Sri Thyagaraja – The Saint Composer

Sadguru Thyagaraja Swami / Kakarla Tyagabrahmam

Sri Thyagaraja with whom most of us are familiar beams like a star in the firmament of Indian music. He is remembered even to this day for his outstanding and unforgettable contribution to divine and classical Carnatic music and also for conveying his deep spiritual love to all the people of our motherland irrespective of caste, creed and region like Annamacharya and Purandaradasa who also spread their message of love through music and devotion.

Personal Life and Background

Sri Thyagaraja was born on May 4, 1767, in Tanjavur in a middle-class family to Ramabrahmam and Seethamma. He was named after the local presiding deity-Thyagaraja. His father was not only a reputed Sanskrit scholar but also a highly devoted personality.

He inherited this interest in music from his beloved and pious mother and also from his ancestors who were great musicians and scholars. He also developed devotion towards Lord Rama and Sita Devi, at a very tender age. He has composed 24,000 kritis and also a devotional song (keerthana) on the divine couple ‘Seethamma Mayamma‘.

The four immortal Vedas Rigveda Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharva Veda which are considered to be treasures of spiritual knowledge, music and bhakti had left an indelible impression on him. When his brother made fun of him for his Rama-bhakti, he gave him an apt reply through his keerthana ‘Nidhi chala sukhama’.

Sri Thyagaraja
A painting of the Carnatic music composer, (1767–1847), from the Jaganmohan palace in Mysore.

First Keerthana

He sang his first keerthana when he was fourteen. He also composed songs like ‘Namo Namo Raghavaya‘ and ‘Tavadasoham‘ even at a very young age after his early education from his father with the help of a little Sanskrit knowledge. Meanwhile, the great Veena vidwan called ‘Sarthi Venkataramanaiah‘ became his music teacher.

He keenly followed the rendering of the Ramayana by his scholarly father. Later, it enabled him to compile his own keerthanas in praise of Rama. He was innovative in that he could evolve new Raagaas and tune the songs with precise definiteness and clarity.

Men of letters and musicians though born in a middle-class or noble family, did not bother about any type of social status because of their sincere and total commitment to art. For instance, Thygaraja used to remark humbly, “My greatest treasure is Rama, what is wealth compared to singing his praise”.

True Devotee to Lord Rama

As a true devotee, he reflected that he was a sort of instrument in the hands of Lord Rama to spread the message of love through divine music. He also fed and sheltered several men despite his meagre income. He is stated to have chanted Rama Nama 96 crore times.

Narada, the divine musician, in the form of a sanyasi presented him two musical volumes entitled ‘Swararnavam’ and ‘Naradeeyam’.

As Tribhuvana Swaminatha Iyer, a celebrated musician entreated, he eliminated the ‘Ananda Bhairavi’ raga from the list of his compositions. He revealed his true love for his student Valajipet Venkataramanaiah in his sincere supplication to Lord Rama to make him a profound musician. He also exhibited his broadmindedness embracing another student Veena Kuppayyer when the latter happened to play on Veena.

Reputed scholars and musicians like

  • Tumu Narasimhadas—a Telugu and Sanskrit musician,
  • Gopinath Bhattacharya—a Hindustani musician and
  • Gopala Krishna Bharathi— the author of “Nandunara charitam’

paid their due respects to this devotional composer. Being enchanted by his devotional and inspiring keerthanas, Swati Tirunal of Thiruvananthapuram asked Vadivelu of Tanjore to convince Thyagaraja to come to his court. But he never bothered about such court honours. Govinda Marar impressed this saint-musician with the song “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” by his disciples as a sign of his musical skill at some Tiruvayyur function.

Later on, Thyagaraja visited temples at Kanchi and Tirupati and made several music lovers happy with his divine music. He is stated to have been aware of the vices like ego haste that were there in him. He also compiled the philosophical song entitled ‘Tera Teeyaga Raadaa’.

As he concluded the song, the curtain in front of the Deity went up and he happened to sing some more devotional songs in rapture. In his visit to Puttur, another temple town, he could bring back to life a pilgrim called Seshayya with the help of ‘Bilhari raagaa’ through his song “Na Jeevaadhara”. He also went to Sholingar and Madras and compiled many Keerthanas.

Become Disciples

Another memorable incident was that Sundara Mudaliar, his host had kept secretly a bag of thousand gold coins in his palanquin to be spent on any devotional activity as a token of reverence. One day the saint was attacked by some dacoits.

When he heard something about the secret through the palanquin carriers, he drove them away by singing the song “Mundu venuka neeva” devotedly and made them become his disciples. He also chanced to prove music as the path of salvation. Rama Bhakti stood throughout his life as the foundation of his spiritual compositions. Music is intelligible and palatable to any one and it triumphs over any literature.

It was he who showed the significance of time for the word component of a song. Like a scientist in a laboratory, he experimented with different combinations of distinct Raagaas and created new Raagaas. It was Thyagaraja who could bring the message of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to the reach of men in the street. His songs (Keerthanas) referring to Bhakti, Jnana and Karma yogas of our profound Indian epic the Bhagavadgita are united into one aspect.

A New Orientation

He opened a new chapter in the history of Bhajan cult which was in practice in South India. In those days the Bhajan cult was very popular. Bringing the Naamasmarana into the framework of Laya (Beat), Sruthi (Tune) and Svara (Cadence), Thyagaraja gave this Bhajan cult a new orientation and vigour.

It could influence the human mind and direct it to greater spiritual heights. This sort of reunion was, indeed, one of his most notable achievements and an exemplary contribution to divine music. He is said to have compiled several songs of universal significance.

His motive was to bring the different institutions of Hindu philosophy to a universal stage. He endeavoured to guide the mental aspect of men from the terrestrial level to the celestial one. He realised his life’s ambition without leaving his native home. The messages of love, self-respect, piety etc., spread far and wide. He is deemed to be the profound master and unrivalled exponent of Carnatic music.

Thyagaraja Aaraadhanotsavam

He had a forethought of his demise because of his spiritual and devotional power. When his beloved spouse passed away in 1845, he led an ascetic life under the influence of Paramahamsa Brahmanandrendra Swami. While his sishyas gathered on the day of his Mahasamadhi to recite the name of the Lord as per his words, his soul rested in eternal peace.

Even to this day, his utsava is being celebrated especially in January on a grand scale under the name of “Thyagaraja Aaraadhanotsavam” which attracts many musicians from distinct corners of the country. The distinguished gathering will be feasted greatly with his pleasant and melodious keertanas.

Final Word

Even now his music reverberates in different parts and shrines of South India. He is regarded as the founder of the Bhakti cult in South India. Thyagaraja the man is relatively greater than Thyagaraja the musician. He is unmistakably taken as a real god in the universal shrine of Indian music.

His every song is, in fact, a kind of synonym of wisdom. We are immensely indebted to him for his contribution to music.

Sri Godambika Sri Vratam Nirattotsavam

Sri Godambika

Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal as popular in Tamil Vaishnava Tradition are the names of the same great person. Godambika was the only female of Vaishnava Dharma among the 12 alwars or azhwars.

She was praised as the human incarnation of Goddess Bhudevi as a baby found in the Tulasi Garden at Sri Villiputtur having not been born from any mother’s womb. Vishnuchitta or Periyalwar while collecting Tulasi leaves for preparing garlands for Lord Vishnu’s worship found this female baby in the Tulasi Garden brought home and started nourishing.

