In the temple at ‘Valmikipuram’, Lord Rama is worshipped as Sri Pattabhirama Swamy, and named as the wish-fulfilling god of devotees. The sthalapurana says that once Jambavant had reached Ayodhya, visited Lord Rama and left again.
While reaching this area in the middle of the way, he realized that light was coming from a Valmeekam (ant hill). When he removed the Valmeekam, he found the idols of Sri Ramachandramurthy and a temple was built there.
In the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple, located in the heart of Valmikipuram, Sri Rama appears along with Sita Devi and his brothers. Sri Ramachandra Murthy holds a grasa mudra in his right hand and offers a Varadahasta with his left hand.
On the right side of Sri Rama is Sita Devi, and on her right is Bharata wearing a chamara.
On the left side of Sri Rama is Sri Lakshmana wearing Dhanurbhanas and on the left of Lakshmana is Shatrughnu wearing chamara.
Sri Anjaneya Swamy is present in Pradakshina mandapam. Valmikipuram is approximately 100 km from Tirupati and 20 km from Madanapalle.
A visit to Sri Pattabhiramaswamy of Valmikipuram will be a blissful experience for the devotees.
Sri Pattabhirama Swamivari Brahmotsavams will be held from 12-04-2024 to 20-04-2024.
The Sanskrit word ‘Saptha’ refers to the number Seven. It is indicated in various names as –
7 days a week,
7 colours in a rainbow,
7 horses of the Sun God,
7 chakras including sahasrara in upasana,
7 swaras in music,
7 steps during marriage,
7 upper lokas,
7 lower lokas,
7 hills (Tirumala).
Moreover, the number 7 has a great connection with Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of Tirumala in many ways. Let us examine how it is.
Tirumala Kshetra is located amid a group of seven sacred hills called ‘Sapthagiri‘. In Venkatachala Mahatyam these seven hills are said as seven heads of Adisesha (the king of serpents).
The seven peaks or the heads are called with the names –
Seshadri
Vrisardri
Garudadri
Anjanadri
Vrishabhadri
Narayanadri
Venkatadri.
Hence Lord Venkateswara swami is also called – Edukondalavada Govinda (the resident of Seven Hills) and Saptagireesa Govinda (the king of Seven Hills).
Saturday
The seventh day of the week is Saturday. It is a very auspicious day for worshipping Lord Venkateswara. As per Vedic astrology, every day of the week is associated with a planet in the solar system. In that way, Shani (Saturn) is the Lord of Saturday.
Once Lord Venkateswara swami had taken a promise from Shani Bhagavan that he would never trouble his devotees. Hence the devotees worship Venkateswara swami on Saturdays with a lot of devotion and dedication to get rid of obstacles caused by Shani Bhagavan.
Saturdays – Month of Shravana
Among all Saturdays, Saturdays that come in the month of Shravana are very important because – in Shravana masam the full moon day occurs in Shravana star. Hence this month is called Shravana masam. Moreover, the Shravana star is the birth star of Sri Venkateswara swami.
This nakshatra comes under Makara rasi (Capricorn). The Lord of Makara rasi is Shani bhagavan (Saturn).The seven Saturdays vratam is also observed by some devotees during this month itself.
Tirumala Saturdays OR Vishnu Saturdays
The four Saturdays in the Tamil month of purattasi are also considered very auspicious for worshipping Lord Venkateswara. During this month the Sun will be in Virgo, the zodiac Sign ruled by Mercury. The Lord of Mercury is Vishnu, the God of wealth and prosperity.
Also, it is known from the legend that Lord Vishnu descended to this earth as Sri Venkateswara during the Tamil month purattasi itself. Hence these Saturdays are called Vishnu Saturdays or Tirumala Saturdays (Tirumala Shanivaralu in Telugu).
One very Saturday of purattasi month the devotees observe fasting and light a lamp (a lamp made of rice flour, jaggery and ghee) and do Govinda bhajans.
Later they offer the 7 favourable dishes
Sweet Pongal (jaggery rice),
hot pongal (pepper rice),
tamarind rice,
curd rice,
vada,
laddu,
sundal (boiled channa)
to Lord Venkateswara Swami for his divine blessings.
Celebrated for nine days
The seventh month of the Telugu calendar is called Aswayuja masam. Tirumala brahmotsavam is an annual festival performed to Lord Venkateswara Swami, celebrated for nine days every year during this month in such a manner that the utsavam should be concluded on Shravana nakshatra.
Of course, another brahmotsavam will also be organized at Tirumala when there will be an Adhikamasam (extra month) during Navarathri.
During this nine-day festival, Lord Malayappa swami (processional deity) along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi go in procession two times (morning and night) daily on vahanams.
Rathasapthami – Mini Brahmotsavam
Maghasuddha sapthami (the seventh day in the brighter phase of lunar cycle of Telugu month Magha) of every year is celebrated as Rathasapthami. It is symbolically represented in the form of Sun God Surya turning his Ratha (chariot), drawn by seven horses with Aruna as the charioteer towards the northern hemisphere in northeastern direction.
This day also marks the Birth of Surya and is hence celebrated as Surya Jayanthi. Based on this one-day, brahmotsavam called ‘Mini Brahmotsavam’ is organized at Tirumala. On this day Lord Malayappa swami will proceed on saptha (seven) Vahanams through the holy streets around the temple.
It is a big chance for the devotees to have the darshan of Sri Malayappa swami on seven vahanams in a single day.
Surya Prabha vahanam – Rathasaptami
Planets
In astrology, every planet is allotted a number. As per that seven is a Ketu number. Ketu is the planet of obstruction. The Lord of Ketu is Lord Ganesha. Soon we should worship Lord Ganesha to overcome the obstacles created by Ketu.
