Category: Tirumala Temple

Tirumala Temple is full of wonders and miracles at every step. Wherever you see, you will find such wonders either in the past or future

Sapthagireesa Govinda – Importance of 7

Posted on by

Sapthagiri (eesa) – Govinda

The Sanskrit word ‘Saptha’ refers to the number Seven. It is indicated in various names as –

  • 7 days a week,
  • 7 colours in a rainbow,
  • 7 horses of the Sun God,
  • 7 chakras including sahasrara in upasana,
  • 7 swaras in music,
  • 7 steps during marriage,
  • 7 upper lokas,
  • 7 lower lokas,
  • 7 hills (Tirumala).

Moreover, the number 7 has a great connection with Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of Tirumala in many ways. Let us examine how it is.

Tirumala Kshetra is located amid a group of seven sacred hills called ‘Sapthagiri‘. In Venkatachala Mahatyam these seven hills are said as seven heads of Adisesha (the king of serpents).

The seven peaks or the heads are called with the names –

  1. Seshadri
  2. Vrisardri
  3. Garudadri
  4. Anjanadri
  5. Vrishabhadri
  6. Narayanadri
  7. Venkatadri.

Hence Lord Venkateswara swami is also called – Edukondalavada Govinda (the resident of Seven Hills) and Saptagireesa Govinda (the king of Seven Hills).

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills

Saturday

The seventh day of the week is Saturday. It is a very auspicious day for worshipping Lord Venkateswara. As per Vedic astrology, every day of the week is associated with a planet in the solar system. In that way, Shani (Saturn) is the Lord of Saturday.

Once Lord Venkateswara swami had taken a promise from Shani Bhagavan that he would never trouble his devotees. Hence the devotees worship Venkateswara swami on Saturdays with a lot of devotion and dedication to get rid of obstacles caused by Shani Bhagavan.

Saturdays – Month of Shravana

Among all Saturdays, Saturdays that come in the month of Shravana are very important because – in Shravana masam the full moon day occurs in Shravana star. Hence this month is called Shravana masam. Moreover, the Shravana star is the birth star of Sri Venkateswara swami.

This nakshatra comes under Makara rasi (Capricorn). The Lord of Makara rasi is Shani bhagavan (Saturn).The seven Saturdays vratam is also observed by some devotees during this month itself.

Tirumala Saturdays OR Vishnu Saturdays

The four Saturdays in the Tamil month of purattasi are also considered very auspicious for worshipping Lord Venkateswara. During this month the Sun will be in Virgo, the zodiac Sign ruled by Mercury. The Lord of Mercury is Vishnu, the God of wealth and prosperity.

Also, it is known from the legend that Lord Vishnu descended to this earth as Sri Venkateswara during the Tamil month purattasi itself. Hence these Saturdays are called Vishnu Saturdays or Tirumala Saturdays (Tirumala Shanivaralu in Telugu).

One very Saturday of purattasi month the devotees observe fasting and light a lamp (a lamp made of rice flour, jaggery and ghee) and do Govinda bhajans.

Later they offer the 7 favourable dishes

  1. Sweet Pongal (jaggery rice),
  2. hot pongal (pepper rice),
  3. tamarind rice,
  4. curd rice,
  5. vada,
  6. laddu,
  7. sundal (boiled channa)

to Lord Venkateswara Swami for his divine blessings.

Celebrated for nine days

The seventh month of the Telugu calendar is called Aswayuja masam. Tirumala brahmotsavam is an annual festival performed to Lord Venkateswara Swami, celebrated for nine days every year during this month in such a manner that the utsavam should be concluded on Shravana nakshatra.

Of course, another brahmotsavam will also be organized at Tirumala when there will be an Adhikamasam (extra month) during Navarathri.

Kalapavriksha Vahanam

During this nine-day festival, Lord Malayappa swami (processional deity) along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi go in procession two times (morning and night) daily on vahanams.

