Tirupati - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Sapthagireesa Govinda – Importance of 7

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Sapthagiri (eesa) – Govinda

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

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

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

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

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

Seshadri
Vrisardri
Garudadri
Anjanadri
Vrishabhadri
Narayanadri
Venkatadri.

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

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills

Saturday

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

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

Saturdays – Month of Shravana

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

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

Tirumala Saturdays OR Vishnu Saturdays

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

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

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

Later they offer the 7 favourable dishes

Sweet Pongal (jaggery rice),
hot pongal (pepper rice),
tamarind rice,
curd rice,
vada,
laddu,
sundal (boiled channa)

to Lord Venkateswara Swami for his divine blessings.

Celebrated for nine days

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

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

Kalapavriksha Vahanam

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

Rathasapthami – Mini Brahmotsavam

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

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

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

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

Planets

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

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

Avatars

Ketu-Matsyavatara,
Saturn-Koormavatara,
Rahu-Varahavatara,
Mars-Narasimhavatara,
Jupiter- Vamanavatara,
Venus-Parusuramavatara,
Sun- Ramavatara,
Moon-Krishnavatara,
Mercury – Kalki

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

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

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

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

Venkateswara’s ‘Saare’ to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

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

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

Saare – From Tirumala to Tiruchanur

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

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

Indian Tradition – SAARE

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

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

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

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

Srivari Saare

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

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

Wearing Turmeric

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

Wearing Gold

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

Draping Sarees

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

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

Wearing Vermilion

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

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

Tying the Hair

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

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

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

Balanced diet:

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

Wearing flowers

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

Conclusion

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

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

TTD – Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati

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Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / SV Ayurveda Hospital

Dhanvantari

Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the immanent divine consciousness, represents the divine healer in the tradition of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanvantari considered the God of Ayurvedic medicine is believed to have emerged from the sea during Samudra mathan, holding a pot of Amrit in one hand and the sacred Ayurveda text in the other.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an elegant healing system, described approximately 5,000 years ago in ancient Vedic texts as comprehensive teachings on preserving and maintaining health. The fact that this ancient medicine is still in use today is a testament to the wisdom it holds when it comes to understanding the human potential to achieve a happy and wholesome life.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to promote the Vedas and allied sciences, established Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College, Tirupati in 1983. It is affiliated with Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The college has become one of the best institutes in India and has produced several graduates and post graduate students from time to time.

The Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / College has an attached teaching hospital with 210 beds with all Investigations and therapies and also renders Ayurvedic medical services to the people free of cost. People from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and even from other states utilise the services of this Hospital.

The teaching hospital is a part of the College administration for imparting better education and training to the PG& UG students being admitted into the College. Teaching faculty (Professor, Reader, Assistant Professor and Lecturer) are the consultants of the Hospital.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / SV Ayurveda Hospital

OPD Services at SV Ayurveda Hospital

OPD functions from 7.30 AM to 12.00 PM and 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM.
Consultants are available from 9.00 AM to 11.30 AM & 3.30 PM to 4.30 PM on all working days.

Duty Medical Officers and doctors are available for consultation around the clock. The hospital has well-experienced, well-qualified and dedicated Ayurvedacharya / B.A.M.S. / M.D. doctors who attend to the patients.

Click here for Google Maps Location

OP (outpatient) Services are available in all specialities. S.V. Ayurvedic Hospital has approximately 210 beds with a bed occupancy rate and runs 10 OPDs daily with at least 350-500 patients attending exclusively to OPDs.

Procedure for Consultation

For outpatient consultation services, the patient has to register his/ her name at the registration counter. Doctors will do initial screening at the counter. Depending upon the requirements and the medical issue the staff will guide the patient to the concerned consultant.

Patients are advised to bring a copy of all previous evaluations and investigations.

Old (Follow-up/Review) Patients

The patient has to plan his/her follow-up visits according to the availability of the concerned consultant. They should visit the OPD on the duty day of the concerned consultant. They must also bring the Registration OPD Card or Discharge Summary Card during follow-up visits.

The Outpatient Department is generally crowded and free-of-cost medicines are distributed to each patient. SV Ayurveda Hospital caters to the medical requirements of all sections of society. The TTD management seeks and appreciates the patience and cooperation of the visitors.

S.V. Ayurveda Hospital OPD & Department-wise details in a glance

Kayachikitsa OPD (internal medicine)

Kayachikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda(Ashtanga Ayurveda) that deals with general medicine. It is the first branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda which mainly deals with diagnosis and treatment of various general health problems.

Kayachikitsa, representing the school of medicine forms the basis for all other branches of Ayurvedic treatment and hence this lays the foundation for shaping a skilled Ayurvedic physician. Kaya also refers to digestive fire or Agni.

Ayurveda believes that the imbalance in our digestive system is the root cause of multiple diseases. Hence, the chikitsa (treatment) also involves correcting the digestive fire or Agni to restore good health.

Kayachikitsa (or internal medicine), wherein Kaya means ‘body’ and chikitsa means ‘treatment’. The treatment also involves correcting the imbalance caused due to tridosas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The remedy encompasses a range of internal and external medications, detoxifications etc., along with specialized therapy to treat the disorder. The approach of Kayachikitsa involves the complete management of body and mind.

Kayachikitsa is used to tackle issues related to chronic illnesses and common illnesses.