People believe that different incarnations taken in previous yugas by Sri Venkateswara Swami represent the different planets in their tattwa (nature). Hence, they worship the following incarnations to get relief from planetary troubles.
Avatars
Ketu-Matsyavatara,
Saturn-Koormavatara,
Rahu-Varahavatara,
Mars-Narasimhavatara,
Jupiter- Vamanavatara,
Venus-Parusuramavatara,
Sun- Ramavatara,
Moon-Krishnavatara,
Mercury – Kalki
is an avatar to be taken by Lord Venkateswara at the end of Kaliyuga.
Till then He resides on these seven hills in the form of Archamurthy (idol form) and protects the people from the troubles of Kali, a demon.
What a lucky number seven is! We too associate with Lord Venkateswara Swami in every possible way for his divine grace.
Lord Venkateswara is the giver of boons. That is why devotees flock to the Tirumala hills. He showers His grace upon everybody because he is “Sripathi”, Lord of Goddess of Wealth. Goddess Sri Devi resides in his chest. Her benevolent glance makes Lord Srinivasa fulfil all the Dharmic desires of the devotees.
But why do devotees undertake different vows to fulfil their wishes in Tirumala? We see tonsuring, Thulabharam (equal weighting), Angapradakshina (circumambulating) and many more undertaken by devotees. It is because their wishes are fulfilled.
Climbing the Hill
The most common of these vows is, climbing the hill on foot. It takes approx. around 3.5 to 4 hours to climb the hill from Alipiri. The first half an hour is a bit steep but after that it is normal. Many facilities like shelter and water arrangements are made for the devotees by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
A few climb the hill by applying turmeric and vermilion to each of the steps; others climb by doing “Namaskaram” (salutation) to each step. Everybody, however, chants the divine name of “Govinda”. The Lord gives them the necessary strength to succeed in their effort. He will be with the devotees all through till His Darshan.
There are around 3550 steps on the whole and the pilgrims have to cover a distance of approximately 12 km to complete the foot pathway. It is also believed that Sri Ramanujacharya climbed the hill on his knees as he did not want to step on the holy hill with his feet.
One should not wear any footwear to climb the hill. There is also another foot pathway ‘Srivari Mettu‘ from Srinivasa Mangapuram near Tirupati.
Let’s chant Govinda and climb now to reach Tirumala!
Kalyanakatta (Tonsuring centre)
Kalyanakatta is a sacred place. Often we see people coming from Tirumala having their heads tonsured. It is one of the ways of shedding their ego. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has arranged many centres of tonsure which are tidy.
Bathing facilities are also available free of cost. Tonsuring is done free of cost by experienced barbers around the clock. Many offer the first tonsuring of children in Tirumala. Thus, the practice seems to prevail from ancient days.
Thulabharam (Equal Weighing)
An incident in the life of Satyabhama opens up her eyes to the nature of true Bhakti as evidenced in Rukmini Devi. Once, she undertakes Punyaka vrata involving patidana (donating husband) on the suggestion of Sage Narada to keep her husband always in her control.
She thought that she could take back her Lord after weighing Him with an equal quantity of wealth. Accordingly, Satyabhama gives Lord Krishna in charity to Sage Narada.
In the thulabharam she fails to weigh Him with all her wealth and materials. The Lord weighs when Rukmini places a sacred basil twig in the balance with all her sincere prayers.
Satyabhama in all her regret realizes that the Lord cannot be weighed with gold or money but only through absolute devotion. In Tirumala one can offer coins, sugar candy, sugar, jaggery etc. (according to their vow) equal to one’s weight.
Devotees consider it a great opportunity. They continue to chant the name “Govinda” in the process of weighing so that the Lord would accept their offering.
Recently, TTD started Tulabharam in Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur also for the sake of devotees.
Angapradakshinam
“Anga” means parts of the body. “Pradakshina” means going around the temple. It is carried out by rolling on the floor around the temple. TTD issues the tickets for this. But at present due to covid, tickets are not being issued.
One must take the ticket, bathe in Pushkarini and wear traditional clothes and do it in wet clothes around Ananda Nilayamchanting “OM Namo Venkatesaya” or “Govinda” early in the morning while Suprabhata Seva goes on for the Lord in the main shrine.
Devotees believe that one who performs this seva will get rid of sorrows/miseries etc.
It is a practice of offering all the ornaments on one’s body to Lord Venkateswara. Devotees vow to undergo NILUVU DOPIDI when they are in utmost distress to save them from the crisis. It is “Saranagathi” taking the sole refuge at the Lord’s feet.
Ladies wear “Yellow thread as Mangala sutra” to offer the golden Mangalasutra to the Lord.
Srivari Hundi
Offering money, ornaments or whatever according to their wish tied in yellow cloth and dropped in Srivari Hundi as part of their vow is an ancient practice to fulfil their wishes.
Further More
There are also customs like coconut breaking, contributing to Akhanda Deeparadhana, and offering of cradle\swing if one begets children by the grace of the Lord.
During the Tamil month “Puratassi”, many devotees light lamps made of rice flour, ghee and jaggery (called Jyothi) to Lord Srinivasa on Saturdays or during “Thiruvonam” which is promising for Lord Venkateswara.
They believe that Lord Srinivasa has visited their house to bless them with prosperity. Some Companies offer their latest vehicles to the Lord for Dharmic purposes.
Some donate their land or house to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Devotees according to their vow, offer the things according to their wishes.
Many Kings in the olden days offered diamond-studded crowns, and many ornaments too. Lord Venkateswara does not expect anything from his devotees other than pure devotion. But devotees feel blessed when they offer something or the other to the Lord.