Rathasapthami – Mini Brahmotsavam

Maghasuddha sapthami (the seventh day in the brighter phase of lunar cycle of Telugu month Magha) of every year is celebrated as Rathasapthami. It is symbolically represented in the form of Sun God Surya turning his Ratha (chariot), drawn by seven horses with Aruna as the charioteer towards the northern hemisphere in northeastern direction.

This day also marks the Birth of Surya and is hence celebrated as Surya Jayanthi. Based on this one-day, brahmotsavam called ‘Mini Brahmotsavam’ is organized at Tirumala. On this day Lord Malayappa swami will proceed on saptha (seven) Vahanams through the holy streets around the temple.

It is a big chance for the devotees to have the darshan of Sri Malayappa swami on seven vahanams in a single day.

surya-prabha-vahanam - rathasaptami
Surya Prabha vahanam – Rathasaptami

Planets

In astrology, every planet is allotted a number. As per that seven is a Ketu number. Ketu is the planet of obstruction. The Lord of Ketu is Lord Ganesha. Soon we should worship Lord Ganesha to overcome the obstacles created by Ketu.

People believe that different incarnations taken in previous yugas by Sri Venkateswara Swami represent the different planets in their tattwa (nature). Hence, they worship the following incarnations to get relief from planetary troubles.

Avatars

  1. Ketu-Matsyavatara,
  2. Saturn-Koormavatara,
  3. Rahu-Varahavatara,
  4. Mars-Narasimhavatara,
  5. Jupiter- Vamanavatara,
  6. Venus-Parusuramavatara,
  7. Sun- Ramavatara,
  8. Moon-Krishnavatara,
  9. Mercury – Kalki

is an avatar to be taken by Lord Venkateswara at the end of Kaliyuga.

Till then He resides on these seven hills in the form of Archamurthy (idol form) and protects the people from the troubles of Kali, a demon.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

What a lucky number seven is! We too associate with Lord Venkateswara Swami in every possible way for his divine grace.

 

Sri Venkateswara Swamy (the Chief Idol), Tirumala

Sri Venkateswara Swamy (the Chief Idol), Tirumala

Posted on by

The Chief Idol – Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala (Tirupati)

The Self-Emerged Idol of Lord Venkateswara is standing on a golden lotus base. Have a good look at the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara. He has silk robes. The dangling garlands are further beautifying the silk robes.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy

  • Near Lord’s naval there is a sword by the name of Nandaka Khadgam.
  • There is one waist belt made of gold with gems and diamonds studded.
  • The Blessing Hand is again studded with diamonds.
  • The Lord’s Hand on the Hip says that if you sincerely seek shelter with Me, I will see that it becomes child’s play for you to cross the ocean of mundane existence.
  • On His Chest, there is a Kausthubha Mani. He has many Navaratna Haras (necklaces) around His neck.
  • Sri Maha Lakshmi Who is seated near His Chest is also blessing devotees with Her Blessing Hand.
  • His consorts Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi too have costly necklaces. With Sacred Thread (Yagnopaveetam), bejewelled hands, and lengthy garlands of salagramas and Sankhu and Chakra, Lord Venkateswara is attracting devotees from the four corners of the world.

Charming Face

The charming face with an Alluring Smile on His Lips, smooth shining cheeks, white camphor dot on the chin, the chiselled nose, white religious marking on the forehead, the gems studded crown all these things make our Lord more attractive.

One will not know whether bejewelled God is beautifying the jewels or jewels are beautifying God. These jewels, diamonds, gems, precious stones etc., are donations of devotees donated at different times. One will not know what made them denote these jewels and why they preferred only this temple for those donations.

Let us meditate on this Ever Attractive Chief Idol of God by chanting: Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Every piece of jewellery has an absorbing story behind it. Each diamond narrates the sincere devotion of its selfless donor. The glitter of gems adorning the idol reveals at length the sacrifices the devotee would have made and the blessing he would have received from Sri Venkateswara Swamy –  Lord of Seven Hills when the devotee was in distress.

