Category: Tirupati

Tirupati is a city in Chittoor district of the Indian state of AP. It is a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Tirupati mandal, and of the Tirupati revenue division.

Spiritual Capital of AP

Tirupati is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites because of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, besides other historical temples, and is referred to as the “Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh”.

Population

As of 2011 census, it had a population of 374,260, making it the ninth most populous city in Andhra Pradesh.

SriVari Seva - Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)

SriVari Seva – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)

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SriVari Seva Services

Intending to offer better services to the pilgrims who come from far-flung parts of the country and across the globe to Tirumala for darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) has launched “Srivari Seva” voluntary service in the year 2000.

The services of Srivari Sevakulu are being utilized in over five dozen areas in Tirumala with major pilgrim interface areas including Vigilance, Health, Annaprasadam, Garden, Medical, LadduPrasadam, Temple, Transport, Kalyanakkatta, Book Stalls etc

According to Hindu scriptures, Seva is seen as the highest form of Dharma (righteousness). The concept of Seva which means Service is considered as one of the most important tenets of Hindu Sanatana Dharma.

Serving other people without seeking anything in return is considered an essential devotional practice of indirectly serving the Supreme God. In other words, Seva is simply defined as the ‘Selfless Act’ that is performed without any hopes of reciprocation, monetary benefits, awards, or rewards.

SriVari Seva - Tirumala Tirupati

Origin of SriVari Seva

Every day tens of thousands of devotees throng the holy shrine of Sri Venkateswara. The devotees never mind to wait for long waiting hours in serpentine queue lines extending up to some kilometers from Tirumala shrine, to catch a glimpse of Srivaru for a fraction of a second.

Apart from darshan queue lines, Tirumala witnesses a heavy influx of devotees at the accommodation, Kalyanakatta, Annaprasadam, Laddu Complex, luggage counters, and everywhere To meet the requirements of ever-increasing pilgrim crowd to Tirumala, TTD has tossed the idea of a Voluntary Service initially in 1998 to offer services to the fellow devotees on a trial basis as “Srinivasa Seva”. Later during the year 2000 in November, “Srivari Seva” was launched in a full-fledged manner in Tirumala.

Beginning with just 200 numbers of Srivari Sevaks, today on any given day not less than 2000 sevaks render service to their fellow pilgrims in Tirumala. During the peak days like summer vacation, annual Brahmotsavams, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Rathasapthami, etc. the figure doubles.

The Srivari Sevaks, a brigade of volunteers, are not just from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but hail from Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, New Delhi, Chattisgarh also.

Since its inception, so far 12.50 lakh Srivari Sevaks (till June 2022) belong to 95 thousand odd teams with 8.60 lakh female and 3.90 lakh male. Srivari Sevaks have rendered impeccable services to their fellow pilgrims in the last 22 years.

Journey From a small chamber to a 100 Crore MASSIVE BUILDINGS

During the initial days, the Srivari Seva office used to be in a small chamber located adjacent to the main Kalyanakatta in Tirumala. Along with the time, there has seen a lot of transformation in the last two decades of its journey.

Click here for the Google Maps location ( Srivari Seva Sadan)

Srivari Seva Sadan Block

Considering the importance of Srivari Sevaks, TTD has constructed twin buildings opposite Sri Varaha Swami Rest House and behind the Kalyana Vedika in Tirumala at an expense of Rs.100 crores to accommodate both the female and male volunteers separately with well-furnished accommodation and other facilities.

SERVICE TO MANKIND IS SERVICE TO GOD

“Manava Seva ye Madhava Seva” – the service to Humanity is service to Divinity is a famous saying in the Hindu scriptures. Sticking to this noble ideology, TTD commenced the Srivari Seva Voluntary Service. Devotees from across the country of their own volition are making use of this opportunity to serve their compatriot devotees selflessly.

A Supporting Arm to TTD

The services of Srivari Sevaks are being utilized at different areas in TTD among which the prominent ones include Vigilance, Health, Anna Prasadam, Garden, Medical, Laddu Prasadam, Srivari Temple, Transport, Kalyanakatta, Book stalls and Agarbatti- Panchagavya sales while the professional sevas includes Parakamani and Navaneeta Seva.

SriVari Sevaks Distributing Food

Some areas where Srivari Sevaks render services

  1. Queue lines, and compartments to regulate devotee crowds
  2. Serving drinking water, buttermilk, snacks, milk, and Anna Prasadam in the VQC Compartments, Narayanagiri Garden Sheds, outside queue lines, food counters, etc.
  3. Serving at Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Anna Prasadam Complex (MTVAC), PAC-II.
  4. Scanning the luggage of devotees.
  5. Preparation of Garlands, and plucking of flowers at the Garden department.
  6. Sale of religious books, TTD calendars and diaries, Panchagavya, Dry Flower Technology photo frames, Agarbattis, etc.
  7. Assisting the aged and handicapped devotees at Darshan queues and hospitals.
  8. Sale of Coconuts and biodegradable covers in laddu counters.
  9. Splitting of Cashew nuts for making Laddu Prasadams and Anna Prasadams.
  10. Getting feedback from devotees for the betterment of the system.

SriVari Seva during Garuda Vahanam

SPECIALIZED SEVAs

Apart from the general sevas, TTD has also introduced specialized sevas including Parakamani and Navaneetha Sevas.

Parakamani Seva

Parakamani is the counting and accounting of the currencies and coins offered by the devotees in Srivari Hundi. The Parakamani Seva was commenced by TTD in August 2012. Only male sevaks aged between 25 years and 65 years are eligible to apply for Parakamani Seva.

Navaneetha Seva

To render service to Gomatathe cow, as per the traditional practices mentioned in the great epics and scriptures of the Hindu Santana Dharma, Navaneetha seva was commenced by TTD in August 2021 on the auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami at S.V. Gosala in Tirumala.

This unique seva includes cleaning the Gosala premises, drawing Rangolis, making cakes with cow dung to use as fuel material, feeding fodder to cows, churn butter through traditional means, etc.

Devotees who are willing to render the Navaneetha Seva shall have to apply only online. Only women sevaks aged between 35 years and 50 years are eligible to apply for Navaneetha Seva.