Some of the diseases which are dealing Kayachikitsa OPD are:

Skin diseases (Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis, Eczema, Urticaria etc.)
Gastritis, Neurovascular disorders
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders)
Respiratory diseases (Kasa, Swasa)
Kaamale (jaundice) – Irritable Bowel syndrome

Panchakarma OPD & Theatre services

SV Ayurveda Hospital has well-equipped male and female Panchakarma theatres separately. Panchakarma is performed by highly trained and skilled panchakarma therapists under the supervision of Panchakarma specialist doctors. This purification process helps to maintain good hygiene both at the mental and physical levels.

The treatment is customized according to the requirement of the patient depending upon their body constitution and health disorder.

Shalyatantra (Surgery) OPD & Theatre services

Shalyatantra is one of distinct branch of Ayurveda which explains and demonstrates surgical knowledge and procedures that were performed and used since thousands of years ago and are useful even today. The name of the sage-physician, Susruta, is synonymous with surgery. From his treatise Susruta Samhita, we have become aware of the sophisticated methods of surgery that were practised in India thousands of years ago

Diseases treated

Piles, Fissure in Ano, Fistula, & recurrent Abscess.
Inflammatory conditions-boils
Gallstones, Injury to marma
Deformities, Traumatic conditions
Cysts, Corns, warts
Varicose veins, Osteo Myelitis
Urinary track infections and hernia
Traditional Para surgical procedures like Agnikarma, Ksharakarma, Kshara Sutra and Jalukavacharana.

PG – A&B OPD (Dravyaguna Vigyana, Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana & Ayurveda Samhita)

Dravyaguna Vigyana

Doctor of Medicine in Dravyaguna Vigyan (Ayurvedic Pharmacology) is a non-clinical course. It provides the principles of Ayurvedic pharmacognosy and pharmacology with a special focus on the identification of controversial drugs, adulterants and substitutes used in Ayurvedic practice.

Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana

Doctor of Medicine in Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana (Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacy) is a Non-Clinical course. Keeping with tradition, the course prepares students for an Ayurvedic physician who is capable of formulating and preparing medicines according to the specific needs of a patient.

The program provides training in medicinal chemistry and the preparation of highly potent medicines from minerals and metals. The course also deals with the principles and practice of Ayurvedic Pharmacy with its varied pharmaceutical methods and dosage forms.

Ayurveda Samhita

This is a Non – Clinical course provides research training in the study of classical texts of Ayurveda, their scientific exploration and validation.

Balaroga OPD (Paediatrics)

Balyavastha or childhood is a crucial phase in human life. This phase is different from other stages because of the Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle) and Aushadhi (medicines) administered during that period. As these factors play an important role during childhood, the methods adopted in the treatment of children are also different.

Balaroga is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with neonatal care, infant feeding, diet for the newborn, daily and seasonal regime and also deals with diseases and disorders relating to children including nutrition of children, immunization etc. Usually, childhood is prone to common ailments like Digestive disorders, Respiratory infections, Skin problems, Worm infestation, etc.

Diseases treated:

Treatment for cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, etc.
Delayed milestones
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Gastrointestinal diseases.
Kasa and general health.

Balaroga

The M. D. in Balaroga provides research training in the study of classical texts of Ayurveda, their scientific exploration and validation. This branch of Ayurveda, also known as ‘Kaumarayabhritya’ is one of the significant branches that focus on nursing and nurturing infants, newborns and children.

Balaroga not only involves prenatal, and postnatal baby care but also some ailments under the branch of Gynaecology. The specialist doctors in Ayurveda Paediatrics create awareness among the parents about child care, food habits, physical growth, and physiological and psychological issues related to child growth. This helps in bringing up a healthy child.

Shalakyatantra (ENT & Opthomology)

Shalakyatantra is Ayurveda branch for ENT & Ophthamology. It is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with diseases affecting the body parts located above the neck. It encompasses the treatment for the medical conditions related to organs of the head and above the shoulder like Eyes, Ears, Lips, Nose, Throat, Teeth, Skull, Central Nervous System and Brain.

These body parts are vulnerable to diseases which can get complicated as they progress.

The name ‘Shalakyatantra’ came into existence as the therapy involves excessive usage of Shalaka’ which means ‘probe’. This is a branch of Ayurveda where the treatment is done using appropriate tools for ingesting medication to the affected body parts. Various specialized instruments are used for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes as this speciality deals with delicate and narrow sections of the head.

In some places, this treatment is also called as ‘Urdhwangachikitsa’ where ‘Urdhwanga’ refers to body parts above the head, and ‘chikitsa’ relates to treatment. This system of medicine is also concerned with preventing contagious diseases.

By adopting a daily or seasonal routine with the appropriate cleansing procedure, the functional integrity and structure of body parts situated above the head are taken care of.

The disorders treated in the Shalakyatantra Department are

Treatment for Netra rogas (Eyes)
Nasa rogas (Nose)
Karna rogas (Ear)
Mukharogas (Oral Cavity Disorders)
Shirorogas (Head)

Prasoothi & Streeroga (Obstetrics/Gynaecology)

Prasoothi & Streeroga is a significant branch of Ayurveda, mainly dealing with childbirth /Parturition (Prasuti Tantra / Obstetrics) and Gynaecological (Streeroga) disorders. Prasuti tantra deals with pregnancy, labour and puerperium, whereas Streeroga deals with the management of diseases manifesting mainly in women.

The OPD services of Prasoothi and Streeroga at SV Ayurveda Hospital offer exceptional ayurvedic care in addressing pre-natal, post-natal and anti-natal care.