Thus she was brought up as the daughter of Vishnuchitta. Since her childhood, she had been a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. She took worshipping Lord Vishnu as the only prime duty of her life. While growing up, she used to adorn her hair with garlands to be offered to God.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram / Goda Devi Dressed up as a child - Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal
Goda Devi Dressed up as a child – Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal

Vishnuchitta who had no knowledge of this used to offer those garlands to the God Vishnu. One day he saw his daughter’s hair on a garland and worried badly. He observed fasting for the mistake done. Then he had a dream in which Sri Ranganatha Swami (an aspect of Lord Vishnu) asked him to offer the garlands to Him every day only after Godambika bedecks them first.

It became a practice in the Temple ever since to offer the garlands in that manner only. Then onwards she was called Amuktamalyada in Sanskrit and Cudikodutta nacchiyar in Tamil. Godambika’s devotion and love for Lord Vishnu were growing stronger and stronger. She had a strong desire to be the spouse of Sri Mahavishnu (Vatapatra Sayi) of Sri Villiputtur.

Hence she decided to perform a one-month length austerity worshipping Lord Vishnu just as the Gopikas performed Katyayani Vrata in the Dvapara Yuga to procure Sri Krishna as their husband. The day she began the austerity, was the first day of Dhanurmasa.

Thus during those 30 days, she wrote 30 Pasurams praising Sri Maha Vishnu. At the end of the 30th day, Sri Ranganatha graced and accepted her hand in marriage. Thus she became the spouse of Sri Ranganatha Swami. The thirty pasurams written by her occupied a very prominent place among the four thousand PASURAMS written by all the 12 Alwars.

Tiruppavai Vratam at Tirumala

Since that day in all the Vaishnava Temples, a festival has been celebrated for Thirty Days in the entire Dhanurmasa by the name TIRUPPAVAI which means “The Austerity of the Divine Goddess”.

As in all the other traditional Vaishnava temples in the Tirumala Temple also this TIRUPPAVAI is grandly celebrated. As a part of these celebrations at Tirumala in the early morning, instead of Suprabhata the recitation of the Tiruppavai Pasurams of Sri Godambika is done in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

On the bosom of Sri Venkateswara Swami just by the side of the small idol of Sridevi a golden parrot is decorated in all the thirty days of Dhanurmasa.

Nirattotsavam at Tirupati - Sri Govinda RajaSwamy Temple

Nirattotsavam at Tirupati – Sri Govinda RajaSwamy Temple

While Dhanurmasa is celebrated on the Tirumala hill in this manner the Nirattotsavam is celebrated as a part of the Dhanurmasa festival at Sri Govindarajaswami Temple (clicking here will take you to Google Maps) at Tirupati.

Nirattotsavam is an annual festival performed for seven days before the annual BHOGI festival.

The NIRATTAM means ABHISHEKA or Sacred bath to the Goddess. The sequence of the daily events in the seven-day festival is performed in the following manner. After the early morning Dhanurmasa Puja at the Govindarajaswami Temple, the idol of Godambika is brought out in a beautifully decorated Palanquin to the banks of the Ramachandra Pushkarini through the holy streets surrounding the Govindaraja Swamy temple.

There on an elevated platform of Niratta Mandapa, Goddess Godambika is seated to be visible to all the devotees and starts the performance of Nirattam (Abhishekam) with sacred waters, cow milk and other panchaamritam reciting various Suktams like Sri Sukta, Bhu Sukta, Nila Sukta etc. After Nirattam or Abhisheka, the priests offer Naivedyam or Sacred Food to the Goddess.

Then Sattumora prayers are recited followed by the Divine Assembly called ‘Asthanam’. This process goes on till the evening. In the evening, Goddess Godambika is well decorated with flower garlands and seated in the Tirucchi vahanam.

A procession starts from the Ramachandra Pushkarini through the holy streets and the Goddess is brought back to the temple of Sri Govindarajaswami while the Vedic scholars chant Vedic hymns and the musicians play on various instruments throughout the procession.

In this manner, this NIRATTOTSAVAM is celebrated for seven days.

Bhogi Teru

On the eighth day i.e., BHOGI which is the previous day to Makara Sankranti the BHOGI TERU festival is performed with festive fervour. As a part of this festival, the well-ornamented idols of Sri Godambika and Sri Krishna Swami are seated in a beautifully decorated Chariot and a procession is led around the sacred streets around the Holy Temple of Sri Govindarajaswami.

Bhogi Teru - Sri Govindarajaswami Temple Tirupati

The Nirattotsavam and Bhogi Teru together is a nine-day festival in all the Vaishnava Divya Desams. But in the Govindarajaswami temple of Tirupati, this is celebrated for eight days of which in the first seven days the Nirattotsavam is celebrated and on the eighth day Bhogi Teru is celebrated.

With the advent of Makara Sankramanam the holy Dhanurmasa comes to an end and the Makaramasa begins.

Chakra Snanam and Procession of Deities

In the morning hours of MAKARA SANKRANTI day, the Sacredbath is performed to Sri Chakrattalwar in Alwar Tank at Kapila Tirtham. In the evening a procession of the deities Sri Godambika and Sri Krishna Swami is led in the holy streets of Sri Govindarajaswami temple.

Goda Devi Kalyanam

The grand celebration of the Divine Kalyanam of Sri Godambika with Sri Krishna Swami is performed on the day of KANUMA, the next day to Makara Sankranti in the Kumbha Harati Mandapam following the scriptural instructions of Agamas.

During that Kalyanam event, the Purana recitation of Sri Goda Kalyanam also goes on as a customary part.

Final Word

Thus the grand series of Godambika Festival with various month-long events is celebrated with great devotion, dedication to the God and Goddess and with an unparallel festive zeal.

Mukkoti Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi

Lord Vishnu has been described as Murari (the enemy of Mura) and Murantaka (the slayer of Mura). Ekadasi is a manifestation of Vishnu’s Sakti, the female dynamic energy of Lord Vishnu who put an end to Mura the demon, who was devastating the world with demonic force.

The story of Ekadasi occurs in Padma Purana where it is narrated how the Lord was pleased with Ekadasi and wants to grant her a boon, but the merciful Goddess asks Vishnu to bless the human beings instead by granting them Moksha who might worship Lord Vishnu on that particular day for salvation from the dreaded cycle of birth and death.

Ekadasi mentioned here is the eleventh day of the waxing or bright fortnight of every month in the Lunar calendar.

All the Ekadasis, occurring in all the twelve months of the year are observed with austerities by the devotees as holy days. A fast on Ekadasi followed by breaking of the fast on Dwadasi or the twelfth day of the lunar calendar is a practice well known among the devotees. The breaking of the fast on Dwadasi is known as Dwadasiparana after Ekadasi upavasa.

The word ‘upavasa’ means more than merely a fast. It means living near or sitting at the feet of someone. In this particular context, it refers to the devotee who fasts intending to sitting near or sitting at the feet of the divine, seeking His grace.

Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi

Ekadasi Vrata

An interesting story about Ekadasi Vrata or observance of austerities connected with Ekadasi is narrated in the Mahabhagavata Purana. Ambarisha, an emperor and ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, performs the Ekadasi Vrata for several years without interruption with the result that Vishnu’s weapon Sudarsana is ready to serve him at a moment’s notice whenever the emperor is in trouble.

Durvasa, a great sage, goes to visit Ambarisha on the day of Dwadasi along with his disciples. The king was on a fast during Ekadasi and was supposed to break the fast on Dwadasi, before the onset of Triodasi.

Durvasa who wanted to test Ambarisha, goes to have a dip in the nearby river before being hosted to a lunch by Ambarisha. He lingers in the river deliberately. A worried Ambarisha can neither allow Dwadasi to pass nor take any food till Durvasa returns, the guest is an elderly sage and it is customary to offer the guest food before one can take it.