Vishnu Nivasam - Tirupati
Vishnu Nivasam – Near Tirupati Railway station

SRIVARI SEVA IN TIRUPATI

After the successful implementation of Srivari Seva in Tirumala, the same Services has been commenced in Tirupati also in the year 2014. The services of Srivari Sevaks are being utilized at Tirupati, Tiruchanoor, and local temples viz. Srinivasa Mangauram, Appalayagunta, Central Hospital, DPW Stores, Marketing Godown, S.V. Gosala, Rest Houses of TTD, Annaprasadam etc. The women and men volunteers are being provided accommodation at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati located opposite the Railway station.

BHAJAN AND SATSANG TO SRIVARI SEVAKS

TTD intends to imbibe service orientation, and religious motivation among Srivari Sevaks by providing training to them. Every day Bhajana and Satsang classes are being conducted to Srivari Sevaks along with orientation on Do’s and Don’ts at Tirumala Seva Sadan both in the morning and in the evening. Similarly, every Tuesday and Friday, the Bhajana and Satsang Classes are held in Sevaks at Tirupati Vishnu Nivasam.

Hindu Sanatana Dharma

Apart from rendering services at various points in Tirumala and Tirupati, the Srivari Sevaks are voluntarily taking part in various spiritual and Dharmic activities mulled by TTD across different parts of the country.

Be it the opening of Sri Venkateswara Divya Kshetrams at Visakhapatnam, Bhuvaneshwar, Amaravati, or religious programs like Karthika Deepotsavams, Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavams, Srinivasa Kalyanams etc. taken up by TTD, everywhere Srivari Sevaks have been offering dedicated services to the local devotees, thereby acting as the “Torch Bearers” of Hindu Santana Dharma.

Instructions to SriVari Sevaks

  1. Only Hindus shall apply for Srivari Seva.
  2. The Srivari Seva is a free service intended to serve fellow pilgrims.
  3. Sevaks will be allowed to book for General Seva / Parakamani Seva / Navaneetha Seva again only after 90 days from the performance of their last seva date.
  4. Devotees who are willing to perform General Srivari Seva have to apply either online or offline.
  5. The minimum strength for a group is 10 and the maximum is 15 which can be booked both off-line as well in online.

Offline Process

The sevaks who intend to perform Srivari Seva have to write a letter to the following address.

The Public Relations Officer,
TTD Administrative Building, Room No.60
K.T. Road, Tirupati- 517501
Phone: 0877 – 2264217

The selected Srivari Sevaks shall receive a copy of proceedings from the Office of PRO, Tirupati inviting them for Srivari Seva and also a confirmation SMS will be forwarded to their registered mobile Number.

Online Process

To avail Srivari Seva, one has to register online by login to srivariseva.tirumala.org. (The instructions and procedure to apply online are available on the TTD official website).

The age limit for applying (as an Individual or group) Srivari Seva (General) for a period of 7 days is 18 to 60 years.

Sri Vari Sevaks Dress Code

For Women Volunteers:
Orange saree with Maroon border and Maroon blouse or
Orange top with Maroon dupatta and Maroon Pyjama

For Men Volunteers:
White Shirt with White Pants or Dhoti

ONLINE SYSTEM INTRODUCED TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY IN SRIVARI SEVA

For the latest updates on SriVari Seva, Click here 

Wide meanings for the words Tirupati & Tirumala

Wide meanings for the words Tirupati & Tirumala

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Tirupati & Tirumala

Tiru

‘Tiru’ is a Tamil word in both Tirupati and Tirumala. ‘Tiru’ is affixed to several villages and towns in Tamil Nadu. For example: Tirunelveli, Tiruchinapalli, Tiruvallikkeni, Tirunindravur. It has become a tradition for Tamil to affix the word ‘Tiru’ indicating the honor of persons.

The word ‘Tiru’ is prevalent in the traditions and customs of Vaishnavas. Ex: Tirumeni, Tirumada Veedhi, Tiruppalliyelluchi, Tirumanjanam.

Tirupati

Tirupati speaks clearly about Sripati. Sri Mahavishnu is none other than Sripati. The places where Mahavishnu with His consort Lakshmi is installed in worship form are called Tirupatis. But while speaking about the Holy Places in Tamil Nadu the word ‘Tirupati’ is not affixed to any Holy Place.

The Holy Place Sri Rangam is called Sri Rangam but it is not called Tirupati. Sri Villiputtur is not called ‘Villiputtur Tirupati’. This kind of dispute is not there for Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It remains a compound word without the necessity of being prefixed or suffixed by any word to ‘Tirupati’.

Tirupati

Tirumala

In ancient times there was significance only for the word Tirumala. ‘Mala’ means ‘hill’. When ‘Tiru’ has become a sacred term, Tirumala has become a Sacred Hill. Peyalwar, one of the Alwars described Tirumalai as a Hill where streams flow in plenty around it and hailed swami ‘Tirumalai Mel’. But this town in ancient times was called Govinda Raja Pattanam, Achyutaraya Puram, Kottur.

Diguva Tirupati and Yeguva Tirupati

In Telugu Errana who worshipped “Venkatachalasthayi” gave importance to the term ‘Venkata’. Sreenatha in “Kasikhandam” referred to the mountains as Sri Saila, Venkata, Ahobila, Sonadri, and Salagramam. During the days of the Tallapaka dynasty, the place at the foot of the Hill was called ‘Diguva Tirupati’ and the place on the top of the Hill was called ‘Yeguva Tirupati’.

But in their keertanas, the poets used it with a single meaning but in other places, they used it separately.

Tirumala Temple

As per the context, we must understand the places described.

‘Sripati puranayaka
Ramaku Tirupati Ramude mandu
Sri Venkatadri Tirupati Lopalanu’

In some way, Kannada Haridasas hailed Him ‘Tirumala Tirupati Vasa, Kande Tirupati Venkata Ramana’ in Devara namagalu like Tallapaka poets. Whatever the reason, Tirumala has become a Sacred Place with the importance of Kshetra, Teertha, and Divine traits.

