In Lord Venkateswara’s dwelling place Tirumala of Venkatachala mountain, everyday auspicious things like Divine marriage, Inspiring spiritual festivities, Processions etc., Explore everything inside Tirumala temple.
On the Vimana Pradakshana path, in the northeast direction, there is a west-facing Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple. It has Mukha Mandapam (pillared entrance) Antharalamu (middle space) and Garbha Alayam (Sanctum Sanctorum).
In the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a three-foot-high platform. On that platform west facing idol of Yoga Narasimha is installed. A small room in front of Sanctum Sanctorum is the Antharala of this temple. Through Mukha Mandapam, we have to enter into Antharalam first and then have darshan from the threshold of Sanctum Sanctorum. There is a provision for circumambulation also.
Researchers believe that this temple would have come into existence somewhere between 1330 and 1360 A.D. Before the construction of this temple the idol of Yoga Narasimha was in a God forsaken place without any pooja. Ramanuja brought this idol from that God-forsaken place. After installing it in the temple he even made provision for circumambulation.
As per inscription
In Kandadai Ramanuja Iyyangar’s inscription of 1469 A.D., there is a mention of this temple. Yoga Narasimha Swamy has been mentioned as Alagiya Singar (beautiful lion) and as Venkataththurai (Lion of Venkatachala mountain). Though daily pooja is not offered to this Yoga Narasimha, Naivedyams are offered daily. Every Saturday Abhishekam is performed to Yoga Narasimha. This will be followed by pooja and Naivedyam.
Every year in the month Vaisakha (the second month in the Hindu calendar) on a grand scale poojas are performed on Nrusimha Jayanthi day. On that day evening after Aradhana, Thomala seva and Archana ‘Thomala Dosapadi’ naivedyam are offered to Lord Venkateswara.
After this, the Archaka’s of Lord Venkateswara with Swamy “Sattari” come in a clockwise direction with all temple Paraphernalia like piped music, Chathra (umbrella) Chamara (fans) etc., to the Yoga Narasimha’s temple. They will perform Purusha Sooktha Abhishekam.
After Abhishekam new robes will be given to Him. He will have Pushpa Alankarana (adorning). At that time Jeeyangars and others will chant ‘Tirupallandu’ from Divya Prabandham (Tamil).
Afterwards, Prasadam vadapappu (green gram soaked in water) panakam (sweet jaggery water) chakkara pongali (sweet cooked rice) will be distributed. After this there will be Asthanam (court) Harati and discourse. This will be followed by the distribution of prasadam.
Annamacharya
Annamacharya the great devotee of Lord Venkateswara has composed so many keerthanas in praise of Yoga Narasimha. As far as Annamaiah is concerned there is no difference between Lord Venkateswara and Yoga Narasimha. One will be thrilled to have Vimana Darshan from Yoga Narasimha’s Mukha Mandapam.
Towards the northeast corner of Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, at the centre, you can see a pillar. At the behest of Lord Venkateswara, Thondaman Chakravarthy (emperor), it is said, had laid the foundation at this particular spot for the construction of Ananda Nilaya’s tower and prakaras (rampant).
This may not be true. Perhaps it may be a pillar erected for the foundation laying ceremony of Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple. On the four sides of this pillar, you can find the carved figure of Anjaneya.
It is firmly believed that whoever circumambulates this pillar with sincere devotion may succeed in having a house of his own.Let us circumambulate this pillar with the holy name of Lord Venkateswara on our lips!
Let us reverentially bow to Sri Venkata Narasimha
Sri Matpayonidhi Niketana Chakra paane! Bhogeendra Bhoga Mani Raajitha! Punya Moorthe! Yogeesa Saaswatha Saranya! Bhavabdhi potha! Lakshmi Nrusimha! Mamadehi Karavalambam!!
To the north of Notla Parakamani i.e., the currency counting centre, in the north-west corner there is a room with a grilled door. This is known as ‘Chandanapu Ara’i.e., ‘sandalwood room’.
Chandana pani
Sandalwood paste that is required for the daily use of the temple is prepared in this room. Here you will see big white stones placed on a raised platform. On these white stones, sandalwood paste is prepared. The people who prepare sandalwood paste are called ‘Chandana pani’.
51 – Chandanapu Ara (Sandalwood Room)
Sandalwood Paste
For Daily Ablutions
Along with sandalwood paste, even soft turmeric balls are prepared here in this room. The sandalwood paste and soft turmericballs prepared here are used for Malayappa Swamy’s daily ablutions. Malayappa Swamy will be with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.
For Ekantha Seva
Apart from these daily ablutions which take place in Ranganayaka Mandapam, the sandalwood paste is used everyday night for Swamy’s Ekantha Seva. One ball of Sandalwood paste will be kept near the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara’s Chief Idol.
Half a portion of another ball will be kept on the Chest portion of Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy’s Utsava Vigraha which will be resting on a golden swing in His bedroom. ¼ of it will be placed on the Chest portion of Chief Idol where Sri Maha Lakshmi dwells.
Ekantha Seva (daily Seva) in Tirumala temple
The remaining ¼ portion of the ball will be kept in a golden vessel. It is believed that Brahma and other celestial beings will come down to earth during nighttime to offer worship. For the sake of those celestial beings, the paste is kept in a golden bowl. Along with the sandalwood paste, they also keep a golden vessel full of water.
The next day morning after Suprabhatam these two things are distributed among devotees as Theertham and Prasadam.
For Abhishekam
Every Friday the Chief Idol Abhishekam is performed in the early morning. Even then for this Abhishekam sandalwood paste is used. They add Raw camphor and saffron to this paste and prepare a scented paste. This scented paste is used for rubbing the Chief Idol from top to toe. This is known as ‘Udvarthanam’ The smearing of sandalwood scented paste is also known as “Puli Kapu”.
The sandalwood paste and soft turmeric balls prepared in this room are also used for Utsava Moorthies. This is used during a special pooja that is performed every Monday morning to Malayappa Swamy along with His two Consorts.
Pooja to Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy
Similarly, it is used every Wednesday when they perform pooja to Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy. It is further used when they perform Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam to Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi sametha Malayappa Swamy, and Sri Vishwaksena.
Used during Vasantha Utsavam
Apart from the days mentioned above the paste is extensively used during Vasantha Utsavam which is arranged in the month of Chaithra Masam the first month of the Hindu calendar. The sandalwood paste and turmeric balls are used to perform poojas to Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi sametha Malayappa Swamy, Sri Seetha Rama Lakshmana Utsava Moorthies, Sri Rukmini Sri Krishna idols.