The purohits of the emperor ask him to take water with Tulasi (basil) leaves as it would amount to breaking the fast without consuming food. An angry Durvasa creates a Kritya or Mantric demon to behead Ambarisha, but Sudarsana Chakra, ever worshipped by Ambarisha, kills the demon and pursues Durvasa. A frightened sage rushes to Brahma and Siva who refuse him refuge and when the sage goes to Vishnu, the latter asks him to go to Ambarisha for forgiveness.

Ambarisha withdraws the weapon, honours the sage and his disciples with a lunch and obtains the blessings of the sage. Such is the greatness of Ekadasi Vrata.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi is said to be highly significant among all the Ekadasis as Amrita or Ambrosia is said to have been born on that day. The spiritual significance of this day consists in the known tendency of humans to aspire for immortality or Amritatwa in a world governed by mortality or Mritatwa.

When the Gods and Demons, the Suras and Asuras churned the mighty ocean for Amrita, the latter was born after great effort. The day that Amrita is born is celebrated as ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’.

Austerities

Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi as it is called is observed with fast, prayer, chants and meditation, Japa and Dhyana. The austerities in connection with Vaikunta Ekadasi start with Dasami. Its strict observance is marked by ‘Ekabhuktam’ or taking food only once on Dasami followed on Vaikunta Ekadasi by a rigorous fast or at least a partial fast for those who cannot observe a complete fast for various reasons.

It is followed by the breaking of the fast on Dwadasi or the twelfth day of the waxing or bright fortnight. Consuming water and milk is allowed during a rigorous fast or taking fruits along with these during a partial fast. Observing a fast is supposed to control the senses and purify the body. The mind in a body thus restrained, it is felt, will become pure. A purified body and mind help one to attain proximity with the divine or the Paramatman.

Uttaradwar (The Gateway to Heaven)

All the 108 Divyadesas celebrate Vaikunta Ekadasi. In Srirangam, the festival is celebrated with gaiety. The God is adorned with diamond-studded armour and the Northern gate of the temple is considered to be an entrance to ‘Vaikunta’ and is kept open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day.

The utsava idol or the idol meant to be paraded through the streets during festivals is known as ‘Namperumal’ and it goes later through the ‘Paramapada Vasal’, the gateway to heaven. The festival is celebrated in Karnataka and Kerala also. In Kerala, the festival is called ‘Swargavatil Ekadasi’.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vaikunta Dwadasi at Tirumala

In Andhra Pradesh, it is grandly celebrated in Tirumala and Bhadrachalam. In Tirumala, Vaikunta Ekadasi and the next day, known as Vaikunta Dwadasi are both celebrated with great fervour and gaiety. The golden thresholds are shut on the night of Dasami, a day before Vaikunta Ekadasi after Ekantaseva of Swami.

The next morning, that is on Ekadasi, the Mukkoti pradakshanamarg or doorway will be kept open till the ekanta seva of the Lord on Dwadasi. This doorway is adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord and is situated to the North, hence it is described as the ‘Uttaradwar’. It is also known as ‘Vaikuntadwar’.

Golden Chariot

Golden Chariot

In Tirumala, in the morning of Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Lord parades through the mada streets of Tirumala, accompanied by both His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. It is a magnificent sight indeed! The next day, i.e. on Dwadasi, a utsavam called Swami pushkarini theertha Mukkoti utsava is celebrated.

It is believed that three crore sacred rivers go to have a dip in Swami Pushkarini of Tirumala. The sanctity of this event is described in the Venkatachala Mahatmyam of Skandapurana. Sudarsana, the devotee and weapon of the Lord, goes to Swami Pushkarini to have a dip. This is called ‘Chakrasnanam‘.

Swami Pushkarini - Old Image - Tirumala

It is said that three things, namely, a holy dip in Swami Pushkarini, salutations to the feet of a sadguru and the observance of Ekadasi Vrata are deemed to be three holy deeds that can bestow material as well as spiritual benefits on the devotees.

Greatness of Vaikunta Ekadasi & Dwadasi

The Markandeya Purana has a beautiful story about the holy dip in the Pushkarini. Once upon a time, Markandeya, the great sage, prayed to Brahma that he might be granted the boon of a dip in all the holy rivers or tirthas of the universe. A baffled Brahma tells Markandeya that it might not be possible, but he comes out with an easy solution to fulfil the sage’s wish.

He asks the sage to go and have a dip in Swami Pushkarini on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vaikunta Dwadasi, as all the tirthas of the universe go to have a dip in Swami Pushkarini on these two days. Such is the greatness of Tirumala and Vaikunta Ekadasi followed by Vaikunta Dwadasi.

Dattatreya – The Incarnation of Trinity

Dattatreya

Salutation to Lord Dattatreya who created the universe, who is predominate for existence and destruction and is saviour from the bonds of sorrows of life.

Dattatreya Upanishad in Atharvana Veda mentions this avatar. He preached Sri Vidya upaasana (Tripura rahasya) to Parasurama in Tretayuga. He also preached Ashtanga yoga (the eightfold path of yoga). He had preached the dharma of providing food and alms to the needy in Kaliyuga.

It is believed that ‘Datta’ in the guise of Bhikshu (seeker of food) visits the people’s homes even today to preach the importance of righteousness to them. Lord is also visualized in splendorous form emitting light of truth, wisdom and dharma.

Dattatreya

Adornments

‘Datta’ adorns himself with the trident, drum, conch, chakra, kamandal and a rosary (garland). The endowments indicate that the trident kills the ego, the drum awakens the soul and removes ignorance while the conch blows out the inherent talents and the Japa mala represents the eternal remembrance of God. The Chakra indicates the life cycle.

Three heads of the Lord illustrate the gunas (nature) of human beings, Sattva, Rajo and Tamo. His six hands represent yama, niyama, sama, dama, daya and shanti. Kamadhenu represents five elements of nature and the dogs represent human passions of Iccha (desire), Vasana (fondness), Asha (lust) and Trishna (mirage).

Lord has command over all these instincts of human beings to which the beings get attracted, very easily. Devotees can alleviate these problems by adoring him.

He is always accompanied by four dogs, representing the protection of Vedas which always substantiates a righteous path to the people. Kamadhenu in the form of a pure white cow represents purity at heart, mind and action.

Cow is considered the most subservient animal expounding in itself all gods, devatas, and spiritual embodiments. Lord is always seated under the Audumbara tree. It is a celestial tree showering nectar and providing solace to the people.

Cow in the Vedas

Works by Dattatreya

Avadhoota Gita is a great treatise of Advaita Vedanta and he was also considered as the guru for tantra vidya. He pronounced Bhakti Yoga (devotion) and Jnana yoga (knowledge) in his works. He also composed Jivanmukta Gita which speaks about the need for Jnanam (knowledge) and Hartayana Samhita which speaks about Tantra and another dissertation called Dattatreya Tantra.

He initiated Datta parampara (Sectary) which promotes the importance of Guru. He exemplified that we can consider anyone a guru, it could be the elements of earth, animals, pets or nature. Lessons can be learnt from any source and he always pronounced that he had twenty-four gurus. He was free from intolerance or prejudice of any kind.

He advises the seekers of truth to learn from any source which will help them to attain salvation.

Dattatreya

Teachings by Dattatreya

Dattaguru was a great philosopher who preached the true meaning of tyaga (sacrifice). He renounced everything. Lord pronounces in Dattatreya Upanishad, “not by action, not by progeny, nor even by self, but renunciation alone is immortality attained.

Real renunciation is giving up of mine and not mere abandoning of duties. Living a selfless life requires giving up one’s ego. Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita advises Arjuna, “Leave everything unto me. Just do your duty”.