Jewelry for decorating Shrine

The musical sound that bracelets make symbolically tells how benevolent the Lord is towards His devotees. The splendid shining of the crown is proof of burning down the sins of devotees, committed knowingly or unknowingly, before seeking shelter near the Lotus Feet of the Lord.

The Panchajanya (a conch shell) and the Sudarshan Chakra by giving clarian calls would have punished wicked people who did much harm to humanity.

Sudarshan Chakra

Through the broad smile Sri Venkateswara Swamy is acknowledging the prayers offered by devotees who would have received eyesight, some lame people who would have successfully, by the Grace of God, climbed the hills, the deaf would have got back their lost hearing ability etc.,

Those who have won their long pending cases too would have thanked the Lord for His solicited help. We may not know all the beneficiaries. Only He knows them.

All devotees irrespective of their caste, creed, and sometimes even faith whether they are Indians or even foreigners would have equally received the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Lord of Seven Hills. After receiving beneficial help from the Lord they would have contributed their mite. Some rich devotees might have contributed a portion of their profit.

Ordinary devotees always contribute a part of their hard-earned money. The devotees appeal to Him as

  • Aapada Mokkula Vada (one who removes all the obstacles)
  • Vaddikasula Vada (who collects even interest when the devotees fail to deposit the amount they would have promised to offer)
  • Apadbandhava (a friend of all those who are in distress) etc.,

However simple or complicated is your case, pray sincerely. He will come to your rescue at the right time. He will be by your side when others have ditched you. What He expects from His devotees is simple sincere devotion. Please have a good look at the Chief Idol – Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

Indeed, the thirst to see will not be quenched no matter how many times you visit the temple or how much time you spend in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Once you come out of the Sanctum Sanctorum you feel you are a blessed person. But you will have a feeling that I saw only the Smiling Face or the Blessing Hand, glittering crown, or Koustubha near the Chest etc., I have not seen the Lotus Feet.

Every inch of the Chief Idol is so attractive that you will refuse to withdraw your eyes from that spot. Every time you visit the temple you will have a feeling that the Lord is more and more alluring than your earlier visit.

Before trying to know more details about the Sanctum Sanctorum let us chant the holy name of the Lord: Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams
Self Emerged Sri Venkateswara Swamy – Tirumala Temple

BRAHMA STHANAM

The Self-Emerged Salagrama Moorthy of Lord Srinivasa is exactly at the centre of Sanctum Sanctorum. This location is known as ‘BRAHMA STHANAM’.

STHANAKA MOORTHY / STHANAKA VARAHA MOORTHY

Because of this, the Chief Idol is termed as ‘STHANAKA MOORTHY’. Because it is immovable, people call it ‘DHRUVA (PERMANENT) MOORTHY’ or ‘DHRUVA BERAM’ (Permanent idol or image).

Here He is not accompanied by His two Consorts. He has only VAKSHASTHALA (on the chest) LAKSHMI. Hence he gets the name of STHANAKA VARAHA MOORTHY.

Vakshasthala Maha Lakshmi

With Vakshasthala Maha Lakshmi, Sri Mahavishnu left His Celestial Abode Vykunttam and came down to Bhooloka and preferred to stay on TIRUMALA HILLS and valleys as a Self Emerged Salagrama Moorthy. All other idols that we find in this temple are later additions. For this reason, Tirumala has been mentioned as ‘EKA BERAM’ (only one idol) temple.

Four Hands

This Self-emerged Salagrama monolithic idol has four shoulders.

  1. The upper right hand holds SUDARSHANA CHAKRA and
  2. the left upper hand has PANCHAJANYA (conch shell).
  3. Similarly lower right hand has ABHAYA MUDRA and
  4. the lower LEFT HAND IS ON THE HIP.