Used in Jyeshtha Abhishekam
The paste used in Jyeshtha Abhishekam is formed during Jyeshtha pournami for three days, during Sravana pournami, during and after Brahmothsavams during Lord’s Pushpa Yagam which is performed on Sravana Nakshathra day of Karthika Masam.
Jyestabhishekam
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam
It is an age-old agama tradition (usually performed on Tuesday) to perform this purificatory ceremony four times a year in Tirumala shrine before annual brahmotsavams, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Ugadi and Anivara Asthanam.
On this day, the entire premises of Tirumala, sub-shrines inside the temple, main deity, sub-deities, vessels and utensils that are used daily in puja, walls, roofs etc. of the Tirumala temple are cleansed with a special amalgamation of Sandalwood paste, turmeric, Kichiligadda(root of a tuber) etc. which is made into a thick paste and applied to them.
The temple staff will participate actively in this ceremony and perform this as a yagna with dedication and devotion. This ceremony will be from 6 am to 10 am. After this, the temple priests perform special puja to the main deity and parivara devatas.
Final Word
In a nutshell, daily the paste and balls (turmeric) are prepared throughout the year for some pooja or others either in the morning or evening.
Let us bow to this sandalwood room by remembering the holy name of Lord Venkateswara.
There is a well by the side of Lord’s chief kitchen. This well is known as Bangaru Baavi (Bangaru means gold in Telugu. Baavi means well).
When devotees come out through the Golden door after having the darshan, a path leads to the chief kitchen opposite the Golden door. Adjacent to the steps leading to the kitchen you will find a well. This well has a circular ring of stones from the ground level. This stone construction has Gold plating.
Because of this gold plating people call it Bangaru Baavi i.e., Golden well.
46 – Bangaru Baavi (Golden Well)
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Location (Google Maps location)
Sundara Swamy Baavi
It has two other names: ‘Sri Theertham’and ‘Sundara Swamy Baavi’ (well).
History of Bangaru Baavi
This well has its history.
Sri Theertham / Lakshmi Theertham / Bhootheertham
Along with His two Consorts, Lord Vishnu assuming the human form descended to the earth from Sri Vaikuntam. He preferred to stay in Venkatachala Kshethra, known as Vykunttam (vaikuntam) on earth. When they were wandering in Venkatachala Kshethra for cooking food Sri Maha Lakshmi created a well. This well got the name of Sri Theertham. Some even call it as ‘Lakshmi Theertham’.
Similarly, even Bhoo Devi created a well that got the name of Bhootheertham. Over a while these two wells disappeared. After a long period to assist Gopinath who used to perform poojas according to Vykhanasa Agama Shastras, Ranga Dasu came down to Tirumala. To meet the flower needs of Lord Venkateswara he thought of having a flower garden.
Ranga Dasu – Finding the Wells
To water the plants he dug two wells. In the spot where digging was going on, the two wells that had disappeared appeared again. After the demise of Ranga Dasu these two wells once again got decayed.
Ranga Dasu –> Thondaman Chakravarthy
The legend has it that Ranga Dasu who served God with beautiful flower garlands was reborn as Thondaman Chakravarthy. He once again started offering his services to the Lord. Lord Venkateswara was immensely pleased with the selfless services offered by Thondaman Chakravarthy. Lord briefed Thondaman Chakravarthy about his previous birth as Ranga Dasu.
Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy, Thondamanadu
Lord ordered Thondaman Chakravarthy to get Him a place of dwelling i.e., a temple with gold-plated vimana. He further ordered him to reactivate decayed wells Sri Theertham and Bhootheertham. Thondaman Chakravarthy was pleasantly surprised when Lord Venkateswara told him about his previous birth and the services rendered to the Lord in that birth. He got Sri Theertham well reactivated.
He constructed a ring-like stone structure from ground level to stop the caving of the earth and covered the stone walls with gold plates. From that day onwards, the well got the name Bangaru Baavi. Similarly, for Bhootheertham which was much below the ground level, he constructed steps to step down. This well is known as ‘Poola Baavi’ i.e., Flower well.
Over the years Sri Theertham acquired greater importance as its water is religiously used for Prasadam preparation and other Archanas of Lord Venkateswara.
Tirumala Nambi / Tirumala Thathacharya – Maternal Uncle of Sri Ramanujacharya
To the Chief Idol of Lord Venkateswara every Friday Abhishekam i.e., Holy Bath is performed. For this Abhishekam Tirumala Nambi of the 11th century used to bring water from Papavinasanam. This Tirumala Nambi happened to be the ‘Guru’ of Bhagavad Ramanujacharya.
In addition to being a Guru, he was also a maternal uncle of Sri Ramanujacharya. This Tirumala Nambi has another name. He was also known as Tirumala Thathacharya. Once during the days Tirumala Nambi was serving Lord Venkateswara, his Guru Yamunacharya visited Tirumala to have the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. As it was continuously raining heavily Tirumala Nambi could not fetch water for Lord’s Abhishekam.
Sundara Swamy Koopam
Then Yamunacharya who wanted an uninterrupted water supply throughout the year whether it rains or shines appealed to Sri Maha Lakshmi. He told her: “Oh! Mother! The water from Sri Theertham, the well which you created is more sacred than any other water. Therefore please bless this water so that it can be used for Lords Abhishekam”.
Further, he named that well “Sundara Swamy Koopam” (well) as it happens to be one of the forms of Lord Venkateswara. Tamilians call this well as Alagappinaar Kinar (Sri Sundara’s Kinaru i.e., well).
Ramanujacharya visited Tirumala. He came to know about the Sri Yamunacharyas incident. He was immensely happy to know about Yamunacharya’s appeal to Sri Mahal Lakshmi. On the spot, he took a decision. He directed his disciples to use water, for Fridays Abhishekam as well as daily Abhishekam of Bhoga Srinivasa, from one of the three sources i.e., water from Papanasanam Theertham or water from Akasa Ganga Theertham or Sri Theertham only.
Akasa Ganga Theertham
From that day onwards water drawn from “Bangaru Baavi” is being used for the preparations of prasadams and to the Abhishekams. In the olden days, water drawn from Bangaru Baavi used to directly reach the chief kitchen through a canal which was there on a 15-foot high wall from ground level.
This system researchers say was in vogue in Hampi during Vijayanagara rulers. Till recently the kitchen staff used to draw water through pots and empty those pots in the canal. Considering the ever-growing demand for various types of preparation they have some 20 years back installed electrical pump to draw water from the well.