“The essence of whole Vedanta is this knowledge, this supreme knowledge, that I am by nature the formless, all-pervasive self”. Datta himself pronounces this in Avadhoota Gita. Datta is regarded as a Guru and a living human being even today. His devotees acknowledge him as “Dattatreya thrimurthi roopa, tribhuvana lokaarakshakaa.”

He is the removal of all sins of the devotees

Jagatutapathi karthre cha |
Sthithi samharah ethave |
Bhava paasa vimukhthaya |
Dathathreya namosthuthe ||

Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Gunaseelam

Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy

All the gods and goddesses cure diseases, Among human beings, there are specialists like Cordialists, Dentists, psychiatrists etc. Among god, so we are specialists who cure the particular ailment. Lord Danvantry cures all the diseases. Under him, many perumals are doing some work as specialists.

Gunaseela Perumal of Gunaseelam is a specialist in driving away mental diseases. Generally, human beings can feel the effects of diseases and go to doctors for remedies. However, people who are affected by mental diseases cannot feel the impact of their diseases if the right treatment is not given.

This Lord especially has come to Gunaseelam to cure such an ailment. If the patients go to the temple and stay for 48 days and worship the Lord, He drives away the mental ailment and goes happily by the grace of the Lord.

click here for the temple location on Google Maps

Gunaseelam

Gunaseelam is situated in Musiri Taluk, Trichy District Infer to yield the request of Gunaseelam Rishi, Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy remained in Gunaseelam itself. Prasanna Venkatachalapathy (Mahavishnu) gives his Darsan to the devotees here. He lived in Ashram of Guru Thal pear at Hiru Panjali. It is difficult to have Darsan of Lord of Tirumala even in Kaliyuga.

Gunaseelam Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple

Rishi went to Tirumala and requested Balaji to come to Tamilnadu for the sake of his devotees. Not only this but also he sat on the bank of river Kaveri and started his Penance. Lord Indra was afraid of losing his post and gave so much trouble to Rishi who proceeded with his Penance. At last, all the people agreed to the purpose of Rishi to have the Lord at Gunaseelam.

The auspicious day of this temple is in the month of Puratasi, Saturday Lord Venkatachalapathy with his consorts Sri Devi and Boodevi on Garuda Vahana. At that time Rishi Gunasekar requested Lord to be here at the end of Kaliyuga and He accepted Rishi’s request and stayed here. Goddess Lakshmi in his Bosom, said that this place is being called ‘Gunaseelam’. Starting from Dwapara Yuga to the end, every procedure went on very well.

But Gunaseelar was compelled to go to Theertha Yatra (pilgrimage) with Guru Thalpia, Gunaseelar asked one of his disciples to look after all formalities and puja to the Lord.

Due to frequent floods in Kaveri and trouble with forest animals, the discipline could not carry the Nithya puja, so he ran away from Gunaseelam to keep his promise Lord was in AcchaRoli and it was also submerged under the earth and was covered by an anthill of the white ant. There were so many changes with the passage of time.

Temple was Built

King Gnanavarman, the king of Uraiyur, had a gosala at Kallur and Gunaseelam. His cow shed was situated there. It was the practice that the milk got from these cows and sent to the palace of the Chola king.

One day the milk cans were empty without milk and the yadavas were afraid about thinking of the punishment by the king. There one old man guessed that the god and his temple are beneath the soil. Hearing this news king came there with his military. They destroyed the Ant hill (soil made by white ants) pouring the milk on anthill in piecemeal the Acharupam of god Venkatachalapathy was found.

The king was happy to see the Lord’s Dharsan with Thayaars and ordered the king to build a simple temple. Accordingly, the king built a temple, pujas were performed as Rishi Gunaseelam did. At the end of Kaliyuga big temple will be built. This was the divine voice of Perumal. So accordingly a big temple was built.

Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Gunaseelam - Aerial View

Katrali Temple

In 2001 (Kaliyuga year 5104) Karpagragam was raised to six feet high. Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam were built of stone and so it is called Katrali temple. Then a Kumbaabhishekam was performed, even today, according to Gunaseelam’s astra i.e. six-time puja, mid-moon puja, theertha prasadam are being carried out without fail.

Cure for all Mental Diseases

As already said prasanna perumal cured mental diseases, Nerve problem and Doshas regarding marriages and childbirth are driven away if you pray this perumal. A mental treatment centre approved by the government is functioning well for the mentally upset persons who are staying here for 48 days (one mandala), get divine water which is sprinkled on them. The patient has separate rooms.

A special psychiatry doctor is here to take care of such patients. Tirupati Venkatesa is staying in the name of Prasanna Venkatesa, all the prayers are answered here. The main perumal is Venkatesa. Utsava perumal is Srinivasa. Lord’s consorts are Sri Devi and Boo Devi. He is otherwise called Kaliyuga Varadhan, who guides these people and his name is a Mantra of today.

Gunaseelam is situated between Trichy- Namakkal private Buses and Town Buses are plying to this sacred place. As done in Tirupati Brahmotsavam is also being conducted during the month of purattasi. This is a special occasion for the devotees who come to Gunaseelam either regular devotees or mentally affected persons who come in person get salvation for their ailment.

Sediyaya Valrinnaikar Deerkum Tirumale
Nedy Yoru Venkatava Nikoilin vassal
Adiyarum vanavarum Arambaiyarum
kitanthiyankum
Padiya kidadin pavalavaai kanbene.

Satyanarayana Vrata

Satyanarayana Vrata

Satyanarayana Vrata has taken a deep root in the hearts of devotees because of its deep religious and divine significance. At every righteous and pious occasion invariably Satyanarayana Vrata has to be performed. Satyanarayana Vrata is said to be the Vrata of Lord Narayana.

The Lord Vishnu is referred to as Narayana. It is the Vrata of Satya. There is more emphasis on Satya. ‘Satyam jnanam anantam brahma’ is vedic idea. Brahma is sat or Reality or unfailing truth. Satya is victory. A person who observes this auspicious for four full years on the full moon day will be blessed with wealth, prosperity and progeny and liberated.

Chatarvarsham Vratam Kartva Adimadhya mathah param
Udayapanam rtam Ena sampurna phaladayakam.

2 versions of Satyanarayana Vratakatha

There are two versions of Satyanarayana Vratakatha. One of these versions claims to be a part of the Revakanda of Skandapurana. It’s another version occurs in the Bhavishyapurana, thritiyabhaga Dvitiyakhanda. Bhavishyapurana deals with the same stories as mentioned in Revakanda.

The Revakanda version has five chapters. The first chapter deals with the origin of Satyanarayana Vrata. Also, it has instructions on the mode of conducting the Vrata and the preparation of the Prasada to be offered to the lord. The other four chapters deal with the stories.

There are nine stories but the normal practice is to recite five stories.

Story of a Brahmin and Woodcutter

Satananda is a poor Brahmin. He lived in the city of Kasi. Once lord Vishnu met him in the form of a Brahmin and narrated to him the Satyanarayana Vrata to be performed. The Brahmin performed the Vrata with great devotion and enjoyed abundant riches and while it was being performed it was listened to by a woodcutter (Bhilla).

Satyanarayana Vrata Story

The woodcutter also performed the Vrata and was blessed with prosperity. In Bhavishyapurana a separate chapter deals with the wood cutter’s episode as Bhillakatha, and the woodcutter who used to sell firewood happened to go to a Haridasa, from whom he came to know about this Vrata.

Story of a King and Merchant

Once there lived a king called ‘Ulkhamukha’. He was a Satyavadin, he had no children. At last, he observed Satyanarayana Vrata with his wife ‘Bhadrasila’ on the Bank of a river. In the meanwhile, there came a rich merchant by the name ‘Sadhu’.

He asked the king why he was performing the Vrata and the king told him that he was performing the Vrata with a desire to have a son. Knowing this, the merchant also decided that he would perform the said Vrata as he had no children.