Importance of Tirumala Hills

Importance of Tirumala Hills

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Tirumala Hills

Some temples are situated on the banks of rivers. Some can be seen in the forests. Some others are on the mountain tops and others are in caves. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is in a mountainous forest area.

Both the Hill and the river have become sacred on account of Swami’s presence. Swami said to Siva, “Anantoham Mahadeva Sthasyami Giri Rupadhrut Mahadeva! “Mahadeva”! I am in the form of a Hill though I am infinite and eulogized greatly about the Hill.

Reach the Hill that touches the top of the sky and then worship God. Climbing the tower of Venkatagiri, take shelter at the Feet of Bhagawan standing on the cliff, and subsit always at the feet of Bhagawan.

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills

Annamcharya Keerthanas

Annamacharya sang many keertans on the Glory of the mountain mixing them with the feelings of Alwars and the legendary matters.

Of all the keertans the most famous keertan is –

“Adivo Alladivo Hari vasamu”.


The second one is

“Kattedura vaikunthamu kanachayina konda
Tettelaya Mahimale Tirumala konda”.


Nature in Tirumala was beautiful during the time of Annamayya. There must have been good weather, not causing any tiredness to the pilgrims.

That’s why he said,”

“Toranamule trovella
moorata baralumunchina lathala
Vinjamaralunu visanakarralunu
gonje godugeve kondella”.

“Festoons all along the way with the creepers in lengthy way vinjamaras and hand fans Full of umbrellas is this hill.”

The peacocks, the groups of kokilalu (the nightingale), different races of birds, and the trees that offered aspiring fruits were easily available for the pilgrims in those days.

In the same way, there were monasteries and towers as the resting places for the pilgrims.

  • Now we say that Tirumala is a garland of Seven Hills, but in Krutayuga it was called ‘Vrushabhadri’.
  • In Tretayuga it was called Anjanadri.
  • In Dwapara it was called Seshachalam.
  • According to another version, it was called Anjanachalam in Krutayuga and Venkatachalam in Tretayuga.

That’s why Annamayya vividly described the area of this Hill.

‘Ade chudu Venkatadri Nalagu yugamulandu
Velugondi prabha miraganu?
“Look at Tiruvenkatadri shining forth in four
yugas.”

Tirumala Hill Names (Seven Hills)

There is a reference about the Seven Hills in Suprabhatam and Sreenivasa Gadyam. Sri Parvatam, Seshasailam, Garudachalam, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, and Vrushadri are the Seven Hills.

In addition to these, some other Hills like

  • Chintamani,
  • Gnanadri,
  • Teerthadri,
  • Pushkaradri,
  • Kanakadri,
  • Simhachalam,
  • Anjanadri,
  • Varahadri,
  • Neeladri,
  • Sreenivasagiri,
  • Anandadri, and
  • Sumeru sikharam were mentioned in legends.

Kannada Haridasa mentioned the Hills also as Sugandha parvata vasa, Saptagiri vasa, Kondalagiriya vasa along with these names.

Bhu Varaha Swamy, Tirumala - Varaha Kshetram

Varaha Kshetra

It is quite natural that the people go up the Hills when any Natural Calamity takes place. Swami is there on the Hill inviting the devotees who are deeply immersed in the ocean of samsara and getting disappointed, whatever it may be, it is worthy to note that Tamilians call swami “Tiru Vengada mudaiyan”. This Hill is called Varaha Kshetra because of the story of Varaha Swami. But over time the name ‘Venkatadri’ is fully established.

Giri Sikhara Darshanam

In some of the temples a visit to the temple – tower is important. It is called “Giri Sikhara Darshanam”. Vijayadasa, Kannada Vaggeyakara sang two lengthy keertans on ‘Giri Sikhara Darshan’.

They are

  1. ‘Giriya Sikharavakande’
  2. ‘Giriya Sikharavanodi”.

As soon as the pilgrims reach Tirupati, they look at the temple – tower, bow their heads, fold their hands, and prostrate before the tower with all their devotion. They suminate this experience repeatedly and go forward. This scene is beautifully described by Vijayadasa.

He said that those who don’t have Bhakti sadhans are denied the opportunity of visiting the Hill, one step in Tirumala is enough to uplift his entire race. Uragadri Vittaladasa said that until and unless one has punya pakam (results of virtues) one cannot get Giri Darshan. Vedanta Desika in his “Daya satakam” sang about the Hill.

“Prapadye tam Girim prayah
Sreenivasanukampaya
Ikshu sarasravantyava
yanmurtya sarkarayitam”.

Tiruvenkatachala parvatam

That the mercy of Sreenivasa flowed like the flood of sugarcane juice and got solidified and transformed into Sugar Hill called ‘Tiruvenkatachala parvatam’. Paramasiva taught Sanakada Maharshis that the visit of Venkatachala would not be available without the devotional practice in the innumerable births of aeons past. This legendary matter is as follows in the words of Vijayadasa.

“Anantajanumake sadhanakudadallade
EeNaga Darigu Darusana Vagadu”.

Giridarshanam and Giri Pradakshinam are important for Saivites also.

Ankurarpana Mandapam - Tirupati Balaji Temple

Ankurarpana Mandapam – Tirupati Balaji Temple

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Ankurarpana Mandapam / Ankur Arpana Mandapam

Opposite the chief kitchen and towards the south of Bangaru Baavi there is a mandapam. This is known as Ankurarpana Mandapam. Every year the Dasara Brahmothsavam is celebrated for ten days by Lord Venkateswara. The initiation of this Brahmothsavam starts from this Mandapam.

Ankuram as we all known is sprout. Arpanam is offering. Here in this mandapam, Nava Dhanyam (nine varieties of grains) sprouts are grown. For every auspicious occasion, the sprouting marks the beginning. The sprouting process takes place a day before the hoisting of a flag on Golden Dhwajasthambham. (click here for Dhwajasthambham mandapam).

Google’s Map – Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Vishwaksena – chief commander of Lord Venkateswara

On that day under the supervision of the chief commander of Lord Venkateswara, Vishwaksena, the Ankurarpanam takes place. Firstly the idols of Vishwaksena, Garuda, and Anantha will be brought from Ramulavari Meda to this Mandapam. Then under the direction of Vishwaksena fine ant hill soil is collected.