Chatrasthapanotsavam in Tirumala
On this occasion, the Archakas will offer Tirumanjanam to Srivari Padalu located in Narayanagiri Mountain, considered the highest range in Seshachala Hills. As part of this customary festival, a new umbrella will be installed in that sacred place and special pujas will be offered.
Puranic Importance
Narayanagiri Ranges are believed and worshipped as the peak where Srivaru first stepped His divine feet before making Tirumala His permanent residence. Commemorating the occasion, Chatrasthapanotsavam will be observed in Tirumala as an annual festival on the auspicious day of Shravana Suddha Dwadasi.
On this day, the Archakas collect water from Bangaru Baavi located inside Tirumala temple reach this place amidst Melam and Veda Mantras and perform Tirumanjanam to the Sacred Feet of Srivaru located here with these holy waters, perform puja and recite Prabandha Sattumora and return to the temple.
Final Word
This Bangaru Baavi has a sacred history. It is associated with great people like Thondaman Chakravarthy who was Ranga Dasu in his previous birth, and Tirumala Nambi who was addressed as ‘Thatha’ (Grandfather) by Lord Venkateswara Himself.
Yamunacharya requested Sri Maha Lakshmi to sanctify the water of Sri Theertham, Sri Ramunajacharya who gave orders for the use of water drawn only from three sources. Let us bow before Bangaru Baavi i.e., Sri Theertham or Sundaraswamy Baavi.
‘Potu’ according to temple traditions gives the meaning of kitchen hall or room. Here tasty delicious sweets are prepared.
When we come out of the golden door, after having the darshan of ‘Pratyaksha Daivam’ i.e., God visible to the naked eye, we will be entering the premises of Vimana Pradakshana path. Right opposite to us we will find the main kitchen hall where all the offerings meant for God are prepared.
Now let us try to know about Vakula Matha who supervises all the preparations.
Exactly towards the southeast direction of Sanctum Sanctorium on the Vimana circumambulation path on the three-foot high platform, there is a pillared structure. It is a 61 x 30 feet structure. It is here right from time immemorial all the offerings meant for Lord Venkateswara are being prepared.
Since the temple images cannot be shown, given is the layout for reference
This is the only kitchen the temple had. Taking into consideration the ever-growing number of devotees, they have very recently converted the existing Mandapam which is north of Sampangi Pradakshana path as a new kitchen hall. The old kitchen hall is now being used as a store room cum distribution hall for Lord’s prasadams. Now all sweets and savouries are prepared in the New kitchen hall.
Precious Jewels and Offerings
Two things are attracting the pilgrims to Tirumala temple.
People are enamoured when they see costly and precious jewels and ornaments that adore the Lord.
The second best thing is the offerings that are offered to Lord Venkateswara.
Nowhere in the world one can see such glittering costly jewellery, ornaments and delicious offerings. These things are as they say in Sanskrit ‘Na Bhooto Na Bhavishyathi’, never before and never never in future. This ultimately proves that Lord Venkateswara loves to be adorned by jewellery and loves to have a delicious variety of eatables as Naivedyam. He will be more happy when devotees eat offerings to God as prasadam.
The great Annamacharya in one of his keerthanas has praised the Lord’s love for Naivedyams. Similarly, an unknown poet has praised the Lord’s love for eating. Tenali Rama Krishna who is known for his ready wit and humour calls him ‘A good eater’.
Thomani Pallalu
There is one more speciality of Lord Venkateswara. Every day He uses new plates. That is why they say ‘Thomani Pallalu’ (No washing of plates, i.e., use and throw plates). The offerings are offered to Him in broken clay cullets. He loves to eat in those broken clay cullets only. He accepts the offerings and returns them to His devotees so that they can heartily relish them.
Gamaykarlu
So many emperors, kings, zamindars and rich as well as poor people have donated their mites. Yet He prefers to eat in clay cullets. In the olden days cooks, by the name ‘Gamaykarlu’ used to cook the offerings in clay pots by using firewood. Slowly they have introduced brass vessels.
Now in the place of firewood to prepare the Naivedyams, they have started using Gas cylinders. The cooks in a very very piously hygienic way prepare the offerings. These cooks are blessed beings. Even Mother Kousalya and Devaki would not have offered food to Rama and Krishna after themselves preparing them.
Lord Venkateswara is relishing cooked food. How fortunate all beings are.
Food Offerings to Deities
Daily thrice offerings are offered to Lord Venkateswara. Before they are offered to Lord Venkateswara they are first offered to Sri Varaha Swamy. The preparations prepared in the kitchen are traditionally taken to Sri Varaha Swamy i.e., with umbrellas, fans, and piped music.
Vimana Pradakshana Deities
After offering the preparations to Varaha Swamy, they are offered to Lord Venkateswara and the other Utsav Moorthies. After that, they are offered to deities of Vimana Pradakshana path like
Then the ‘Bali is offered to the presiding deities of all the eight directions. With this, the Naivedyam programme comes to an end. Nivedana Ananthara Nivedana is offered to Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy. He dwells in a Temple which is in the Sannidhi street, right opposite to the main temple.
Nivedanas – Offerings
Everyday morning during Suprabhatam time priests offer Butter, milk and sugar to Lord Venkateswara. In Dwapara Yuga it is said Mother Yashoda used to give butter balls to her son Krishna. Maybe that tradition is being continued even in this Kaliyuga.
After Suprabhatam Lord Venkateswara’s court will be organized with great pomp and show. Lord Venkateswara majestically arrives in the court. He will be received with all honours. Then the Panchanga Sravanam will take place i.e., Thithi, Vara, Nakshatra etc., are recited. Then the audit report will be presented to Him, giving full details about income as well as expenditure.
After this Lord will be given roasted gingly powder mixed with Jaggery. This particular item is very dear to Lord Sani. To please him Lord Venkateswara will have it every day. Whoever worships Lord Venkateswara, particularly on Saturdays will be free from the ill effects of Lord Sani, the Saturn.
First Hour Offerings
After the court, the priests will chant the Lord’s 1000 names, which is known as Sahasra Nama Archana. Soon after completing the chanting of 1000 names, Offerings like pulihora i.e., Masala Tamarind Rice, Pongal, Curd Rice, Sweet Pongal, Laddus, Vada’s, Appams etc., are offered. But these things are not taken very near to Him. They will be kept outside Kula Sekhara Padi.
Meanwhile, the chief cook will carry only curd rice known as ‘Matra’ that too in a clay cullet and offer it to Lord Venkateswara.