After coming back to his home he vowed that he would do the Vrata when he would get a child. After some years his wife was blessed with a female child called ‘Kalavathi’. Then the merchant thought that he would do the Vrata at the time of his daughter’s marriage but he forgot to perform it. Then the Lord got angry at the merchant.

After the marriage, the merchant went out on his business with his son-in-law. On the way, when they came to ‘Ratnapura’ the capital of King ‘Chandraketu’, they were arrested by the king’s army on the grounds of their being culprits of the royal theft and their wealth was confiscated and they were imprisoned.

On account of the divine curse, the merchant’s wife and daughter became very poor. One day Kalavati while roaming in the city happened to come across a Brahmin’s house where the vrata was being performed and there she took prasada and went home.

Kalavati’s mother recollected that the Satyanarayana Vrata was not performed till then and she performed the Vrata. As soon as the Vrata was performed the lord was pleased and told the king in the dream that the merchant and his son-in-law were innocent and instructed that they should be released immediately with all their wealth.

Accordingly, they were freed from imprisonment. Then they went to their native place. When the merchant and his son-in-law were on the way to their home the Lord thought of testing them. Assuming the form of a recluse the Lord approached the merchant and asked him as to what his ship contained.

Satyanarayana Vrata

The merchant with great pride said that the ship contained leaves foliage etc, and the Lord blessed it to that effect. The merchant could not understand the wonderful metamorphosis of the contents. The son-in-law advised the father-in-law to search out the recluse and beg his pardon. He did so and the Lord was pleased. The merchant regained everything and performed the Vrata, then sailed to his city.

The merchant’s wife also performed the vrata and went out to receive her husband and son-in-law. But Kalavati went out without taking the Prasada. The Lord was angry and she could not find her husband and the ship in which he was. The merchant felt that such a situation was due to the Lord’s miracle and he decided to do the Vrata.

At that time the Lord declared aerially that, Kalavati had not taken the Prasada. She must go home and take it and she would get her husband. Then she took Prasada and all were happy.

Vratavidhi

Vrata masti mahatpunyam svarge martyeca durlabham
Tava Snehamanya Vatsa Prakash Kryate dhuna

It is Lord Narayana’s answer to Narada’s prayer. ‘o! Narada with abiding love and affection towards you I am revealing the sacred worship not known in heaven or earth. This is the most pious ritual that cannot be obtained by all.

In the holy forest Naimisaranya sage ‘Suta’ narrated the Vrata to Saunaka and other sages as received from Narada who in turn had received it from Lord Vishnu.

The ways and means of Satyanarayana Vrata have been fully explained by Lord Vishnu. This Vrata has to be performed in the month of Magha Vaisakha or Karthika. It is desirable to perform every month, on the day of Suryasankramana, on the full moon day, during Ekadasi or any auspicious day either in the morning or in the evening. This Vrata can be performed in temples, in punyakshetras, at the banks of rivers or seas, in the gardens or in one’s own house.

A Vratam signifies an art of living in conformity with the rules of conduct and self-control as laid down in Sastras and Puranas. The traditional sanctity that is attached to Satyanarayana Vrata is that it is the primary duty of Vrati (those who are performing vrata) to perform it as a symbol of discipline and devotion. It is customary to clean the area with cow dung for sanctity.

A well bordered cloth is spread and above the cloth, rice has to be poured. Apart from flowers, betel leaves, fruits, ghee etc. a vessel (Kalasa) made of silver, copper or brass with a well-bordered cloth on the top of it has to be kept. The replica of Satyanarayana is given a sacred bath with Panchamruta.

Wheat flour, and sugar, mixed nicely with ghee are given as Nivedana. It is important to invite Brahmins, relatives and friends. Prasada has to be shared with all relatives and friends in the name of Lord Satyanarayana.

Vamana Avatar – The Fifth Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Vamana Avatar / Vamana Swaroopa

The Puranas offer splendid glimpses of Hindu tradition and culture. They protect ‘Sanatana dharma’ and religious righteousness. The Vamana Purana is one of the eighteen Puranas written by Maharshi Veda Vyasa. It contains tales about Lord Vishnu in His ‘Vamana Swaroopa’ i.e., dwarf incarnation. While giving answers to sage Narada’s queries, the sage Pulastya narrates the tale of the Vamana Purana.

According to legends, Lord Vamana is the twelfth of the Adityas and the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Bhagavatha Purana describes that Lord Vishnu descended as Vamana as an avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by King Bali.

Vamana Avatharam - Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Lord Krishna made it clear in the Gita:

Paritranaaya saadhoonaam vinaasaaya chadushkritaam /
dharma samsthapanaarthaayaya sambhavami yuge yuge//

To protect the virtuous, to destroy evil and to establish “dharma’, I recreate myself in every Yuga”.

The Manifestation of Lord Vamana

The ‘maharshis’ organized the process of the ‘Upanayanam’of Lord Vamana. Bruhaspati offered him ‘Brahmasutra’. Kashyapa gave him ‘molanulu’. The Earth granted him ‘krishnajinam’. Lord Chandra offered him ‘danda’. Lord Vamana’s mother gave her son ‘koupeenam’. The Sky delivered him ‘chatram’. Lord Brahma offered him ‘kamandalam’.

Sapta Rishis presented him ‘dharbhalu’. Goddess Saraswathi offered him ‘aksharamala.’ Lord Surya preached the boy ‘Gayatri Mantra’. Lord Kubera gave him a begging bowl. Goddess Parvati put ‘bhiksha’ into the begging bowl. It is said that “Sa brahma varchasenaivam sabham sambhavito vatuhu.”

Ashtadikpalakas - KuberaDeva
Lord Kubera

The boy was scintillating like the radiance of Lord Brahma. Lord Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying an umbrella made of wood and palmyra leaves, proceeded towards the place where King Bali was performing his oblation to request three paces of land. He was in the appearance of a hermit.

Though he was diminutive in size, yet each of his steps was enough to shake the earth.

Lord Vishnu blesses Kashyap

As per the suggestion of Lord Brahma, the deities proceeded towards Kashyap’s hermitage. When they reached his hermitage, they inspired Aditi to commence penance to please Lord Vishnu. After Aditi’s severe penance, Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased.

Thoroughly gratified by Kashyap’s eulogies, He appeared before the deities. Kashyap requested Him to give Aditi, the privilege of becoming His mother. Lord Vishnu agreed to take birth as her son.

The Legend of King Bali

King Bali was the great-grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Virochana. After his father’s death, he defeated the deities and drove them out of their abodes. Very soon, all the three worlds were under his control. Despite these features, he was a virtuous king and so were his subjects.

During his reign, every corner of his kingdom would be abuzz with religious activities. As a result, the whole world became devoid of sin. The sage Pulastya said that the just rule of Bali had transformed Kaliyuga into Satayuga. Even his subjects engaged themselves in virtuous activities like penance and yagnas. They followed nonviolence and truth.

Prahlada prays to Narasimha
Prahlada prays to Narasimha as Narasimha disembowels and kills Hiranyakashipu.

One day, Goddess Lakshmi went to Bali and said that She had come to bless him because he was a victorious king. He had even defeated Indra and had control over all three worlds. During the reign of King Bali, his subjects were happy and prosperous. Nobody experienced the pangs of hunger and everybody’s desire was fulfilled. The prominence of virtuosity and religious rituals during King Bali’s rule was incomparable and prosperity prevailed throughout his kingdom.

The bond between Bali and Lakshmi is said to be one of the reasons for celebrating Raksha Bandhan, where the sisters pray for the welfare of the brothers and the brothers protect the sisters from harm. The festivals like Onam and Diwali are related to the return of King Bali from the nether world. After Lord Vishnu had established himself inside Aditi’s womb, the demons became devoid of their radiance and power.