Donation of Varadha Hastham and Katika Hastham
Lord Srinivasa accepts whatever the devotee sincerely gives—big or small, and blesses them.
Who else we can approach other than the Lord of Seven Hills for the fulfilment of our desires?
Sri VaikuntaVirakthaya Swami PushkariniTade RamayaRamamanayaVenkatesaya Mangalam!
‘Naama Sankeerthana’ is the easiest way to attain salvation in this Kaliyuga. ‘Govinda Namavali’ is believed to have the power to remove all obstacles and difficulties in life and grant the devotee success and prosperity.
Given this, TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) introduced a unique spiritual concept to encourage youth below the age of 25 years to inculcate the habit of writing the divine names as a part of its mission of taking forward Hindu Sanatana Dharma.
Details of the Book
The Govinda Koti book, priced at Rs.111, contains 200 pages.
Govinda Namams can be written 39,600 times in each book.
To write 10,01,116 Govinda Namams, 26 books are required and to write Govinda Koti (Govinda Naamaas for one crore times) a total of 253 books are required.
On successful completion of writing 10,01,116 Govinda Namams, the person will be provided with a Break Darshan facility by TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams).
While for those who complete ‘one crore Govinda Naamaas’, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) provides Break Darshan and accommodation to a total of five persons.
Utilize this facility and be blessed by the Lord.
For more details contact TTD call centre : 0877-2277777, 0877-2233333 TTD Website : www.tirumala.org
‘Naama Sankeerthana’ is the easiest way to attain salvation in this Kaliyuga. ‘Govinda Naamaavali’ is believed to have the power to remove all obstacles and difficulties in life and grant the devotee success and prosperity.
Given this, TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) introduced a unique spiritual concept to encourage youth below the age of 25 years to inculcate the habit of writing the divine names as a part of its mission of taking forward Hindu Sanatana Dharma.
Details of the Book
The Govinda Koti book, priced at Rs.111, contains 200 pages.
Govinda Namams can be written 39,600 times in each book.
To write 10,01,116 Govinda Namams, 26 books are required and to write Govinda Koti (Govinda Naamaas for one crore times) a total of 253 books are required.
On successful completion of writing 10,01,116 Govinda Namams, the person will be provided with a Break Darshan facility by TTD.
While for those who complete ‘one crore Govinda Naamaas’, TTD provides Break Darshan and accommodation to a total of five persons.
Utilize this facility and be blessed by the Lord.
For more details contact TTD call centre : 0877-2277777, 0877-2233333 TTD Website : www.tirumala.org
Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana (compound) consisting of equal parts of three tropical trees, taken without seed,
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica – karaka), and
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula – taadi) and
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis – amla).
We can get rid of ordinary diseases as well as long-term illnesses by using this Triphala powder. Since this Triphala has the qualities of ambrosia, doctors call it as Triphala ambrosia for good health.
Purification of Blood
Mix 150 grams of Triphala powder with 50 grams of bavanchala powder (PsoraleaCorylifolia). Take 2 or 3 grams of this powder with honey twice a day in the morning and night. Additionally, mix this powder with curd and apply this cream on the affected areas of skin with ringworm, itching, psoriasis etc.
Immunity from Diseases
Take 60 grams each of Triphala powder, chinakalakanda powder, pure ghee and 100 grams of honey. Mix well and store them in a bottle. Take one tea spoon of this, twice a day in the morning and evening. Consume milk or water along with this. It will improve immunity from diseases.
Pimples
Add two parts of Triphala powder with one part of pure turmeric powder. Make a paste of this adding water and apply on the face. Cleanse the face with lukewarm water after one hour.
Damaged Nails:
One part of the cooking soda with three parts of Triphala powder should be mixed. Take a sufficient quantity of this powder and mix it with water. Apply on the nails twice a day. It will arrest damaged nails.
Piles, Constipation:
Mix 150 grams of triphala powder and 50 grams of sunamukhi powder. Depending upon the gravity of the problem, take half to one spoon of this powder with honey or water at bedtime. Good results are achieved.
Those suffering from piles, in addition to consuming the powder as above, should do one more. Take 400 ml of water and add 50 to 100 grams of triphala powder. Boil it to reduce up to 100 ml. Take a tub with water and add this solution after filtering it.
One should sit for about 20 minutes in the tub. The anus area should be in the water. This should be done after passing stools. Mix triphala powder with castor oil. Apply the paste to the anus to relieve pain.
To Reduce Obesity
Add 5 grams of triphala powder to 200 ml of water and a piece of smashed ginger. Keep it overnight. In the morning boil water till it is reduced to half. Add half a piece of lemon to this water and consume it daily. It will burn fat in the body and obesity will be reduced.
Unwanted body substances will be dematerialised by using this water.
Grey Hair to Black Hair
Take a big bowl. Add one kilo of sesame oil, 125 grams of triphala powder and powder of mango seed of 125 grams. Keep it for one week. Mix it well twice a day. Filter the oil. This can be used as hair oil. It will reduce black hair turning grey at a young age. Application of this oil will also glitter and smoothen the hair.
Blisters, Boils
Take these three fruits. Burn till they become ash. This powder should be added to honey or sesame oil and applied to the blisters and boils to obtain good results. Itching and burns of the body will also be reduced.
Triphala Decoction or Extract
Take half a litre of water. Add 10 grams of this powder. Boil it, cool it and filter it. This is called triphala decoction. If this is used externally, wounds and blisters will extinct. If used as mouth lotion, it will reduce blisters and swelling of the throat. Take a cotton bud or clean cloth. Dip the same in the lotion. If applied to the eyes, it will reduce conjunctivitis.