Except for the curd rice with thick cream, nothing is directly offered to Lord Venkateswara. The rest of the things mentioned above are offered from the other side of Threshold. Even this, i.e., Lord Venkateswara relishing only curd rice, dates back to Dwapara Yuga Tradition. This will once again remind us of the fact that there is no difference between Lord Krishna of Dwapara Yuga and Lord Venkateswara of Kaliyuga.
Second Hour Offerings
In the afternoon, after Ashtothara Satanama Archana i.e., chanting 108 sacred names of Lord Venkateswara, the offerings meant for the afternoon i.e., second-hour offerings will be kept ready in the kitchen. In addition to the dishes or items mentioned above items like Suddaannam, Seera i.e., sweet upma and savoury upma, kheer, kesari bath, milk rice, kadambam i.e., mixture etc., are also offered to Him. He relishes these things very much.
Third Hour Offerings
After the second hour offerings, Sri Malayappa Swamy with Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi gets ready for Nitya (daily) Kalyana Utsavam (marriage ceremony). Soon after kalyana Utsavam items like laddus, vadas, appams, dosas, sweet pongal, pulihora, savoury pongal, curd rice etc., are offered.
Immediately after Kalyana Utsavam to please those devotees who would have bought Vasanta Utsavam tickets, the Lord will participate in the Vasantha Utsavam. During Vasantha Utsavam Lord Malayappa will be offered Dosas. From there Lord Malyappa i.e., Utsava Moorthy of Lord Venkateswara will proceed to Mandapam of Mirrors to participate in Dolotsavam i.e., swing cot ceremony.
There he is offered pancha kajjayam i.e., powder of sugar, poppy seeds sugar candy, dry grapes, chashew nuts, almond, dry coconut etc., same thing is offered to Lord even after Sahasra Deepa Alankara Seva. The aforesaid powder will also be prepared only by the kitchen staff.
Offerings – Thomala Seva
In the evening in solitude, Thomala Seva (worship with flowers) is offered to the Chief Idol. Soon after Thomala Seva big-sized Ghee Dosas known as Thomala Dosa Padi, Molahaara, kadambam etc., are offered.
After Ashtottara Satanama Archana the third hour offerings are offered in the night. Even the items mentioned above are offered.
Tiruveesam – Hour offerings
Finally during ‘Tiruveesam’ hour to Lord Venkateswara sweet pongal is specially offered.
At the time of Ekantha Seva i.e., bedtime service He is offered lukewarm milk with added sugar, fruits and pancha kajjayam along with meva, as a kind of sweet liquid.
Along with the first hour, second hour, third hour and tiruveesam hour, every Monday they perform a special pooja to Malayappa Swamy. At that time big sized vadas, laddus and other preparations are offered. On every Wednesday Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam is offered near the golden door. At that time along with usual routine items even milk rice (ksheeraannam) is also offered.
Offerings – Tiruppavada Seva
Every Thursday worship by the name ‘Tiruppavada’ takes place. On that occasion, they prepare 420 kilos of pulihora i.e., masala tamarind rice.
Tiruppavada Seva
The heap of this rice will face the Chief Idol near the golden door. From this point itself, the heap is offered to Lord Venkateswara. They also offer giant-size Jelebis and Tengulam (a deep-fried savoury).
On Fridays, God is offered Polees (a sweet chapati) and Sukhiyas (sweet).
Every Sunday the Sunday prasadam by the name ‘Chalipindi’ is offered to Him. This is also known as ‘Amruta Kalasam’. The same will be offered to Garuda Alwar after offering that to Lord Venkateswara.
On festive days like Vaikunta Ekadasi day Swamy Varu i.e., Lord Venkateswara relishes Dosas and boiled chana i.e., Bengal Gram. In addition to this Lord Venkateswara soaked Green gram, and Panakam (Jaggery mixed water) are also offered. In Dhanurmasam (Dec- Jan) Dosas prepared with Jaggery are specially offered.
Offerings during Special days
On some special festive days, Lord Venkateswara likes to have Kheer, Kesari Bath, Saakari bath, Bakalabath etc. Special offerings will be offered on Ugadi day, Deepavali day, during Brahmothsavam, processions, Paruveta etc.
Different varieties of prasadams are prepared in the temple kitchen hall. The cooks know the exact items to be prepared to suit the worship. They know the timings so well that at the appointed time, at the appointed place, appointed items are prepared and offered to the Lord.
When these preparations are being prepared Vakula Matha sitting on a platform supervises the preparations. Vakula Matha is considered to be Lord Venkateswara’s mother.
Nowhere in the world offerings are prepared in such a large quantity. All the preparations are made out of pure ghee.One day’s Ghee residule it is said will be quite sufficient for one year to prepare prasadam in other temples. Annamaiah has praised the preparations prepared in the temple.
Tindi Mendaiah
Lord Venkateswara is known as ‘Tindi Mendaiah’ (who eats a variety of dishes) Naivedya Priya and Thomani pallalavadu i.e., everyday new vessels will be used.
Just opposite to Yamunottara flower room and adjacent to Mirror Mandapam, towards the North, there is a well. This well is known as Poola Baavi i.e., flower well. Tulasi, flowers and garlands that are offered to Sri Venkateswara and other Gods cannot and should not be used by the devotees. So these things are thrown into this well. Hence this well is known as Poola Baavi. This well has another name. People have named it as Bhootheertham.
As the days passed by the well became dry. After some time at the behest of Lord Srinivasa, a devotee by the name Ranga Das (Thondaman in his previous birth) dug the dry well. It is said the well’s spring became active once again.
Emperor Thondaman
Ranga Das with the water drawn from this well Bhootheertham planted flower seeds. After some time this Ranga Das came to this world as the emperor Thondaman. Lord Venkateswara directed Emperor Thondaman to renovate and reconstruct this well. The emperor carried out the orders of Lord Venkateswara. He became a dear devotee of Swamy Varu.
It is said Emperor Thondaman used to visit Tirumala by taking a secret tunnel under the Poola Baavi.
20 – Poola Baavi (Flower Well)
Emperor Thondaman was once defeated by his enemies. Through the secret tunnel, it is said he came to Tirumala. At that time Lord Venkateswara was alone with His two spouses Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Seeing an intruder disturbing them while They were in the company of Their spouse Lord Venkateswara, both were put to blush.
Sri Devi hid Herself in the chest of the Lord and Bhoo Devi went into a flower well to hide. Varaha Puraanam mentions this.
Sri Ramanujacharya Visiting Tirumala Temple
During his visit to Tirumala Sri Ramanujacharya saw this well which was known as Bhootheertham. He came to know about the prevalent story about the well. He took steps immediately to install an idol of Bhoo Devi in the well. As Lord Srinivasa happens to be ‘Theerthadhipati’ Sri Ramanujacharya made all arrangements for the daily pooja.