Then Sri Vishwaksena, Sri Sudarsana, Anantha, and Garuda reach Vasantha Mandapam which is situated in the southwest direction of Lord’s temple.

Vishwaksena
Chief commander of Lord Venkateswara, Vishwaksena

With all temple honors like piped music, beating of drums, chanting of Veda Mantras they proceed to Vasantha Mandapam in a procession. The soil collection, particularly the soil from ant hills, takes place in Vasantha Mandapam. Before collecting the soil from ant hills, the instruments to be used and even ant hills are worshipped as per Vedic rituals. Then with that soil Vishwakasena, in a procession enters the main temple through Maha pradakshana path.

Then onwards Sri Vishwaksena, Garuda, etc., stay back in Ankurarpana Mandapam till the completion of Brahmothsavam. Not only during Brahmothsavams, but even on occasions like Jyeshtabhishekam (an annual function which is celebrated for three days from pournami) Sravana Nakshthram day (this comes in the month of Karthik on this day pushpa yaga utsavam is performed to Lord Venkateswara) the aforesaid procedure of Ankurarpanam will be performed a day before under the supervision of Vishwaksena who happens to be the commander-in-chief.

Because the Ankurarpanam takes place, this mandapam gets the name of Ankur Arpana Mandapam. This mandapam has one more specialty.

The idols of

  • Anantha,
  • Vishwaksena,
  • Garuda,
  • Sugreeva,
  • Angada, and
  • Anjaneya

which will be in Ramulavari Meda, are shifted to Ankurarpana Mandapam. This shifting helps the pilgrims who visit Tirumala to have the darshan of idols mentioned. We have already come to know about these idols and their importance. Let us bow before these idols.

Explore all Mandapams Inside Tirumala Temple

Yagasala

Adjacent to Ankurarpana Mandapam towards the west there is a room. This room is known as Yagasala. Yagams are conducted here. All Yagas connected with the daily Vedic activities of the temple are conducted here. Of late Yagas are conducted in this mandapam only during Brahmothsavams.

The homams, yagas connected with all the other activities like Jyeshtabhishekam, Pavitra Utsavam, Pushpayagam, and the special pooja that are being conducted every Monday, daily Kalyana Utsavam are now being held in, sampangi mandapam.

Every Wednesday, Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam is performed to the Chief Idol in the morning. During this particular pooja yagam is conducted on a stage near Golden Door

Yagno yagna patiryajwa
Yagnango yagna vaahanaha
Yagna Bhrudyagna kridagnee
Yagna Bhugyagna Saadhanaha
Yagnanthakrid yagna Guhya
Mana Mannada Eva Cha

-Vishnu Sahasra Namam

Because of the yagna performed by sage Bhrigu, Lord Vishnu took human form and started dwelling in Tirumala which is being praised as Vykunttam on earth. Lord Vishnu’s Consort Sri Maha Lakshmi as Alamelu Manga, too was born in Narayanavanam which is considered to be the edge of Venkatachala mountain. She was born in Yagna Bhoomi of Akasaraju. From the house of Akasa Raju, She walked into the Abode of Lord Venkateswara which is known as Ananda Nilayam.

Ananda Nilayam Tirumala
Ananda Nilayam, Tirumala Temple

From that day Alamelu Manga became His Consort. Lord Venkateswara assumed the name of Srinivasa. Srinivasa is fulfilling all the desires of His devotees.

The Yagasala is within the precincts (the area within the walls or perceived boundaries of a particular building or place) of the temple. The Yagasala is the place where the marriage between Srinivasa and Alamelu Manga was solemnized. Since time immemorial yagnas have been conducted keeping in mind the general welfare of the people. Lord Venkateswara Himself is everything.

He is Kartha, Karma as well as Kriya. Let us bow our heads before Lord Venkateswara who readily answers all sincere prayers of His devotees.

Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

TTD Namami Govinda Panchagavya Products

TTD Namami Govinda Panchagavya Products

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Panchagavyas

The cow has great prominence in our Vedic culture. The cow dung, urine, milk, curd, and ghee given by the cow to mankind are well-known as invaluable Panchagavyas. TTD is manufacturing 15 kinds of Ayurveda products with these Panchagavyas. Devotees can buy the products and make their livelihood healthy by using them.

Click here to read the article “Panchgavya: A precious gift to Humankind”.

Namami Govinda - TTD products

Namami Govinda

The TTD has started manufacturing “Panchagavya” products for the use of mankind. Every product marketed under the brand name of “Namami Govinda” has been designed and created with care and ingredients sourced from the native breed cows maintained by TTD.

The “Namami Govinda” range of Panchagavya based herbal products is an effort of TTD to reach the benefits of panchagavya to the community at large

Click here to order from the TTD Official Website

Namami Govinda Products (Panchagavyas)

Dhupam Products

TTD produces 5 kinds of dhupam products, namely—

  1. Avani dhupa churnam,
  2. Dharani Agarbathi,
  3. Dhatri Sambrani cups,
  4. Vaishnavi Dhupam sticks, and
  5. Varahi Dhupam cones.

The dhupam made of elements like black aloe wood, cow dung, etc., reduces the air pollution caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses and creates an atmosphere of holiness.

Prithvi-Vibhuthi

As per the ancient texts, Vibhuthi is prepared by incinerating the cow dung, grass, camphor, and cow ghee in “Panchabhutatmaka Homa gundas. It is auspicious to wear the mark of this vibhuti on the forehead. It is good for health also.

Dhanshika Tooth Powder

It is produced with ingredients like Cow-dung ash, rock salt (Saindhava Lavan), Cloves (Lavang), Amalaki (Indian myrobolan), and other herbs according to the ancient Ayurveda Medicinal Science. Regular use of tooth powder prevents diseases of the mouth, gums, and teeth.

Hiranmayi Herbal Face-pack

The herbal face-pack is developed with the herbs like turmeric (Haridra), manjishta, and Lodra. If applied on the face, it clears the acne, blackheads, and black circles beneath the eyes, and improves the color and complexion of a person.