Take this decoction and warm it to a lukewarm temperature. Apply to the scalp. Rinse the hair with lotion. Hair will be smooth, glittering and fine. There will not be a dandruff problem at all.
Excessive Sweating
Mix 30 grams of triphala powder, 10 grams of dry ginger, 10 grams of thugamustala powder, 10 grams of atimadhura powder, add 10 grams of jatamaamsi powder if suffering from mental tension. Take one or two grams of this powder mixed in 50 ml of water three times a day.
Diabetic – Troubles
Mix two or three grams of triphala powder in 50 ml of water and take it twice a day in the morning and in the evening. This will not only help reduce the sugar levels but will also be beneficial to arrest future complications arising out of sugar levels such as problems in the brain, veins, eyes, skin, kidneys etc.
Normal diseases associated with diabetes such as urinary diseases, reproductive organ diseases, and fungus diseases, will be cured.
Dental Problems
Use Triphala as toothpowder once a day. It will reduce tooth-related problems such as pain, swelling, oozing blood, etc. The teeth will become stronger and healthy. Triphala is used in other medicines like mahthriphaladigrutham, thriphalasava, thriphalagugglu, sapthamruthaloham, etc.
Triphala powder is available in Ayurvedic shops and also online. These are some of the remedies to be used. Those who want to follow these remedies may consult a Doctor for more suggestions.
The month of Magha is meant for the worship of Siva, Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesha. Particularly the last week of this month is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is the much-awaited annual holy festival of Lord Shiva for all the Devotees of this supreme God.
This is the most auspicious and greatest day for the devotees. The Object of worship, the worshipper and the process of worship are all the three essential things in every kind of worship. Similarly on this Mahasiva Ratri Day also it is essential to know about all these three things.
This present writing sheds focus on various magnanimous aspects of Siva the object of worship of Maha Sivaratri. It is known to all that Shiva has several thousands of names as available in the Mahabharata, Markandeya Purana, Skanda Purana and in the other Agama Texts.
Out of all these the following few names are much heard and very frequently found in most of the common prayers. These names have both phenomenal and philosophic meanings. A brief introduction is given to these names.
Rudra
Rudra is that aspect of Lord Shiva which clears away the ruja (disease) and duhkha (sorrow). Rudra is God dissolution. At the end of the creation, all the beings merge in Rudra. Hence he is called Layakara.
Another sense of this word is who makes all living beings to weep or to shout with pangs of separation of their relatives who were graced by Rudra to leave their mortal bodies. Thus the relieved souls merge in Him. The rest of the beings lament for the departed ones.
Shankara
One who makes the life auspicious is Shankara. Usually, Lord Shiva is believed to be the God of Dissolution. But all kinds of auspicious elements spring from this God. Hence he is called Shankara. Sham – means Auspiciousness. As he brings auspiciousness He is known by the name Shankara.
Sthanu
Phenomenally Sthanu means a pillar. As he is the single supporting pillar of the world (Samsara) he is called Sthanu.
Kapardi
A God of matted hair is called Kapardi. The inner meaning is that he is called Kapardi because of retaining the entire Divine River in his tight closed matted hair and released on the request of Bhagiratha.
Trilochana / Tryambaka
One who has three eyes is known as Trilochana or Tryambaka. His three eyes are The Sun, The Moon and The Fire. The Third Eye of Fire is the Eye of Fire like Pure Knowledge.
Shiva
As all the beings at the time of dissolution rest in this Supreme God he is called Lord Shiva. The other meaning of the word Shiva is the Auspicious one.
Adibhikshu
One meaning of this is the First Seeker of Alms. The inner meaning of this is that he begs for the six vices Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Intoxication) and Matsarya (Jealousy) in his devotees and blesses them with great boons for their upliftment.
Tripurantaka
The killer of the Three Cities of Demons was known as Tripurantaka. But one who dissolves the three tendencies in human beings: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are called Tripurantaka.
Garalakantha
The word Garala means the poison. One who swallowed the dreadful poison Kalakuta is called Garalakantha. Here symbolically the worldly attractions are called poison. The human senses are attracted by worldly attractions and victimise human beings.
For protecting the devotees lord Shiva swallows the poison of worldly attractions and saves the devotees. Hence he is called Garalakantha.
Nagabhushana
Whose ornaments are snakes he is Nagabhushana. Here Lord Shiva adorns himself with snakes of the six inner enemies Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Intoxication) and Matsarya (Jealousy) of the human world.
Hence Lord Shiva is praised with the epithet Nagabhushana.
Bhashmadharin
Lord Shiva besmears his body with the ashes from the burial ground. Hence he is called Bhashmadharin. Philosophically the ashes on the body of Lord Shiva are compared to the ashes of Karma (The past deeds) burnt by the Fire of Jnana (Knowledge).
Adi Kirata
Adi Kirata means the First Hunter. Lord Shiva is the hunter who chases after wild animals in the form of lust in human beings. Hence he is called Adi Kirata or the First Hunter as one has to suppress the inner desires before conquering the world.
Digambara
The word Digambara means undressed. Lord Shiva by nature is the form of pure knowledge without any adjectives. Hence such a form of pure knowledge is known as Digambara.
Vrushabhavahana
The word Vrushabha in Sanskrit is a representation of Dharma. Sometimes metaphorically Dharma is said to have been in the form of Vrushabha. As a Vrushabha has four feet and moves on four feet Dharma also lays on four feet and moves on four feet. Hence this resemblance.
Here Nandisvara, the vehicle of Shiva is considered as the divine manifestation of Dharma. Hence Shiva is called Vrushabhavahana as He is pervasive everywhere through Dharma.