King Bali was surprised by the sudden development and asked Prahlad about it. Prahlad who was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu went into deep meditation and saw Lord Vishnu manifesting in Aditi’s womb as a dwarf. After coming out from his meditative trance, he told Bali that the demons had lost their radiance due to Lord Vishnu who was about to take incarnation at the request of the deities.

The arrogant and foolish king Bali made fun of Lord Vishnu egoistically. Prahlad became furious at Bali’s arrogant and foolish utterances and cursed him by saying that very soon he would meet his downfall and lose his kingdom. After being cursed, King Bali realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness.

Prahlad said to him to take refuge in Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Protector. He said that Lord Vishnu would be extremely pleased if Bilva patra, Malati and Champa flowers were offered to Him. A person who constructs the temple of Lord Vishnu liberates his ancestors from their sins. Prahlad asked King Bali to construct the temple of Lord Vishnu and worship Him with utmost devotion.

After the departure of Prahlad, King Bali followed his instructions faithfully and engaged himself in the worship of Lord Vishnu. He instructed Vishwakarma to construct a magnificent temple of Lord Vishnu and started worshipping Lord Vishnu accompanied by his wife Vindhyavali. He used to clean the premises of the temple and worship Lord Vishnu with utmost piety.

Vamana Avatar

The Demands of Lord Vamana

The shaking and trembling of the earth surprised King Bali and he asked his ‘guru’ Shukracharya about the strange event. He was also surprised by the fact that Agni was not accepting the offerings. Shukracharya, after contemplating for a while came to know about Vamana’s incarnation. He informed King Bali that Vamana was on his way to the site of oblation and that each step was causing turbulence on the earth.

King Bali was pleased that he would get an opportunity to see Lord Vishnu whom the sages contemplate upon Him incessantly. He was proud of his good fortune that the Lord was visiting him. Knowing the reason for the arrival of Lord Vamana, Shukracharya warned King Bali against making any promise to Him. King Bali said that he could not refuse if the Lord demanded anything from him.

He was willing to face any hardship to safeguard his charitable image. He did not mind even though the deities would benefit from his actions. Even if the Lord came intending to kill him, he was not scared.

Lord Vamana arrived at the site. Vamana’s radiance subdued the power of all demons who were present there. Impressed by the grandeur of King Bali’s ‘yagna’, Lord Vamana complimented him for organizing such a magnificent ‘yagna’. King Bali eulogized and worshipped his esteemed guest. He requested Vamana to reveal the reason for his arrival and promised that his wishes would be fulfilled.

Lord Vamana smiled and told him that he needed a small piece of land measured by three steps for the performance of yagna.

King Bali was surprised and requested him to ask for more land but Lord Vamana told him that he needed only that much land. King Bali consented. Lord Vamana revealed His identity and enlarged to gigantic and cosmic proportions to stride over the three worlds.

He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, and from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Bali who was unable to fulfil his promise offered his head for the third. Vamana placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. He was also allowed to return every year to see the citizens of his country.

King Mahabali and Vamana (Fifth Avatar of Maha Vishnu)
King Mahabali – One Of The Greatest Asura Kings

King Bali in the Underworld

Lord Vishnu blessed King Bali by saying that he would enjoy a long life till the end of the present Kalpa and sent him to the nether world. After reaching the nether world, King Bali constructed a beautiful city made of diamonds and other precious stones. Vishwakarma constructed an enormous altar in the central part of the city. King Bali lived there in luxury.

One day, while the demons were engaged in their sensual pleasures, suddenly the awesome Sudarshan chakra entered King Bali’s palace and after making the demons bereft of their radiance went back to Lord Vishnu. King Bali thought that only his grandfather Prahlad could help him out of the situation.

On being remembered by King Bali, Prahlad appeared before him. King Bali requested him to describe the means which would be benedictory to him. Prahlad was pleasantly surprised by his change of heart and said that a man who takes refuge in Lord Vishnu and surrenders himself to His will becomes liberated from all the miseries of life.

All things which are visible in the universe are the manifold manifestations of Lord Vishnu himself. The bond between Bali and Lakshmi is said to be one of the reasons for celebrating Raksha Bandhan, where the sisters pray for the welfare of the brothers and the brothers protect the sisters from any harm. The festival of Onam for some and the first day of Diwali for some are related to the return of Bali. King Bali symbolizes prosperity associated with arrogance.

The three feet of Lord Vamana symbolize the three planes of existence i.e., “Jagruth’, ‘swapna’, and ‘sushupti’ and the final step placed on the head elevated King Bali from all three states. Thereby, he attained salvation and eternal bliss. The reading of the Vamana Purana helps man enhance his knowledge and makes him free from all kinds of worldly attachments. It also increases his love and devotion towards the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu.

A devotee who chants any one of the names of Lord Vishnu mentioned in the Vamana Purana namely Karan Vaman, Narayan, Amitvikram, Shargang Chakra and Purushottam and makes salutation either by thought, speech or action attains ‘Vaikunta’, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Five Forms of Sri Maha Vishnu

Five Forms of Sri Maha Vishnu

According to the Vaishnava Agamas, Sri Maha Vishnu has five forms (aspects or modes).

Five Forms of Sri Maha Vishnu are

  1. Para,
  2. Vyuha,
  3. Vibhava,
  4. Antaryami and
  5. Archavatara.(Iconic Worship is described as Archavatara).

Lord Vishnu - Karthika Masam / Five Forms of Sri Maha Vishnu

A brief description of these 5 forms follows:

Para

Para is the highest form of the Lord and is only found in Sri Vaikuntam, along with his consort Lakshmi, (and also with Bhu Devi and Niladevi) and surrounded by liberated souls like Ananta, Garuda, and a host of Muktas (liberated souls). This is also called as ‘paramapadam’ in Vaishnava Scriptures.

This is surrounded by many enclosures and galaxies in the celestial worlds. There is no Day and Night here, no sky and earth. The primordial Vishnu called sarvavyApInArAyaNa is seen all over. Here the Sama Veda is recited, which is a favourite one for Vishnu (vEdAnAmsAmavEdOsmi – Geetha).

In this form, He is also known as Para Vasudeva, and is said to be holding a Chakra, Shanka, Gada and Padma in his four hands.

It is very difficult to worship this form as it is very far from the earth.

Vyuha

The Vyuhas are emanations from the above-mentioned Para Vasudeva form and are four in number, collectively called, ChaturVyuha Brahman. They are Vyuha Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Here Lord Vishnu gives darshan to demi-gods and Rishis as kshIrAbdhinAthA resting on the serpent couch at the centre of the Milky Ocean.

These Vyuha forms of Vishnu are said to exercise different cosmic functions and principles and control the activities of all living beings through jiva, manas and ahankara (soul, mind and ego) respectively.

This form is also very difficult to worship for all of us mere mortals as it is situated outside our Universe.

Vibhava

Lord Vishnu is said to assume various manifestations, from time to time, to protect the virtuous, punish the evil and re-establish Dharma

dharmasamsthApanAyasambhavAmiyugEyugE ||

These manifestations are called Vibhavas, more popularly Avataras. Since these Avataras are manifested during a particular yuga, it is difficult to worship this form also, as only those who took birth in that time alone can worship the Lord in Vibhava form.

Antaryami

Antaryami is the form in which the ultimate reality of Lord Vishnu exists in a very subtle form, in the hearts of all living beings. It is stated that Narayana resides in that infinitesimal small place below the heart of every being, shaped like an inverted lotus bud, and appears to His devotees in a manner and form cherished by them, and with particular characteristics or qualities as worshipped by them.