Diseases treated

The Specialist doctors cater to the following problems related to women’s health:

Pre conceptional care
Month-wise regimen for pregnancy, Yoga pregnancy
Menstrual issues due to thyroid dysfunction and obesity
Post-natal care
A promising approach for Infertility (male and female)
Non-surgical management of pregnancy-related complaint
Nausea, vomiting, headache.

Swasthavritta (Social and Preventative Medicine)

Swasthavritta (Social and Preventative Medicine) is a non–clinical course. The program provides training on the principles and practice of Social and Preventive Medicine at both the personal and communal levels. Social and Preventative Medicine in the School of Ayurveda gives elaborate guidelines and regimens for maintaining and promoting the health of the individual and the community integrating modern concepts with principles of Ayurveda.

Swashavritta means “regime of abiding by one’s nature”. It highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy life by adopting principles of a daily regimen, seasonal regimen, and ethical regimen to combat the diseases associated with lifestyle changes. It incorporates principles and practice of treatment both at personal and communal levels. The OPD at SV Ayurveda Hospital mainly deals with counselling.

The patients are advised to maintain good health and prevent diseases by adopting a holistic approach to life. They are guided to consume healthy food, bring positive changes in lifestyle, practice yoga and also follow ethical behaviour.

The counselling on lifestyle modification and preventive aspects are done based on the prakruthi analysis, which is the body constitution of any individual. These practices not only build immunity but also helps to restore balance in the tridoshas, i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and thus helps one attain stability in life.

Purpose

As the detailed information given above would have made it clear, the purpose of the T.T.D. SV Ayurveda College promotes Ayurveda and imparts quality education to the students and makes them good teachers and efficient Ayurvedic Physicians the Hospital provides free Medical Services for more than one and a half lakh patients per year.

TTD – In the service of Mankind

Peculiar Terminology – Tirupati Balaji Temple

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Article by – Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya

Peculiar Terminology

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

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

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

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

The following are the interesting names.

Tirumalai

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

Tiruvengadam

This was used by the Tamil kings and Alwars for Tirumala

Tiruvengadamudayan

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

Azagiya Manavala Perumal

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

Periya Perumal

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

Vaga padi

A place where Naivedyam is prepared in Tirumala.

Tiruppani Bhandaram

Engineering Department of the temple.

Sri Bhandaram

Finance Department of the temple.

Sabhairs

Committee Chosen by Kings for the temple.

Sthanikaars

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

Bokkasam

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

Sabera paricharaka

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

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

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

Peishkar

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

Uttara Parpatyadar (or) Parupathyadar

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

TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING — TTD Administrative Building, Tirupati

Huzoor office

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

Deepali

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

Ghantapani

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

Nityakatla

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

Varakatla

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

Pakshakatla

Fortnightly utsavams in the temple.

Masakatla

Monthly utsavams in the temple. Click here to explore.

Salakatla

Annual utsavams in the temple.

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

Chandana paani

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

Padikavali – Mahadwaram

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

Jiddu

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

Dafedar

Chief peon of the temple.

Navbhatkaana

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

Pounji (Diviti)

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

Parakamani

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

Mahathaadulu

Office attendees in the temple.

Jam Ghanta ochi

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

Mafi cherapulu

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

Kaikaala Reddy

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

Japra

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

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

Om Namo Venkatesaya

3 Modes of Prayer

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3 Modes of Prayer

Man, not only yearns for his well-being but also for the welfare of mankind. It is best channeled through a prayer. A prayer should be uttered with concentration.

Prayer / Worship prescribes three steps :

Salutation to the lotus feet of Lord Narayana
Utterance of the pure name of Narayana and
Contemplation of the tatva of Sri Narayana.

These three steps, if practiced, constitute the tapas or meditation. ‘Tatvam’ here refers to the inexpressible essence of Narayana.

Meditation

In these three modes of prayer, meditation is of utmost importance. Meditation should be like a limpid and unbroken flow of thought directed towards God. The union of the devotee with God brings out for the devotee the fruit and thereby the boon. Praise of God should be sincere singing of God’s qualities, achievements, and effulgence severally as inherent in Gods and Goddesses –

Gayatri,
Hanuman,
Siva,
Ganesha,
Narasimha and so on.

A mantra is meant for the initiated after training in accurate pronunciation. A stotra is uttered by people with the conviction that its power is equal to that of mantra. Singing in chanting a mantra and singing the stotra are of equal importance.

Sri Sankaracharya’s Hanumadbhu janga prayata stotra has many unique features. It portrays Sri Hanuman as a personality of composure and valor comparable to those of the Himalayas. His bravery in war is signified by his clarion roar.

His composure, energy, and divine power at work are engaged in carrying out the will of Sri Rama. He shines like the rising sun. A mantra, a stotra and a dandaka are composed in a fit of divine frenzy or a flash of vision. One cannot seek logical consistency and reasoning in the 3 modes of worship or prayer.

3 Modes of Worship or 3 Modes of Prayer

Mantra

A mantra is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, a word, or phonemes. Every mantra has six limbs called Shadangas.

They are the

Seer (Rishi),
Deity (Devata),
Seed (Beeja),
energy (Shakti),
Metre (Chandas) and
Kilaka (Lock).

Hence, mantras are for the initiated elite. The mantra saves the reciter. ‘Mananaat trayate iti mantraha’. It is more of an internal recitation than of loud proclamation. It is strictly private and individual. Stotras are uttered by informed scholars and dandakas are convenient for lay people.

