Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

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

Srivari Thulabharam

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

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

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

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

Nakshatrotsavas – Tirumala

MASOTSAVAS / Nakshatrotsavas

There are a few ceremonies in the Tirumala Lord’s temple every month on certain days of special stars. These stars come once a month, and they are also called Masotsavas.

ROHINI Nakshatrotsavam

There will be Abhisheka to Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy along with Rukmini and Srikrishna in the morning on the day of Rohini star every month after Suprabhatam. The same evening Lord Sri Krishna along with Rukmini is brought out of the temple to participate in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva of the Court Hall (Koluvu Mantapam).

After the procession, Rukmini and Sri Krishna enter the temple through the greater circumambulation path (Maha Pradakshina Marga). The visitors of the seva are purged of all the evil effects associated with stars, especially that of the Rohini star.

Utsava Murthy - Suprabhatam - Sri Malayappa Swamy

ARDRA Nakshatrotsavam

Ardra is the ruling birth star of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. On the evening of Ardra star every month, Sri Malayappa Swami participates in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja is placed on another pedestal before the Lord is also taken out in procession in the streets of Tirumala.

The utsavas of Sri Bhashyakara commence on a grand scale ten days before Ardra star, especially in the Mesha masa.

The procession of Sri Ramanuja during these ten days takes place face-to-face with the Lord. The Asthanam of the Lord (Court meeting) is held in the premises of Sri Bhashyakara of the temple.

After the Nivedana, the garlands and the Shesha harathi (lit camphor) of the Lord are offered to Ramanuja. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Ardra are pacified through the seva.

PUNARVASU Nakshatrotsavam

Punarvasu is the ruling birth star of Sri Rama. There will be abhishekam for Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana along with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy after Suprabhatam on the day of Punarvasu star every month. There will be Asthana (court meeting) for Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana on Sri Rama Navami and the next day, i. e. Dashami before the Golden Entrance.

The same evening Sri Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Ajnapalaka Anjaneya Swami participated in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. After the procession in the Tirumala streets, Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana come to Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swami to offer the garland and shesha haarathi of Sri Rama to him.

Sri Sita, Rama and Lakshmana later enter the temple. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Punarvasu are pacified through the seva.

SHRAVANA Nakshatrotsavam

Shravana is the ruling birth star of Lord Sri Venkateshwara. On that day of the star in the morning, there will be abhishekam for Sri Malayappa Swami and His consorts along with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy. After all sevas and participation in the Sahasra Deepaalankarana Seva and procession in the evening, Sri Malayappa Swami will enter the temple.

There will be special utsavas for the star shravana in certain months in Tirumala.

Brahmotsavas always end on the day of shravana in every Kanya Masa. There will be Pushpa Yagotsavam for the Lord on the day of shravana star in Karthika Masa.

Punnami Garuda Seva

Besides nakshatrotsavas, there will be Punnami Garuda Seva at night for Tirumalesha on Full Moon day every month. That day around 7 pm, Sri Malayappa Swami is adorned with diamond armour, crown and other ornaments.

PUNNAMI GARUDA SEVA - Tirumala

Mounting Him on the golden Garuda vahana, a procession is taken in the Tirumala streets with the servants holding the chatra and Chamara while elephants, horses and oxen participate in it.

Ardra Nakshatrotsavam (Monthly Ceremony) – Tirumala

Ardra Nakshatrotsavam

There are a few ceremonies in the Tirumala Lord’s temple every month on certain days of special stars. These stars come only once in a month, and hence they are also called Masotsavas.

Ardra

Ardra is the ruling birth star of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja. On the evening of Ardra star every month, Sri Malayappa Swami participates in the Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva. Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja is placed on another pedestal before the Lord is also taken out in procession in the streets of Tirumala.

The utsavas of Sri Bhashyakara commence on a grand scale ten days before the Ardra star, especially in the Mesha masa. The procession of Sri Ramanuja during these ten days takes place face-to-face with the Lord.

Ramanuja - Jeeyar

The Asthanam of the Lord (Court meeting) is held in the premises of Sri Bhashyakara of the temple.

After the Nivedana, the garlands and the Shesha harathi (lit camphor) of the Lord are offered to Ramanuja. The defects of 27 stars and especially of Ardra are pacified through the seva.

