Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Tirumala
Tirumala is an ancient famous Pilgrimage centre. Maha Vishnu took the avatar of Srinivasa in Kaliyuga after the Rama and Krishna incarnations. Venkateswara is an idol form of Srinivasa. The Worship form of Srinivasa is Venkateswara Swamy.
It is called Adi Varaha Kshetra. It is more than two hundred crore years old as told by archeologists. Even from the Vedic times, devotees considered Tirumala as a sacred and divine place of great richness. Since then it has been considered a great Vaishnava Kshetra.
“Vishnuh parvathanamadhipatih” is a saying of verses. That is why we observe that the Vaishnavite temples are seen only on Hills and valleys. It is called ‘Sree Parvatha’ in Rigveda.
Sloka
“Araayikaane vikate girim gacha sadanve
Sirimbi tasya satvabhisvetabhishtvachatayaamasi”
-(Rigveda 10-15-1)
Sloka Meaning
The meaning of the sloka is though you are poor, you are in loss of internal and external sights, if you aspire to get rid of sin, and get spiritual richness, you go to Sri Parvata where Lord Venkateswara is installed and pray Sri Hari along with the devotees of the Lord.
The Veda says – that if you are interested and anxious to get Purushartham i.e., Dharma, Artha, kama, and Moksha or interested in achieving wealth, and spirituality, you pray to God Venkateswara Swamy existing at Sri Parvatam.
Divine Place granting prosperity
True! if you read the conversation of Indra and Upendra of veda, and the story of Bhrigu Maharshi in Venkatachala Mahatmyam, it will be clear that Sri Maha Vishnu came to Earth in search of Laxmi Devi and He is residing permanently at Tirumala, His favourite Kshetra. ‘Sri’ means Lakshmi.
Srinivasudu / Sri Parvata
As He is the residing place of Lakshmi, He is called ‘Srinivasudu’. It is also called ‘Sri peetam’ as per Veda. ‘Tiru’ is a Tamil word that is used to say ‘Sri’ and ‘Mala’ means Parvata. Hence Tirumala is called as ‘Sri Parvata’. It is also called Sri Sailam. This is a place of Srinivasa who grants wealth to Kubera, the owner of mine treasures.
By all means, it is called a Divine Place granting prosperity.
This is the story of Kruthayuga. Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of VarahaSwamy uplifted the Earth from the sea. Since then, VarahaSwamy is wandering on Tirumala Hill along with Ramaa happily as said by Puranas.
“Mayavee Paramanandam
Tyaktva Vykuntamuttamam
Swamy pushkarini teere
Ramaya saha modate” (Brahmanda Purana)
It means that Sri Maha Vishnu known as Mayavi after leaving delightful Vaikunta is playing with Ramaa on the bank of Swamy Pushkarini. Even now Sri Varaha Swamy is Staying with His Consort Laxmi northwest of Pushkarini. Srinivasa asked them for one hundred feet of land to construct a temple for His stay.
Srinivasa bestowed 2 boons
He promised to share the gifts offered by the devotees as mentioned in legends. The tactful drama played by Srinivasa in the form of a mortal being took place at the beginning of Kaliyuga. At that time Srinivasa bestowed two boons on VarahaSwamy.
- Firstly, devotees will visit VarahaSwamy after taking a bath in Pushkarini and then only have Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Ananda Nilaya. This is the first boon. This rule is to be followed.
- The first Naivedyam food (offering) will be submitted to VarahaSwamy before Srinivasa. This is the second boon.
Varaha Swamy – Govinda
Varaha Swamy is also named ‘Govinda‘ as told by elders. The name “Maha Varaho Govinda” is found in Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotram. “Go” means Earth; “Vinda” means who has procured. Devotees will call me Govinda said Srinivasa.
When devotees visit Tirumala, they will recollect the mythological story of Sri Varaha Swamy. This is the hidden myth behind Srinivasa Darshan. As soon as devotees step into Tirumala, they feel as though they are on flight i.e., in bliss.