He oversaw the arrangements for depositing the used garlands and other flower decorations into this well as the well happens to be the dwelling place of Bhoo Devi. ‘Sri Venkatachala Itihasamala’ book mentions this. It is Sri Ramanujacharya who initiated this tradition. Normally, as it has almost become a convention, the used garlands and flowers are not distributed to the devotees.
They break this tradition during Kartheeka (the eighth Hindu lunar month) Brahmothsavam of Tiruchanur on the Panchami theertham (Chakrasnanam) day. All the used garlands and flowers, along with other offerings like Saree, blouse pieces, spices, laddus, vadas and other things will be traditionally brought from Tirumala and given to Golden Padmavathi.
Tiruchanur on the Panchami theertham (Chakrasnanam) day
People with all paraphernalia cover the distance from Tirumala to Tiruchanur by foot. The deity is decorated with the offerings received from Tirumala and after the poojas the goddess Padmavathi is given Chakrasnanam i.e., a sacred bath. Of late as the quantity of used flowers and garlands has grown enormously these things are being disposed at a tableland i.e., on the even ground of a mountaintop where people do not tread.
Once upon a time, the well had steps to climb down. Later round-shaped well was built. Now it is covered with sieve like steel frame. Flower pots are now arranged on the steel frame.
By the side of padipotu i.e., the holy kitchen, in the eastern direction, there is one room. As the flowers to be offered to Lord Venkateswara are stored here, they call it poola ara, which means flower room. Some people call it Pushpa mandapam (flower portico).
Garlands meant for various Gods and Goddesses are prepared in this room.
In the Sanctum Sanctorum, a special pooja by the name ‘Thomalaseva’i.e., flower decoration service is performed twice a day. The first seva takes place at 3.30 AM and the second seva at 7 PM. Garlands for this ‘Seva’ are prepared in the flower room.
Similarly, even for other poojas like Kalyana Utsavam, procession etc., the garlands are prepared here.
Yamunottara / Yamunottarai
This room is also known as ‘Yamunottara’ or Yamunottarai (In Tamil). Yamunottara or Yamunottarai means the banks of river Yamuna. The holy tank of Lord Venkateswara is considered the river Yamuna. Lord Venkateswara is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Krishna of the Dwapara age.
Idol of Krishna
To commemorate this incarnation of Lord Vishnu, a beautiful idol of Krishna playing on a flute is installed here. The idol has two spouses of Lord Krishna i.e., Rukmini and Satyabhama by His side. These idols face south. This one-foot-long idol attracts the attention of all devotees who come to Tirumala.
On every Krishnashtami Day Lord Venkateswara Who is an incarnation of Lord Krishna arrives into this flower room. On His arrival, exclusive poojas are offered to the Lord. From there Lord Venkateswara starts to Yamunottara in a Palanquin. In another palanquin Krishna too reaches Yamunottara. Again here poojas are offered to both Lord Venkateswara and Lord Krishna.
This flower room has another significance. In the 11th century A.D. on one fine day, Sri Ramanujacharya explains the excellence of Lord Srinivasa to his disciples in Sri Rangam. He told them that Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala loves flowers and loves to be worshipped by flowers.
Tirumala – Pushpa Mandapam
To please Lord Srinivasa the entire mountain range of Tirumala blooms with flowers of different varieties throughout the year. Because of these flower gardens, Tirumala gets the name Pushpa Mandapam. Even Nammalvar the famous saint among twelve reputed devotees of Lord Vishnu speaks about Lord Srinivasa’s love for flowers in his work ‘Tiruvai Mozhi’.
He further says that the best and holy way of pleasing Lord Srinivasa is to offer Him flowers.
It is said that Sri Ramanujacharya had sent his disciples to Tirumala to see that uninterrupted flower decoration takes place every day. It is believed that he had made some permanent arrangements for this worship. At the behest of Sri Ramanujacharya, his disciple, Ananthalvar had come down to Tirumala to offer flower worship to Lord Srinivasa, throughout the year.
Even before Ramanujacharya or his disciple Ananthalvar, it is said that Sri Ramanuja’s great guru Yamunacharya too had offered flowers to the Lord, as per Ananthalvar’s ‘Sri Venkatachala Itihasa Mala’s book. In fond memory of Sri Yamunacharya, even today the flower worship is known as Yamunottarai.
To show the deep veneration to Lord Venkateswara women devotees do not wear flowers. Flower-wearing is prohibited in Tirumala. Flowers here are meant only for Lord Venkateswara. Hence no human being is allowed to wear them. There are many gardens.
Gardens in Tirumala
Flowers from gardens like
Perindevi Thota (thota in Telugu means garden),
Ananthalvar Thota,
Tallapakam Vari Thota,
Tarigonda Vengamamba Thota,
Surapuram Vari Thota,
Ram Bageecha etc.,
are exclusively used for Lord Venkateswara’s daily pooja.
A very great devotee by the name of Tarigonda Vengamamba while praising Tirumala Hills says “the hill that worships Lord Venkateswara with a variety of flowers”. Now only for names sake we have above mentioned gardens. T.T.D. is now maintaining their flower garden. Even today, the flower worship is carried out with its age-old traditional name “Yamunottarai”.
The old flower room is now converted into a store room to store Swamy’s prasadams like ‘Laddu, Vada’ etc., The flower room is shifted to the premises of Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. From the present flower room in a predecided way, garlands are sent to the main temple. Lord is decorated with flowers as per tradition and convention. They have not changed the decoration methods. Lord is decorated with seasonal flowers.
Garland Names
Names of Garlands that beautify the Chief Idol of the Lord are as follows – Depending on the place they occupy on the Chief Idol of the Lord, the garlands get different names.
Sikha Mani
From the top of the crown a garland of 8 cubits (a cubit is equal to the length of forearm. In Telugu they call it Moora) goes down from the shoulders. This is known as Sikha Mani.
Salagrama Mala
From the two shoulders of the Chief Idol a hanging garland of Salagrama (a piece of ammonite, vaishnavites consider this as a type of Vishnu) touches the feet of Lord Venkateswara. Adjacent to this another lengthy garland adores the Chief Idol. These two garlands are of 4 cubits length.
Kantasari
A two layered garland from the neck decorates two shoulders. This garland is 3.5 cubits length.
Vakshasthala Lakshmi
Two garlands decorate the two spouses of Lord Venkateswara, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi who dwell in the chest of the Lord. Each garland is of 1.5 cubit length.