Mahi Herbal Soap

It is a natural soap prepared with cow urine distillate, Nalpamaradi tailam, and other invaluable herbal medicines. It is formulated to protect the skin, improve the glow, color, and complexion, prevent acne, and eradicate disease-causing microbes in the skin.

Kashyapi Herbal Shampoo

It is prepared with ingredients like cow urine distillate (Go Ark), Shikakai, and coconut oil. It is a natural hair wash and conditioner to protect the hair and prevent dandruff.

Urvi Nasal drops

It is prepared with cow dung, cow’s milk, and gingel oil. By instilling two or three of these drops in lukewarm condition into two nostrils in the early hours of the day, we can be relieved of migraine and recurrent colds. It improves the functional ability of the eyes, ears, and nose.

Nandini Go-arka

Go arka is prepared with freshly collected Cow urine from indigenous breeds by distillation method condensing the vapors into arka (distillate) with the help of Arka yantra (Distillation plant). All over the world, Go-arka is used internally to prevent cancer, respiratory problems, and skin diseases. (It improves longevity and quality of life of healthy).

Bhumi Herbal Floor-Cleaner

It is formulated with natural ingredients like Go-Arka (cow urine distillate), lemongrass oil, and pine oil. It cleanses the floor of all the dirt and eradicates disease-causing microbes. It has also a good fragrance.

Kshama cow dung cakes and Bhuvathi Cowdung logs

These are prepared from cow dung, husk, and wood powder. They are used in the conduct of Homas and Yagnas. It is also considered best to use them in the act of cremation.

Note: Agarabathis and Photo frames are made with the flowers used for daily rituals at Srivari temple, Tirumala, and other local temples. These are very sacred. Devotees can buy all these products and be blessed by the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Agarbathis

The Sanatana Dharma says that offering the Dhupa to God in daily worship is auspicious, sanctifies the surroundings, and creates a spiritual atmosphere. In the regular household pujas and special rituals, offering incense sticks is an important practice in Indian tradition. The offered flowers (Nirmalya-pure) to Srivaru at Tirumala and other TTD temples of Tirupati are collected every day and used in the preparation of seven different varieties of Agarbathis (Incense sticks).

Namami Govinda Products - Agarbathis

 

Photo Frames and Other Products

The offered flowers (Nirmalya-pure) to Srivaru at Tirumala and other TTD temples of Tirupati are also used for other noble purposes like preparing photo-frames of the Lord, key chains, paperweights, dollars, and pen stands by using dry flower technology under the caption of “Pushpa prasadam”. The preservation of the most auspicious offered flowers with devotees in different forms is an innovative idea by adopting scientific methods under the technical collaboration of Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Tirupati.Namami Govinda Products - Key chain and others

Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Evolution of Tirupati

Evolution of Tirupati

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Evolution of Tirupati

The divine hills of Tirumala are believed to be directly brought from the celestial Sri Vaikuntam and placed on earth for the benefit of mankind. This holy hill is called ‘Venkatachalam’. Lord Vishnu appeared here in the self-manifested form as ‘Srinivasa’ eons before, worshipped by devotees from all corners of the world.

The village of Tirupati was founded at the foothills of the sacred hills, where Sri Venkateswara blesses all mankind. Tirupati, now a flourishing city has developed into a spiritual, cultural, and educational center because of the unlimited mercy of Sri Venkateswara. That’s why there is an inseparable relation between Tirumala and Tirupati.

There is a wealth of information available about Tirumala hills in Puranas and history books but not much is known about the temple town of Tirupati at the foothills.

Tirupati Balaji Mandir

  • North Indian devotees of Lord Balaji refer to the hill shrine as ‘Tirupati Balaji Mandir’.

ThiruppadhiVenkatachalapathy

  • The devotees of Tamil Nadu call it ‘ThiruppadhiElumaleyaan’, ’ThiruppadhiVenkatachalapathy’, or ‘Thiruvengadamudaiyaan’,

Tirupathi Thimmappa

  • whereas devotees from Karnataka call the deity as ‘Tirupathi Thimmappa’ or ‘Tirupathi Venkata Ramana Devaru’.

Upper Tirupati & Lower Tirupati

Thus Tirumala has always been referred to as ‘Upper Tirupati’ and the town at the foothills ‘Lower Tirupati’. Though the word ‘Tirumala’ has been used for the hill shrine as early as the 10th century as the inscriptions on the temple indicate, devotees have always called it generally ‘Tirupati’. Hence it is quite interesting to discover the etymology of the word ‘Tirupati’ itself, along with the background and history behind the evolution of the temple town.

The ‘rig veda’, the most ancient of the Vedas, contains an interesting mantra, in its 10th mandala that speaks of the Venkatachala hill and refers to it as ‘Vikata’ (a colloquial form of Venkata). In the year 1801, the East India Company assumed direct control over the management of Tirumala Temple.

General Stratton – Report on Tirumala temple

The British Government appointed an officer ‘General Stratton’, the then collector of Chittoor, to submit a detailed report on the workings of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. On the 31st of January, 1803, Stratton submitted a report on the most ancient and prominent temple. General Stratton, in his report, refers to the Tirumala hills as ‘Tripatty hills’, the holy shrine as ‘Tripatty Pagoda’, and the village at the foothills recorded as ‘Tripatty village’.

Evolution of Tirupati

There is another interesting observation that is quite surprising. It is a well-known fact that the worship and religious rituals performed at the Tirumala temple are conducted according to the strict tenets of Vaikhanasa agama.