This is the divine experience of the devotees who visited Tirumala for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan since the cycles of ages. There is no pilgrimage centre like Venkatadri and no equal God to Venkateswara as narrated by Brahmanda Purana.
“Venkatadri Samam sthanam, brahmande nasti kinchana
Venkatesa samo devo no bhooto na bhavishyati.”
There is no divine place equal to Venkatadri and no God equal to Venkateswara in past and future.
Sri Krishna Avatara took place in Dwaparayuga. After the completion of Sri Krishna Avatara, Kaliyuga began.
Srinivasa introduced himself to Padmavathi, saying thus –
Sindhuputrakulam prahuh asmakam tu pura viduh
Janako Vasudevastu janani Devaki mama
Agrajaswetaketustu Subhadra bhagini mama
Partho api me sakha devi Pandava mama bandhavah
“My parents are Devaki and Vasudeva. Balarama is my brother. Subhadra is my sister. Arjuna is my friend and Pandavas are my relatives. My caste is Sindu putra (Moon dynasty)” as told by the persons versed in the Puranas.
Anjanadri
‘Anjanadri’ is one among the Seven Hills. Hanuman was born here. A mythological story says that during the time of Vanavasa, Sri Rama had visited Anjanadri. The mention of Sri Rama is made in Srivari Suprabhatam saying
“Kausalya Supraja Rama, Purva Sandhya Pravartate
Uttishttha Narasardula, kartavyam daivamanhikam!”
“Good son of Kausalya! The Sun is rising in the east, Oh! great man! wake up, it is time to perform Vedic Rituals to You.”
Inside the golden door of Sri Venkateswara temple, the first portion behind Jaya and Vijaya is named “Ramulavari meda“. Banjara devotees (the followers of Hatheeram) call Swamy as Sri Ram Balaji. This stands as proof of Rama’s visit during His vanavasa.
The memories of the stories of Rama and Krishna Avataras bring a divine touch when anyone visits Tirumala. Every stone, tree, hill, valley, lake, insect, animal and bird in Tirumala is the form of Srinivasa. They are all different forms of Lord Venkateswara. Bhagavad Ramanuja (11th century) walked on his knees and reached the Hill.
He thought that even the touch of feet on the Hill was a sin. This holy thought of Ramanuja reveals the chastity and divinity of the pilgrimage and the importance of mythology.
Darshan Starts from Alipiri
Tirumala Srivari Darshan / Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan starts from Alipiri. As soon as we reach “Gali Gopuram” climbing the steps of the Hill and after touching the head to “Talayeru” (a sandstone) all our sins will vanish. The elements of the body will be purified. As soon as we step up the “Mokalla Mettu” bad qualities like Kama, and Krodha will perish and mild-gentle thoughts will arise.
After reaching Tirumala, the human soul (Jeevudu) will wake up. It is hard to climb the steps on the knees to get rid of sins and request Swamy to uplift to attain salvation (Moksha). The secrecy of Yoga Marga is hidden in climbing up the Hill.
Tallapaka Annamayya is a virtuous person (15th century). He Praised and described Tirumala grandly.
Pallavi
Adivo alladivo Sri Harivasamu
padivela Seshula padagalamayamu
Charanam-1
Ade Venkatachala makhilonnatamu
Adivo Brahmadula Kapurupamu
Adivo nithyanivasa makhilamunulaku
Ade chududade mrokku dananda mayamu //Adi//
Charanam-2
Chengatanalladivo Seshachalamu
Ninginunna devatala nijavasamu
mungitanalladivo mulanunnadhanamu
Bangaru sikharala bahubrahmamayamu //Adi//
Charanam-3
Kaivalya padamu venkata nagamadivo
Sri Venkatapatiki Sirulainavi
bhavimpa sakala sampadarupamadivo
pavanamulakella pavanamayamu //Adi//
That is the residence of Sri Hari, it is spread over with ten thousand hoods of Adisesha. Venkatachalam is the greatest of all in the world. It is the residence of all sages. It is a wonderful place even for Brahma etc.,
Venkatachalam / Seshachalam
Let us see and salute to Venkatachalam.