On the Chest, we can see the insignia of LAKSHMI. The Idol appears leaning slightly towards the left. Looking through the corner of eyes with a bewitching smile on face, the Moorthy enthrals the devotees.

The Sankhu and Chakra that we see on the right and left hand respectively, it seems, were not there originally.

Maybe during Ramanujacharya’s time or after him, seeing that the Chief Idol is without any weapon, they would have added gold-plated copper plates to the Idol. This may be true. He is Mahavishnu with or without Sankhu and Chakra.

“Padmaavatheem Vishaalaakshim Bhagavaanaatmaa
Vakshasi
Ari Sankha Viheeno Asau Katinyastha Karottamaha
Darshayan Paani naikena Dakshinena Vrishaakapihi
Pada Padmam Suraa Aaraadhyam Gatim cha Paramaam
Nrunaam
Katinyastha Karenaapi Nija Padaabja Kaaminam
Nrunaam Bhava Payoraasim Katidaghnam
Pradanshyan
Viraajathe Venkatesaha sam Pratyapi Ramaapathi”

-Venkatachala Maahaatmyam

As He has kind-hearted Sri Maha Lakshmi in His Chest, He discorded fearful Sankhu and Chakra. Therefore He has assumed a pleasing form to clear all mundane fears of humanity. This Ramapathi, the Lord of Venkatagiri is pleasing everyone by showering His countless blessings.

Thondaman getting Sankhu and Chakra

Earlier there took place a pitched battle between Thondaman and Sri Padmavathy’s brother Vasudas. It is said that Lord Venkateswara to whom devotees are more dear, had handed over His Sankhu and Chakra to Thondaman.

The Venkatachala Mahatmyam further says that after the battle, Lord Sri Venkateswara refused to take back His Sankhu and Chakra from Thondaman. As He had not received them, the Self Emerged Salagrama monolith idol is not having these two weapons of Sri Mahavishnu.

Apart from this according to Vykhanasa Agama Shastra, there is no hard and fast rule that all idols should have weapons. Some may or may not have weapons. As a prominent place is given to Sri Mahalakshmi near His Chest, undoubtedly proves that the Self Emerged Idol is that of Sri Mahavishnu only.

Sankha Nidhi & Padma Nidhi

Sankha Nidhi & Padma Nidhi

Posted on by

While entering through the main gateway people loudly chant the holy name of Lord Venkateswara as Edukondalawada, Venkata Ramana Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Sankha Nidhi & Padma Nidhi

Stop for a while and look to your left and right while passing through the main gateway. You will find two panchaloha (Alloy of five metals) idols of 2 feet high. They are the two celestial security guards of Lord Venkateswara.

Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi

Sankhu Nidhi or Sankha Nidhi

The guard standing on the southern side i.e., to your right has two conch shells in His hands. He is Sankhu Nidhi.

Padma Nidhi

Similarly to your left i.e., in the northern direction, there stands the second guard. He holds two lotus flowers in his two hands. He is named as Padma (Lotus) Nidhi.

These two celestial security guards are there to protect Lord Venkateswara’s Treasury, which is full of nine gems.

Achyuta Deva Raya

Near the feet of these celestial guards, you will see six inches long idol of a king standing with folded hands. He is the Vijayanagara king by the name Achyuta Deva Raya. Most probably he would have installed the two statues of those celestial guards.

As per Agamashastra (the Temple Architecture), the statues of such security guards are installed on the two sides near the third entry door of the surrounding wall.

Enclosures

  1. This installation at the main entry gate of the temple proves the fact that the first enclosure (Avarana) indicates Mukkoti (three crores) Pradakshana (circumambulation),
  2. the second encloser as the Vimana (the upper dome of a temple over the sanctuary) pradakshanam and
  3. the third (enclosure) as the Sampangi (Gold Flower) Pradakshanam. Let us bow to the celestial security guards and enter the temple premises.
Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Posted on by

Vaikunta Dwaram

Vaikunta Dwaram is located on the left side of the Main shrine and faces east. This door is opened only on the Day of Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi i.e. only on two days a year.