Sri Venkatesa Gayatri Mantra that is recited by the Vaikhanasa priests during worship to the presiding deity goes-

Om Vemkatesayavidmahe tripathinadhayadhimahi | Tannahsrinivasa: prachodayat ||

  • Incidentally, the Sanskrit word ‘Tripathi’ in this mantra coincides with the colloquial ‘Tripatty’ as referred to by the British officer. There are several meanings to the word ‘Tripathinatha’ –
  • ‘Tripathi’ means the sacred Venkatachala hill and ‘Tripathinatha’ means the presiding deity, Sri Venkateswara.
  • ‘Tripatha’ represents the three worlds – Swargaloka, Bhuloka, and PatalaLoka. Lord Venkateswara is the ruler of these three worlds.
  • Based on Puranic accounts, ‘Tripatha’ also indicates that the sacred hill shrine was placed on the Northern banks of river Swarnamukhi where it confluences along with its tributaries Bhima and Kalyani. It is on the same tributary that the famous Kalyani dam has been constructed.
  • ‘Tripatha’ also suggests that there were three routes that were frequently used to reach the hill shrine of Vengadam, since ancient times.
  • Devotees coming to worship Lord Venkateswara from the west i.e., from Karnataka, reach Tirumala through the ‘Srivari Mettu’ footpath near Chandragiri. It is also called ‘Sreepathivari Mettu’.
  • Devotees coming from the South i.e. from Tamilnadu reach Tirumala from the regular Alipiri footpath.
  • Devotees coming from the northern part of Andhra, Maharashtra, and northern parts of India, reach Tirumala to worship Srivaru through the ‘Annamayya’ pathway. It begins near Rajampet of Kadapa district and stretches along the Mamandur forest range, passing through the Tumburukona, the valley near Tumburuteertham, and finally reaching Tirumala near PapavinasanaTheertham. The famous saint poet Tallapaka Annamacharya is said to have gone to Tirumala through this route to worship Srivaru and hence the same is named after him.

Ashtadikpalakas and their role in Brahmotsavams - Heading

SriSaIla – ThiruMalai (Tirumala)

Tirumala was always called by the names ‘Tripati’ and ‘Tirupati’. Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam signifies that Tirumala is called ‘SriSaIla’ – ‘Sri’ implies ‘thiru’ in Tamil and ‘SaIla’ means mountain – ‘malai’ in Tamil. So SriSaIla came to be popularly known as “Tirumala”. But the word ‘Tripati’ which is part of the ancient Venkatesa Gayatri mantra, stood the test of time as ‘Tirupati’ and became permanent.

“What is a name?” might be the general question; but here in this case, it represents the devotion of millions of devotees for Sri Venkateswara. For devotees, a mere chanting and utterance of the name ‘Tirupati’, instills a divine feeling and they are instantly transported to the sanctum of Tirumala. Upon hearing the same, they are immediately immersed in thoughts of the divine grace of Srivaru.

Tirupati always reminds them that their beloved presiding deity, Sri Srinivasa, is always there for them, to hear their woes and bless them with what is good for them.

Sri Srinivasa Divyaanugraha Homam

Sri Srinivasa Divyaanugraha Homam

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Sri Srinivasa Divyaanugraha Homam

Sri Srinivasa Divyaanugraha 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.

Sri Srinivasa Divyaanugraha Homam
Sri Srinivasa Divyaanugraha Homam

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 Divyaanugraha 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.

The ‘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.

More details

The event 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 price of the ticket is fixed at Rs.1000/- on which two persons will be allowed.

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.

Booking Process

Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go Pradakshina Mandiram

Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go Pradakshina Mandiram

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Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go Pradakshina Mandiram

Cow worship is always considered a sacred activity for Hindus. It is revered as a symbol of prosperity as Goddess Maha Lakshmi is believed to live in the animal, thus bestowing health and wealth to Her devotees.

Since time immemorial, all the dynasties that were part of the Bharata Varsha patronized cattle worship and even promoted cow-based products not only to ensure the citizens’ health but also to distribute wealth among the masses.

A quick look at our hoary mythology and ancient history reveals that the prosperity of a kingdom used to be measured by its cattle wealth. The cow was hence considered not only as the sole breadwinner in many households but also as the living god of a village.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been a champion in preserving, propagating, and promoting native cows (Go-Matha) at its Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshanasala and mobilizing donations through its Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust.

Though the TTD is a pioneer in cow protection and propagation activities, it has taken steps to make cow worship a regular part of its series of activities.

Google Maps’s Location.

Alipiri, the foot of Tirumala hills, has a new landmark for cow worship, which is called ‘Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go Pradakshina Mandiram’. The idea behind the TTD coming up with the concept is to let the pilgrims do ‘Pradakshana’ to seven ‘Desi’ cows and calves.

The magical number ‘seven’ here is synonymous with the seven hills of Tirumala and is considered a good omen for people to start their holy trek to the hill shrine after praying to the cows arranged in a pattern.

There will be 25 to 30 at any point of time on the premises, from which seven cows will be made to stand at the altar at the center. Devotees walking in will perambulate around the cows as a form of worship. This act, done with a noble heart and with due sincerity, is believed to remove all sins committed in previous births.

A view of Sri Venugopala Swamy at Alipiri Sri Venkateswara Go Pradakshina Mandiram
A view of Sri Venugopala Swamy at Alipiri Sri Venkateswara Go Pradakshina Mandiram

Feed donations to be made in Go-Mandiram

Grain/Cereals  Planetary positions
Wheat and jaggery  Suryagraha Shanti
Paddy  Chandragraha Shanti
Red gram and jaggery  Kujagraha Shanti
Black gram and jaggery  Rahugraha Shanti
Chickpea  Gurugraha Shanti
Sesame seeds  Sanigraha Shanti
Green gram  Budhagraha Shanti
Horse gram  Kethugraha Shanti
Cowpea  Sukragraha Shanti

4 Acre Campus

The four-acre campus is strategically located close to the footpath and also the toll gate on the second ghat road leading to Tirumala hills. This facilitates both the trekking public as well as the motorists using the ghat road to make a stopover at Alipiri, pray to the cows, and then embark on their holy pilgrimage to the abode of Lord Venkateswara.

The complex also has a temple with the deity of Sri Venugopala Swamy, where Puja will be offered every day as prescribed in the religious doctrines. It may be recalled that Lord Sri Krishna, as a cowherd, always holds cow close to his heart and can be mostly seen in the company of cattle, which sway to the tune of the mellifluous music emanating from his flute.

Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go-Pradakshina Mandiram
Sapthagopradakshana Shala

Go-Thulabaram

Another major attraction here is a ‘Go Thulabaram’, which is similar to the one used by pilgrims to weigh products against their weight, to be donated as part of the fulfillment of their vow. The difference in this case is that the products donated to the temple are weighed against the weight of a cow.