This is a Hill called Seshachalam near Venkatachalam where all deities reside. Venkatachalam is considered a treasure mount in front of us. It is non-perishable. The peaks of Venkatachalam are made of gold which shower heaps of wealth. It is the sacred place of whose darshan leads to salvation. It is the most sacred among all pilgrimage centres.
Tirumala Hill is described as Golden Hill in Skandha Purana. These Hill ranges appear like a snake. The colour of this Hill is not like Blackstone.
But it shines like a cast gold among green trees. Deities, Sages, Saints, Kinnera, Kimpurusha etc., will be wandering in these Divine Hills. There is a saying that Gods like Brahma will come over to this place to worship Lord Venkateswara at night.
Here, Gold is not mere metal gold, but it is Yoga siddhi (attainment of divine knowledge). It is mentioned by Maha Yogi Vemana as knowledge of Hemataraka. Moksha Lakshmi is also a form of gold. Seshadri with golden peaks provides divine knowledge relating to Brahma.
This is the divine wisdom (Brahma Vidya) provided by Seshadri with brightening golden peaks.
Vaikunta on Earth
Annamacharya described Seshadri as Vaikunta on Earth.
Pallavi
kattedura Vykunthamu – kanachaina Konda
Tettelaya mahimale – Tirumala Konda IIKatteduII
Charanam-1
Vedamule silalai velasinadi konda
Ye desa punya rasule – uerulaindi konda
Gadili Brahmadi lokamula kanula konda
Sri devudundeti seshadri Konda //Kattedu//
Charanam-2
Sarva devatalu mrugajatuli elinche konda
Nirvahinchi jaladhule – nittaina kond
Urvi tapasule taruvilai nilichina konda
Purvaputanjanadri – ee podavaati Konda //Kattedu//
Charanam-3
Varamulu kotaruga vakkaninichi penche konda
Paragu Lakshmi kantu sobhanpu konda
Kurisi sampadalella guhala nindira kond
Sirulaina didivo – Sri venkatepu Konda //Kattedu//
“Vaikunta in the form of Tirumala is standing in front of us. It is “SriNidhi”. It is full of glory. The rocks seen there, are sacred Vedas. Rivers flowing are heaps of holiness (Punyam). Tirumala is itself Vykunta which stands second to Satyaloka.
Deities wander in Tirumala in the form of animals. The water of the seas became hard and got shaped into Hilly rocks. Many Rishis are born as trees in Tirumala. It is a place that showers limitless boons needed for devotees. It is the cause of growth and prosperity. There are caves filled with valuable Treasures. Tirumala is a place for auspicious ceremonies of God.”
There is no exaggeration in the words of Annamayya. The story of Anantalwar reveals the truth. Once Anantalwar proceeded on a southern tour. His wife gave him a pack of sweet pressed Rice (Poha) as food for the Journey. After getting down the Hill, he opened the pack near a well to eat the pressed rice. He found ants in the pack.
Anantalwar saluted them. He felt sorry and said, “Alas! I have committed a sin. Who would be these sages who have been wandering in Tirumala in the form of ants? I Separated them from God”.
With grief, he returned to the Hill and left them free. He felt happy for having left them free on the premises of Lord Venkateswara. This is how a pilgrimage centre is considered a sacred and holy place.
Kulasekharappadi
Kulasekhara Alwar, another devotee (8th century) had a peculiar desire and prayed thus – “Swamy! Venkatachalapathi! Had I been a doorstep in front of You, I could have seen the Lotus face of Yours always.” Even now we can see him in the shape of a door-step in front of Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s Sanctorum.
That is why the doorstep of Garbhagudi (Sanctorum) is called “Kulasekharappadi.”