Trisulin
He is the wielder of Trident. This trident is the symbol of the three Gunas Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. As he bears all these three Gunas in Him He is called Trisulin. According to another interpretation, the three edges of the Trident are Peace, Dispassion and Realization.
Hence He, Lord Shiva, is called Trisulin.
Chandrasekhara
One who bears the crescent of the moon on his forehead is called Chandrasekhara. According to the second meaning, he sheds the rays of Nectar. So he is called Chandrasekhara.
Arthanarishvara
Both the forms of Purusha (the Consciousness) and Prakrti (The World) are the very forms of Lord Shiva. Hence known as Artha Nari and Artha Easwara together called Arthanarishvara.
Nataraja
Natya is Jnana of both the world and the cause of the world. As Lord Shiva does bestow Jnana he is extolled as the king of Natya or Nataraja.
Pashupati
All the beings (Jivas) are beasts (Pasus in Sanskrit). Mother Goddess Parvathi is the snares of the world that binds the beings (Pasa in Sanskrit) and Shiva is the ruler of all beings (Pasupati or Pasusasaka in Sanskrit).
In addition to the above important names, the following eight names have prominence in worshipping Lord Siva.
Sarva
The Ekmaranatha of Kanchipura is Lord Shiva of Prithvi Tattva or the Earthen Element and is recommended to be worshipped in the form of Sarva.
Bhava
Jambukesvara of Jambukesvaram at Sriranga Kshetra is the manifestation of the Jala Tattva or the Water Element and to be worshipped in the form of Bhava. Hence Bhava (The world the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva is known by the name Bhava).
Rudra
Arunachalesvara of Arunachala is said to be worshipped by the name Rudra and he is the Agni Tattva (The Element of Fire) aspect of Shiva.
Ugra
Lord Shiva at Srikalahastiis popular as Sri Kala Hastisvara. He is the manifestation of Vayu Tattva or the Element of Air. He is recommended to be worshipped by the name Ugra.
Bhima
Chidambaresvara of Chidambaram in Tamilnadu is the manifestation of the Akasa Tattva or the element of Ether. He is known by the name Bhima.
Pashupati
Pashupatinatha of Nepal is the Kshetrajna or the Supreme Consciousness in every individual due to whose presence Jiva becomes Shiva in the absence of whom Jiva remains a Sava (a mere corpse).
Isana
He is the presiding deity in all the Sun temples in India. Mahadeva- He is Somanatha in the Prabhasa Tirtha in Gujarat. He is said to be worshipped by the name Mahadeva the presiding deity of the Moon.
Thus having known these meanings of various names of Lord Siva if one worships Lord Siva the devotional discipline in every individual will lead him/her towards perfection as a human being in the spiritual journey.
Hathi means elephant in Hindi, and Bhavaji frequently chants Ram
Mahanthula Mattam
In the southwest direction of Ananda Nilaya, there is a big beautiful palace on a hillock. This palace is known as Mahanthula Mattam (monastery of Mahanth). Mahanth means a saint or a monk. A saint by the name of Bavaji had established this Mattam (a monastery).
He was a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara. People out of respect used to address him as ‘Hathee Ramji or Hathee Ram Bavaji or Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji or Hathiram Bhavaji.’ Hathee Ramji belonged to the Bhakti Tradition started by Swamy Ramanandji of North India. He was a great Vaishnavite.
Abhayanandji
About 500 years back there was a Ramanand Matt in a village called Kredal Krela some 25 miles away from Delhi. A monk by the name ‘Abhayanandji’ was heading the matt. He was known as Mahanth of that matt i.e., monastery. Hathee Ramji was his disciple.
At the behest of his guru, Hathee Ram Bavaji started visiting holy places. Finally, he visited Tirumala Kshethra. Seeing the serenity of the place he selected Tirumala Kshethra for doing penance. He was further attracted by Lord Srinivasa’s Grace, Kindness and Benevolence.
By that time people used to say that if there is any God in this Kaliyuga, He is Venkata Nayaka (Kalou Venkata Nayakaha). So he decided to stay back there permanently. This determination made him establish a monastery on a small hillock near Ananda Nilaya.
Hathee Ramji was a great devotee of Rama. He thought Lord Venkateswara was no other than Ayodhya Ram and started worshipping Him more devotedly.
Bavaji offering food to devotees
Bavaji felt that God was not only dwelling in Ananda Nilaya but also in the hearts of His devotees. He could see God in every devotee who came for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan. This made him offer food to pilgrims and saints.
Lord Venkateswara was satisfied with the selfless services rendered to His devotees by the Bavaji. People say Lord Venkateswara used to answer every call of Bavaji.
Because of these feelings, devotees started visiting Bavaji’s monastery after having the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. This became rather a routine for every pilgrim.
Bavaji became very popular with pilgrims. They started giving first preference to Bavaji. They felt that Bavaji’s darshan was as good as Lord Srinivasa’s darshan because Lord Srinivasa Himself especially liked Bavaji.
Game of Dices
Every night after Ekantha seva silence used to prevail upon Tirumala Kshethra. When everybody was resting in their respective houses, Lord Venkateswara used to step out of Ananda Nilaya. He will visit Bavaji’s monastery and spend some time with Bavaji.
Hathiram Bhavaji playing dice with Lord Venkateswara
They used to play the game of dice. The play it seems had even some betting also. During the play, they used to have some heated discussions. Whatever the discussion it is only Bavaji to the upper hand. Maybe Lord Venkateswara used to lose the play to make His devotee win.
Lord used to derive immense pleasure when His devotee won and He lost the game. This was a daily routine in the monastery during nights.
