in the open palms of Garuda who is seen kneeling on one leg. Lord’s appearance on Garuda bestows transcendence and salvation to the devotees. There is also a monthly Garuda seva on the full moon night when Sri Malayappa swami varu tours the Mada streets on the Garuda Vahana.

Devotees can watch the Garudavahanaseva live on SVBC Channel and be blessed.