Sankhu (conch shell), Chakram (The Holy wheel)
Two garlands decorate the Sankhu as well as the Chakra of the Chief Idol. Each garland will be of one cubit length.
Katari Saram
(Saram means chain) Near the navel of the Chief Idol there is a sword by name Nandaka. A garland of 2 cubits length decorates the sword.
Thaavalamulu
(i)Under two elbows (ii) from the waist upto knees and (iii) from knees to the feet three garlands will beautify the Chief Idol. First one is of 3 cubits length, second one is at 3.5 cubits length and the third one is of 4 cubits length.
Thiruvadi Dandalu
Two garlands of 1 cubit length taken around the lotus feet of the Lord.
Every Thursday in the evening a special garland apart from the aforesaid garlands is offered to Lord Srinivasa. This particular offering is known as ‘Poolangi Seva’ (a special pooja performed with flowers). At the time of this particular pooja or seva, all the ornaments placed on the Chief Idol are removed. The Idol is decorated with fresh flowers.
Similarly, garlands are offered to other deities of the temple, which is considered to be an ‘Ananda Nilaya’ an abode of happiness.
Garlands offered to Utsava (Mobile) Moorthies
Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy: 1 Garland
Koluvu Srinivasa Moorthy : 1
Garland Malayappa Swamy with spouses Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi : 3 Garlands
Ugra (ferocious) Srinivasa Moorthy With Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi : 3 Garlands
Seetha, Rama and Lakshmana : 3 Garlands
Sri Rukmini and Sri Krishna: 2 Garlands
Chakrathalvar (Sudarshan): 1 Garland
Anantha, Garuda and Vishwaksena : 3 Garlands
Garlands that are offered to other idols of the temple
Security guards of Golden Door: 2 Garlands
Garudalwar : 1 Garland
Varadaraja Swamy : 1 Garland
Vakulamalika : 1 Garland
Bhagawad Ramanujacharya (Chief Idol and Utsava Moorthy): 2 Garlands
Apart from these garlands which are offered to different deities daily, even the garlands for special occasions like Vasantha Utsavam (spring festival) processions (the mobile idols – utsava moorthies are taken in a procession around the temple) are prepared in this Flower room only.
The different varieties of fragrant flowers and Tulasi that are used for preparing the garlands are grown in the flower garden specially and exclusively meant for God.
Twice every day i.e., in the morning as well as in the evening garlands are offered to God. This particular pooja is known as Thomala Seva (Flower worship). The Vaishnava Saints (Jeeyangars) carry these garlands prepared specially with the flowers with great devotion, on their head.
To the accompaniment of auspicious music and the chanting of Veda Mantras the Jeeyangars, before entering into the Sanctum Sanctorum go around the Dhwajasthambham and Vimanam.
The Potu or Main Kitchen of the temple is three feet away from the Sri Varadaraja Sannidhi. It is a rectangular structure, 64 feet long (from East to West) and 30 feet wide (from South to North) with a Western Entrance. Since it stands on a pedestal, the devotee has to climb a few steps to reach it.
Upon turning Left one comes across the serene deity of Paka Lakshmi. [one of the eight deities of Goddess Lakshmi, i.e. prescribed to be placed within a temple according to Vaikhanasa Agama].
Potu Lakshmi / Potu Thayar Sannidhi
Puranas insist that she is none other than Vakula Malika who was sent to take care of Srinivasa and she is an incarnation of Mother Yasoda (The foster mother of Lord Krishna).
The deity of Potu Lakshmi has four arms. She carries lotuses in her upper arms and holds a sheaf of corn/rice in one lower hand and one Varada Mudra. She is seated in a lotus posture upon a raised pedestal.
One can have a glimpse of the sacred kitchen through a small opening in the wall opposite the Potu Thayar (Potu Lakshmi).
Glimpse of Tirupati Balaji
The Devotee enters the Maha-mani-Mandapam through Bangaru Vakili, the Golden entryway beside Garuda Shrine. This porch is a glorious hall whose walls are entirely gold-plated.
The Garuda shrine, the enclosures with Jaya and Vijaya and all the sixteen pillars and pilasters of the great Bell porch are also gold plated on the outside and are covered with intricate iconography. The Mandapa is brightly illuminated with several beautiful chandeliers.
The resulting aura is purely magical and one may often wonder if Heaven would truly look like this.
A glimpse of the ever-smiling face of Lord Venkateswara gives immense bliss and the devotee experiences a small moment of Moksha. So great is the Lord and His benevolent gaze, that the devotee is transfixed and craves more of the Lord’s Darshan. (Clicking this will take you to TTD’s official booking portal)
Hence he keeps coming back for more to be closer to the Omnipresent One. Thus satisfied, looking back at Him again and again, devotees exit the Maha-mani-Mandapam. They pass by the huge temple bells and cross the threshold into the VimanaPrakara.
Vimana Prakara
The first path of circumambulation or Pradakshina that we come across as soon as we step out of Maha-Mani- Mandapam (The porch of great bells), is known as the Vimana Prakara. The foremost structure in the pathway is the shrine of Sri Varadaraja Swami. It is an independent structure very close to the wall of Vimana Prakara.
The dome is essentially in the Vesara style; the inner sanctum has four pilasters and projecting wall columns. These pilasters include a cornice (Kapotha), niche (Nashika) and Simha-Lalata (Lion Face).
It is an exquisite structure similar to a jewel box and is a very unique construction in the entire complex.
The Golden Well / Bangaru Bavi
So rich is the God of seven hills that even a well within the precincts is gold plated. The purpose of a well in the temple is mainly for the usage of its water during daily poojas. Historical evidence shows that it may have been covered with gilted copper plates during the Vijayanagara period.
Presently the Golden well is covered up by a glass enclosure
Maha Mani Mandapam gets its name from the great bells to the right of the exit into the Vimana Prakara. The Bells are presently kept within glass doors. The ringing of bells is an important aspect of Vaikhanasa Agama, the religious system that is followed in the worship of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
The ringing bells denote that the Lord inside the Sanctum is offered ‘Naivedyam.
History shows that Sri Krishnadeva Raya, the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire built several Ghanta Mandapams or bell porches all along the route from Tirumala to Chandragiri, his ruling seat.
The ringing bells at Tirumala would set off a series of gongs in these mandapams. Ringing from each post would signal the next bell post. It is said that Sri Krishnadeva Raya would take his food only after hearing the ringing of bells which implied that the Lord of Tiruvengadam had been served His Naivedyam.
So great was the emperor’s Bhakti towards the Lord. He consequently went on to script Amukthamalyada, a most beautiful epic poem in Telugu, that describes the story of Andal’s wedding with Maha Vishnu.