No one can else see Lord Srinivasa
The disciples of Bavaji and his followers felt that their Guruji was talking to someone during the night. Sometimes they used to hear the rolling sound of brass dice. But nobody could see Lord Srinivasa. Soon the news of some invisible man playing dice with Bavaji spread like wildfire.
Rama Patram
People’s esteem doubled as far as Bavaji was concerned. To show their respect to Bavaji people right from commoners to Kings started donating according to their mite. With donations received from one and all Bavaji began to provide tasty food to pilgrims and visitors to the matt.
He was providing sumptuous food to one and all. But every day he used to eat one leaf by the name “Rama Patram” and used to fast and meditate.
People had high regard for Bavaji. They all knew that Bavaji was a favourite devotee of Lord Venkateswara. People became disease-free when they had the darshan of Bavaji. Their problems were solved by going near to Bavaji.
By his touch people received solace. He fed people but never had anything. His name and fame reached the nook and corner of the world.
King of Chandragiri Testing Bavaji
The King of Chandragiri once thought of testing the great pious monk Sri Bavaji. He called him and started criticizing him. He said: “People say that you not only converse with Lord Venkateswara but also play a game of dice with him. This is a publicity stunt to collect more and more money from innocent followers. You are cheating people.
Why the name Hathee Ram Bavaji
If what people say is true, then you eat a cartload of sugarcane and prove your greatness and spiritual strength. If you fail to prove yourself you will be driven out of Tirumala Kshethra”. On that night he ordered many cartloads of sugar cane to be brought.
The king locked Bavaji in the cattle shed and left the place. As usual, even on that day, Lord Venkateswara came to Bavaji. As usual, they played the game of dice. While playing with Bavaji He assumed the form of a Giant Elephant and started eating them. People outside the locked cattle shed heard elephants roaring. Somebody peeped through the keyhole. They saw a giant elephant.
When they opened the door of the cattle shed, they could neither see the elephant nor the cartload of sugarcane. People were taken aback. They got themselves convinced that Bavaji is a great devotee and could do some miracles.
Out of respect, they began to address him as ‘Hathee Ram Bavaji’. In Hindi Hathee means an elephant. After knowing about the miracle, emperor Giridhar Das felt very happy. He approached saint Hathee Ram Bavaji and prostrated before him.
He asked to pardon him and take him as one of his disciples. He became Giridhar Das. He became a Viragi i.e., Bairagi. Some began to address him Bairagi. Disciples of Hathee Ram Bavaji began to call him by the name Viragi emperor, Bairagi emperor.
From that day onwards Hathee Ram Bavaji had kingly status. He had a crown, throne, palanquin etc. The palaces belonging to the king in Tirupati became the monasteries of Mahanth. Even though Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji had no administrative control over temple management he became a prominent person in most of the affairs connected with the temple and its day-to-day activities.
The tradition of offering fresh cow’s milk, and butter in the morning was introduced from that day onwards. He also started giving crude camphor Harati to the Chief Idol. Even to this day these services like offering fresh cow’s milk and butter are being carried out only in the name of Hathee Ram Bavaji.
Afterwards, because of the disciples and their donations, he acquired lands and property. Because of enormous movable and immovable property, the monastery acquired the status of a kingdom. It has now become a prominent guest house for pilgrims coming from far north and south.
Many Years in Service of Lord Venkateswara
After spending many years in the service of Lord Venkateswara, Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji settled down in an Ashram built between Gogarbha Theertham and Akasa Ganga. He started spending his time observing silence and also doing penance.
Gogarbha Theertham – Tirumala
He used to have sweet Rama Patram only as his food. His penance was disturbed because of ever growing number of his devotees. Therefore on a Bahula Thrayodasi day of Aswayuja month, near Homagundam, a fireplace of Venugopala Swamy temple which he had himself constructed, attained Jeeva Samadhi.
Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji Barsi
A day before Naraka Chaturdasi in the Aswayuja masa i.e., two days before Deepavali even to this day his death anniversary is celebrated on a grand scale in the monastery. It is called ‘Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji Barsi’ (tomb). On that day the Idol of Laddu Gopala Krishna will be taken up to Venugopala Swamy temple which is very near Akasa Ganga Theertham, in procession.
Even to this day, T.T.D. provides two big umbrellas, two elephants and also a piped music party for this grand procession. There at the Venugopala Swamy temple poojas will be performed on a very grand scale. At the Samadhi apart from Abhishekam even special poojas will be performed.
A large number of devotees of Hathee Ram Bavaji, pilgrims, and the natives of Tirumala actively participate in this celebration.
On the southern side wall of the silver door (Nadimi padikavali) entrance we can see a sculpture. This sculpture depicts a dice play being played by Hathee Ram Bavaji and Lord Venkateswara. By their side, we can also see the sculpture of Giridhar Rayalu (Giridhar Das) the king of Chandragiri interestingly watching the game of dice.
Even this sculpture is gold-plated. The silver door entrance tower, it is said, was last renovated during the years 1472- 1482 A.D. There is one more similar sculpture at the exact point where Hathee Ram Bavaji and Lord Venkateswara played the game of dice. This sculpture is placed on an elevated platform in Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji’s monastery.
The Chief Idol – Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala (Tirupati)
The Self-Emerged Idol of Lord Venkateswara is standing on a golden lotus base. Have a good look at the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara. He has silk robes. The dangling garlands are further beautifying the silk robes.
Near Lord’s naval there is a sword by the name of Nandaka Khadgam.
There is one waist belt made of gold with gems and diamonds studded.
The Blessing Hand is again studded with diamonds.