A mantra is composed of Beejaaksharas. It has to be learned from a preceptor. It usually begins with the pranavaakshara ‘Om’. Its intonation should be disciplined. On repeated recitation, the mind starts repeating the fine descriptions, dwells in joy about them, and gets identified with the spirit and essence of the soul-stirring parts, especially of the stotras.

A sincere recitation will not only fulfill the desire of the saadhaka but also will lead to the manifestation of the deity in his mind’s eye.

Chanting is must

Gayatri mantra is to be repeated for a hundred and eight times each in the three sandhyas. Its recitation is a must. The triple acts pooraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention) and rechaka (exhalation) stabilize the mind of the saadhaka . One lights upon the layering of sandhyopaasana similar to the petals of a lotus unfolding the progress of the individual soul of the saadhaka.

The significance of the prayer: “Om bhoorbhuvasvaha ….” is singular as it is without any desire for particular material benefits. It is confined to contemplating the highest divine radiance to inspire the intelligence to grasp the essence behind the manifest world.

No worldly desire, no request for the removal of fear, worry, and such negative factors. The request is only for kindling the Buddhi. So only enlightenment is sought.

In other words, Bramhavarchas is sought. Meditation is the key to realizing Bramhvarchas.
In other words, it is the experience of a vision of one such form as a living presence and the practitioner gets easily the vision.

A mantra is characterized by severe elegance and a stotra and more so a dandaka is a spontaneous flow of praise that surges from the heart of the devotee.

In form, style, and structure; the dandakas have distinctive features making them different from the mantras and stotras. A mantra is a formulaic expression. It is incantatory and is well-fitted for recitation. The reciter should aim at attaining a mood that aligns him with the source of cosmic energy and the aim is to achieve union with the soul of the supreme.

The poetic compositions of stotras and dandakas draw upon a pool of conventions and styles of the genre concerned.

Dandaka is sung with gusto and the musical resonances emanate from the sound patterns inherent in a composition. Each composer does it in his way to endow it with a singing melody. “Sarada dandakam” of Sri Kalidasa exploits the device of invocatory hailing devices.

Dandakas are concerned with the praises of the deities of one’s personal choices.

A dandaka as a meditation should dwell on a God or Goddess in one uninterrupted flow of the same thought towards a particular God or Goddess.

Dandakas are prayers that highlight God’s qualities, and achievements. The prayers are aimed at bringing out the form, the glory, and the power as revealed in the Vedas, the Puranas, epics.

Dandakam

We have a host of dandakas dear to almost all the devotees and most of them are composed in pure Telugu.

We can mention

Sri Venkateswara dandakam,
Sreerama dandakam,
Ganesha dandakam,
Sri Anjaneya dandakam and several others.

They are unique in their ways as the Gods praised have been differentiated appropriately. The styles are adjusted to the presentation of Gods and Goddesses concerned.

BirthPlace of Hanuman

Sri Hanuman dandakam

“Sri Hanuman dandakam” is perhaps the most popular of all the dandakams in Telugu. Its logical coherence is derived from the coherence of the features, appearances, valor, bravery, and purity of Hanuman. He is mentioned as the savior of Lakshmana. He puts hope and cheer on Sita about her release from the state of imprisonment.

He gives her the ring of Sri Rama and receives her head ornament to be given to Sri Rama – a mutual confirmation and consolation is thus achieved. He brings Sanjeevini mountain and saves Lakshmana from a mortal faint. Thus he inspires hope in Sita and restores Lakshmana to life.

The pragmatic aspect of saving Sita is to be realized through causing a bridge for all the hordes of vanaras to cross the ocean. They overpower the demons in the army of Ravana. Ravana employs the might of sakti. On the other hand, Hanuman helps the world by his bramha tejas in exorcising people of evil spirits.

In this task of working out the welfare of the world, Hanuman is fortified by repeating Taraka mantra. In such a good task, Hanuman becomes another Narasimha. The epic “Sreemad Ramayana” is telescoped in narrating a few key incidents. All this flashes across the mind’s eye of the reader. Vibhishana’s coronation foreshadows the coronation of Sri Rama.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

Sri Venkateswara dandakam

“Sri Venkateswara dandakam” is a compendium of the greatness of Lord Venkateswara. His descent from Vaikunta is followed step by step by his gradual evolution into pratyaksha daiva. He has to be praised as Abhayavarada and it brings to our mind the actual descent of God from Vaikunta to the earth.

The rituals derived from the literary texts intertwine the sacred presence of Sri Venkatesa. The group of sevas are known as Udayaastamana sevas making Lord Srinivasa a vibrant deity. One can round off the dandaka study by knowing the meaning of dandaka as a garland. It is both literal and metaphorical in the context of garland used as the age-old ornament in the worship of deities.

Article by – Dr. M. Sreeramachar

3 Modes of Worship

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3 Modes of Worship

Man, not only yearns for his well-being but also for the welfare of mankind. It is best channeled through a prayer. A prayer should be uttered with concentration.

Prayer / Worship prescribes three steps :

Salutation to the lotus feet of Lord Narayana
Utterance of the pure name of Narayana and
Contemplation of the tatva of Sri Narayana.

These three steps, if practiced, constitute the tapas or meditation. ‘Tatvam’ here refers to the inexpressible essence of Narayana.