That is why, the devotees continuously stream to Tirumala hills for a glimpse of the Lord who is like gold in the fist. Some choose to participate in the early morning ‘Waking up Service’ (Suprabhata Seva) of the Lord, and offer worship (Archana) and naivedyam (food).
Some participate in the daily ritual of the Lord’s marriage to witness the glory. (Kalyanotsavam)
Some participate in Poolangi Seva (Garlanding Service) andTiruppavada Seva(offering of huge heaps of tamarind rice and other prasadas to the main deity as a veil between the deity and the devotees on Thursday), while some others participate in Abhisheka Darshan (ablutions) of the Lord on Friday and go into raptures.
Thus devotees participate in kalyanotsavas, Brahmotsavas, Vasanthotsavas and other ceremonies to receive the grace of the Lord.
In this context, the devotees, however, get a genuine doubt. Is the deity of Lord Srinivasa the same in all these utsavas or different? If different, how many deities are there? How distinctly are the services offered to each of them? Let us look into the details to dispel these doubts, to some extent.
The self-manifested deity of Lord Sri Venkateshwara in Tirumala shrine receives rituals of worship and offerings as per the most ancient Vaikhanasa Agama. Devotees attribute to God whatever is relevant to them and follow a prescribed method of worship (Upasana). That is why, we conduct services of bathing (abhishekam), worship (archana), feeding (naivedyam), the procession (ooregimpu), going to bed (Panpu seva), etc. to God.
Pancha Berams (Beram means an idol or deity)
Since the presiding deity is stationary, we can’t offer all the services, especially taking it in a procession or laying it in bed. Hence, the Agama science has allowed five kinds deities (Pancha Beras) for this purpose.
They are
Dhruva Beram (Presiding Deity),
Kautuka Beram (Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy used for daily worship),
Snapana Beram (Sri Ugra Srinivasa Murthy used for ablutions),
Bali Beram (Sri Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy, the supervising deity for offering oblation to the secondary gods and goddesses of the temple, and
Utsava Beram (Sri Malayappa Swamy, the Processional Deity).
The five-idol system of the Vaikhanasa Agama is followed in the Tirumala shrine. Utsavas are performed for different idols here.
DHRUVA BERAM
The presiding deity or main deity is also termed mula virat, dhruva murthy, or mula beram. This idol of Salagrama stone is a self-manifestation of the Lord wearing a disc and conch in the sanctum sanctorum of Ananda Nilayam. It is about 8 feet high. There will be mainly tomala seva (garlanding service) twice and archana (brief worship) and naivedyam (food) thrice for this deity.
Devotees queue up to see this deity every day.
Every Tuesday as part of the second archana, this main deity with Sri Maha Lakshmi on his chest is offered Ashtadala Pada Padmaaraadhana with 108 gold lotuses. Every Thursday there will be Tiruppavada seva and Netra darshana (glimpse of Lord’s eyes) in the morning, and Poolangi seva (garlanding service) in the evening. In the early hours of every Friday, there will be Abhishekam (bathing with holy waters) to this deity with spices.
This deity is called Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy or Manavalapperumal. The deity with four hands and disc and conch is a small replica of the main deity by all means. It appears this silver idol of 1.5 feet high was presented by Pallava Queen Samavai in 614 AD. It is always kept at the feet of the main deity of Lord Venkateshwara.
It is bathed with the holy waters of Akasha Ganga every day and with one thousand and eight silver vessels (Sahsra Kalashabhishekam) before the golden entrance every Wednesday morning. There will be Ekantha Seva or Pavalimpu Seva (Going to bed in privacy) every night for the deity. During Dhanurmasa (period of Tiruppavai vratham of Andaal), however, the deity is replaced with that of Lord Krishna with butter in his hand for this seva.
BALI BERAM
This idol is known as Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy or Lekhana Srinivasa Murthy. It is made of five precious metals and resembles the silver idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy. A court (Koluvu) is held in the Snapana Mandapam on the golden throne supported by sculptured lions every day after Tomala Seva before the Archana.
In this court, Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy is offered royal felicitations with chatra (the royal umbrella) and chamara (a fly-flap) befitting an emperor. The particulars of tithi (the number of the day in a month), vaara (weekday) and nakshatra (the presiding star) of the day are read from the Hindu Calendar (Panchanga Shravanam) along with the income and expenditure statement of the earlier day to this deity.
Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy is the supervising authority of the temple’s income and expenditure.
SNAPANA BERAM / Ugra Srinivasa Murthy
The Snapana Beram is also known as Ugra Srinivasa Murthy, Venkatatturaivar or Snapana Murthy. It is 25 inches high. The idols of Ugra Srinivasa Murthy along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are made of five precious metals.
They were used for the utsavas in the past. This practice was dispensed with in the 14th century as some untoward incidents occurred in one of the Brahmotsavas. On Kaisika Dwadasi however, the procession of this deity is taken out from the temple early in the morning which ends much before sunrise.
UTSAVA BERAM
It is known as Malayappa Swamy or Utsava Srinivasa Murthy. There is a reference to it in 1339 AD.
This deity appears to the devotees in all the utsavas held outside the temple such as
Nityotsavas (daily ceremonies),
Varotsavas (weekly ceremonies),
Masotsavas (monthly ceremonies) and
Varshikotsavas (annual ceremonies).
It is also made of five precious metals and its height is about 30 inches. Since the idol was found in the Malayappa kona (a recess of Malayappa hill), it is called Malayappa Swami.
Besides the above idols, there are many other idols in the Ananda Nilayam such as –
Adjacent to Sabhera’s room a south-facing room is there. This room has big pillars with beautiful carvings on them. This is known as Sankeerthana Bhandagaram. Some call this room by name Tallapaka Ara i.e., room. There is a board which says that this is Annamacharya Bhandagaram.
This Bhandagaram (treasury) room has wooden doors. On both sides of this entrance, you will find two statues pointing to this room. The statues have guitars (a stringed musical instrument) on their shoulders. The statue on the right side is that of Annamacharya and the statue on the left side is that of Peda Tirumalacharya. The statues and names are identified by the great scholar Late Sri Veturi Prabhakara Shastri Garu.
Poets of the Tallapaka Dynasty
Three poets of the Tallapaka dynasty Annamacharya, his son Peda Tirumalacharyulu, and his grandson China Tirumalacharyulu have composed songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara. They have also written Dandakas (prose hailing the deity) and shatakas (108 padyam’s i.e., Quatrains in praise of their family deity) in Telugu.