A cow is made to stand on one side of the ‘Thulabaram’ and consumable products like rice, jaggery, haystack, nuts and cereals, sugarcane, groundnut husk, etc. are added in gunny bags on the other side, till both sides strike a balance. The philanthropist then donates the same to the TTD, which in turn uses it to feed the cattle not only at the ‘Go Mandiram’, but also at the various Goshalas under its management.

To hold the weight of a cow as well as the products, the ‘Thulabaram’ is specially ordered from a firm in Madhya Pradesh, which made it with cast iron with a heavy gauge. Apart from the temple and a cattle shed to house thirty cows, there is a vast grazing field, where the cattle will be let out.

Animals moving around and grazing in the pasture will naturally gain strength and immunity, compared to the ones that are fed manually. This is the idea behind developing a grazing field with fodder crops.

Go-Pradakshina Seva

Devotees can have Go-pradakshinam at this Go-Mandiram before offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

Go-Vignana Kendram

Also abutting the ‘Go Mandiram’ is a massive building ‘Go Vignana Kendram’ housing a meditation hall and a photo gallery depicting TTD’s cow-related activities. After praying to the cows, people intending to sustain the devotional fervor for a few more minutes can sit down for meditation and chant the holy names of the Lord.

There is also a children’s play area, where the kids will be allowed to roam around when the elders pray. It will also be an occasion for the children to engage in fruitful time with the cows and attain a spiritual and compassionate bent of mind. The building also has a gallery to display the TTD’s programs on cow protection, apart from the donation schemes available to the public.

This will not only help more benefactors join the cause of cow protection but also provide a window to let the TTD’s activities on this front spread far and wide. As the area is surrounded by forest, where the movement of carnivorous animals cannot be ruled out, the TTD management intends to provide electric fencing to ensure the safety of the cows. Deployment of guards with light arms is also under contemplation to scare away such wild animals from the vicinity.

Sri Venkateswara Saptha Go-Pradakshina Mandiram

Devotees can offer various grains of their choice to the cows and may donate the grains and cereals that suit the planetary positions and movement.

For example,

  • wheat and jaggery are known to please the Sun God, which the devout can donate to Suryagraha Shanti.
  • Similarly, paddy is suited for Chandragraha Shanti,
  • red gram and jaggery for Kujagraha Shanti,
  • black gram and jaggery for Rahugraha Shanti,
  • chickpea for Gurugraha Shanti,
  • Sesame seeds for Sanigraha Shanti,
  • Green gram for Budhagraha Shanti,
  • horse gram for Kethugraha Shanti and
  • cowpea is donated for Sukragraha Shanti.

Devotees can donate the above grains according to the weights of the various cows mentioned at the ‘Go Thulabharam’, or pay the equivalent in cash drawn as a demand draft. T.T.D. took up the noble cause of popularizing the concept of cow worship and propagating the importance of ‘Go Matha’ in a great way.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Padala Mandapam

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Padala Mandapam

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Padala Mandapam

The Seven Hills of Tirumala are as sacred as the Vedas. The holy Vedic hymns are their stones. The root of the footpath leading to the top of these hills, Alipiri, is the pedestal of the seven hills. A pilgrim takes the first step of the journey to the holy abode of the lord here only.

It looks as if Lord Venkateswara, to climb his holy hills took his first step here and left the imprints of his sacred feet at Alipiri. This spot is immortalized as ‘Padala mandapam’.

In 1628 A.D. Matla Kumara Anantharaya of Devachoda family built a mandapam at Alipiri renowned as padala mandapam. It is under the tamarind tree here that Tirumala Nambi taught the secrets of Ramayana to his disciple the divine Ramanuja.

It is believed that the holy footprints of Lord Venkateswara appeared at this spot as narrated in Sri Venkatachala ithi hasamala.

Venkateswara Swamy Padala Mandapam – Google Maps Location

Sri Vari Padalu - Tirupati Balaji - Tirumala
Sri Vari Padalu (Srivari Paadaalu)- Compact temple set on a leafy hilltop, housing a relic of Lord Venkateswara’s footprints – Located in Tirumala

Footprints of Lord Venkateswara

Pilgrims coming by foot to Tirumala first worship these sacred footprints of Lord Venkateswara. Those who cannot climb the hills prostrate to the holy footprints and express all their prayers there itself. All the devout pilgrims thus begin the pilgrimage after first worshipping Sri Venkateswara’s holy footprints.

There is a popular legend connected with this mandapam. Sri Kalahasti is in the northeastern corner of Tondai Mandapam, Kanchipuram is in the South.

During the sacred Sravana Saturdays, two Dalit Vaishnava Devotees after observing the fast prepared with flour and ghee lamps of worship (Pindi Taligha). In the flour sediment of each lamp, the footprints of the left and the right feet of the Lord appeared separately.

The Dalit devotees, strangers to each other, measured each imprint of the holy feet and prepared two sandals. They kept them in the Padala Mandapam.

Though each sandal was prepared independently without any idea of the other, the sandals formed into a perfect pair.

At this spot in August 2001, the idol of Lord Venkateswara was re-installed along with the Footprints and Dwarapalakas. Before climbing the hills, every devout pilgrim keeps these sandals on their head and goes around the mandapam for salvation.

Glory of Lord Venkateswara - Tirupati Balaji

Glory of Lord Venkateswara – Tirupati Balaji

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Glory of Tirupati Balaji

Lord Sri Venkateswara is the supreme God. Devotees across the world throng the holy shrine in Tirumala throughout the year to offer their vows on fulfillment of their wishes. A glimpse of God even for a few seconds will make them forget their travails of the journey.

Bhakta Sulabha

Generally, it is believed that God is in his heaven quite far away from this world and it is very difficult to reach Him unless one follows an austere course of conduct involving shama, dama, niyama, pratyahara, pranayama, etc., and performs yajnas, yagas and vratas.

This may be true of God in his Para, Vyuha, Vibhava, Antaryamin forms, but not in the case of Archavatara. God assumes the form of an image or idol for the sake of humanity and comes within their reach.