Meditation

In these three modes of prayer, meditation is of utmost importance. Meditation should be like a limpid and unbroken flow of thought directed towards God. The union of the devotee with the God brings out for the devotee the fruit and thereby the boon. Praise of the God should be sincere singing of the God’s qualities, achievements and effulgence severally as inherent in Gods and Goddesses –

Gayatri,
Hanuman,
Siva,
Ganesha,
Narasimha and so on.

A mantra is meant for the initiated after a training in accurate pronunciation. A stotra is uttered by people with the conviction that its power is equal to that of mantra. Singing in chanting a mantra and singing the stotra are of equal importance.

Sri Sankaracharya’s Hanumadbhu janga prayata stotra has many unique features. It portrays Sri Hanuman as a personality of composure and valor comparable to those of the Himalayas. His bravery in war is signified by his clarion roar.

His composure, energy, and divine power at work are engaged in carrying out the will of Sri Rama. He shines like the rising sun. A mantra, a stotra and a dandaka are composed in a fit of divine frenzy or a flash of vision. One cannot seek logical consistency and reasoning in the 3 modes of worship or prayer.

3 Modes of Worship or 3 Modes of Prayer

Mantra

A mantra is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, a word, or phonemes. Every mantra has six limbs called Shadangas.

They are the

Seer (Rishi),
Deity (Devata),
Seed (Beeja),
energy (Shakti),
Metre (Chandas) and
Kilaka (Lock).

Hence, mantras are for the initiated elite. The mantra saves the reciter. ‘Mananaat trayate iti mantraha’. It is more of an internal recitation than of loud proclamation. It is strictly private and individual. Stotras are uttered by informed scholars and dandakas are convenient for lay people.

A mantra is composed of Beejaaksharas. It has to be learned from a preceptor. It usually begins with the pranavaakshara ‘Om’. Its intonation should be disciplined. On repeated recitation, the mind starts repeating the fine descriptions, dwells in joy about them, and gets identified with the spirit and essence of the soul-stirring parts, especially of the stotras.

A sincere recitation will not only fulfill the desire of the saadhaka but also will lead to the manifestation of the deity in his mind’s eye.

Chanting is must

Gayatri mantra is to be repeated for a hundred and eight times each in the three sandhyas. Its recitation is a must. The triple acts pooraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention) and rechaka (exhalation) stabilize the mind of the saadhaka . One lights upon the layering of sandhyopaasana similar to the petals of a lotus unfolding the progress of the individual soul of the saadhaka.

The significance of the prayer: “Om bhoorbhuvasvaha ….” is singular as it is without any desire for particular material benefits. It is confined to contemplating the highest divine radiance to inspire the intelligence to grasp the essence behind the manifest world.

No worldly desire, no request for the removal of fear, worry, and such negative factors. The request is only for kindling the Buddhi. So only enlightenment is sought.

In other words, Bramhavarchas is sought. Meditation is the key to realizing Bramhvarchas.
In other words, it is the experience of a vision of one such form as a living presence and the practitioner gets easily the vision.

A mantra is characterized by severe elegance and a stotra and more so a dandaka is a spontaneous flow of praise that surges from the heart of the devotee.

In form, style, and structure; the dandakas have distinctive features making them different from the mantras and stotras. A mantra is a formulaic expression. It is incantatory and is well-fitted for recitation. The reciter should aim at attaining a mood that aligns him with the source of cosmic energy and the aim is to achieve union with the soul of the supreme.

The poetic compositions of stotras and dandakas draw upon a pool of conventions and styles of the genre concerned.

Dandaka is sung with gusto and the musical resonances emanate from the sound patterns inherent in a composition. Each composer does it in his way to endow it with a singing melody. “Sarada dandakam” of Sri Kalidasa exploits the device of invocatory hailing devices.

Dandakas are concerned with the praises of the deities of one’s personal choices.

A dandaka as a meditation should dwell on a God or Goddess in one uninterrupted flow of the same thought towards a particular God or Goddess.

Dandakas are prayers that highlight God’s qualities, and achievements. The prayers are aimed at bringing out the form, the glory, and the power as revealed in the Vedas, the Puranas, epics.

Dandakam

We have a host of dandakas dear to almost all the devotees and most of them are composed in pure Telugu.

We can mention

Sri Venkateswara dandakam,
Sreerama dandakam,
Ganesha dandakam,
Sri Anjaneya dandakam and several others.

They are unique in their ways as the Gods praised have been differentiated appropriately. The styles are adjusted to the presentation of Gods and Goddesses concerned.

BirthPlace of Hanuman

Sri Hanuman dandakam

“Sri Hanuman dandakam” is perhaps the most popular of all the dandakams in Telugu. Its logical coherence is derived from the coherence of the features, appearances, valor, bravery, and purity of Hanuman. He is mentioned as the savior of Lakshmana. He puts hope and cheer on Sita about her release from the state of imprisonment.

He gives her the ring of Sri Rama and receives her head ornament to be given to Sri Rama – a mutual confirmation and consolation is thus achieved. He brings Sanjeevini mountain and saves Lakshmana from a mortal faint. Thus he inspires hope in Sita and restores Lakshmana to life.

The pragmatic aspect of saving Sita is to be realized through causing a bridge for all the hordes of vanaras to cross the ocean. They overpower the demons in the army of Ravana. Ravana employs the might of sakti. On the other hand, Hanuman helps the world by his bramha tejas in exorcising people of evil spirits.