Ragi Rekula Ara / Sankeerthana Ara / Tallapaka Ara
Tallapaka poets took care to see that their Keerthanas were engraved on copper plates. These plates were safely preserved in the Sankeerthana Bhandagarams. Because the copper plates were preserved here, people began to call this Ragi Rekula Ara (Room containing copper plates) Sankeerthana Ara (room). As it had Sankeerthanas of Tallapaka poets some named it as Tallapaka Ara (room).
Now so many cassettes are available in the market. So many singers have sung and have been singing the compositions of Tallapaka poets. Almost every day live stage performances are given for all these things – audio and video. The main source for this is Bhandagaram i.e., treasury. This particular room has been playing an important role right from day one when administration of the temple was taken over by T.T.D.
Sankeerthana Bhandagaram room is serving as the hub of all Spiritual Activities of T.T.D. Because of these copper plates, Lord Venkateswarahas become a Universal God. His temples are there in almost every important city of the world.
Annamaiah loudly challenges Lord Venkateswara in the following Keerthana.
Ne Nokkada Lekundithe Neekripaku Bathra Medi
Pooni Na Vallane Keerthi Pondevu Neevu
If I were not to be there people would not have come to know about Your Grace or Kindness. You owe Your name and fame to me.
Annamacharya
Annamacharya was a born ‘Advaithi’ i.e., a smartha. But he has worshipped the Vaishnavite God who is being worshipped by staunch Vaishnavite Acharyas. He participated religiously in all utsavas that are celebrated in Tirumala. He even got one room in the precincts of the temple. His statue is carved on the stone wall near the door of the room.
A Smartha becoming a Vaishnavite is a wonder. The wonder of wonders is he has participated in Vaishnavite rituals of the temple and having a statue engraved on the wall should be considered as the most wonderful thing.
Lord Venkateswara has addressed Annamaiah as Mama i.e., father-in-law. Even today during Kalyanotsavams that are performed Annamaiah happens to be Kanya Daata. According to popular belief, Annamaiah is the incarnation of Lord Venkateswara’s Nandaka Khadga. He has composed nearly 32 thousand keerthanas dealing with Yoga, Sringara, Vairagya etc.
Nobody has sung and composed songs on the Greatness, Generosity, Kindness, Benevolence, Bhaktha vatsalata, Saranagatha Vatsalya etc., of Lord of Seven Hills Sri Srinivasa, like Annamaiah. Even Puranas it seems have failed to explain His greatness. Where everybody has failed there Annamaiah has succeeded.
Annamaiah has this to say about his keerthanas:
“Please consider and preserve them as flowers offered to Your Lotus Feet. These are the flowers of Your Fame. Even if one sings only one sankeerthana that is sufficient for protecting him and blessing him. The other keerthanas please have them in your treasury.”
He i.e., Annamaiah has spent his entire life in the service of Lord Venkateswara.
Peda Tirumalacharya
He ordered his son Peda Tirumalacharya to compose at least one song per day in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Gracefully aged Annamaiah, on phalguna dwadashi day, in the year 1503 became one with his beloved God Lord Venkateswara. In one of his sankeerthanas he has emphasized that You i.e., Lord will protect us by listening to one song or keerthana.
When such is the case please have the other songs or sankeerthanas composed by me in Your treasury. This being the case he would have stored all his songs after getting a room constructed to store them.
Engraving Sankeerthanas on Copper Plates
Originally all his songs were written on dry palm leaves. To preserve them Annamaiah made arrangements for getting them engraved on copper plates. It is believed that the construction, of this temple room – Sankeerthana Bhandagaram would have been completed between the years 1523-30.
After completion of the construction, people would have preserved engraved copper plates of Annamaiah’s songs along with those of Peda Tirumalacharya, Annamaiah’s son, and China Tirumalacharya Annamaiah’s grandson.
It seems Vijayanagara emperor Achyuta Rayalu extended his helping hand to Annamaiah’s son Peda Tirumalacharyulu, in getting the sankeerthanas engraved on copper plates. The mention of Sankeerthana Bhandagaram is found in the inscription of 1541.
Sankeerthana Aralppadu
The inscription clearly says that the arrangements were made for proper lighting of the room – Sankeerthana Bhandagaram i.e., 24×7 lighting and distribution of ‘ATIRASALU’ a kind of sweet pancake to the devotees after naivedyam. On a very grand scale, even music performances were arranged in the name of ‘Sankeerthana Aralppadu’.
Kodai Tirunallu
Around 1545, it seems, during summer they used to celebrate “Kodai Tirunallu” (temple festival) for 20 days continuously. During this festival near Sankeerthana Bhandagaram, offerings were offered to the Lord. The available records reveal all these things.
Even to this day during Nitya Utsavam which starts on Ugadi and goes on for 40 days, near this room every day, Tallapaka Harati is performed to Malayappa Swamy.
Copper Plates
The copper plates that are preserved in this Sankeerthana Bhandagaram room are not of even size. As per their measurements, they are divided into four groups.
Ordinary plates or sheets (saadhaarana rekulu: Abbreviation: Sa.Re)
So far 2531 ordinary copper plates have been found. These plates belong to all the Tallapaka poets. They are approximately 15.5 inches long and 7 inches wide in their size. They used to keep them almost permanently in temples.
Big plates or sheets (pedda rekulu Abb.pe.re)
Only 36 sheets or plates have been secured so far. People call them Ragi Bandalu i.e., copper stones, or Banda Rekulu i.e., stone sheets. They are 28 inches long and 16 inches wide in size. 5 or 6 sheets are hooked together with a metal ring.
They used to put a rod through metal rings and carry them as if it is a palanquins to different places to propagate and popularize those keerthanas. Great renowned research scholar Sri Veturi Prabhakar Shastri went to Ahobila Kshethra and found them after some search.
Note: Not the actual image but this is given only as sample or reference.
Inscription sheets (Saasanapu Rekulu Abb.sa.re)
The total number of sheets procured is ten. Each sheet is 11 inches long and 8 inches wide in size. Even these plates are hooked (4 or 5 sheets in an iron ring) to iron rings.
Long sheets (Nidu Rekulu Abb.Ni.Re)
These sheets are like palm leaves in their size. They have found 119 sheets. Apart from these some incomplete pieces are also found. These sheets are 33 inches long and 2.5 inches wide in their size. Out of these sheets, some have been lost over a while. We have already given the number of copper sheets found after the search.
Even among these available sheets only ordinary sheets are arranged according to the names of poets.
Ads Blocker Detected!!!
We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads. Please support us by disabling these ads blocker.