There are many instances to recollect the devotees like Kulasekhara Alwar. It is quite appropriate to call Tirumala as ‘Bhooloka Vaikunta’. The Divine Hill Tirumala which attracts us before darshan has a lot of mythological fame. That is the strength of that location. Kshetra darshan is the first stage during the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan.
This pilgrimage is the natural wealth of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Nature itself is another form of the Lord.
A tamarind tree stood as a witness to the marriage of Srivaru. The waters that helped in cooking food for marriage are Akasa Ganga, lakes like Papavinashanam; the iron crowbar thrown by Anantalwar that hit the chin of Srivaru; the cowherd (Sannidhi Golla) who died after throwing an axe on Srivaru – They are all speaking to devotees every day. This is another important feature of Tirumala.
Reciting the sankirthanas of their ancestors in traditional services such as Melukolupu, Pavalimpu, and honour which the bride’s party give during the marriage ritual, those people, i.e., the successors of the Tallapaka dynasty, and submission of the pearls Harati during Ekanta Seva, i.e., the successors of Tarigonda Vengamamba are residing in Tirumala generations together and are protecting their culture.
The Puja procedure (according to Vykhanasa Agama Sastra) established by Gopinath is being followed even today. The divine service namely “Jiyyangar” introduced by Srimad Ramanuja is being followed now. Maha Vishnu is known as the protector of the Vedas. The greatness of Maha Vishnu is being announced continuously by reciting the Four Vedas and discourses on Puranas.
Srivari darshan begins with Veda nada sravanam. (hearing), one of the nine ways of devotion (Nava vidha Bhakti). Sankirtana of names of Govinda (Govinda Namalu) chantings of ‘Govinda’ ring in the hearts of devotees like the sound of bells. They remind us about the existence of Lord Venkateswara on the Hill. Thus devotees will become free for some time from the earthly bindings and feel spiritual calmness.
Sins committed in different parts of the land are perishable in Kshetras and Teerthas. Gentle lifestyles such as regulated life, meditation, Yoga practice, moderate food, and relaxation are prescribed during the stay on pilgrimages to obtain physical, mental and internal purity.
Sapta Girulu
Tirumala is a physical symbol of Srivaru. Ranges of Seven Hills are important in Tirumala. These are called “Sapta Girulu”. Addressing Srivaru as “Yedu Kondalavada! Venkata Ramana! Govinda” is very much liked by Him. Sapta Girish means sporting pranks on Seven Hills and staying permanently as “Tirumala Nayaka”.
“Sri Sesasaila Garudachala Venkatadri
Narayanadri Vrushabhadri Vrushadri Mukhyam
Akhyam Twadeeya vasateranisam vadanti
Sri Venkatachalapathe Tawa Suprabhatam”.
Oh! Swamy! Your residence in Tirumala is called as Seshadri, Garudadri, Venkatagiri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhachalam, Vrishadri (Anjanadri) etc., A warm wakeup for You!
‘Vrisha’ means Dharma. There is Veda Pathasala (The school where Veda is learnt) in Dharmagiri. Narayanadri-Narayanagiri is the place of pranks of Srivaru. Seshadri has a mythological fame. Anjanadri reminds us of the birth of Anjaneya. As we climb the Hills, we get reminded of the greatness of Srivaru and our hearts will have His darshan throughout our journey.
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Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan – Final Word
‘Kshetram’ means a place. ‘Tirumala’ is a Kshetram. But there are a lot of (rivers, streams, reservoirs) places of holy water (Teertham). To witness and perform Tapa, Rishis, and Deities used to come to this Abode for many ages.
Likewise, human beings started to come and visit the places. Hence it has been called as “Teertham” by the elders.
Maharshi Vyasa opined that it is a sacred work to visit Teertha. The pilgrimage to Teertha is a sacred work and it is a hidden factor unknown to Rishis even. It is greater than performing Yagnam.
“Rushinam paramam Guhyamidam Bharata sattama!
Teerthabhigamanam punyam yagyirapi vishishyate!”