This Dwaram does not have any special gopuram of its own and is also devoid of any elaborate decorations etc. But the entry into the main shrine through this entry (and not the Bangaru Vakili) is considered one of the most revered and auspicious achievements for all devotees.

As legend put it entry through the door is said to bring some extraordinary blessings of the Lord Venkateswara which were normally meant for the Gods who live in Vaikuntam.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

At Tirumala, Vaikunta Ekadasi has always been a special occasion for the visiting devotees and it is a feast to the eyes and solace to the soul. In recent times, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) management decided to observe the event as a ten-day festival by throwing open the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ to the visiting pilgrims for ten days.

This is followed by a procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy’s deity on the golden chariot and the conduct of ‘Chakra Snanam’ on Vaikunta Dwadasi.

Golden Chariot - Tirumala (3)
Golden Chariot procession on Tirumala Mada Streets

Since this event is a celestial spectacle, lakhs of devotees plan to visit Tirumala on this occasion, but only some of them get the opportunity to pass through the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ on this day. Devotees who could not make it to Tirumala for the auspicious day in the past were a disappointed lot.

Now, several thousands of pilgrims get the satisfaction of walking through the ‘Uttara Dwaram’ and praying to the Lord of Seven Hills for salvation, due to the decision of the authorities to keep the northern entrance open for ten days.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Utsavam) Inside Temple

It is a devotional bliss to enter the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ and pass through the inner precincts around the sanctum sanctorum, which is believed to rid a person of all sins of the past and provide salvation. On this special occasion, the ‘Praakaaram’ is tastefully decorated with rare and exotic flowers of multiple colours, which look like heaven.

Devotees get the mesmerising experience of passing through the original ‘Vaikuntam’ while walking on this path.

May Lord Venkateswara grant liberation of the worldly shackles to all the devotees worshipping Him on this most auspicious occasion.

Silver Coins and Dollars in Tirumala Temple

Silver Coins and Dollars in Tirumala Temple

Posted on by

Silver Coins and Dollars

Srivari Thulabharam

Generally, the devotees of lord Venkateswara use to perform various sevas like Vasanthotsavam, Dolotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankarana seva etc. In addition to this Niluvu dopidi (giving up their belongings-silver, gold or cash to the lord), Thulabharam can also be performed at Tirumala.

The objective of the Srivari Thulabharam is to donate some offerings as per the wish of the pilgrim which is equal to their weight.

The offerings like Rice, Jaggery, Sugar Candy, gold and Silver Coins can be offered to the Lord. But devotees need not bring these things along with them because TTD will provide these offerings to the devotees on payment basis inside the temple.

In addition to this 5 grams, and 10 grams of silver dollars of Lord Venkateswara and his divine consort Padmavati Devi are also sold by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to devotees at bullion market rates on the date. People also consider these dollars sacred.

Sripadarenu

Posted on by

Sripadarenu

A portion of the paste of the refined camphor mixed with civet oil called Sripadarenu is distributed to the hereditary persons doing service. The practice of pressing camphor on the chin of the Lord is related to a tradition.

A bhakta stated to be Anantalvar, a disciple of Ramanuja, undertook to excavate the tank, now known as Alvar tank, together with his wife. He observed a young person moving only small clods of earth, and being angry, he struck at his chin.

When later he went to the temple to worship, he found blood oozing from the Lord’s chin, felt remorse for his needless act, brought some drugs and applied them to the Lord’s chin. It is because of this that refined camphor is now said to be pressed to the Lord’s chin after his ablution on Friday.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

Sripadarenu is well kneaded by hand by the Jiyangar and is divided according to hierarchy. A small quantity is also given to the pilgrims, called kainidi i.e., what is left in the hands as prasadam.