In this task of working out the welfare of the world, Hanuman is fortified by repeating Taraka mantra. In such a good task, Hanuman becomes another Narasimha. The epic “Sreemad Ramayana” is telescoped in narrating a few key incidents. All this flashes across the mind’s eye of the reader. Vibhishana’s coronation foreshadows the coronation of Sri Rama.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

Sri Venkateswara dandakam

“Sri Venkateswara dandakam” is a compendium of the greatness of Lord Venkateswara. His descent from Vaikunta is followed step by step by his gradual evolution into pratyaksha daiva. He has to be praised as Abhayavarada and it brings to our mind the actual descent of God from Vaikunta to the earth.

The rituals derived from the literary texts intertwine the sacred presence of Sri Venkatesa. The group of sevas are known as Udayaastamana sevas making Lord Srinivasa a vibrant deity. One can round off the dandaka study by knowing the meaning of dandaka as a garland. It is both literal and metaphorical in the context of garland used as the age-old ornament in the worship of deities.

Article by – Dr. M. Sreeramachar

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) – Schemes and Trusts

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Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) – Schemes and Trusts

Philanthropy is one of the major sources of revenue that drives the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in its endeavor to benefit society. More than the money involved, it is the offerings made by the devotees, right from a normal person to a multi-millionaire, in fulfillment of their vow that matters.

Any devotee can simply drop his offerings into the ‘Srivari Hundi’. Besides, they can also contribute a significant amount to the scores of schemes and trusts run by the TTD as part of its social responsibility. By contributing to the schemes, every devotee can become a partner with the TTD’s objectives to reach out to society.

Sri Venkateswara Anna Prasadam Trust

Going by the adage ‘Manava Sevaye Madhava Seva’ (service to humanity is service to the Lord), the TTD launched Sri Venkateswara Anna Prasadam Trust, which is a major source today in providing meals to the tens of thousands of devotees visiting Tirumala every day.

Every morsel of food provided to the common public is viewed as ‘Srivari Prasadam’ and hence is accepted with utmost devotion.

One-Day Donation Scheme

T.T.D. has introduced a scheme towards a one-day contribution of the donation amount for serving Annaprasadam at Tirumala. The devotees can contribute towards the entire one-day Annaprasadam or breakfast, lunch, or dinner the name of the donor will be displayed at MTVAC, and the donor is permitted to serve the Annaprasadam on any chosen date.

The contributions will be treated as corpus donations and uniform privileges will apply to the donors like darshan, accommodation, etc.

Sri Venkateswara Pranadana Trust

The TTD has several hospitals under its umbrella, which provide free medical treatment and even conduct surgeries for the deserving poor. Sri Venkateswara Pranadana Trust was formed with the noble aim of providing free medication to poor patients afflicted with life-threatening diseases related to heart, kidney, brain, etc.

Beneficiaries are identified transparently by a team of medical experts and the treatment or surgery is done free of cost.

With medical care becoming increasingly unaffordable, this trust has proved to be a savior for many.

click here to know more about donations towards Paranadana Trust

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

This trust is yet another forum that plays a very important role in the protection of cows, which is of paramount importance in Hindu Dharma. The TTD established a dairy farm called ‘Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshanasala’ in Tirupati in the year 1956 and formed the trust in 2002 to meet its needs.

Devotees can also help in the protection and propagation of endangered varieties of native cows such as Gir, Sahiwal, Kankrej, Ongole, and Punganur, as TTD management has taken up the massive responsibility with the contribution received by this trust.

Click here for more details

Sri Venkateswara Vidyadana Trust

This trust was formed in the year 2008 to sanction scholarships to 1000 meritorious students living below the poverty line. Students studying in Zilla Parishat, municipal corporation, private aided, and even the schools run by the TTD management are eligible to get the scholarships.

By providing education to a single student, the TTD aims to better the lives of an entire generation.

Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled (BIRRD)

Physical disability is one major impediment that ruins one’s life. To come to the rescue of such disabled persons, the TTD formed the Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled (BIRRD) Trust to treat patients suffering from polio mellitus, cerebral palsy, congenital anomalies, spinal injuries, and other orthopedic disorders.

With state-of-the-art equipment and modern operation theatres, the BIRRD hospital is comparable to the best orthopedic super-specialty hospitals in Asia. The treatment is provided free of cost at this hospital to the deserving persons.

Sri Venkateswara Veda Parirakshana Trust

Vedas are at the root of Hindu Dharma. The Sanatana Hindu Dharma is identified through the Vedic tradition. To preserve the ancient Vedas, Sri Venkateswara Veda Parirakshana Trust was formed in the year 2007. With this, the TTD runs Veda Patasalas and provides financial emoluments to aged Vedic scholars to let them share their rich knowledge with the younger generation.

Donating to this trust is synonymous with protecting the ancient Vedic civilization. As repair, renovation, and revival of ancient temples is the key to protecting the Hindu Dharma, Sri Venkateswara Heritage Preservation Trust was introduced in 2006 to protect dilapidated temples and other heritage structures. Donations to this trust will directly help in protecting our ancient temple tradition.

Sri Venkateswara Sarvasreyas Trust

The TTD established Sri Venkateswara Bala Mandir in the year 1943 to take care of orphaned children. It was later renamed as Sri Venkateswara Sarvasreyas Trust, which provides shelter to boys and girls who have no parents or those with parents who are not able to bring them up due to financial constraints.

Such children are admitted to this school and free education is provided to make them bright and responsible citizens.

Sri Venkateswara Alaya Nirmanam (SRIVANI) Trust

Sri Venkateswara Alaya Nirmanam (SRIVANI) Trust has been formed in recent years to construct, maintain, manage, and administer Sri Venkateswara temples and their properties. Various religious rituals pertaining to the temples will also be performed with the funds donated to the trust.