As Antaryami, the Lord accepts manasika puja of the devotees, such as meditation, mental offering of sacred water, fruits, food etc. and mental salutations. Such worship to the Antaryami form can be done by anyone at any place and at any time. Although residing in every being, the Antaryami has no relation or link with the actions or fruits thereof undertaken by these beings.

This form is achieved only through great practices as described by Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga Sutras.

Archavatara

Archavatara or Image manifestation, is very easily accessible and visible to all. It is said to be the safest and surest way to attain the goal. Faith in God is the essential requisite for taking this path. The devotee should offer Pooja to the icon daily and regularly concentrate his mind on that Icon during worship and become unconscious of what takes place around him during that period.

The material form before him helps to concentrate the mind and steadies his faith. Or the devotee / sadhaka might regularly attend worship being conducted in a temple by a well-versed Archaka.

The greater the grandeur and sanctity with which the Archakaor priest conducts the rituals, the greater would be the positive effect on the devotee.

Since we cannot worship Para, Vyuha, Vibhava and Antaryami forms which can be only imagined or meditated upon and since they are beyond our reach, the Archavatara alone suits us the most.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - Archa Form - 108 Divya Desams

In Archa form, the Lord receives prayers from devotees and grants their prayers and blesses them; Saranagati or surrender is done to the Lord in the Archa form only. Though installed and made by human beings or sometimes existing from time immemorial(revealed by God Himself), or in the self-manifested form as in Tirumala, the Image form of the Lord becomes divine, from the moment it is consecrated or worshipped by the Archakas as per the rules laid down in the Agamas.

Nava Narasimha Temples in Telugu States

Lord Narasimha is one of the dasa avatars of Sri Maha Vishnu. However, the Narasimha avatar has a unique significance, especially in South India. There are many Narasimha temples throughout Telugu states.

Nine significant Temples (Nava Narasimha Temples)

Among them, nine significant temples depict different forms of the Lord. In addition to them, there are many Narasimha temples in both states. The reason for this is that Lord Narasimha, after killing Hiranya Kashipa, wandered in the forests of these states and ultimately married Sri Mahalaxmi who donned the avatar of Pratyangira/Chenchu Lakshmi (a tribal girl).

Ahobilam

Ahobilam is a major pilgrimage centre in South India, located in Allagadda mandal in Kurnool district (136 km) in AP. According to local legend, this is where Lord Narasimha blessed Prahlad and killed the demon Hiranya Kashipa. It is an important place of worship for Vaishnavites and is one of the 108 Divya Desams.

Though the main temple is on the plain ground, there are eight more on the hills of Nallamala. Only a few visit them except the one on the first hill, because of the rugged climb and desolate forest area.

Penchalakona

The temple, located 70 km from Nellore is amidst lush trees and waterfalls. It is a very popular temple in that area. The original name PenuSila Kona (penu=big; sila=stone; kona=forest) got transformed into Penchala Kona. The presiding deity in this shrine is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, along with His consort Chenchu Lakshmi.

It is believed that Lord Narasimha, after killing Hiranya Kashipa, took a bath in the tank nearby and attained tranquillity.

Click here for the Temple location on Google Maps

Kadiri

Sri Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located in Kadiri, 94 km from Anantapur of AP. Kadiri is an alternative name for the Sanskrit word, Khadri, meaning canary wood or Indian mulberry. The town has derived its name from the legend that Sri Narasimha Swamy emerged from a Khadri tree.

Sri Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple - Nava Narasimha Temples in Telugu States
Sri Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple

The presiding deity in this temple is seen with eight hands and hence is known as Ashtabahu Narasimha. Prahlad is seen standing with folded hands beside the Lord. The amazing fact is that sweat comes out of the sacred idol after Abhishekam is performed. The more the priests wipe it, the more it oozes out of the idol.

Click here for the Temple location on Google Maps

Simhachalam (Simhadri)

Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy dwells in Simhachalam, on the outskirts of Vishakhapatnam. Facing West, the temple is built in the Kalinga architectural style atop a scenic hill. The idol is a composite form of Varaha and Narasimha.

The main idol is always smeared with sandalwood paste (to ward off the ferocity) in an oval shape which is removed only once a year on Vaisakha Sudha Tadiya. The oval form is decorated with thirunama on it. This temple is very popular in the northern Andhra districts. Locals fondly refer to the deity as “Simhadri Appanna”.

Antarvedi

Antharvedi is located at a distance of 130 km from Kakinada, and 100 km from Rajahmundry. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple is situated at the estuary i.e., where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari converge. It is the place where Lord Brahma performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela Kantheswara.

As that place was made a stage or “Vedik” to perform the Yaga, it was named as “ANTARVEDI”. It is the place where Lord Narasimha killed Rakta Vilochana, the son of Hiranyaksha, who was a menace to dharma.

Mangalagiri

Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

This temple is located at the foot of a hill and it is traced to the time of Yudhishtira. About 200 years ago a stupendous gopuram on the eastern gate was built. It is one of the tallest gopurs in South India and the only one of its kind in this part of India. It is 53ft. high and 49 feet wide with 11 tiers.

Panakala Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

This temple is on a hill. Lord Rama visited this temple. It was also visited by spiritual personages like Sri Adi Sankara, Ramanuja, Chaitanya Prabhu and Sri Krishna Deva Raya.

It is a regular practice in the temple to offer panakam (a beverage made of jaggery and water) as naivedya. The peculiarity of the above offering is that the Lord receives it with a gurgling sound while the beverage is poured into his mouth (whatever the quantity).

Half of the quantity of the beverage comes out of his mouth which is distributed as prasad. Another mysterious fact is the absence of flies or ants of any kind on the hill. Nobody knows where to and how the Panakam goes leaving the entire area always dry.

Vedadri

This temple is right on the banks of the Krishna. Here Lord Narasimha is in Yoga mudra, hence called Yoga Narasimha. The temple can be reached from the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway via Jaggayyapet (15 km). In addition to the main deity, Sri Jwala Narasimha Swamy is also on the hillock, which can be approached from within the temple.

Besides this, Swamy manifests as a hugeSaligrama in the river which is also worshipped by the devotees.

Yadadri (Yadagiri Gutta)

Yadagiri Gutta is 60 km from Hyderabad and is near Bhongir. The deity is in a cave on a hillock. He is also called Yadagiri hence the name Yadagiri Gutta (hill). Recently, it has been renamed as Yadadri. Currently, the temple is being renovated in a big way.

It dates back to Treta Yuga when Yada rishi, the son of the great sage RishyaSrung and Santa Devi did penance inside a cave. Lord Narasimha revealed himself in five different forms Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshmi narasimha.

It is also called as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. The idol disappeared after some time but many years later He revealed himself as five majestic avatars through a devout lady.

Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri is situated at a distance of about 28–30 km from Jagityal town and 42 km from Manchiryal railway station on Khazipet- Balharsha line. There is a rare temple of Dattatreya here. It is said that at Dharmapuri, NarasiAha Deva meditated in Yoga mudra, hence worshipped as Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.

Dharmapuri - Nava Narasimha Temples in Telugu States

Apart from the main deity of the temple of Lord Sri Narasimha, there are temples of Brahma Dev and Sri Rama Lingeshwara Swamy here. Because there are three deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar in the same temple, this temple is also known as Trimurthy Kshetram.

Some believe that Malyadri is one of the Nava Narasimhas (Nava Narasimha Temples) of Telugu states and not Kadiri. Hence, it is also included here

Malyadri

This temple is very popular in the Prakasam district of AP. One can reach it from Singaraya Konda, a town 144 km from Guntur. Here, Swamy manifests himself as Jwala Narasimha in a cave. Malyadri means hillocks in the form of a mala i.e. a garland of hillocks. It is said that Swamy manifested here at the request of Agastya Rishi.