Lord Vishnu reclines on Adi Sesh in Vaikuntha as His three consorts—Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, and Neela Devi gladly press His feet. He has come down to Seshadri on the earth as Lord Venkateswara. He answers the prayers of devotees who worship Him sincerely and wholeheartedly.

Hence, He is befittingly called Bhakta Sulabha or Bhakta Varada. It is believed that Brahma, Rudra, Indra, Maruth, Arka, and other angels and saints throng the temple of Tirumala to witness the underlying treasure and energy unveiled in the form of Tirupati Balaji – Lord Venkateswara.

Divine Significance of the Locale

Every part of Tirumala is miraculous and invested with divine significance. Though Tirumala is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, it is not proper to visit Tirumala for a pleasure trip to enjoy its scenic beauty. In doing so, we miss the spiritual significance of Tirumala.

It is assumed that the angels and saints have become the boulders, brooks, waterfalls, trees, and animals on Tirumala to be close to the Lord and stay blessed either in the animate or inanimate form. That is why, we should regard every part of the locale with great reverence.

The entire hill is a boon-giver. One can perceive it if one opens one’s “third eye”, the inner eye of wisdom with all one’s devotional fervor.

Kundalini Shakti

There are seven hills in Tirumala, namely—

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

They are regarded as the incarnation of thousand-hooded Adi Sesha. Adi Sesha, the serpent bed of the Lord, is a symbol of Kundalini energy.

The seven hills are symbols of its awakening from muladhara chakra through swadhishthana, manipuraka, anahata, vishuddha, ajnya to sahasrara leading to the explosion of wisdom in the form of unlimited brilliance.

Tirupati Balaji Temple
View of Ananda Nilayam and Fountain which is on the back side of the temple – Tirupati Balaji

Tirumala Hills – Heaven on Earth

Tirumala is regarded as the ultimate heaven, Paramapada, heaven on the earth in Kaliyuga. Lord Venkateswara is regarded as Kalki, the tenth incarnation of God. He is especially here to save humanity from the evil effects of Kaliyuga.

It is said, Kalou Sri Venkata Nayakah. The devotees believe that there is no need to go on a pilgrimage to any place other than Tirumala because Tirumala is the epitome of all holy shrines. It fulfils all the desires of the devotees.

It is believed that there has not been any temple equivalent to Venkatadri in the entire world either in the past or present and there will not be any in the future as enunciated in the shloka “Venkatadri samasthanam Brahmande Nastikinchana..”.

Origin of Seshachala

There are a few legends connected to the origin of Seshachala on the earth. According to Varaha Purana, Lord Vishnu incarnates Himself as Adi Varaha and rescues the Earth from Hiranyaksha by killing him.

On the plea of Brahma and other angels, He decides to stay on the earth for the welfare of humanity. He orders Brahma to recreate the world as before. He asks his Vahana Garuda to fetch Kridachala from Vaikuntha and place it in a chosen sacred spot near the Suvarnamukhi River. It is to the east of Swami Pushkarini now.

This Kridachala is the present Seshachala. Another legend says that once in Dvapara Yuga, Adi Sesha resisted the entry of Wind- God Vayu into Vaikuntha as Lord Vishnu was in solitude with His consort Lakshmi.

Angry Vayu challenges Adi Sesha for a duel to test their power. Adi Sesha ties himself to the Meru mountain and asks Vayu to move the mountain if he can. After a long trial when Vayu seemed to relent, Adi Sesha heaves a sigh and lifts his hood as a sign of victory.

Seizing the opportunity, Vayu blows off one of the peaks of Meru which lands near the Swarnamukhi River. Adi Sesha comes down to merge with it on the advice of Vishnu. Thus, the peak of Meru gets the name Seshachalam on which Lord Venkateswara resides.

Five Forms of Vishnu

According to VaicGava theology, VicGu has five forms of manifestation, namely –

  1. para,
  2. vyuha,
  3. vibhava,
  4. antaryamin and
  5. archa.
  • The para (transcendent) form is Vasudeva, the Supreme Being, beyond the reach of human experience.
  • The vyuha (emanative) form is his functional manifestation as the creator, protector and destroyer of the universe.
  • The vibhava (incarnate) is the physical form in which he descends into the world.
  • The antaryamin (immanent) is the indweller of the jiva.
  • Finally, the archa form is His manifestation in the iconic form receiving ritualistic worship from them in temples and their homes.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams
Lord Venkateswara is in the archa form on Tirumala in the standing (sthanaka) posture on a lotus pedestal.

Ancient References to the Lord

We find references to Lord Venkateswara in Varaha Purana, Brahmanda Purana, and Bhavishyottara Purana. The first verifiable reference to the place is found in Silappadikaram, a Tamil treatise on grammar. References to the Vengadam hill are found in the Tolkappiyam (fifth century B. C.) and Sangam poet Mamulanar of the second century.

A subsequent work of the same century, llango Adigal’s Silappadikaram, however, refers both to the Vengadam hill and the blue-hued Vishnu who holds the weapons shankha and chakra in his arms. Subsequently, at least ten of the twelve Alwars have sung the praises of the Lord of Tirupati.

Alvars - Lord Venkateswara Swamy - Tirupati Balaji
Alvars On Lord Venkateswara Swamy (Tirupati Balaji) – Tirumala

Many devotees like Annamayya, Purandaradasu, Vengamamba, Tyagaraju, and others have sung His glory and resorted to His nama parayana or sankirtana.

Other Precepts of Vishismadvaita

Besides the above, Vishismadvaita advocates the glorification of

  • Lord’s abhaya hasta (the hand of assurance) and feet,
  • Sripada tirtham (consecrated water of Lord’s feet),
  • Tirumani (a kind of white clay used in making the sectarian mark of a Srivaishnava),
  • chakrankitas or mudra (the mark of the discus and the conch pressed on the shoulders of a Srivaishnava),
  • Saranagati (self-surrender or seeking refuge with the Lord),
  • acarya nishmha (commitment to the preceptor),
  • bhagavata nishtha and kainkaryam (commitment and service to the devotees of the Lord),
  • mangalasasanam to the Lord (auspicious benediction upon the Lord) and others.