Click here for more details.

Sri Balaji Arogya Varaprasadini Scheme

It was formed in the year 2007 in Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), the TTD’s super specialty hospital. The funds received by this trust are used to conduct medical research and provide medical treatment to deserving patients.

How to Make Donation

For all the above trusts, devotees can issue a cheque or draw a demand draft in favor of ‘The Executive Officer, TTD, Tirupati’ and send it to the address ‘The Chief Accounts Officer, Centralised Donor Management Cell, TTD administrative building, Kapila Theertham Road, Tirupati – 517 501’.

All donations are exempt under Sec 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.

Privileges to Donors

The TTD also provides certain privileges to the donors contributing to the above schemes.

1 to 5 Lakh

According to the information provided by the TTD, philanthropists donating any amount between Rs.1 lakh and Rs.5 lakh will be allowed for Darshan through ‘Supatham’ for one day in a year (subject to availability) for their family of five persons. They will also get free accommodation for five persons or VIP accommodation on a payment basis once a year.

Six small Laddus will be provided to them during their visit for Darshan, apart from one Dupatta, a blouse piece as ‘Bahumanam’. These privileges will be extended during the lifetime of the donor in case of individuals or for 20 years, in case of firms, companies, and joint donors.

5 to 10 Lakh

Those who donate an amount between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.10 lakh will get Darshan through ‘Supatham’ for three days in a year (subject to availability) for five members of their family. Free accommodation will be provided for three days or VIP accommodation on a payment basis.

Ten small Laddus are provided during two visits to the temple, at the rate of five each time, apart from Dupatta, blouse piece as ‘Bahumanam’. A silver coin weighing 50 grams will be given once in their lifetime.

10 Lakh to 1 Crore

Donors donating an amount between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1 crore will be provided break darshan for three days in a year (subject to availability) for their family of five persons. They will be provided accommodation three times a year in any room with a tariff value of Rs.500. A gold dollar weighing 5 grams and a silver coin weighing 50 grams will be given once in their lifetime.

1 Crore and Above

Those donating Rs.1 crore and above will get VIP break Darshan for three days a year free of cost for their family of five persons. This apart, the donor’s family will also be provided Suprabhatha Seva for any three days other than the VIP break day. They will get accommodation in a VIP suite having a tariff value of Rs.2500 for three days a year.

‘Veda Asirvachanam’ will be performed free of cost at Ranganayakula Mandapam by Vedic Pundits on any day chosen by the devotee once a year. Ten big Laddus will be provided to them every year, at the rate of five per visit for two times.

They will also get one gold dollar weighing 5 grams and a 50-gram silver coin once in their lifetime.

Devotees donating Rs.10000 to SRIVANI Trust will get the privilege of VIP break darshan. One VIP break darshan ticket is given for every donation of Rs.10000, subject to a ceiling of nine persons. Donors will have to redeem the privilege by paying Rs.500 per ticket.

In all the above cases, room is not provided to a single person arriving at Tirumala.

Sri Venkateswara Aapanna Hrudaya Scheme

Donors can sponsor the cost of a child’s heart surgery by donating Rs.1 lakh to the hospital under the Sri Venkateswara Aapanna Hrudaya Scheme for children treated at Sri Padmavati CHildren Heart Centre, Tirupati. Donors can be individuals, corporate firms, or trusts.

Donors will get a one-time break darshan for a family of five persons (subject to availability). For firms and trusts, five persons will be allowed for Break darshan on payment of Break darshan charges.

Devotees can donate to any of the above trusts/schemes to directly contribute to the TTD’s activities to make the world a better place to live in.

Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsavam – Srinivasa Mangapuram

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Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsava Utsavam at Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple

Various utsavas are performed by the T.T.D. every year on different occasions to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami in Srinivasamangapuram. One among them is the annual ‘Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsava utsavam’. This utsavam is conducted for three days in Ashadamasam.

According to the sthalapurana, it is said that Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami appeared in the dream to an ‘Archaka’ and ordered him to see that the temple area to be cleaned and pujas to be continued in a great way without any interruption. As such, the archaka proceeded with the work and started pujas.

Taking this as an auspicious occasion, the T.T.D. started celebrating ‘Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsavams’. As part of this, from then a three-day ritual is performed. On all three days, the deities are given sacred baths and in the evening swami along with His Consorts are taken out in a procession to bless the devotees.

Three-Day Ritual

Every day there will be Snapana Tirumanjanam to the Utsava deities Sri Bhu Sameta Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy between 10 am and 11 am while in the evening of the first day, Pedda Sesha, second-day Hanumantha and on the last day Garuda Vahanams will be performed between 7 pm and 8 pm.

Let us all participate in this occasion and be blessed.

Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam

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Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam

Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam is the latest sacred offering from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for the devotees seeking the Lord’s divine blessings.

The Homam was formally inaugurated in November 2023, marking the auspicious occasion of Utthana Ekadasi in the sacred Kartheeka month under the aegis of TTD Trust Board Chairman Sri Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and TTD Executive Officer, Sri A.V. Dharma Reddy, I.D.E.S.

Homam

‘Homam’ is a sacred ritual that has an important role in invoking the blessings of the Lord Almighty through Agni, according to Hindu Dharmic scriptures. For the devotees visiting Tirupati, having an eyeful of darshan at Tirumala gives them enough contentment and they feel blessed for a lifetime.