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Poolangi Seva (Garlanding Service)

Poolangi Seva

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

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

Thursday Poolangi Seva

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

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

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

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

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

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Meaning of “Singan Murai” and “Jeeyar”

Singan Murai

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

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

Jeeyar

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

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

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

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

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

Ramanuja - Jeeyar

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

Venkateswara’s ‘Saare’ to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

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

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

Saare – From Tirumala to Tiruchanur

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

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

SriVari Saare to Ammavaru from Tirumala

Indian Tradition – SAARE

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

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

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

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

Srivari Saare

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

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

Wearing Turmeric

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

Wearing Gold

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

Padmavathi Ammavaru - Saare from Tirumala

Draping Sarees

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

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

Wearing Vermilion

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

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

Tying the Hair

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

Koppu - Padmavathi Ammavaru - Saare

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

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

Balanced diet:

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

Wearing flowers

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

Conclusion

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

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

Garuda – The Valiant

Article by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi

Garuda – Pakshiraja

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

Garuda Statue, Alipiri

Origin of Garuda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Garuda Vahanam in Tirumala

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

Garuda Seva

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

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

Divya Prabandha Ghoshti – Tirumala Brahmotsavam

Article by – Sri Anantha Madabhooshi

Divya Prabandha Ghoshti

The annual 9-day festival originally believed to be initiated by Lord Brahma Himself aeons ago, the Tirumala Brahmotsavam, continuously gets better in execution year after year. This festival is not like any other festival held in Tirumala for Lord Malayappa Swami.

What makes this unique is the fact that this is open to all who can visit Tirumala during those nine days and that throws a huge challenge in terms of managing lakhs of devotees who throng to have a glimpse of the Lord on 15 celestial vahanas bedecked with jewels.

The other great aspect is continuation of the codified tradition established by Sri Ramanuja almost a thousand years ago on what divine songs of Alwars to be recited and when the 2 Jeeyangars or the pontiffs, who are called H H Periya Koil Kelvi Appan and H H Siriya Koil Kelvi Appan, lead the holy congregation called ‘Divya Prabandha Ghoshti‘ who could sing the Divya Prabandham, all of 4000 hymns, recalling from their memory without any written aid.

Divya Prabandha Ghoshti - Tirumala

Another striking aspect, as in other Vishnu temples also, is this Ghoshti leads the procession of the Brahmotsavam and it is established that the Lord follows this Ghoshti in an attempt to relish this Divine nectar of Divya Prabandham.

Now, let us get into the details of the recitation practice established and followed in Brahmotsavams.

Mudhal Thiruvandaadi

In the evening of the first day Lord along with His Consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, take the Pedda Seshavahanam. The Lord and His Consorts eagerly wait till they arrive at Tirumalai Nambi Sannidhi on South Mada street, to follow the Ghoshti. The Ghoshti begins with the first-ever Prabandham of the first Alwar called Poigai Alwar.

The jeeyangars lead the Ghoshti in reciting ‘Mudhal Thiruvandaadi‘ which has 10 hymns out of the full 100, dedicated to Lord Srinivasa. The next day morning, Lord Srinivasa, takes a small Sesha vahana, in memory of Lord Namperumal [Utsava vigraha of Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam], who stayed in Tirumala for nearly 40 years way back in the 13th century.

Goddess Padmavati Devi with Srinivasa

Irandam Thiruvandaadi

In the evening, the Lord adorns the decoration of Saraswati devi and a procession is held on Hamsa vahana. Bhoothathalwar’s ‘Irandam Thiruvandaadi‘ is recited in both the sessions.

Moondram Thiruvandaadi

Simha Vahana and Muthyapu Pandiri vahana are scheduled for 3rd day’s morning and evening sessions respectively. The Ghoshti recites the 3rd Alwar, Peyalwar’s ‘Moondram Thiruvandaadi’.

This Alwar has dedicated 19 songs in praise of Lord Srinivasa in his 100 songs.

Nanmugan Thiruvandaadi

Devotees witness Lord’s procession on Kalpaka Vruksha Vahana in the morning and Sarvabhupala Vahana in the evening session and as befitting it may for Sarvabhupala Vahana, the Ghoshti recites ‘Nanmugan Thiruvandaadi’ which establishes unequivocally the Lord’s Lordship above every other deity.

Kalpavriksha Vahanam
Kalpavriksha Vahanam

Thiruviruttam of Nammalwar

This special day paves the way for lakhs of devotees to worship Lord Malayappa in Mohini avataram in a special palanquin followed by Lord Sri Krishna beside the palanquin. Lord Krishna is given higher precedence over Lord Malayappa in Mohini avataram in offering the Harathi while this procession is going on.

In the evening Lord Malayappa rides on His primary Vahana, Garuda. Jeeyangars lead the Ghoshti by reciting the ‘Thiruviruttam of Nammalwar’.

Periya Tiruvandaadi

Lord Malayappa is decorated as Rama and He rides on the back of Hanuman in the morning and in the evening He takes Gaja vahana. ‘Periya Tiruvandaadi’ of Nammalwar is recited by the Ghoshti.

Day 6 also marks the Lord and His consorts riding an opulent Golden Chariot as part of Vasanta Utsavam in the evening before Gaja Vahanam. No recitation takes place while the Lord moves on the Golden Chariot.

Golden Chariot - Tirumala Temple
Golden Chariot – Tirumala Temple

On all these 6 days, for the rest of the distance Lord covers to return to the temple. After finishing off the respective Divya Prabandhams, the Ghoshti will recite Periyalwar’s Tiruppallandu and Periyalwar Tirumozhi also.

Periya Tirumozhi

Vedas and Puranas proclaim Lord Narayana as the one residing in the abode of Sun [Surya mandala madhyavarthi]. Lord Malayappa, who is none other than Lord Narayana Himself, takes the seat amidst the Surya Prabha in the morning and further, He traverses amidst the Chandra Prabha in the evening.

surya-prabha-vahanam - rathasaptami
Surya Prabha Vahana Seva in the morning

The morning session marks the beginning of the recitation of Tirumangai Alwar’s magnum opus, ‘Periya Tirumozhi’ by the Ghoshti. It is continued in the evening also.

Periya Tirumozhi & Nachiyar Tirumozhi

Lord Malayappa Swami accompanied by His two consorts takes a tall chariot and ‘Periya Tirumozhi’ is continued for the morning session while the chariot navigates through the streets around the temple. In the evening, Lord Malayappa rides a brisk Horse, Aswa vahana. Ghoshti recites Andal’s ‘Nachiyar Tirumozhi’ during this session.

Aswa Vahanam

Final Day

The final day coincides with Sravana star of Purattasi month. This is the avatara star of Lord Srinivasa. On this day in the morning, Churnabhishekam will be held and the Ghoshti will recite the remaining prabandhams like Perumal Tirumozhi, Tirucchandaviruttam, Tirumaalai, Amalanadhipiram.

Thereafter, the Lord with His consorts and Sudarsana Alwar are taken to Sri Varahaswami temple on the banks of Swami Pushkarini and Tirunedunthandakam of Tirumangai Alwar is recited.

After the Thirumanjanam and Chakrasnanam, Theertha prasada will be distributed to the Ghoshti. During the Tiruvaaradhana, Ghoshti recites Tiruppalliezhuchi, Tiruppavai, Tiruppalandu, Kanninunsiruththambu, Koil Tiruvoymozhi, Ramanuja Nootrandadhi and Upadesarathnamala of Swami Manavalamaamunigal.

Brahmotsavam concludes

Brahmotsavam concludes with the evening session of Dhwaja Avarohanam event which is followed by a recitation of Ramanuja Nootrandadhi and Upadesarathnamala. Navarathri Bramhotsavam which happens once in 3 years also follows the same recitation pattern.

It is Sri Ramanuja who established rituals and practices in Tirumala. It is a miracle that tradition is still exists and followed without any compromises even after 1000 years and TTD plays a major role in continuing the legacy.

Peculiar Terminology – Tirupati Balaji Temple

Article by – Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya

Peculiar Terminology

Our ancient Hindus tried to focus the infinite powers and attributes of the invisible divinity in a visible image for ministering to our spiritual welfare.

The Mahabharata (Mausala Parvam Chapter – V) states the origin of image worship. It is unknown when the Lord came to have a birth on the Vengadam Hills of His own choice (Svayam Vyaktam). The Lord’s attractive magnetic smile with coral lips of imposing image form seems to have been there from an unknown date.

This temple of Lord Venkateswara existed centuries ago and was administered by Chola, Pandya, Marathas, VijayaNagara kings, the British Mahants and other local chieftains from time to time.

During the rule of each dynasty, the names of the departments in the temple and administration changed according to the language used. It is interesting to note that the names of different departments in the Temple of Lord Srinivasa were also in vogue during the period of different rules.

The following are the interesting names.

Tirumalai

This was used by the Tamil kings and Alwars for Tirumala.

Tiruvengadam

This was used by the Tamil kings and Alwars for Tirumala

Tiruvengadamudayan

This was used by the Tamil kings and Alwars for Lord Venkateswara.

Azagiya Manavala Perumal

This was used by the Tamil kings and Alwars for Bhoga Srinivasa murthi.

Periya Perumal

This was used by the Tamil kings and Alwars for the Main deity.

Pancha Beram - Dhruva Beram

Vaga padi

A place where Naivedyam is prepared in Tirumala.

Tiruppani Bhandaram

Engineering Department of the temple.

Sri Bhandaram

Finance Department of the temple.

Sabhairs

Committee Chosen by Kings for the temple.

Sthanikaars

The local people who are interested in doing the service of the Lord.

Bokkasam

A place to keep and maintain the silk clothes of the Lord in safe custody and ornaments (Jewellery) and also keeping the records of the Tirumala temple.

Sabera paricharaka

A person to keep all the vessels belonging to the Lord in safe custody and daily keeping them. He has to prepare sandal paste, for the Friday Abhishekam and mix it with the parimalam to the Lord. For the daily Darshan in the early hours, he has to keep the vessels for the pooja.

He has to bring the cot of the Lord to the Sayana mandapam during (Ekantha seva) night and has to take it back the next day.

Ekantha Seva (daily Seva) in Tirumala temple

He has to prepare the Taambulam (a mixture of betel leaves and nuts). He has to distribute the prasadams — as per the custom and usage. In his work, the Bokkasam attendants also have to participate. The silver / gold umbrella is to be taken out during utsavam behind the Lord.

Peishkar

Once upon a time, the peishkar was the only person in Tirumala looking after the temple and other departments. The name was used and started by the mahants. He was in charge of the Temple routine and supervision of the temple departments. Nowadays, the Assistant Executive Officer in the Tirumala temple is called as ‘Peishkar’.

Uttara Parpatyadar (or) Parupathyadar

He has to maintain the temple routine of the temple and inform the officers and Jeeyars about it.

TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
TTD Administrative Building, Tirupati

Huzoor office

In those days, the TTD Administrative Building is known as Huzoor office.

Deepali

Sanitary workers/sweepers etc. in the temple are called Deepali.

Ghantapani

His job is to clean outside Kulasekharapadi and ring the Big Bells during Naivedyam every day and carry a flaming light used as a big torch in the temple.

Nityakatla

Daily utsavams in the temple. click here to explore Daily Utsavams

Varakatla

Weekly routine utsavams in the temple. Click here to explore Weekly Ceremonies.

Pakshakatla

Fortnightly utsavams in the temple.

Masakatla

Monthly utsavams in the temple. Click here to explore.

Salakatla

Annual utsavams in the temple.

Kalpavriksha Vahanam - Grand Festival in Tirumala
Kalpavriksha Vahanam – Grand Festival in Tirumala

Chandana paani

This person is to bring clean clothes properly to the Moolavirat (Main deity) to be offered to the saalagramas and the holy feet of the Lord. He has to prepare sandal paste daily for the Lord.

Padikavali – Mahadwaram

The main entrance of the temple is called as ‘Padikavali’.

Jiddu - Tirumala Temple
Jiddu

Jiddu

The small doors of the main entrance (Mahadwaram) in the temple.

Dafedar

Chief peon of the temple.

Navbhatkaana

It is a north Indian Drum. The music is played in mornings and in evenings in the Tirumala temple by this instrument.

Pounji (Diviti)

A Lighted long torch lamp held by hand. A flaming light.

Parakamani

A place where the Hundi offerings of the pilgrims are counted.

Parakamani - Tirumala Temple

Mahathaadulu

Office attendees in the temple.

Jam Ghanta ochi

A person beating the bell with his hand while going in front of a procession during harati time.

Mafi cherapulu

Asking for forgiveness or praying by Archakas to pardon any mistakes done during Aradhana or otherwise. It is called as Padaseva.

Kaikaala Reddy

A person to tie the curtains and remove them and to bring the keys from Jeeyangar Mutt. He is also vahana bearer.

Japra

A Mixture of Sandal powder, camphor (white) and Kumkuma puvvu (saffron).

The above are the important and daily used terms in Tirumala Temple according to the custom and usage.

Om Namo Venkatesaya