The Lord’s Hand on the Hip says that if you sincerely seek shelter with Me, I will see that it becomes child’s play for you to cross the ocean of mundane existence.
On His Chest, there is a Kausthubha Mani. He has many Navaratna Haras (necklaces) around His neck.
Sri Maha Lakshmi Who is seated near His Chest is also blessing devotees with Her Blessing Hand.
His consorts Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi too have costly necklaces. With Sacred Thread (Yagnopaveetam), bejewelled hands, and lengthy garlands of salagramas and Sankhu and Chakra, Lord Venkateswara is attracting devotees from the four corners of the world.
Charming Face
The charming face with an Alluring Smile on His Lips, smooth shining cheeks, white camphor dot on the chin, the chiselled nose, white religious marking on the forehead, the gems studded crown all these things make our Lord more attractive.
One will not know whether bejewelled God is beautifying the jewels or jewels are beautifying God. These jewels, diamonds, gems, precious stones etc., are donations of devotees donated at different times. One will not know what made them denote these jewels and why they preferred only this temple for those donations.
Let us meditate on this Ever Attractive Chief Idol of God by chanting: Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!
Every piece of jewellery has an absorbing story behind it. Each diamond narrates the sincere devotion of its selfless donor. The glitter of gems adorning the idol reveals at length the sacrifices the devotee would have made and the blessing he would have received from Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Lord of Seven Hillswhen the devotee was in distress.
The musical sound that bracelets make symbolically tells how benevolent the Lord is towards His devotees. The splendid shining of the crown is proof of burning down the sins of devotees, committed knowingly or unknowingly, before seeking shelter near the Lotus Feet of the Lord.
The Panchajanya (a conch shell) and the Sudarshan Chakra by giving clarian calls would have punished wicked people who did much harm to humanity.
Through the broad smile Sri Venkateswara Swamy is acknowledging the prayers offered by devotees who would have received eyesight, some lame people who would have successfully, by the Grace of God, climbed the hills, the deaf would have got back their lost hearing ability etc.,
Those who have won their long pending cases too would have thanked the Lord for His solicited help. We may not know all the beneficiaries. Only He knows them.
All devotees irrespective of their caste, creed, and sometimes even faith whether they are Indians or even foreigners would have equally received the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Lord of Seven Hills. After receiving beneficial help from the Lord they would have contributed their mite. Some rich devotees might have contributed a portion of their profit.
Ordinary devotees always contribute a part of their hard-earned money. The devotees appeal to Him as
Aapada Mokkula Vada (one who removes all the obstacles)
Vaddikasula Vada (who collects even interest when the devotees fail to deposit the amount they would have promised to offer)
Apadbandhava (a friend of all those who are in distress) etc.,
However simple or complicated is your case, pray sincerely. He will come to your rescue at the right time. He will be by your side when others have ditched you. What He expects from His devotees is simple sincere devotion. Please have a good look at the Chief Idol – Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
Indeed, the thirst to see will not be quenched no matter how many times you visit the temple or how much time you spend in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Once you come out of the Sanctum Sanctorum you feel you are a blessed person. But you will have a feeling that I saw only the Smiling Face or the Blessing Hand, glittering crown, or Koustubha near the Chest etc., I have not seen the Lotus Feet.
Every inch of the Chief Idol is so attractive that you will refuse to withdraw your eyes from that spot. Every time you visit the templeyou will have a feeling that the Lord is more and more alluring than your earlier visit.
Before trying to know more details about the Sanctum Sanctorum let us chant the holy name of the Lord: Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!
Self Emerged Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Tirumala Temple
BRAHMA STHANAM
The Self-Emerged Salagrama Moorthy of Lord Srinivasa is exactly at the centre of Sanctum Sanctorum. This location is known as ‘BRAHMA STHANAM’.
STHANAKA MOORTHY / STHANAKA VARAHA MOORTHY
Because of this, the Chief Idol is termed as ‘STHANAKA MOORTHY’. Because it is immovable, people call it ‘DHRUVA (PERMANENT) MOORTHY’ or ‘DHRUVA BERAM’ (Permanent idol or image).
Here He is not accompanied by His two Consorts. He has only VAKSHASTHALA (on the chest) LAKSHMI. Hence he gets the name of STHANAKA VARAHA MOORTHY.
Vakshasthala Maha Lakshmi
With Vakshasthala Maha Lakshmi, Sri Mahavishnu left His Celestial Abode Vykunttam and came down to Bhooloka and preferred to stay on TIRUMALA HILLS and valleys as a Self Emerged Salagrama Moorthy. All other idols that we find in this temple are later additions. For this reason, Tirumala has been mentioned as ‘EKA BERAM’ (only one idol) temple.
Four Hands
This Self-emerged Salagrama monolithic idol has four shoulders.
The upper right hand holds SUDARSHANA CHAKRA and
the left upper hand has PANCHAJANYA (conch shell).
Similarly lower right hand has ABHAYA MUDRA and
the lower LEFT HAND IS ON THE HIP.
On the Chest, we can see the insignia of LAKSHMI. The Idol appears leaning slightly towards the left. Looking through the corner of eyes with a bewitching smile on face, the Moorthy enthrals the devotees.
The Sankhu and Chakra that we see on the right and left hand respectively, it seems, were not there originally.
Maybe during Ramanujacharya’s time or after him, seeing that the Chief Idol is without any weapon, they would have added gold-plated copper plates to the Idol. This may be true. He is Mahavishnu with or without Sankhu and Chakra.