The idol blesses the devotees with the fourth hand. Swamy grants blessings to Yakshas, Gandharvas, Sidhas, and Devamunis for six days (Sunday to Friday) and to the mortals (Manavas) only on Saturdays.

There are several huge natural caves in this area, all formed of a single stone. Though the temple is open only for one day in a week, from dawn to dusk, thousands of devotees throng this place. People perform weddings all through the year on this holy hill, without bothering about auspicious muhurt.

Teppotsavam (Float festival)

Teppotsavam / Float Festival / Teppa Tirunallu

‘Teppotsavam’ (Float festival) is a Hindu religious festival used to celebrate in the temples in many parts of South India, especially in Tirumala and Tiruchanur. It is called ‘Tirupalli Odai Tirunal’ in Tamil. It is also called ‘Teppa Tirunallu’ in Telugu. (Float means boat or ship)

Sri Tirumala Swami is comfortably seated in a well-decorated float and enjoys a float trip on the day of the float festival.

It is known that these float festivals have been celebrated from time immemorial. Sri Saluva Narasimha constructed a ‘mandap’ amid ‘Swami Pushkarini’ in 1468 to celebrate these festivals. This ‘mandap’ is called ‘Neeraali mandap’.

‘Nivedana’ was being offered to the Lord during the stay in the mandap in those days. These festivals were being held especially on the day of Sankranthi, on Kanuma (the day after Sankranthi) during the Brahmotsavs and on some other different special occasions.

Sri Annamaiah (Telugu poet and staunch devotee of Lord Srinivasa) belonged to the 15th century eulogized the sanctity and significance of the float festival and the glory of the Swamipushkarini.

Pedda Tirumalaiah made a successful attempt for the repairs and the cleanliness of the ‘Neeraali Mandap’ and the ‘Swamipushkarini’.

Oh! Lord! why do You like this float
You are rich and resplendent in this float
In the Milk of Ocean Your posture on Adisesha floating
Reminds one of Your resting posture on a banyan leaf floating
The Mandhara mountain in the Ocean for nectar floats
The hoods of Kaalinga with Your Feet floats
Your dance in the river Yamuna on these hoods floats
The sweat of sixteen thousand gopikas are like floats
In the great ‘koneru’ the Lord floats during this festival
Oh! Lord! Every year we extol this festival

– Annamaiah’s Adhyatmasankeerthana – 143
(Vol. -2-1981)

These regular festivals came to a standstill for reasons unknown. Sri Mahant Prayaga Das took the initiative for the continuation of these festivals in the year 1921 i.e. on Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi in Telugu year Durmati for five days. Since that day, these festivals have been performed regularly and grandly.

At present these festivals are being celebrated in the month of Phalguna every year for five days i.e., from Suddha Ekadasi to Pournami. Usually, these festivals are held in March / April.

During the five-day float festival, on the first day of Ekadasi at 6 p.m. followed by the traditional courtesies of the temple like the holding of Chatra (Umbrella) and Chamara (Fan) the archamurthies of Sri Sitarama Lakshmana swami start from the temple and reach the ‘Swami Pushkarini’ through maha pradakshana path of the temple and occupy the well-decorated float.

These ‘murthies’ make three rounds in the celestial ambience of scintillating lights, the tunes of the auspicious musical instruments, and listening to the ‘keerthanas’ of Sri Annamaiah. The devotees rejoiced on seeing the glorious occasion sitting on the steps of the ‘Swami Pushkarini’.

Teppotsavam - Tirumala - Tirupati

On the first day

On the first day after the three circumambulations, ‘Nivedana’ and ‘Harathi’ will be offered to the ‘utsava murthies’. The devotees of the Arjit (Paid) Seva are being given the ‘vastra bahumanam’. The ‘utsava murthies’ Sri Sitarama Lakshman swami occupy the palanquin with the traditional courtesies and go back to the temple. Thus, the float festival comes to an end on the first day.

On the Second day

On the second day i.e., on Dwadasi, Lord Krishna and His consort Rukmini after the three circumambulations, ‘Nivedana’ and ‘Harathi’ will be offered to the ‘utsava murthies’

The utsava murties’ of Sri Rukmini with Lord Krishna occupy the palanquin with the traditional courtesies and go back to the temple. Thus, the float festival comes to an end on the second day.

On the Third day

On the third day i.e., on Trayodasi, Lord Malayappa Swami with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi after the three ‘circumambulations’, ‘Nivedana’ and ‘Harathi’ will be offered and occupy the palanquin with the traditional courtesies amid scintillating lights, listening to the tunes of the auspicious musical instruments, the Vedic chants and in the bright sounds of burning fireworks and go back to the temple.

Thus, the float festival ends on the third day.

On the Fourth day

On the fourth day Lord Malayappa Swami with His consorts Sri Devi and Bhudevi after five ‘circumambulations’, occupies the palanquin with the traditional temple courtesies. ‘Nivedana’ and ‘Harathi’ will be offered and go back to the temple. Thus, the float festival ends on the fourth day.

On the Fifth day

On the fifth day Lord Malayappa Swami with His consorts Sri Devi and Bhudevi after the seven ‘circumambulations’, occupies the palanquin with the traditional courtesies. ‘Nivedana’ and ‘Harathi’ will be offered and go back to the temple. Thus, the float festival ends on the fifth day.

Float festivals of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in its affiliated temples

Tirupati – Sri Govindarajaswami Temple

The float festival is celebrated in the month of ‘Maaga’ in the star of ‘Pournami’ day. This ritual was celebrated for 7 days.

  • On the 1st day float festival was celebrated to Sri Kodandarama Swami;
  • On the 2nd day to Parthasaradhi Swami;
  • On the 3rd day to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami;
  • On the 4th day to Sri Krishnaswami and Andal Devi;
  • On the 5th, 6th & 7th days to Sri Govindaraja Swami.

Nagalapuram – Sri Vedanarayanaswami Temple

The float festival was celebrated in the month of ‘Meena’ for five days.

On the first day float festival will be performed to Sriramachandra Swami with Seeta Devi and on the rest four days float festival will be performed to Sri Vedanarayana Swami with Sri Vedavalli.

Tirupati – Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple

The float festival will be celebrated in the month of ‘Chaitra’ in the star of ‘Pournami’ day. This festival will be celebrated for 3 days. On all three days, the float festival will be performed to Sri Kodandarama Swami with Sita Devi and Lakshmana Swami.

Devnuni Kadapa –  Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swami Temple

The float festival will be performed in the month of ‘Vaishaka’ in the star of ‘Pournami’ day. This festival will be celebrated for 3 days. All three days, the float will be performed to Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swami.

Tiruchanur – Sri Padmavati Devi Temple

The float festival will be performed in the month of ‘Jyesta’ in the star of ‘Pournami’ day.

This festival will be celebrated for 5 days.

  • On the first day of the float festival to Sri Krishna Swami;
  • On the second day to Sri Sundararaja swami; and
  • On the 3rd, 4th and 5th days, Sri Padmavati Devi will be decked on the float to bless Her devotees.

Narayanavanam – Sri Padmavathi with Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami vari Temple

The float festival will be celebrated in the month of ‘Karthika’ in the star of ‘Pournami’ day. This festival will be celebrated for 5 days.

  • On the 1st day float festival will be performed to Sri Rama Swami;
  • On 2nd day to Sri Krishnaswami, Sri Andal devi.
  • On the 3rd, 4th and 5th days to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami.

The float festivals will be celebrated in all the T.T.D. temples on ‘Pournami’ day only.