However, participating in a sacred ritual like a ‘Homam’ at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara that directly invokes the blessings of the Almighty takes the spiritual bliss to an all-time high.

At Alipiri

It was with this intention that the TTD management came up with the idea of conducting a ‘Homam’ at Alipiri, Tirupati by roping in Sri Venkateswara Vedic University. Performing a Homam is usually an expensive custom for an individual, but when it is a ‘Samoohika Homam’, i.e., performed collectively by a group, it turns out to be economical as the cost is shared by all the beneficiaries.

When such a Homam is performed by none other than the TTD, the custodian of Lord Venkateswara, it also gets an enhanced devotional fervor.

For this Homam, teaching staff from the Department of Vaikhanasa Agama, Sri Venkateswara Vedic University, Tirupati are conducting the Homam in tune with the doctrine of Vaikhanasa Agama. The process includes the conduct of Viswaksena Puja, Punyahavachanam, Sadhyonkurarpana, and tying of ‘Raksha Sutram’ or ‘Deeksha Kankanam’ to the deity of Sri Venkateswara.

Sankalpam

‘Sankalpam’ will be performed after reading out the ‘Gotra Nama’ of all the participants. ‘Nava Kundams’ are arranged at the spot, dedicated to each of the Lord’s nine divine forms such as Vishnu, Purusha, Satya, Achyuta, Aniruddha, Kapila, Yagna, Narayana and Punya.

With Chaturveda and Sastra Parayanam, ‘Kumbhaaradhana’ will be performed, and ‘Ashtothara Namavali’ will be read out while offering ‘Harathi Samarpana’ to the deity as well as the Kundams. Hymns from the Panchasuktam will be read out, along with ‘Ekakshara Suktam’, which is mentioned in Vaikhanasa Agama.

Similarly, ‘Paaramatmika Upanishad’ found in the form of 108 Mantras in Vaikhanasa Agama is read out, narrating the divine qualities of Maha Vishnu, the glory of His Dasavatharas, details of the universe, and the five elements ‘Panchabhuta Tattva’.

Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam – Venue

Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go Pradakshinasala at Alipiri, Tirupati has been chosen as the venue for the event, so that the academics from the nearby Vedic University are accessible for the daily event. Apart from the seven existing faculty members, the university has appointed four more academicians to conduct the ritual.

Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam also serves as an internship opportunity for the senior students of the Vaikhanasa Agama Department, who get hands-on training in the ritual. Devotees feel that participating in the Homam and getting the divine grace showered on them makes their pilgrimage complete a full circle.

Let us participate in this Divine Homam and be blessed by Lord Srinivasa.- Booking Process

More details

Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam is performed between 9 am and 11 am daily. The participation is restricted at present to 200 Grihasthas (400 persons) at a time, for which 150 tickets are reserved online and 50 made available offline for the devotees at Alipiri in Tirupati.

The TTD plans to expand it to 500 tickets a day soon, for which a bigger ‘Homa Vedika’ will be built close by. Participants at this Homam will get an opportunity to buy Rs.300 tickets for darshan at Tirumala.

Sri Lakshmi Jayanti in Tirupati 2022

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Sri Lakshmi Jayanti in Tirupati – Sri GovindarajaSwami Temple

Tremendous importance is attached to this ‘Sri Lakshmi Jayanti’ ritual which is performed in Sri Govindarajaswami temple, Tirupati.

Temples are representatives of our culture and traditions. Festivals are an important part of our culture. They are some special occasions, bringing people together to commemorate rituals. One can experience the heavenly enjoyment and feeling of fulfilment once we have the grand sight of the ritual. When festivals are celebrated in temples, they are extra special as they are believed to bring protection and happiness to people.

Govindaraja Swami Temple

Sri Mahalakshmi or Pundareeka Ammavaru temple is located at Sri Govindarajaswami Temple Complex in Tirupati. Sri Lakshmi Jayanti utsavam will be performed to Sri Pundareeka Ammavaru on Uttara phalguni, the birth star of Sri Mahalakshmi celebrated for seven days from 12-03-2022 to 18-03-2022.

Sri Lakshmi Jayanti in Tirupati 2022

Ritual Sequence

Every day in the evening Sri Pundareeka Ammavaru will be decked with resplendent ornaments, flowers and will be taken for unjal seva in front of Her temple. There will be Prabandha Ghosti in the evening and asthanam after Her arrival inside the temple.

On 18.02.2022 (the last day) the star being the Uttara Phalguni, there will be Snapana Thirumanjanam and afterwards asthanam will be conducted. In the evening of this day, once in a year, Lord Govindarajaswamivaru comes to Her place to greet Her on Her birth star day. There will be unjal seva for both of them facing each other at a distance of 10 mts.

The Kalyanam or marriage of Sri Mahalakshmi with the exchange of garlands will be a feast to the eyes of the devotees who throng in large numbers to the temple. Another important and interesting event will be the closing of entrance doors by Mahalakshmi when the Lord is about to be taken into Her temple. He will come at high speed but the doors will be closed. This will be done three times and finally, She allows Him to enter after He expresses ‘Sorry’ for His mistakes.

Afterwards, both Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Govindaraja Swami will be seated on one throne (Simhasanam) and the ritual ends with Asthanam and the distribution of Prasadams to all those present there. Many Local people come purposely to see the Kalyanam and the ‘Mock show of anger‘ by Sri Pundareeka Ammavaru towards Her husband and they re-union for the sake of ‘their children’ the devotees.

Article by “- Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya”