Tirupati Balaji Darshan – ecstatic happiness

Tirupati Balaji Darshan – Tirumala

Tirumala is an ancient famous Pilgrimage centre. Maha Vishnu took the avatar of Srinivasa in Kaliyuga after the Rama and Krishna incarnations. Venkateswara is an idol form of Srinivasa. The Worship form of Srinivasa is Venkateswara Swamy.

It is called Adi Varaha Kshetra. It is more than two hundred crore years old as told by archeologists. Even from the Vedic times, devotees considered Tirumala as a sacred and divine place of great richness. Since then it has been considered a great Vaishnava Kshetra.

“Vishnuh parvathanamadhipatih” is a saying of verses. That is why we observe that the Vaishnavite temples are seen only on Hills and valleys. It is called ‘Sree Parvatha’ in Rigveda.

Sloka

“Araayikaane vikate girim gacha sadanve
Sirimbi tasya satvabhisvetabhishtvachatayaamasi”
-(Rigveda 10-15-1)

Sloka Meaning

The meaning of the sloka is though you are poor, you are in loss of internal and external sights, if you aspire to get rid of sin, and get spiritual richness, you go to Sri Parvata where Lord Venkateswara is installed and pray Sri Hari along with the devotees of the Lord.

The Veda says – that if you are interested and anxious to get Purushartham i.e., Dharma, Artha, kama, and Moksha or interested in achieving wealth, and spirituality, you pray to God Venkateswara Swamy existing at Sri Parvatam.

Divine Place granting prosperity

True! if you read the conversation of Indra and Upendra of veda, and the story of Bhrigu Maharshi in Venkatachala Mahatmyam, it will be clear that Sri Maha Vishnu came to Earth in search of Laxmi Devi and He is residing permanently at Tirumala, His favourite Kshetra. ‘Sri’ means Lakshmi.

Srinivasudu / Sri Parvata

As He is the residing place of Lakshmi, He is called ‘Srinivasudu’. It is also called ‘Sri peetam’ as per Veda. ‘Tiru’ is a Tamil word that is used to say ‘Sri’ and ‘Mala’ means Parvata. Hence Tirumala is called as ‘Sri Parvata’. It is also called Sri Sailam. This is a place of Srinivasa who grants wealth to Kubera, the owner of mine treasures.

By all means, it is called a Divine Place granting prosperity.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala
Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

This is the story of Kruthayuga. Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of VarahaSwamy uplifted the Earth from the sea. Since then, VarahaSwamy is wandering on Tirumala Hill along with Ramaa happily as said by Puranas.

“Mayavee Paramanandam
Tyaktva Vykuntamuttamam
Swamy pushkarini teere
Ramaya saha modate” (Brahmanda Purana)

It means that Sri Maha Vishnu known as Mayavi after leaving delightful Vaikunta is playing with Ramaa on the bank of Swamy Pushkarini. Even now Sri Varaha Swamy is Staying with His Consort Laxmi northwest of Pushkarini. Srinivasa asked them for one hundred feet of land to construct a temple for His stay.

Srinivasa bestowed 2 boons

He promised to share the gifts offered by the devotees as mentioned in legends. The tactful drama played by Srinivasa in the form of a mortal being took place at the beginning of Kaliyuga. At that time Srinivasa bestowed two boons on VarahaSwamy.

  1. Firstly, devotees will visit VarahaSwamy after taking a bath in Pushkarini and then only have Tirupati Balaji Darshan – Ananda Nilaya. This is the first boon. This rule is to be followed.
  2. The first Naivedyam food (offering) will be submitted to VarahaSwamy before Srinivasa. This is the second boon.

Varaha Swamy – Govinda

Varaha Swamy is also named ‘Govinda‘ as told by elders. The name “Maha Varaho Govinda” is found in Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotram. “Go” means Earth; “Vinda” means who has procured. Devotees will call me Govinda said Srinivasa.

When devotees visit Tirumala, they will recollect the mythological story of Sri Varaha Swamy. This is the hidden myth behind Srinivasa Darshan. As soon as devotees step into Tirumala, they feel as though they are on flight i.e., in bliss.

Sri Varaha Swami - AdiVarahaKshetram

This is the divine experience of the devotees who visited Tirumala for Tirupati Balaji Darshan since the cycles of ages. There is no pilgrimage centre like Venkatadri and no equal God to Venkateswara as narrated by Brahmanda Purana.

“Venkatadri Samam sthanam, brahmande nasti kinchana
Venkatesa samo devo no bhooto na bhavishyati.”

There is no divine place equal to Venkatadri and no God equal to Venkateswara in past and future.

Sri Krishna Avatara took place in Dwaparayuga. After the completion of Sri Krishna Avatara, Kaliyuga began.

Srinivasa introduced himself to Padmavathi, saying thus –

Sindhuputrakulam prahuh asmakam tu pura viduh
Janako Vasudevastu janani Devaki mama
Agrajaswetaketustu Subhadra bhagini mama
Partho api me sakha devi Pandava mama bandhavah

“My parents are Devaki and Vasudeva. Balarama is my brother. Subhadra is my sister. Arjuna is my friend and Pandavas are my relatives. My caste is Sindu putra (Moon dynasty)” as told by the persons versed in the Puranas.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan
Inside Tirumala Temple on the occasion of Telugu New Year – Ugadi

Anjanadri

‘Anjanadri’ is one among the Seven Hills. Hanuman was born here. A mythological story says that during the time of Vanavasa, Sri Rama had visited Anjanadri. The mention of Sri Rama is made in Srivari Suprabhatam saying

“Kausalya Supraja Rama, Purva Sandhya Pravartate
Uttishttha Narasardula, kartavyam daivamanhikam!”

“Good son of Kausalya! The Sun is rising in the east, Oh! great man! wake up, it is time to perform Vedic Rituals to You.”

Inside the golden door of Sri Venkateswara temple, the first portion behind Jaya and Vijaya is named “Ramulavari meda“. Banjara devotees (the followers of Hatheeram) call Swamy as Sri Ram Balaji. This stands as proof of Rama’s visit during His vanavasa.

The memories of the stories of Rama and Krishna Avataras bring a divine touch when anyone visits Tirumala. Every stone, tree, hill, valley, lake, insect, animal and bird in Tirumala is the form of Srinivasa. They are all different forms of Lord Venkateswara. Bhagavad Ramanuja (11th century) walked on his knees and reached the Hill.

He thought that even the touch of feet on the Hill was a sin. This holy thought of Ramanuja reveals the chastity and divinity of the pilgrimage and the importance of mythology.

Darshan Starts from Alipiri

Tirumala Srivari Darshan / Tirupati Balaji Darshan starts from Alipiri. As soon as we reach “Gali Gopuram” climbing the steps of the Hill and after touching the head to “Talayeru” (a sandstone) all our sins will vanish. The elements of the body will be purified. As soon as we step up the “Mokalla Mettu” bad qualities like Kama, and Krodha will perish and mild-gentle thoughts will arise.

After reaching Tirumala, the human soul (Jeevudu) will wake up. It is hard to climb the steps on the knees to get rid of sins and request Swamy to uplift to attain salvation (Moksha). The secrecy of Yoga Marga is hidden in climbing up the Hill.

Mokali Mettu - Alipiri (to Tirumala)
Mokali Mettu – Alipiri (to Tirumala)

Tallapaka Annamayya is a virtuous person (15th century). He Praised and described Tirumala grandly.

Pallavi
Adivo alladivo Sri Harivasamu
padivela Seshula padagalamayamu

Charanam-1
Ade Venkatachala makhilonnatamu
Adivo Brahmadula Kapurupamu
Adivo nithyanivasa makhilamunulaku
Ade chududade mrokku dananda mayamu //Adi//

Charanam-2
Chengatanalladivo Seshachalamu
Ninginunna devatala nijavasamu
mungitanalladivo mulanunnadhanamu
Bangaru sikharala bahubrahmamayamu //Adi//

Charanam-3
Kaivalya padamu venkata nagamadivo
Sri Venkatapatiki Sirulainavi
bhavimpa sakala sampadarupamadivo
pavanamulakella pavanamayamu //Adi//

That is the residence of Sri Hari, it is spread over with ten thousand hoods of Adisesha. Venkatachalam is the greatest of all in the world. It is the residence of all sages. It is a wonderful place even for Brahma etc.,

Venkatachalam / Seshachalam

Let us see and salute to Venkatachalam.

This is a Hill called Seshachalam near Venkatachalam where all deities reside. Venkatachalam is considered a treasure mount in front of us. It is non-perishable. The peaks of Venkatachalam are made of gold which shower heaps of wealth. It is the sacred place of whose darshan leads to salvation. It is the most sacred among all pilgrimage centres.

Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan / Tirupati Balaji Darshan
Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirumala Hill is described as Golden Hill in Skandha Purana. These Hill ranges appear like a snake. The colour of this Hill is not like Blackstone.

But it shines like a cast gold among green trees. Deities, Sages, Saints, Kinnera, Kimpurusha etc., will be wandering in these Divine Hills. There is a saying that Gods like Brahma will come over to this place to worship Lord Venkateswara at night.

Here, Gold is not mere metal gold, but it is Yoga siddhi (attainment of divine knowledge). It is mentioned by Maha Yogi Vemana as knowledge of Hemataraka. Moksha Lakshmi is also a form of gold. Seshadri with golden peaks provides divine knowledge relating to Brahma.

This is the divine wisdom (Brahma Vidya) provided by Seshadri with brightening golden peaks.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala / Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta on Earth

Annamacharya described Seshadri as Vaikunta on Earth.

Pallavi
kattedura Vykunthamu – kanachaina Konda
Tettelaya mahimale – Tirumala Konda IIKatteduII

Charanam-1
Vedamule silalai velasinadi konda
Ye desa punya rasule – uerulaindi konda
Gadili Brahmadi lokamula kanula konda
Sri devudundeti seshadri Konda //Kattedu//

Charanam-2
Sarva devatalu mrugajatuli elinche konda
Nirvahinchi jaladhule – nittaina kond
Urvi tapasule taruvilai nilichina konda
Purvaputanjanadri – ee podavaati Konda //Kattedu//

Charanam-3
Varamulu kotaruga vakkaninichi penche konda
Paragu Lakshmi kantu sobhanpu konda
Kurisi sampadalella guhala nindira kond
Sirulaina didivo – Sri venkatepu Konda //Kattedu//

“Vaikunta in the form of Tirumala is standing in front of us. It is “SriNidhi”. It is full of glory. The rocks seen there, are sacred Vedas. Rivers flowing are heaps of holiness (Punyam). Tirumala is itself Vykunta which stands second to Satyaloka.

Deities wander in Tirumala in the form of animals. The water of the seas became hard and got shaped into Hilly rocks. Many Rishis are born as trees in Tirumala. It is a place that showers limitless boons needed for devotees. It is the cause of growth and prosperity. There are caves filled with valuable Treasures. Tirumala is a place for auspicious ceremonies of God.”

There is no exaggeration in the words of Annamayya. The story of Anantalwar reveals the truth. Once Anantalwar proceeded on a southern tour. His wife gave him a pack of sweet pressed Rice (Poha) as food for the Journey. After getting down the Hill, he opened the pack near a well to eat the pressed rice. He found ants in the pack.

Anantalwar saluted them. He felt sorry and said, “Alas! I have committed a sin. Who would be these sages who have been wandering in Tirumala in the form of ants? I Separated them from God”.

With grief, he returned to the Hill and left them free. He felt happy for having left them free on the premises of Lord Venkateswara. This is how a pilgrimage centre is considered a sacred and holy place.

Kulasekharappadi

Kulasekhara Alwar, another devotee (8th century) had a peculiar desire and prayed thus – “Swamy! Venkatachalapathi! Had I been a doorstep in front of You, I could have seen the Lotus face of Yours always.” Even now we can see him in the shape of a door-step in front of Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s Sanctorum.

That is why the doorstep of Garbhagudi (Sanctorum) is called “Kulasekharappadi.”

Kulasekhara Alvar - An Avatar of Kousthubham

There are many instances to recollect the devotees like Kulasekhara Alwar. It is quite appropriate to call Tirumala as ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’. The Divine Hill Tirumala which attracts us before darshan has a lot of mythological fame. That is the strength of that location. Kshetra darshan is the first stage during the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan.

This pilgrimage is the natural wealth of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Nature itself is another form of the Lord.

A tamarind tree stood as a witness to the marriage of Srivaru. The waters that helped in cooking food for marriage are Akasa Ganga, lakes like Papavinashanam; the iron crowbar thrown by Anantalwar that hit the chin of Srivaru; the cowherd (Sannidhi Golla) who died after throwing an axe on Srivaru – They are all speaking to devotees every day. This is another important feature of Tirumala.

Akasha Ganga or Akasa Ganga - Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala 
Akasha Ganga or Akasa Ganga – Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala

Reciting the sankirthanas of their ancestors in traditional services such as Melukolupu, Pavalimpu, and honour which the bride’s party give during the marriage ritual, those people, i.e., the successors of the Tallapaka dynasty, and submission of the pearls Harati during Ekanta Seva, i.e., the successors of Tarigonda Vengamamba are residing in Tirumala generations together and are protecting their culture.

The Puja procedure (according to Vykhanasa Agama Sastra) established by Gopinath is being followed even today. The divine service namely “Jiyyangar” introduced by Srimad Ramanuja is being followed now. Maha Vishnu is known as the protector of the Vedas. The greatness of Maha Vishnu is being announced continuously by reciting the Four Vedas and discourses on Puranas.

Srivari darshan begins with Veda nada sravanam. (hearing), one of the nine ways of devotion (Nava vidha Bhakti). Sankirtana of names of Govinda (Govinda Namalu) chantings of ‘Govinda’ ring in the hearts of devotees like the sound of bells. They remind us about the existence of Lord Venkateswara on the Hill. Thus devotees will become free for some time from the earthly bindings and feel spiritual calmness.

Sins committed in different parts of the land are perishable in Kshetras and Teerthas. Gentle lifestyles such as regulated life, meditation, Yoga practice, moderate food, and relaxation are prescribed during the stay on pilgrimages to obtain physical, mental and internal purity.

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills - Sapta Girulu

Sapta Girulu

Tirumala is a physical symbol of Srivaru. Ranges of Seven Hills are important in Tirumala. These are called “Sapta Girulu”. Addressing Srivaru as “Yedu Kondalavada! Venkata Ramana! Govinda” is very much liked by Him. Sapta Girish means sporting pranks on Seven Hills and staying permanently as “Tirumala Nayaka”.

“Sri Sesasaila Garudachala Venkatadri
Narayanadri Vrushabhadri Vrushadri Mukhyam
Akhyam Twadeeya vasateranisam vadanti
Sri Venkatachalapathe Tawa Suprabhatam”.

Oh! Swamy! Your residence in Tirumala is called as Seshadri, Garudadri, Venkatagiri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhachalam, Vrishadri (Anjanadri) etc., A warm wakeup for You!

‘Vrisha’ means Dharma. There is Veda Pathasala (The school where Veda is learnt) in Dharmagiri. Narayanadri-Narayanagiri is the place of pranks of Srivaru. Seshadri has a mythological fame. Anjanadri reminds us of the birth of Anjaneya. As we climb the Hills, we get reminded of the greatness of Srivaru and our hearts will have His darshan throughout our journey.

If you are planning for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan-  Click here for the Official booking portal

Tirumala Temple / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Final Word

‘Kshetram’ means a place. ‘Tirumala’ is a Kshetram. But there are a lot of (rivers, streams, reservoirs) places of holy water (Teertham). To witness and perform Tapa, Rishis, and Deities used to come to this Abode for many ages.

Likewise, human beings started to come and visit the places. Hence it has been called as “Teertham” by the elders.

Maharshi Vyasa opined that it is a sacred work to visit Teertha. The pilgrimage to Teertha is a sacred work and it is a hidden factor unknown to Rishis even. It is greater than performing Yagnam.

“Rushinam paramam Guhyamidam Bharata sattama!
Teerthabhigamanam punyam yagyirapi vishishyate!”

Glory of Sri Vinayaka in Kapileswara Swami Temple

Sri Vinayaka – Tirupati

Sri Vinayaka, the son of Sri Shiva and Parvati, receives the first pujas, and appears in every Shiva temple. At Kapilateertham Sri Kapileswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, Sri Vinayaka gives darshan in different forms in the temple premises.

Now let us have a glance.

Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy

In the temple premises of Sri Kapileswara Swamy, the presence of Sri Siddhi Vinayak Swamy is visible in the Dhwajastamba Mandapam facing west. In a small temple built with dimensions of about 5’X5′ feet, on a 2-foot high platform about 3 feet high Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy is enshrined as an Archa Murthy giving darshan to the devotees.

Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy is in a sitting posture with his right foot down, and his left leg folded on a mushika vahana. Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy has four hands holding an ankush in his upper right hand, elephant’s broken teeth in his lower right hand, a pasha in his upper left hand, and a modaka (kudumu) in his lower left hand, receiving it with a thondam.

 

Utsavamurthy of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy

The Panchalohamurthi of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy i.e., Utsavamurthy is situated in the Ekanta seva Mandapam of the temple. About one and a half feet tall, Utsavamuthy has four hands holding ankusa, pasa, elephent teeth and modakam.

Sri Maha Ganadhipati

Lord Sri Maha Ganadhipati is lying on the left side of Kalabhairava Swamy on the stone platform in Parivara (Gods around the main deity) Deva mandapam in the temple premises, which is two feet high and facing south. Sri Maha Ganadhipati in a sitting posture with four hands holding ankusha, pasha, Elephent teeth and Modakam.

Pramatha Ganapati

In the temple premises of Sri Kapileswara Swamy, the presence of Sri Pramatha Ganapathi is visible in the Parivara deity mandapam adjacent to Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy on the south side. One and a half feet Sri Pramatha Ganapati is in a sitting posture with four hands holding ankusha, pasha, elephent teeth and Modakam.

History

According to the Devasthanam inscription, a Devadasi named “Sevvusani” who was in Tirupati during the reign of Vijayanagar Emperor Sadashivaraya (1542-1569) consecrated an idol of Ganapati in this area, offered 200 panas to Ganapati for regular worship.

Pujas and Utsavams

Abhishekam and Archanas are performed to Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy every morning before Sri Kamakshi Devi and Sri Kapileswara Swamy. After Abishekam, the idols are decorated with clean clothes, silver shields and garlands. Nivedana is offered to Swamy three times a day. Abhishekam and three-time offerings will be performed every day to Sri Mahaganadhipati and Pramatha Ganapati like other Parivar deities.

Utsavamurthi of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy is carried on a mushika vahana / Glory of Sri Vinayaka in Kapileswara Swami Temple
Utsavamurthi of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy is carried on a mushika vahana

On the day of Shuddha Chaviti in every month, a special Abishekam will be performed. On Bhadrapada Shuddha Chavithi i.e. on the Vinayaka Chavithi festival day special abhishekam and archana will be performed to Lord Siddhi Vinayaka. In the evening, Archana, Aradhana and Nivedana Pradoshakala Maha Mangala Aarti are performed.

On the Vinayaka Chavithi festival day after the puja in the evening, Utsavamurthi of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy is carried on a mushika vahana and taken in a procession through the streets of Tirupati.

On the first day evening of the Sri Kapileswara Swamy Brahmotsavams, Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy appears in a ceremonial procession through the streets of Tirupati on a mushika vahana. Utsavamurthi of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy along with Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy Manonmani Ammavaru participate in the Teppotsava on the first day of the three-day Teppotsavam held in Kapilatirtha Pushkarini every year in the month of Margasira.

Gajananam Bhuta Ganadhi Sevitham
Kapittha jambu phalasara bhakshitham
Umasutam shoka vinasa karanam
Namami Vigneswara Pada Pankajam!!

Let us all visit this temple to this Vinayaka Chavithi and be blessed by Lord Ganesha.

Varaha Avatar – Varaha Jayanti 2024

Varaha Avatar – Varaha Jayanti

We all know that from time to time when evil strikes in various forms and the cosmos is thrown into disorder, Lord Vishnu comes to the rescue in various forms. Ten of these are considered primary avatars or manifestations. Among these is the Varaha avataram, the third of the avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Varaha Jayanti on 05.09.2024

The legend behind the Varaha ‘avataram’ is as follows: The demon king Hiranyaksha abducted Bhoomi Devi, the Mother Earth hid Her in the dark Rasatala region, the depths of the Cosmic Ocean, and nobody could trace her. There was no means of finding her except by the sense of smell. The distressed ‘munis’ approached Lord Brahma who went into deep meditation.

Varaha Kshetram - Saving Earth with Tusks

From His nostril emerged a tiny creature that soon expanded and was seen as a great white boar. This was the form chosen by Lord Vishnu as it has a highly developed sense of smell. Diving deep into the ocean, He was able to retrieve Bhoomi Devi. Placing her over his tusks, he gently brought her to safety.

In honour of this event, Varaha Jayanti is celebrated on the second day (Dwadashi tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon), in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar. Varaha Jayanti symbolizes the protection of dharma (righteousness) and the restoration of balance in the universe. It honours Lord Varaha’s intervention to protect the world from evil and is a reminder that the Divine ultimately triumphs over Evil.

One of the major Puranas was inspired by this incarnation. The Varaha Purana has, among other descriptions, a large portion dedicated to the conversation between Lord Varaha and Bhoomi Devi or Dharani, the Earth, held up by Him on His tusk. Bhoomi Devi asks a series of questions and Lord Varaha answers them.

They deal with the creation and destruction of the world and also how the world is sustained, and what constitutes the right conduct, correct behaviour and ultimate liberation from worldly existence.

A small conversation between the Lord and Goddess

There are many interesting points in this question-answer session. Bhoomi Devi asks if ‘this illustrious Narayana, the Supreme Soul and the Eternal, is God in all respects or not.’ To which Lord Varaha responds by listing the ten avatars and what they embody as the steps for those who wish to attain the vision of the Lord.

Varaha Avatar - Varaha Jayanti 2024

He spoke of the Earth as the first form of that God, with the other aspects being Water, Fire, Air and Ether (space), which we today are familiar with as the ‘Pancha Bhootas.’ The questions and answers are in great detail including the forms of worship, duties of different people, the greatness of different pilgrimage centres, thirthas and even what has to be done on a day-to-day basis.

The Varaha charama sloka has been described as perhaps the most beautiful of the three charama slokas, the verses of surrender that are integral to Vaishnavism.

Sthite manasi susvasthe shareere sati yo
narahaa dhaatusaamyesthite smartaa visvaroopam ca maamajam
tatas-tammriyamaanam tu kaashtaa paashaa na
sannibham ahamsmarami madbhaktam nayaami paramaam gatim.

“If anyone thinks of Me, when the mind is sound (Sthite manasi), with the body in good health (susvasthe shareere), and with all mental and physical faculties intact (dhaatusaamyesthite); if he thinks that I am indeed the very cause of this Universe or the form ‘Vishwaroopam’, that I am without birth (ajam) – then I assure you (Bhoomi devi), that I will remember this devotee of Mine, when he/she is on deathbed, lying like a stone or a log of wood, and personally take him/her to the supreme abode.”

The poet Kabir said ‘jo sukh mein sumiran kare, tho dukh kahe ko hoi’: if you worship when you are in comfortable conditions, why will there be sadness? He was reflecting on people who pray only when they are in difficulty. He was only saying what Lord Varaha told Bhoomi Devi – if a devotee worships Me when in good health and circumstances, then they don’t have to worry about their salvation when they are on their deathbed; ‘I will remember them and ensure they attain salvation’ is what the Lord has assured.

Sri Varaha Swami - AdiVarahaKshetram

Temples

Lord Varaha is worshipped in many temples around India. Some of the most famous temples are the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam, Adi Varaha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh, Bhuvaraha Swamy temple at Srimushnam and Nithyakalayana Perumal (Varaha) temple at Thiruvidanthai (near Chennai) in Tamil Nadu.

In many temples, the presence of an Adi Varaha shrine indicates that Lord Varaha was worshipped there from ancient times. In Tirumala, there is Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy temple located to the north of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

In fact, according to legend, Tirumala was originally called “Adivarahakshetra” and Bhuvaraha Swamy whose abode it was, granted Lord Venkateswara land to settle there. It is the custom for pilgrims to first pay obeisance to Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy before worshipping Lord Venkateswara.

On this Varaha Jayanti day, let us learn Sri Varaha Kavacham, and recite it regularly:

drishtvaa shvetavaraaham cha
maasamekam nayedyadi.
kaalamrityum vinirjitya shriyaa
paramayaa yutah (8)
aadhivyaadhivinirmukto
grahapeedaavivarjitah.
bhuktvaa bhogaananekaam’shcha
mokshamante vrajeddhruvam.(9)

Once a month worship the Varaha swami and His consort. Win over untimely death and be endowed with prosperity. Freedom from worry and disease and adverse impact of planets. Enjoy happiness and attain salvation.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – ecstatic happiness

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Tirumala

Tirumala is an ancient famous Pilgrimage centre. Maha Vishnu took the avatar of Srinivasa in Kaliyuga after the Rama and Krishna incarnations. Venkateswara is an idol form of Srinivasa. The Worship form of Srinivasa is Venkateswara Swamy.

It is called Adi Varaha Kshetra. It is more than two hundred crore years old as told by archeologists. Even from the Vedic times, devotees considered Tirumala as a sacred and divine place of great richness. Since then it has been considered a great Vaishnava Kshetra.

“Vishnuh parvathanamadhipatih” is a saying of verses. That is why we observe that the Vaishnavite temples are seen only on Hills and valleys. It is called ‘Sree Parvatha’ in Rigveda.

Sloka

“Araayikaane vikate girim gacha sadanve
Sirimbi tasya satvabhisvetabhishtvachatayaamasi”
-(Rigveda 10-15-1)

Sloka Meaning

The meaning of the sloka is though you are poor, you are in loss of internal and external sights, if you aspire to get rid of sin, and get spiritual richness, you go to Sri Parvata where Lord Venkateswara is installed and pray Sri Hari along with the devotees of the Lord.

The Veda says – that if you are interested and anxious to get Purushartham i.e., Dharma, Artha, kama, and Moksha or interested in achieving wealth, and spirituality, you pray to God Venkateswara Swamy existing at Sri Parvatam.

Divine Place granting prosperity

True! if you read the conversation of Indra and Upendra of veda, and the story of Bhrigu Maharshi in Venkatachala Mahatmyam, it will be clear that Sri Maha Vishnu came to Earth in search of Laxmi Devi and He is residing permanently at Tirumala, His favourite Kshetra. ‘Sri’ means Lakshmi.

Srinivasudu / Sri Parvata

As He is the residing place of Lakshmi, He is called ‘Srinivasudu’. It is also called ‘Sri peetam’ as per Veda. ‘Tiru’ is a Tamil word that is used to say ‘Sri’ and ‘Mala’ means Parvata. Hence Tirumala is called as ‘Sri Parvata’. It is also called Sri Sailam. This is a place of Srinivasa who grants wealth to Kubera, the owner of mine treasures.

By all means, it is called a Divine Place granting prosperity.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala
Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala

This is the story of Kruthayuga. Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of VarahaSwamy uplifted the Earth from the sea. Since then, VarahaSwamy is wandering on Tirumala Hill along with Ramaa happily as said by Puranas.

“Mayavee Paramanandam
Tyaktva Vykuntamuttamam
Swamy pushkarini teere
Ramaya saha modate” (Brahmanda Purana)

It means that Sri Maha Vishnu known as Mayavi after leaving delightful Vaikunta is playing with Ramaa on the bank of Swamy Pushkarini. Even now Sri Varaha Swamy is Staying with His Consort Laxmi northwest of Pushkarini. Srinivasa asked them for one hundred feet of land to construct a temple for His stay.

Srinivasa bestowed 2 boons

He promised to share the gifts offered by the devotees as mentioned in legends. The tactful drama played by Srinivasa in the form of a mortal being took place at the beginning of Kaliyuga. At that time Srinivasa bestowed two boons on VarahaSwamy.

  1. Firstly, devotees will visit VarahaSwamy after taking a bath in Pushkarini and then only have Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Ananda Nilaya. This is the first boon. This rule is to be followed.
  2. The first Naivedyam food (offering) will be submitted to VarahaSwamy before Srinivasa. This is the second boon.

Varaha Swamy – Govinda

Varaha Swamy is also named ‘Govinda‘ as told by elders. The name “Maha Varaho Govinda” is found in Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotram. “Go” means Earth; “Vinda” means who has procured. Devotees will call me Govinda said Srinivasa.

When devotees visit Tirumala, they will recollect the mythological story of Sri Varaha Swamy. This is the hidden myth behind Srinivasa Darshan. As soon as devotees step into Tirumala, they feel as though they are on flight i.e., in bliss.

Sri Varaha Swami - AdiVarahaKshetram

This is the divine experience of the devotees who visited Tirumala for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan since the cycles of ages. There is no pilgrimage centre like Venkatadri and no equal God to Venkateswara as narrated by Brahmanda Purana.

“Venkatadri Samam sthanam, brahmande nasti kinchana
Venkatesa samo devo no bhooto na bhavishyati.”

There is no divine place equal to Venkatadri and no God equal to Venkateswara in past and future.

Sri Krishna Avatara took place in Dwaparayuga. After the completion of Sri Krishna Avatara, Kaliyuga began.

Srinivasa introduced himself to Padmavathi, saying thus –

Sindhuputrakulam prahuh asmakam tu pura viduh
Janako Vasudevastu janani Devaki mama
Agrajaswetaketustu Subhadra bhagini mama
Partho api me sakha devi Pandava mama bandhavah

“My parents are Devaki and Vasudeva. Balarama is my brother. Subhadra is my sister. Arjuna is my friend and Pandavas are my relatives. My caste is Sindu putra (Moon dynasty)” as told by the persons versed in the Puranas.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan
Inside Tirumala Temple on the occasion of Telugu New Year – Ugadi

Anjanadri

‘Anjanadri’ is one among the Seven Hills. Hanuman was born here. A mythological story says that during the time of Vanavasa, Sri Rama had visited Anjanadri. The mention of Sri Rama is made in Srivari Suprabhatam saying

“Kausalya Supraja Rama, Purva Sandhya Pravartate
Uttishttha Narasardula, kartavyam daivamanhikam!”

“Good son of Kausalya! The Sun is rising in the east, Oh! great man! wake up, it is time to perform Vedic Rituals to You.”

Inside the golden door of Sri Venkateswara temple, the first portion behind Jaya and Vijaya is named “Ramulavari meda“. Banjara devotees (the followers of Hatheeram) call Swamy as Sri Ram Balaji. This stands as proof of Rama’s visit during His vanavasa.

The memories of the stories of Rama and Krishna Avataras bring a divine touch when anyone visits Tirumala. Every stone, tree, hill, valley, lake, insect, animal and bird in Tirumala is the form of Srinivasa. They are all different forms of Lord Venkateswara. Bhagavad Ramanuja (11th century) walked on his knees and reached the Hill.

He thought that even the touch of feet on the Hill was a sin. This holy thought of Ramanuja reveals the chastity and divinity of the pilgrimage and the importance of mythology.

Darshan Starts from Alipiri

Tirumala Srivari Darshan / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan starts from Alipiri. As soon as we reach “Gali Gopuram” climbing the steps of the Hill and after touching the head to “Talayeru” (a sandstone) all our sins will vanish. The elements of the body will be purified. As soon as we step up the “Mokalla Mettu” bad qualities like Kama, and Krodha will perish and mild-gentle thoughts will arise.

After reaching Tirumala, the human soul (Jeevudu) will wake up. It is hard to climb the steps on the knees to get rid of sins and request Swamy to uplift to attain salvation (Moksha). The secrecy of Yoga Marga is hidden in climbing up the Hill.

Mokali Mettu - Alipiri (to Tirumala)
Mokali Mettu – Alipiri (to Tirumala)

Tallapaka Annamayya is a virtuous person (15th century). He Praised and described Tirumala grandly.

Pallavi
Adivo alladivo Sri Harivasamu
padivela Seshula padagalamayamu

Charanam-1
Ade Venkatachala makhilonnatamu
Adivo Brahmadula Kapurupamu
Adivo nithyanivasa makhilamunulaku
Ade chududade mrokku dananda mayamu //Adi//

Charanam-2
Chengatanalladivo Seshachalamu
Ninginunna devatala nijavasamu
mungitanalladivo mulanunnadhanamu
Bangaru sikharala bahubrahmamayamu //Adi//

Charanam-3
Kaivalya padamu venkata nagamadivo
Sri Venkatapatiki Sirulainavi
bhavimpa sakala sampadarupamadivo
pavanamulakella pavanamayamu //Adi//

That is the residence of Sri Hari, it is spread over with ten thousand hoods of Adisesha. Venkatachalam is the greatest of all in the world. It is the residence of all sages. It is a wonderful place even for Brahma etc.,

Venkatachalam / Seshachalam

Let us see and salute to Venkatachalam.

This is a Hill called Seshachalam near Venkatachalam where all deities reside. Venkatachalam is considered a treasure mount in front of us. It is non-perishable. The peaks of Venkatachalam are made of gold which shower heaps of wealth. It is the sacred place of whose darshan leads to salvation. It is the most sacred among all pilgrimage centres.

Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan
Anandanilayam of Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirumala Hill is described as Golden Hill in Skandha Purana. These Hill ranges appear like a snake. The colour of this Hill is not like Blackstone.

But it shines like a cast gold among green trees. Deities, Sages, Saints, Kinnera, Kimpurusha etc., will be wandering in these Divine Hills. There is a saying that Gods like Brahma will come over to this place to worship Lord Venkateswara at night.

Here, Gold is not mere metal gold, but it is Yoga siddhi (attainment of divine knowledge). It is mentioned by Maha Yogi Vemana as knowledge of Hemataraka. Moksha Lakshmi is also a form of gold. Seshadri with golden peaks provides divine knowledge relating to Brahma.

This is the divine wisdom (Brahma Vidya) provided by Seshadri with brightening golden peaks.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala / Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta on Earth

Annamacharya described Seshadri as Vaikunta on Earth.

Pallavi
kattedura Vykunthamu – kanachaina Konda
Tettelaya mahimale – Tirumala Konda IIKatteduII

Charanam-1
Vedamule silalai velasinadi konda
Ye desa punya rasule – uerulaindi konda
Gadili Brahmadi lokamula kanula konda
Sri devudundeti seshadri Konda //Kattedu//

Charanam-2
Sarva devatalu mrugajatuli elinche konda
Nirvahinchi jaladhule – nittaina kond
Urvi tapasule taruvilai nilichina konda
Purvaputanjanadri – ee podavaati Konda //Kattedu//

Charanam-3
Varamulu kotaruga vakkaninichi penche konda
Paragu Lakshmi kantu sobhanpu konda
Kurisi sampadalella guhala nindira kond
Sirulaina didivo – Sri venkatepu Konda //Kattedu//

“Vaikunta in the form of Tirumala is standing in front of us. It is “SriNidhi”. It is full of glory. The rocks seen there, are sacred Vedas. Rivers flowing are heaps of holiness (Punyam). Tirumala is itself Vykunta which stands second to Satyaloka.

Deities wander in Tirumala in the form of animals. The water of the seas became hard and got shaped into Hilly rocks. Many Rishis are born as trees in Tirumala. It is a place that showers limitless boons needed for devotees. It is the cause of growth and prosperity. There are caves filled with valuable Treasures. Tirumala is a place for auspicious ceremonies of God.”

There is no exaggeration in the words of Annamayya. The story of Anantalwar reveals the truth. Once Anantalwar proceeded on a southern tour. His wife gave him a pack of sweet pressed Rice (Poha) as food for the Journey. After getting down the Hill, he opened the pack near a well to eat the pressed rice. He found ants in the pack.

Anantalwar saluted them. He felt sorry and said, “Alas! I have committed a sin. Who would be these sages who have been wandering in Tirumala in the form of ants? I Separated them from God”.

With grief, he returned to the Hill and left them free. He felt happy for having left them free on the premises of Lord Venkateswara. This is how a pilgrimage centre is considered a sacred and holy place.

Kulasekharappadi

Kulasekhara Alwar, another devotee (8th century) had a peculiar desire and prayed thus – “Swamy! Venkatachalapathi! Had I been a doorstep in front of You, I could have seen the Lotus face of Yours always.” Even now we can see him in the shape of a door-step in front of Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s Sanctorum.

That is why the doorstep of Garbhagudi (Sanctorum) is called “Kulasekharappadi.”

Kulasekhara Alvar - An Avatar of Kousthubham

There are many instances to recollect the devotees like Kulasekhara Alwar. It is quite appropriate to call Tirumala as ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’. The Divine Hill Tirumala which attracts us before darshan has a lot of mythological fame. That is the strength of that location. Kshetra darshan is the first stage during the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan.

This pilgrimage is the natural wealth of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Nature itself is another form of the Lord.

A tamarind tree stood as a witness to the marriage of Srivaru. The waters that helped in cooking food for marriage are Akasa Ganga, lakes like Papavinashanam; the iron crowbar thrown by Anantalwar that hit the chin of Srivaru; the cowherd (Sannidhi Golla) who died after throwing an axe on Srivaru – They are all speaking to devotees every day. This is another important feature of Tirumala.

Akasha Ganga or Akasa Ganga - Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala 
Akasha Ganga or Akasa Ganga – Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala

Reciting the sankirthanas of their ancestors in traditional services such as Melukolupu, Pavalimpu, and honour which the bride’s party give during the marriage ritual, those people, i.e., the successors of the Tallapaka dynasty, and submission of the pearls Harati during Ekanta Seva, i.e., the successors of Tarigonda Vengamamba are residing in Tirumala generations together and are protecting their culture.

The Puja procedure (according to Vykhanasa Agama Sastra) established by Gopinath is being followed even today. The divine service namely “Jiyyangar” introduced by Srimad Ramanuja is being followed now. Maha Vishnu is known as the protector of the Vedas. The greatness of Maha Vishnu is being announced continuously by reciting the Four Vedas and discourses on Puranas.

Srivari darshan begins with Veda nada sravanam. (hearing), one of the nine ways of devotion (Nava vidha Bhakti). Sankirtana of names of Govinda (Govinda Namalu) chantings of ‘Govinda’ ring in the hearts of devotees like the sound of bells. They remind us about the existence of Lord Venkateswara on the Hill. Thus devotees will become free for some time from the earthly bindings and feel spiritual calmness.

Sins committed in different parts of the land are perishable in Kshetras and Teerthas. Gentle lifestyles such as regulated life, meditation, Yoga practice, moderate food, and relaxation are prescribed during the stay on pilgrimages to obtain physical, mental and internal purity.

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills - Sapta Girulu

Sapta Girulu

Tirumala is a physical symbol of Srivaru. Ranges of Seven Hills are important in Tirumala. These are called “Sapta Girulu”. Addressing Srivaru as “Yedu Kondalavada! Venkata Ramana! Govinda” is very much liked by Him. Sapta Girish means sporting pranks on Seven Hills and staying permanently as “Tirumala Nayaka”.

“Sri Sesasaila Garudachala Venkatadri
Narayanadri Vrushabhadri Vrushadri Mukhyam
Akhyam Twadeeya vasateranisam vadanti
Sri Venkatachalapathe Tawa Suprabhatam”.

Oh! Swamy! Your residence in Tirumala is called as Seshadri, Garudadri, Venkatagiri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhachalam, Vrishadri (Anjanadri) etc., A warm wakeup for You!

‘Vrisha’ means Dharma. There is Veda Pathasala (The school where Veda is learnt) in Dharmagiri. Narayanadri-Narayanagiri is the place of pranks of Srivaru. Seshadri has a mythological fame. Anjanadri reminds us of the birth of Anjaneya. As we climb the Hills, we get reminded of the greatness of Srivaru and our hearts will have His darshan throughout our journey.

If you are planning for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan-  Click here for the Official booking portal

Tirumala Temple / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Final Word

‘Kshetram’ means a place. ‘Tirumala’ is a Kshetram. But there are a lot of (rivers, streams, reservoirs) places of holy water (Teertham). To witness and perform Tapa, Rishis, and Deities used to come to this Abode for many ages.

Likewise, human beings started to come and visit the places. Hence it has been called as “Teertham” by the elders.

Maharshi Vyasa opined that it is a sacred work to visit Teertha. The pilgrimage to Teertha is a sacred work and it is a hidden factor unknown to Rishis even. It is greater than performing Yagnam.

“Rushinam paramam Guhyamidam Bharata sattama!
Teerthabhigamanam punyam yagyirapi vishishyate!”

Sri Padmavathi Women’s Degree & PG College, Tirupati

Padmavathi Women’s Degree & PG College

There is no difference between a school and a temple. Both places are symbols of knowledge and devotion. TTD’s Sri Padmavathi Women’s Degree & PG College is a direct manifestation of practical wisdom and spiritual knowledge as its existence expresses the values of a school and a temple put together in the present modern world. Under the aegis of the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams, it was established approximately seven decades ago.

This renowned college is situated on the highway of Tirupati-Chandragiri in the interior, south of Sri Venkateswara University. Such landmarks like the N.C.C. Office, Police Station, Padmavati Rest house and the bungalows of the Executive Officer of the T.T.D. and the Joint Executive Officer can be found on either side of the interior road that leads to the college.

In front of the college, the railway route of Tirupati- Pakala – Katpadi which was laid in 1891 stands like Lakshmana Rekha protecting the sanctity of the college, the abode of goddess Saraswathi.

Tirumala Hills - Tirupati Balaji Temple

One needs to know that on the college premises, there are wonderful ancient temples seen even today. Except for the dilapidated temple belonging to the time of Hathiramji, the other three temples, two tanks and a well, stand testimony to the architectural excellence of the Vijayanagara empire. These are the evidences to the architectural history of the region and belong to the 16th century.

Sri Padmavathi Mahila College / Sri Venkateswara Women’s College

Initially, the college was started as Sri Venkateswara Women’s College in 1952. It became Sri Padmavathi Mahila College in 1956. It acquired its buildings in 1963. The region was called Mahanthi Thota in those days. A Ring Road was also formed from Tirupati to this region through Chandragiri Highway.

Lord Venkateswara is a great boon to Tirupati. The T.T.D. is like an ‘Akshaya Patra’ to fulfil the needs of both Tirupati and Tirumala. The great number of earnest devotees of Lord Venkateswara like Acharyas, vassals, Dandanadhulu (military officers), and Devadasis undertook many useful and auspicious programmes for the welfare of the innumerable devotees.

They transformed Tirupati into a wonderful and glorious garden. As a backdrop, the kings of Chandragiri who were the vassals to the king of Vijayanagara and other royal representatives shared doing many welfare activities with the other kings. They built temple towers, pillared halls [Madapas], wells and tanks.

During the years 1530-1560 A.D., they built many scintillating constructions in the regions of Tirumala and Tirupati. The square pond and other Vaishnava temples on the premises of Sri Padmavati Mahila College are some remarkable constructions among them.

Square Pond

There is a divine and sacred geometrical pond in the shape of a square. It is a wonderful architectural piece. It is an appropriate testimony to dexterous ‘vastu’ (according to architecture) observed by the great kings of Vijayanagara. It denotes the significance shown through constructions by the kings of Vijayanagara to such small places as Tirupati.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College, Tirupati - Square Pond

There were many ponds and watery places near Padmavathi Guest Houses and ‘Sveta Bhavan’ in Tirupati. On the western side of Sveta Bhavan, one can see even today the tombs of officers and gurus of Hathiramji mutt. One of the tombs is that of Sri Ram Lakhan Das who was one of the important officers during the time of the last Mahant Sri Prayag Dasji. In 1909, Ram Lakhan Das played a vital role in gold plating the ‘Ananda Nilayam’ the sanctum sanctorum of the temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala.

There was a garden in between the streams of water that were eager to join the river Swarnamukhi on the southern side. Keeping the availability of water in view, the kings of Vijayanagara built small temples in the garden. The big square pond could come into existence as the area is full of water springs.

Watersheds

In 1332, Sri Tiruvenkatanadha Yadava Raya declared Tirupati as Srivari ‘sarva manyam.’ By the first part of the sixteenth century, Tirupati had become a big town with its wonderful expansion. Mainly, Tirupati’s great population depended on three watersheds.

They are

  • Kapila Thirtham Watershed (4.8. sq. k. mts),
  • Malwanigundam (4.5 sq.k. mts)
  • Sri Venkateswara University Water shed (3.6 sq. k. mts),

Sri Venkateswara University Water Shed is responsible for the present cultural diversity in the surrounding places of Sri Padmavathi Women’s College in Tirupati. Tiruvenkatapuram of Yore is the region of the dilapidated temple complex in today’s Padmavati College campus.

History

During the reign of Sri Achyuta Devaraya of Vijayanagara, Sri Bhutanadha Bhattarayya of Chandragiri Fort built the temple of Sri Raghunadha Swamy between 1530 and 1535 A.D. Approximately in the same period, another temple of Sri Raghunadha Swamy in Tiruvenkatapuram in Tirupati came into existence. A gigantic pond was dug for performing Snapana Tirumanjanam and Boat (float) Festival of the Lord. The same glory was continued during the reign of the kings belonging to the Aaraveeti dynasty.

Thieves stole the idols in the present main temple, idols in the ‘Upalayamulu’ (sub-temples) and the idols worshipped during the ‘Utsav.’ They also stole the jewellery and other temple goods. In 1613 A.D. the Vijayanagara king Sri Venkatapati Rayalu II donated some agricultural lands and groves belonging to Chandragiri and Gollapalle to Lord Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Nachhiyar in Tirupati.

The present compound of Sri Padmavathi Women’s College comes under the purview of the Gollapalli and its surrounding lands.

3 Temples

There are 3 temples including inner temples in front of Sri Devi Hostel which was inaugurated by the late Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minister of India. The temple on the right has survived with ‘ardha mandapam’ ;’antaralam’ and ‘garbha gruham.’ It is remarkable that the ‘Vimanam’ on the ‘Garbhagudi’ still stands proclaiming its ancient glory. All three temples are facing to the East.

The first temple on the western side was renovated as the temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in February 2005. The TTD had rebuilt its ‘Vimana’ in the tradition of ‘Dravida Agama’ and installed the idol of Goddess Padmavathi Devi. The rituals are being performed to the Moola Vigraham’ of Goddess Padmavathi Devi based on the tradition of ‘Vaikhanasa Agama.’

The sculptural beauty of the statue of the goddess Gaja Lakshmi who can give auspiciousness and immense wealth at the door’s threshold is very majestic. The sculptural glory on the gates of the sanctum sanctorum of the goddess is an added charm created by the sculptors at that time.

The Pushkarini with the stone steps is now damaged. It was located in the South-West direction towards the temple complex. It is said that Sri Pedda Tirumallayya, the son of the renowned ‘vaggeyakara’ Sri Tallapaka Annamayya built a ‘mandap’. To the southeast of the old temples and in front of the Srinivasa hostel, there is a square pond with downsteps with three main doors. It is a feast to the eyes of the onlooker.

It is a technical miracle when one finds the entrances of the East, North and South with long corridors. The large stones were laid as slabs over the head with the angles of the octagon ‘Astabhuji.’ It reflects the spiritual atmosphere with the hide-and-seek technique due to its light and shadow atmosphere.

There are long-standing pillars full of sculptural glory. In the middle, there is a small round well. It is an artistic treasure hidden in the earth. It is the royal ‘darbar’ of the deities. The place where one gets one’s inner tranquillity. It is like a cradle in the lap of the earth.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College

Gods, Puranas, epics, social issues and art forms have been compactly presented on the pillars. They rob the hearts of onlookers with the help of this crowning example of the architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire. In all, there are 28 pillars. Around four hundred sculptures are hanging like photographs from the pillars.

Sculptures carved on the canvas of granite like fish and animals about the Puranas, deities, incarnations, courtesans, dancers, accompanists on the instruments, and gurus leave the people spellbound by their splendour.

The gorgeous lion in the squatting position is almost on all pillars. Lord Nrusimha in His various postures and the different forms of Lord Hanuman captivate everyone. It reflects significantly the Vijayanagara temple architecture.

Everything is ‘Vaishnava school of sculptural grammar’. The sculpture expounds the ‘existence and wealth of ‘Vaishnava Leela.’ If one looks deep into the things, one finds very clearly the profound influence of Sri Kumaratatayyamgar, the great Vaishnava Acharya on the constructive approach of the kings of Vijayanagara.

Sthapatya Veda

Constructing ponds, tanks and wells is the main branch of the science of architecture which is also known as ‘Sthapatya Veda’. Before constructing concretely the examination of land must be done. All four directions in the ‘Vastu’ (according to architecture) must be studied with the help of a compass. Vastu Mandal must be drawn depending on the Vastu Purusha (deity of architecture).

According to the rules of constructing a temple, Moola Murti is installed in the ‘Brahmastanam’.

Ashtadikpalakas
Ashtadikpalakas – (Gods of 8 directions)

In the bramhasthanam of the pond, a small stepwell is constructed with a gushing water spring. Representing the 8 dikpaalakaas (Gods of 8 directions) an octagonal shape is achieved in the square pond. The stone platform that is beside the pond is made for snapana tirumanjanam. The glorious pond, the like of which is not duplicated anywhere near Tirupati, is an enormous wealth of heritage for SPW College.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College

The uniqueness of the pond is in the fact that the essence of aesthetic taste does not diminish even a bit even when it is dry. This artistic Amphitheatre that exudes navarasas through its delightfully sculpted pillars is a remarkable heritage of the past in the Tirupati region.

In the Middle Ages, the square, rectangular, and octagonal ponds were very famous in Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Most of them were bathing places. The ponds that flourished around Tirupati in Srikalahasti and Karvetinagaram were also bathing places. They were intended for enjoyment only. Contrary to these places, the unique water pond on the premises of Sri Padmavathi Women’s College was designed for divine purposes and activities.

The temple of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi built under the aegis of Sri Hathiramji Mahants is quite different from the above constructions. Their administration continued for a period of nine decades up to 1933. After entering the college campus, one finds the dilapidated temple of Mahants.

The high walls of the temple were seen amid the bushes and trees. Though the architectural style is different from the style of Vijayanagara kings the temple follows Vaishnava Agama tradition. They built Maha, Mukha and ‘Ardha Mandapas,’ The Vimana Gopuram was built in the ‘Naagara’ style like the northern people.

Sri Padmavathi Women's Degree & PG College

Broad slabs, corridors and arches were constructed to accommodate organizing bhajans, and discourses. Though it is ruined, the beauty and charm of the temple is not diminished. In front of this Vaishnava temple, a small idol of Lord Garuda is consecrated in a small temple. At the back of the temple, there was a well that fulfilled the temple’s necessities. A long canal that takes water from the well remains intact.

A strong steel chain from the time of Mahants hangs into the well like a huge snake. On the pedestal of Moola Murti, there is evidence of three deities namely Goddess Sridevi, Goddess Bhudevi and Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy. It is said that at that time, when Mahants had full authority they intended to install Dasavatara idols in smaller temples around the temple. As a part of the activity, they got idols of ten incarnations. Later they lost their authority.

They sent those idols to the Hathiramji Mutt. One can see those idols even now in the rooms of the temple of Lord Rama while taking circumambulation.

Final Word

Sri Padmavathi Women’s College has such a great sacred history and heritage. It is good fortune that it carries the divine blessings thus.

Ornaments of Tirupati Balaji

Ornaments of Tirupati Balaji / Ornaments of Lord Venkateswara

Let us try to know the names of the Divine Jewellary that adores the Chief Idol.

  • 1. Golden seat under the Lotus Feet (Padma Peetham)
  • 2. Golden covers for the Lotus Feet
  • 3. Golden Garment (Peethambaram)
  • 4. Golden sword by name Surya Kattari
  • 5. Golden cover that adores Vykuntta Hastham (Hand)
  • 6. The long golden sheet that covers the Vykuntta Hastham
  • 7. Golden right side Nagabharanam which will decorate Vykuntta Hastham
  • 8. A bracelet under the Nagabharanam of Vykuntta Hastham
  • 9. Ordinary golden sheet which adores the Hand placed on the Hip
  • 10. The golden bracelet which adores the Hand on the Hip
  • 11. Long golden cover which adores the Hand on the Hip
  • 12. Golden cover for the Golden Hand on the Hip
  • 13. A gem-studded bracelet-like thing which adores the Hand on the Hip
  • 14. Nagabharanam (gold) for the Left Hand
  • 15. A golden Nagabharana belt around the Waist
  • 16. Golden gem studded Carcanet for Lakshmi dwelling near the chest of Chief Idol.
  • 17. Golden Salagrama garland with thousand names engraved on them
  • 18. Golden Tulasi Garland
  • 19. Golden Waist belt by the name of Kammara Patte
  • 20. The Golden Sacred Thread of Six Strings
  • 21. 108 names engraved garland of gold coins
  • 22. A four-stringed gold chain made of mohars i.e., gold coins
  • 23. Two arm ornaments
  • 24. Gem studded gold sheet for the Sankhu
  • 25. Gem studded gold sheet for the Wheel the Chakram
  • 26. Gem studded golden Left Ear ornament
  • 27. Gem studded Golden Right Ear ornament
  • 28. Gem studded gold earrings for both ears
  • 29. Crescent moon-shaped gold collar ornament
  • 30. Gold Necklace
  • 31. Gold gridle with bells
  • 32. A pair of gold ear ornament
  • 33. Three-stringed gold chain
  • 34. Ordinary gold collar ornaments
  • 35. Gold crown
  • 36. Newly made-to-order gold sheets to cover Shankhu and Chakra
  • 37. Five stringed Gold chain
  • 38. Crocodile-shaped (Makara Thoranamu) gold festoon for the Lord
  • 39. Sridevi’s image near the chest of the Chief Idol.
Ornaments of Tirupati Balaji - Varadha Hastham and Katika Hastham
Varadha Hastham and Katika Hastham – The ornaments weighed around 5.3 kilos pricing about 3crores.

The ornaments and jewellery valued at several crores of rupees will be in the custody of Archakas. Some of these ornaments and jewellery will adore the Idol and the rest are safeguarded in the temple itself. With all ornaments and jewellery on, the Lord happily and willingly gives darshan to His devotees.

Chief Idol of Lord Venkateswara

The Chief Idol of Lord Venkateswara has an inexplicable magnetic power.

Every day early in the morning soon after Suprabhatam recitation, innumerable devotees and pilgrims will have the darshan of the same Chief Idol. Every day right from early morning up to night Ekantha seva people stand in serpentine ‘Q’ which starts from Vaikuntam Complex and those devotees who buy special Archana Tickets also will join the ‘Q’ near the main entrance and proceed to have the darshan of the same Chief Idol.

As the legend has it this self emerged statue of the Lord is nothing but a salagrama vigraha. Not only human beings even the Celestial Beings like Brahma and others worship Lord Venkateswara. To facilitate Celestial Beings to worship God the Archakas keep some water in a golden vessel. The same is offered as theertham in the morning after Suprabhatam. Twice in a day i.e., in the morning as well as in the evening God will be decorated with flowers. This is known as Thomala Seva. Naivedyam is offered three times a day.

Goddess Padmavati Devi with Srinivasa

Every Tuesday morning at 6 O’Clock as second Archana Ashtadasha Pada Padma Aradhana is performed. During this Archana, the Lord will be worshipped with 108 golden lotus flowers. Every Thursday, at the time of the second Archana they remove the jewellery as well as the sacred Namam from the forehead of the Chief Idol.

After removing this one ceremony known as Annakootothsavam, an offering called ‘Tiruppavada’ is performed. Tiruppavada means a special Naivedyam of ‘Pulihora’ a type of a tamarind masala (cooked) rice. A big heap of pulihora will be arranged outside the golden doors. Along with pulihora even big size jelebis and Murukus (a deep fired gram item) are also offered. After completing this ‘Tiruppavada seva’ devotees will be allowed to have ‘Nethra Darshanam’ of Lord Srinivasa. On Thursday evening a special flower decoration by the name ‘Poolangi seva’ also takes place.

Nijaroopa darshan

Every Friday after Suprabhatam God is given a Mangala Abhishekam consisting of fragrant items like a perfume called civet, a paste-like pomatum musk etc., is performed to the Chief Idol. Only during this Friday Abhishekam people can have the ‘Nijaroopa darshan’ of the Lord. At that time no jewellery or garlands will be on the person of Lord Venkateswara.

Let us chant the holy name.

Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Click here for the TTD official Booking Portal

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.

The Grandeur of Tirumala Hills

Tirumala Hills

Tirumala Hills are popularly known as the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara. These hills are known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha bestowing and showering the divine grace of Lord Srinivasa upon the devotees uninterruptedly.

The Geographical, Pauranic and Divine significance of these hills earn a perpetually grand place among all the mountains and mountain ranges of Great Bharat. Geographically these Tirumala hills are situated at Tirupati in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh and are a part Seshachalam hills range of Eastern Ghats.

Eastern Ghats

The extent of Eastern Ghats covers the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and some of the parts of Karnataka along the eastern coast of Bharat. As described in the Grand Epic Srimad Ramayana of Valmiki these were known by the name Mahendra Giri, a grand and continuous range of mountains with one thousand peaks.

At the time of the marvellous leap of Hanuman across the ocean from Rameswaram to Lanka, these hills were broken into discrete sections of hills scattered in the said regions of Bharat having been pressed under the strong feet of the gigantic form of him. In these partitioned parts the great rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, adding picturesque beauty to nature, have been perennially flowing through these regions.

Inside Annadanam canteen - The Grandeur of Tirumala Hills

These Hills of Tirumala, being a part of Eastern ghats, have the inherited richness of flora and fauna, rare minerals and stones like limestone, bauxite and iron of these ghats.

Though the Tirumala Hills are presently said to have been covering 10.33 miles (26.75 km) in area the original extent of these hills as found in the Brahma Purana is 30 yojanas in length and 3 yojanas in width. A yojana is equal to 9 miles. So the length of the Seshachalam Hills range is 270 miles and the width is 27 miles.

Seven Hills

It is popularly known as the area of seven peaks namely

  1. Seshadri,
  2. Neeladri,
  3. Garudadri,
  4. Anjanadri,
  5. Vrushabhadri,
  6. Narayanadri and
  7. Venkatadri.

Hence the temple of Lord Srinivasa on the top of these hills is known as the Temple of Seven Hills.

The Seven Hills collection is just the visible part of this holy place. But as has been mentioned earlier this is a very long range of hills of 270 miles in length.

These hills have several other names like

  • Anjanadri,
  • Vrishadri,
  • Seshadri,
  • Garudachala,
  • Tirthadri,
  • Srinivasadri,
  • Chintamani Giri,
  • Vrushabhadri,
  • Varahadri,
  • Jnanadri,
  • Kanakachala,
  • Anandadri,
  • Niladri,
  • Sumeru Sikharachala,
  • Simhachala,
  • Vaikunthadri and
  • Pushkaradri,

Each of these names has its pauranic importance in the history of Tirumala Hills.

Tirupati Balaji - Lord Venkateswara Swamy Harathi

Vrushadri or Dharmagiri

As Anjana Devi, the mother of Anjaneya, did penance on these hills to obtain him as her son this mountain is called Anjanadri. The word Vrusha means Dharma. As this is the abode of Dharma this region is known as Vrushadri or Dharmagiri.

Seshadri / Seshachalam

Seshadri is a very significant name for several reasons. Sesha the great serpent has been serving Sri Mahavishnu in many ways. He became the bed of Vishnu in the Milky Ocean. With one hood he is fanning the God. With one hood, he held all the weapons of Vishnu. One of the hoods became the head pillow of the Great God. One hood became the pillow below the feet of Srinatha.

With several hoods, he is providing shadow to Sri Jagatpati. Still, he is not satisfied. Hence he told Vishnu that he wanted to become a Hill and requested Him to dwell upon him. Sripathi nodded his head acquired the form of Sri Venkateswara and settled on the top of it which is known as Anadanilaya.

Hence the main mountain peak of this range is known as Seshadri and the entire range of the mountains is also called Seshachalam.

Garudadri / Garudachalam

One of the peaks is called Garudadri for the reason that it, the sports mountain (Krida Parvataa) of Srinatha from the Vaikuntha, has been brought by Garuda to this hill range placed it here. The other name of Garudadri is Garudachala. Sixty-five thousand Tirthas (holy streams of water) flow on the peaks of these hills along the 270-mile length of this Seshachalam. Hence this is called Tirthadri.

As this is the abode of Srinivasa, the incarnation of Vishnu, this is called Srinivasadri.

Chintamani Giri / Vrishabhadri

Chintamani Giri is one of the divine names of this mountain just for the reason this fulfils all the desires of the devotees who ever visit Lord Srinivasa on this mountain. Chintamani is the divine Gem in the control of Indra which yields all kinds of fulfilment just by praying to it.

Hence this mountain is known by Chintamani Giri for its resemblance with the gem Chintamani in fulfilling the desires of the devotees. This is also called Vrishabhadri.

Vrushabhadri

Dharma in the form of Vrushabha (A Divine Bull) moves in this region. Hence this is called Vrushabhadri. Before the advent of Lord Srinivasa, this hill range was under the rule of The Svetha Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Srinivasa requested Varaha Swami to permit him to stay there. Varaha Swami permitted Him to stay forever. Hence this is called Varahadri.

Ananda Nilayam Tirumala
Ananda Nilayam – Tirumala

Jnanadri

Jnanadri is the name attained by the Ananda Nilaya part of these hills for the reason that the devotees who visit these hills with great devotion attain the essential knowledge for ultimate Moksha. Once this mountain was full of gold. Hence this is called Kanakachala.

This is the place of inexplicable bliss and an eternal source of salvation. Hence this is called Anandadri. As Srinivasa Swami was served by Niladevi on this mountain back this is called Niladri. Once a Brahmin named Narayana did a great penance on this mountain. So this is called Narayanadri.

Sumeru Sikharachala – Venkata Giri

Sumeru Sikharachala is a very significant one of all names of this mountain range. According to the scriptures and Brahma Purana, Venkata, the son of Sumeru was brought here by Garuda. The word Venkata, being the dwelling place of Lord Sri Venkateswara, became meaningful in two ways.

  1. Vem- Sins Kata – annihilates. As this annihilates all the sins of the devotees this is called Venkata Giri.
  2. Vem is the syllable of Nectar (Eternality). Kata is the suffix representing Wealth.

This mountain is the source of Nectar (Eternality) and Wealth called Venkata Giri. As this mountain is the offspring of Sumeru this is called Sumeru Sikharachala. Having been brought by Garuda this is placed on the banks of the river Suvarnamukhi.

Simhachala or Simhasaila

Simhachala or Simhasaila is another name for this mountain because Lord Nrusimha swami made this his abode for some time while gracing Prahlada after the slaughter of Hiranyakasipu.

Kaliyuga Vaikunta / Vaikuntadri

Vaikunthadri is one of the finest names of this mountain. According to this, Lord Srinivasa or Sri Venkateswara Swami or Balaji the incarnation of Sri Mahavishnu took a vow to permanently stay here till the end of Kaliyuga having left his original home Vaikuntha.

Hence this Tirumala is known as Kaliyuga Vaikunta or Vaikuntadri. One who gets the Darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara and who takes a holy dip in the Swamipushkarini is assured to have a permanent place in Vaikuntha.

Final Word

In this manner, this great range of mountains which is not a small one has been worshipped with great devotion by all devotees as the very form of lord Sri Venkateswara. Every devotee needs to visit the Large range of mountains as depicted in the Brahma Purana.

Click here for the Temple location

Glory of Seven Hills

Let us know the importance and glory of Seven Hills. 

Five Forms

As per our scriptures, Lord Sriman Narayana is worshipped in five forms.

PARARUPA

The form of the Lord with His Divine Consorts in Sri Vaikuntam, being worshipped by the residents there, namely Nityas (Permanent residents) and Muktas (The Liberated Souls);

VYUHA

The form put on by the Lord in Ksheerabdhi- the ocean of Milk, where the demigods like Brahma and other devas can approach Him and get their wishes granted;

VIBHAVA

The form of the Lord while He takes incarnations such as Rama, Krishna etc. He incarnates in the world, to protect the good ones, remove the evil-doers and establish the Sanatana Dharma. This form could be witnessed by those who have the opportunity to live at that time of incarnation.

HARDA-ANTARYAMI

The form with which the Lord dwells in everyone’s heart. Only those practising Yoga can realize Him when blessed.

ARCHA

The form of the Lord is enshrined in temples consecrated by rituals prescribed by our scriptures. Here the Lord dwells with all His powers, which He enjoys in all other forms. Here the Lord is seen with all human eyes and worshipped. This form of Archa is easy to comprehend by anybody and everybody, as it is easily approachable and kept in mind for devotional purposes.

Tirupati Balaji - Lord Venkateswara Swamy Harathi

Among the Archa forms, 108 such forms have a special status being graded as Divyadesams, glorified by Alwars, twelve in number, sacred saints who extolled Him and the kshetras, presided by Him.

4 Special DivyaDesams

Among the 108 Divyadesams, four occupy special places, as a part of pilgrimage. They are

  1. Srirangam,
  2. Tirumala,
  3. Kanchipuram and
  4. Tirunarayanapuram (Melkote- in Karnataka).

As it is glorified “Kalou Venkatanaayaka”, Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala is the much sought-after deity in Kaliyuga.

Every day thousands and thousands of devotees throng Tirumala for His Govinda Darshan and get His blessings. The chanting of “Yedu Kondalavada Venkataramana Govindaa Govinda” reverberates in all places in Tirumala. It even rings in our ears even after we reach our homes at far-off places.

The presiding deity of Tirumala, Lord Sri Venkateswara poses in the standing form, among Seven Hills and gives darshan to devotees night and day without any rest whatsoever. Not only the Lord, but even the Hills situated around can give us Moksha- Salvation to devotees in due course, as per our scriptures.

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills

Seven Hills

The seven hills situated around Tirumala are Vrushabhadri, Anjanadri, Vrushadri, Garudadri, Seshadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.

VRUSHABHADRI

Once, there lived an Asura called Vrushabasura who lived near Thumburutheertham in Tirumala. He used to do great penance with full austerity. Lord Siva, in due course, appeared before him and directed him to ask any boon. Asura, with his demonic thoughts, wanted that he would like to fight with Lord Siva Himself. Siva obliged him.

There was a fierce battle and the Asura was defeated. However, he requested Lord Siva to name that place after him. Lord Siva blessed him accordingly and that is why, that hill has come to be known as ‘Vrushabhadri‘.

ANJANADRI

Kesari, chieftain of Vanaras and his wife is Anjana Devi. For a long time, they were not blessed with any child. Anjana Devi then went to a sacred place near Akasa Ganga in Tirumala and performed penance. Vayu Bhagavan, the Wind God, appeared before her and presented her with a fruit. Consuming that, Kesari and Anjana Devi were blessed with a son.

Anjana Devi - Anjanadri - Glory of Seven Hills

That son is the famous Hanuman. He is also known as Anjaneya, the son of Anjana Devi. The place where Anjana Devi did penance came to be known as ‘Anjanadri’.

VRUSHADRI

VRUSHA means Dharma (Righteousness). It is said that Dharma Devata did penance here in Tirumala to attain eternal prosperity. Lord Venkateswara was pleased with his penance and granted wish. The place where Dharma Devata did penance, has come to be known as ‘Vrushadri’. It is also referred ad Dharmadri in some places.

GARUDADRI

GARUDA is the son of Vinata Devi and Sage Kasyapa. He is the Vahana- the divine vehicle of the Lord Vishnu. Kadru is another wife of Kasyapa. She had serpents (snakes) as her children. There was a great enmity between Garuda and Serpents. Garuda used to kill serpents at his will. Because of this, he incurred a lot of sin.

Natural Stone Garuda Formation
Natural Stone Garuda Formation

To wash off the sins, Garuda did penance. When the Lord appeared before him, Garuda entreated him to take him back to Sri Vaikuntam. However, the Lord told him that He would be residing in Tirumala- surrounded by Seven Hills and that he could come there for any service. The Lord named the place where Garuda did penance as ‘Garudadri’. It is also known as Garudachalam.

SESHADRI

There are a few different stories for the place to be known as Seshadri. Sesha means Adisesha, the first and foremost faithful servant of the Lord. He acts as the umbrella to protect from Rain and sun beams, the seat where the Lord sits, the Bed when He reclines, the Sacred Sandal (Paduka) when he walks and so on.

Seshadri - Golory of Seven Hills

It is told that there was a bitter contest between Adisesha and Vayu, the first one protecting the peak of Meru with His hood, while the latter trying to blow off the peak. The contest was going on for a long time. As other gods requested Adisesha to relent and accordingly Adisesha stopped the fight. But the Wind god blew away the peak which fell near the banks of the Swarnamuki River.

When Adisesha was dejected by the act of Vayu, the Gods consoled him and named the hill formed out of Meru peak as ‘Seshadri’, after him. It is also called Seshachalam.

NARAYANADRI

Narayana maharishi wanted to perform penance in praise of Lord Vishnu. So he approached Brahma to show him a place where he could do penance without any outside disturbance. Brahma accordingly showed a place near Tirumala. The Maharishi performed the penance and the Lord appeared before him and blessed him.

NARAYANADRI - Glory of Seven Hills

The Lord also informed that the place will be called as ‘Narayanadri’ henceforth.

VENKATADRI

This is the central place where the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara is situated. The Lord chose this place as his permanent residence to bless all the devotees who come to him for any wishes.

VENKATADRI - Glory of Seven Hills

Venkatam means that one wipes out all sins and blesses with riches. When the sins are wiped out, you duly get Moksha or Salvation in due course. This is depicted in Nammalwar’s Hymn.

“kundram yendi kulir mazhai kaattavan
andru gnalam alanda piraan
sendru ser thiruvenkatamamalai
ondrume thozha nam vinai oyume”
(Tiruvaimoli-3-3-8)

The Lord protected Gokulam from the torrential rain, ordered by Indra, by holding Govardana Hill for Seven days. Lord measured the universe by His foot during Tiruvikramavataram, and Himself opted to stay in Tiruvenkata Hill. If one prays to the Venkatadri, all his sins will be wiped out and will be blessed with wealth and prosperity.

It is here in Venkatam, Sri Nammalwar surrendered Himself to the presiding Divine Couple, which is depicted in his Tiruvaimoli (6-10-10). Tiruvenkatamudayan, who dwells amongst the holy seven hills, will shower his choicest blessings on us if only we surrender unto him.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Sri Maremma Thalli – Chenga Reddy Palli

Chenga Reddy Palli is a very ancient village in Renigunta Mandalam of Chittoor District in Rayalaseema. One kilometre from Renigunta on the road to Kadapa, to the east of the road is the village. Sri Maremma in this village is a goddess of infinite powers, fulfilling the prayers of the devotees, and accepting their worship and offerings.

Since the temple was constructed, it has been making progress every day. Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu is the temple trustee. By the grace of Goddess Maremma, he is looking after the pujas, the festivities on special days and other pujas with the help of the villagers who have deep faith in the goddess.

Before 1973, a Nagadevata in the form of a snake used to live on an ant hill beneath a Neem Tree. Every year in April-May, the villagers used to raise an image of the goddess with neem berries and set up a temporary shelter with neem branches and bamboo sticks.

Villagers would cook pongal as the offering. They would also prepare special offerings and celebrate the festival.

SRI SRI SRI MAREMMA DEVASTHANAM

Sri Maremma Thalli Building Background

The trustee of the temple, Mr. Kamatham Srinivasulu was working as Shroff in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (Tirumala). One day in 1973, the Goddess appeared in his dream and commanded him to build a temple for her.

When he described his experience to his close friend Sri Arisetti Srinivasulu Naidu working in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and his wife Smt. Venkatasubbamma, the couple immediately gave Rs.116.00 as the first donation for building the temple.

Then, gradually with the help of the residents of the village, Srinivasulu got the foundations dug for building the temple. It is said that laying Kurmayantra on the foundation is very auspicious. However, it was wonderful to know that there were a couple of living kurmas there. Worship was offered to them and they were released into water.

In mantra sastra, the method of worshipping kurmayantras has been described. In consecrating deities, the Dhwajasthambha, when building huge mansions, or industrial workshops, in the eastern direction of the foundation, it has become a tradition to consecrate kurmayantras along with matsyayantra.

Since Maha Vishnu has taken Kurma avatara, by placing the kurmayantra, Maha Vishnu becomes the guardian of the temple and the mansion. He sees to it that there is never any lack of water and makes the place very holy, chases away all evil so that the area gains in prosperity and prominence. The twin tortoises which are so famous appeared alive when laying the foundation of the Maremma temple.

Kurma Avatar of Maha Vishnu

This was due to the power of Grace from Goddess Maremma who happens to be the sister of Vishnu.

Cement, sand, steel, and bricks that were procured were difficult to get, but by the grace of the goddess, the trustee Kamatham Srinivasulu was able to get everything. The temple was completed successfully. On the 14th of February, 1977, the small temple rose by the will of God.

Sri Chandrasekhara Gurukkal who was the Principal of the Vedapatasala of Tirumala- Tirupati Devasthanams presided over the consecration and the Kumbhabhishekam of the temple took place for three days with great eclat.

During these auspicious days, Abhisheka Utsavam, Nitya Homa Mahotsavam and special AlankaraSeva were offered. During this Kumbhabhishekam, not only the villagers but devotees from other villages and nearby places came in great numbers and took part in the service of the Goddess.

Anna dana also took place in a very holy manner. Over time, when this original building fell into disrepair, one-night goddess Maremma appeared in the dream of the trustee’s wife, Smt. Lakshmi. The Goddess commanded that a new temple be consecrated. She told her husband Kamatham Srinivasulu of the vision. That is why the trustee Kamatham Srinivasulu decided to rebuild the temple.

Accepting the words of the gracious lady, Sri Kamatam Srinivasulu wore the garment of Deeksha (promise of doing the job) and laid the foundation stone for renovating the temple on 31stJuly, 2009. The villagers and others, and devotees from the surrounding villages took part in the function in large numbers. Though the work was begun with not even a pie in hand, the work proceeded with good speed and there were no hurdles.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

With the overflowing compassion of the Goddess Maremma, there were no problems and the work was finished by January 2011. For this newly reconstructed temple, the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams gave financial help. The chief priest of Tiruchanur Ayyappaswamy temple, Sri U. Tyagaraja Gurukkul and his son Sri U. Ranjit Swami along with their group of priests grandly performed the Kumbhabhisheka Mahotsavam for three days, i.e., from 18.3. 2011 to 20.3.2011.

Installation of 3 Shaktis

There were also homas. Apart from the images of Pothuraju and Goddess Maremma during the renovation, on the advice of Sri U. Tyagaraja Gurukkul, the figures of dwarapalikas for the Goddess, Sri Klashini Sakthi and Sri Harshini Sakthi were installed.

So also, in the pradakshina circle around the sanctum, images of the three Shaktis, Sri Saraswati Devi, Sri Vaishnavi Devi and Sri Durga Devi, were installed. The cost of renovation came to more than 25 lakhs. Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu said that this large amount came from the villagers, devotees of Goddess Maremma and his friends.

Consecrating the Image of the Goddess

In 1973, the temple trustee Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu and his friend M. Bhaskar went to the devasthanam of Goddess Maremma temple in Samayapuram near Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. There they had good darshan of the presiding deity, Goddess Mariamma.

Samayapuram near Tiruchirapalli

They decided to make in the same shape and with a height of two feet an image of Goddess Maremma and an image of Pothuraju with a height of one and a half feet.

So they approached the sculptor Sri Kannan of Narasingarayanipeta near Chittoor. With great devotion, sincerity and ritual purity, Sri Kannan made the sculptures of Goddess Maremma and Pothuraju. They were brought to the village with great care and were kept for forty-one days one mandalam in water and paddy. After all the preliminaries, they were consecrated after the newly constructed temple was completed. The images were reconsecrated in it in 2011.

Along with them, at the entrance to the sanctum of the Goddess, on the left and right side, Sri Klashini Sakthi and Sri Harshini Sakthi were placed as dwarapalikas, and at the centre of the Mukhamandapa facing the Goddess, the image of her mount, the Lion, and the Balipeetham were set up.

Outside the Mukhamandapa, in the front portion, the vigraha of Pothuraju and a Trident were installed. Thus, as soon as one enters the temple, devotees get the darshan of Trisool which is the divine weapon of the Goddess. Immediately after, they get to see Pothuraju, the brother of the Goddess. Later, in the pradakshina circle outside the sanctum, on the wall, we see Sri Saraswati Devi in the south, Sri Vaishnavi Devi in the west (the rear side of the sanctum) and Sri Durga Devi in the north.

Devotees who circumambulate in the temple get to see the Shaktis of the Trimurtis before seeing the Mahashakti, Goddess Maremma. They can pray to her also in the same way. That is, whoever does pradakshina in the temple stands to gain — those who want knowledge have Sri Saraswati; riches, health and gold who worship Sri Vaishnavi Devi, physical and mental health can be gained from Sri Durga Devi. And by worshipping Goddess Maremma in this temple, one gains everything and can feel fulfilled.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Amenities for devotees in the temple

Amenities have been made for devotees who come to worship daily, those who come to give offerings, and those from surrounding villages who come with their families. To prepare prasada (kitchen), a storeroom for groceries like rice and cereals for preparing prasada and dwelling places for archakas have also been provided.

There is also a wide cement platform around the temple for devotees to perform anga-pradakshhina. A variety of flowering plants are also being grown in the empty spaces of the temple. They are using these flowers for the daily worship of the Goddess.

Special Functions that take place in the Sannidhi of the Goddess

Every year one month after the Tirupati Tatayyagunta Gangamma jatra, villagers join to celebrate jatara for Goddess Maremma with great enthusiasm. They celebrate grandly the Navaratri festival for nine days.

  • The Goddess is decorated as Kamakshi on the first day,
  • as Balatripurasundari on the second day,
  • on the third as Annapoorneswari Devi,
  • on the fourth as Bhuvaneswari Devi,
  • on the fifth, it is Mamiti Seva (Siva Parvati),
  • on sixth as Lakshmi Devi,
  • on seventh as Ashtabhuja Durga Devi,
  • on eighth as Saraswati Devi.
  • On the ninth and last day, she is decorated as Goddess Maremma

and taken in procession through the streets of the village. The celebrations go on splendidly. With this the Navaratri festival comes to an end.

Apart from these, every Friday, on pournami and during other festival days, they do special decoration and pujas for the goddess.

Click here for the official website 

The Greatness of the Goddess

The Goddess fulfils the prayers of Her devotees. Many people desiring children come to the temple of the goddess and perform pujas. Unmarried people pray to the Goddess for getting married and when their desire is fulfilled they come with their family and fulfil their prayers to the Goddess. For this, the family of the Dharmakarta itself is an example! Earlier Kamatham Ankaiah Naidu of this family and his wife Kamatham Subbamma had no children and went to many temples to offer prayers. But they remained childless.

Once when a swamiji came to the village, they arranged for his food. He was happy with their hospitality and gave them some advice before leaving: “Both of you go to the temple of Sri Maremma in the village, bathe in the pure water in the temple well, go with wet clothes (at that time there was no temple; people used to worship the goddess beneath the neem tree) and pray to her sincerely. You will get children.” He then left the place.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Following the command of the holy man, the couple worshipped Sri Maremma. After that, they were blessed with a male child. He was named Maraiah by the family. After that, sons born in that family were given names to synchronize with the name of the Goddess. From then to this day they worship Goddess Maremma as their Kuladaivam. They fulfil the aspirations of the temple trustee without fail by helping with the daily pujas and serving the temple’s growth.

The villagers have realised the greatness of Goddess Maremma, convey to her their problems and get them solved. Some devotees who have fallen prey to the drinking habit wear a band and have given up the bad habit. Also, many devotees come and describe the marvels of the Goddess, her Shakti’s immensity and their visions.

Thus for the villagers in nearby places and devotees, the Goddess is verily a wish-yielding tree, a Mother who saves people in distress. The compassionate Goddess Maremma’s temple has several pujas daily and with offerings brought by devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled, is flourishing grandly.