“Padmaavatheem Vishaalaakshim Bhagavaanaatmaa Vakshasi Ari Sankha Viheeno Asau Katinyastha Karottamaha Darshayan Paani naikena Dakshinena Vrishaakapihi Pada Padmam Suraa Aaraadhyam Gatim cha Paramaam Nrunaam Katinyastha Karenaapi Nija Padaabja Kaaminam Nrunaam Bhava Payoraasim Katidaghnam Pradanshyan Viraajathe Venkatesaha sam Pratyapi Ramaapathi”
-Venkatachala Maahaatmyam
As He has kind-hearted Sri Maha Lakshmi in His Chest, He discorded fearful Sankhu and Chakra. Therefore He has assumed a pleasing form to clear all mundane fears of humanity. This Ramapathi, the Lord of Venkatagiri is pleasing everyone by showering His countless blessings.
Thondaman getting Sankhu and Chakra
Earlier there took place a pitched battle between Thondaman and Sri Padmavathy’s brother Vasudas. It is said that Lord Venkateswara to whom devotees are more dear, had handed over His Sankhu and Chakra to Thondaman.
The Venkatachala Mahatmyam further says that after the battle, Lord Sri Venkateswara refused to take back His Sankhu and Chakra from Thondaman. As He had not received them, the Self Emerged Salagrama monolith idol is not having these two weapons of Sri Mahavishnu.
Apart from this according to Vykhanasa Agama Shastra, there is no hard and fast rule that all idols should have weapons. Some may or may not have weapons. As a prominent place is given to Sri Mahalakshmi near His Chest, undoubtedly proves that the Self Emerged Idol is that of Sri Mahavishnu only.
The holy place in which the Supreme deity of Kaliyuga Sri Venkateswara Swamy is receiving the worship of the devotees at Jammalamadugu is the name of Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
The temple deity is Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy who is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire need of God’s blessings and it is believed that He blesses all the devotees liberally.
Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy Temple Location
Jammalamadugu is located in YSR Kadapa district of A.P. at a distance of 75 km from Kadapa city. It is said that the town was first named Jambulamadugu and later became Jammalamadugu due to the abundant growth of Jambu grass in the water in this area.
There is an interesting sthalapuranam behind why Lord Venkateswara stayed at Jammalamadugu and the reason for acquiring the name Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy. In the olden days, there was a village in the northern direction of the temple in Jammalamadugu. The name of that village is Narayanapuram. The village is known as Agrahara. There was a Venkateswara temple in that village along with Koneru (Pushkarini).
Village people used to serve the Lord and lead a pious life. However, natural calamities occurred in the village. As a result of the strong winds, the entire village began to be filled with dunes. The village was grazed and the village was made useless for residences.
With this people left the village. Even Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Narayanapuram itself has sunk into the dunes and has gradually become ruined.
Narapurayya – Installing Swamy Varu
Narapurayya, who left Narayanapuram and settled in Jammalamadugu, was a staunch devotee of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. He was always thinking of God. One night Sri Venkateswara Swamy appeared to Narapurayya in his dream and said – “I am buried in dunes in Narayanapuram.
Take me out and build a temple in this area, bring me and enshrine me, it will be good for you”. Sthalapurana reveals that the next day Narapurayya narrated his dream story to the people around him, reached Narayanapuram, removed the sand brought Sri Venkateswara Swamy from there and built a temple in the area where the temple is now located enshrined the Swami.
The Sthalapurana reveals that the name Narapura Venkateswara Swamy was created for the Swami because he was Venkateswara who was brought from Narayanapuram and also because Narapurayya installed him.
Temple Structure
The temple of Sri Venkateswara Swamy is located in a spacious courtyard. The temple faces north. The main Gopuram consists of three stairs. After entering the temple through this entrance we can see Balipeetham, Dwaja Sthambham and Garudalwar Sannidhi.
We can see on either side of the Dwaja Sthambham, huge idols of Sri Garutmantha and Sri Anjaneyaswamy in the salutation posture.
The main temple consists of Mahamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam and Garbhalayam. In the main sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Sri Narapura Venkateswaraswamy resembles the Lord on Tirumala Hills with four hands with Shanku, Chakra, Kati hastam and Varada hastam.
There are two sanctums on either side of the main temple. In these temples, we can see consorts of Swamy Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Andal. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi appears in a sitting posture with four hands, wearing Padmas in two hands and Abhaya and Varada Mudras in the other two hands.
Sri Andal appears in a standing posture with two hands, wearing a Padma in one hand and the other hand down in a graceful form. Devotees can also visit Sri Anjaneyaswamy, Alwars, Kalyana Mandapam, and Sri Venkateswara Kotielakhana Mandapam on the temple premises.
History of the Temple
Historically, it seems that it was built before the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the temple was developed during the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors.
Evidence reveals that Pemmasani clansmen who was feudal rulers of Vijayanagara emperors with Gandikota as their capital contributed significantly to the development of the temple. But over time the temple fell into disrepair and in 1918 the temple was renovated and restored to its former glory.
The Brahmotsavam of Jammalamadugu Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swamy is performed every year in the month of Vaisakha for nine days apart from daily poojas. During Brahmotsavams different vahana sevas including Rathotsavam and kalyanotsavam are performed grandly.
Besides Brahmotsavam, every year during Dhanurmasam, Vaikunta Ekadashi and other festivals special pujas are performed. There are accommodation facilities for devotees in private lodges in Jammalamadugu. Jammalamadugu is 75 km from Kadapa and 21 km from Proddutur.
Transportation
Buses are available from Kadapa, Prodduturu, Tirupati, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major towns and cities in the Telugu states. Almost all trains stop at Jammalamadugu Railway Station on the Yarraguntla-Nandyal line.
Final Word
Devotees can visit Jammalamadugu Sri Narapura Venkateswara Swami, who is known as the glorious God and get peace and joy.
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