Significance of Annamayya Sankeerthanas

Annamayya Sankeerthanas

Thoughts about the Saint Composer, Sri Annamacharya would not be far away, when there is mention of Lord Venkateswara and Tirumala. For, it is he, Annamayya, who has described vividly, the many facets of Lord Srinivasa’s life— His numerous awe-inspiring virtues, His beloved consort, Alivelumanga / Padmavathi Devi, and devotees’ faith— through thousands of his Shrungara and Aadhyatmika sankeertanas.

Devotees’ faith in Him is such that, even in the present age of easy transportation, lakhs of them, of own free will, traverse on foot, the “Seven Hills” to prostrate and obtain His blessings. Chants of “Govinda, Govinda”, reverberate the entire route to the hilltop, right up to His Sanctum Sanctorum.

Tirumala Hills - Seven Hills

As one passes through each of the seven hills (Adris)— Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri— symbolizing the seven heads (hoods) of Lord Aadisesha, it is not a wonder, if these representative seven gems of Annamayya, flash through the mind.

Tirumala Srinivasa appeared before the Saint, when the latter, was hardly five or six years of age and granted him the boon to compose sankeertanas, one per day. Annamayya describes this experience of his, as if it were a dream.

“Ippuditu kala ganti nella lokamunaku,
appadagu Thiruvenkatadhreeshu
kanti,…”

  • ‘I just dreamt thus; I saw the true Lord of the entire Universe and beyond ;
  • the wonderful sight of the Seshadri hill was before me, as also the incomparable tower (gopuram) of the temple;
  • surrounding it was, light as bright as a million Suns; Four- faced, creator, Lord Brahma was present;
  • saw temple doors of gold, studded with pearls and rubies, and huge lamps (deepams);
  • extremely beautiful crown (kireetam) of Lord and His bright coloured attire were prominent; Shankha and Chakram, adorned His two hands; the all-important Abhaya hastham (blessing hand) was visible too.

Such was the grandeur of the Lord of Venkatadri. By His side stood, mu Guru, who had already attained His feet.’

Annamayya wonders at the seemingly contradictory nature of the Lord’s virtues, in this ‘sankeertana’.

“Vishwa-prakashunaku veliyeda loneda,
Shaswatuna-koohimpa janma-mika neda, …”

Says the composer—‘The Lord illuminates the entire universe; so, for him, there is nothing like inside or outside (darkness or brightness); for one who is immortal, which form of life can one imagine? He is complete in all respects and thus, does not need any change; doesn’t require an abode, as He is in complete bliss;

Significance of Annamayya Sankeerthanas

He pervades the Earth, but where is the space for him to keep his feet? He doesn’t need any words or speech, as He can convey everything while remaining silent; He is the embodiment of all Senses; doesn’t need to see or hear anything;

He is the ultimate “yogi”; for him, there is no distinction of self or non-self; praises or faults, do not affect Him; for such a Divine being, what idol or statue can one build? He is of that supreme stature.’

In the days bygone, present-day facilities were not available. Devotees walking up to the Tirumala temple would have braved scorching Sun, rain, cold and other natural elements. Yet, their single-minded devotion to the Lord, would not have wavered.

Alipiri - Tirupati

Annamayya expresses his total faith in Him, through these lines—

“Enda-gani needa-gani, emaina gani,
Kondala rayude maa Kula daivamu,….”

‘Be it the scorching Sun, or shade of a tree, or, whatever, the King of the Hills, will always be our family Deity. Whether threatened by a scorpion or a snake, wind or dust; He is our true God; He who unhesitatingly drank the deadliest poison, thus saving the entire creation.

Be it an ant, a mosquito, a bedbug or a cat; the Lord having created them, protects all of them too. Lord Venkateswara is the only one, who guards us at all times. So, surrender to Him, in total, and He will be your saviour. Pangs of hunger and tiredness are common to the human body especially so while undertaking strenuous efforts, such as climbing the hilltop.

To tide over the fatigue, devotees chant the Lord’s name continuously.’ Annamayya sums up—

“Aakati velala, alapaina velalanu, Tekuva Hari namame dikku, mari ledu,….”

‘When one has time to while away or has strayed from one’s occupation, or when a slave to others and is imprisoned, chanting Sri Hari’s name is the only option. If one forgets and fails in this duty/ commitment, only regrets will ensue.

When amidst danger, or deep in anxiety; when one has committed a sin, knowingly or otherwise; or, enveloped by fear; as far as possible, pray to Lord Hari. If not, one will keep suffering and there will be no escape route left. When harassed by lenders, or, arrested and chained and facing the death penalty, only Lord Venkateswara will release you.’

Sri Hari’s abode! The seven hills

As one nears the hill top, the sacred temple comes into view. Its grandeur, described in the Saint’s own words, leaves us awestruck.

“Adivo alladivo Sri Hari vasamu,
Padi vela Seshula padagala mayamu,…”.

‘Look! Behold! There is Sri Hari’s abode! The seven hills and minor ones, resemble the multiple (multiple or hooded) hooded serpent, Lord Adisesha amidst the white clouds, He appears as the foaming the Ocean of Milk— Ksheera Saagaram.

Lord Brahma and other Gods and Goddesses, stand in attendance; for the sages and saints, the temple became their permanent home; the hills shine like gold, from the treasures they store. For Lord Srinivasa, the “Seshasailam” became “Vaikuntam”, His abode.

Waking up the Lord

Having witnessed such a rare spectacle, Annamayya was elated and so sang and danced in bliss. Having prostrated before the Lord, devotees desire his benevolence. But the deity is still in deep sleep and needs to be woken up.

Saint Annamayya, taking it as his duty, on behalf of all devotees, sings to the Lord—

“Vinnapaalu vinavale, vintha vinthaloo,
pannagapu doma thera paiketha vemayya,…”

This waking up of the Lord is not just for Him but for the entire creation of life. ‘Oh, Lord! Please wake up; it is already morning. You have to listen and attend to many strange requests. Please lift your mosquito curtain and grant your presence. All the Gods and Goddesses, great sages, have lined up before you. Slowly open your eyelids and cast your benevolent glance on them. Don’t you hear the sage Narada and others singing soulfully?

The sound waves carrying the cluster of musical notes to you are the songs of lovelorn Garuda, Kinnera and beautiful women. Through your bewitching looks, satisfy their desires. Lift the curtain and present your radiating face. There, Lord Adisesha, all deities and also Alivelumanga, are eagerly waiting. It is time for you to cast your first glance at them.’

With such varied and endearing entreaties, the Lord would have certainly smilingly woken up to a new day and showered His blessings.

Lord’s Feet

Sri Vari Padalu - Tirupati Balaji - Tirumala
Sri Vari Padalu – Tirupati Balaji – Tirumala

“Brahma kadigina paadamu,
para Brahmamu taaneni paadamu,….”

‘Lord’s feet are the purest and so supreme, as they are washed by Lord Brahma Himself (taken in the sense that Lord Brahma daily worships these feet at night). These are the very feet that measured the entire Earth in one stride, and the entire outer space in another; the third stride, kept on King Bali Chakravarthy’s head, pushed him into the netherworld; the feet also blessed Lord Indra.

As Lord Sri Rama’s feet, they rid sage Gauthama’s wife Ahalya, of her curse; as a young Lord Krishna’s feet, they trounced and broke the arrogance of Kaleeya serpent; the same feet that Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu’s consort, lovingly massages and worships.

When great sages and other yogis worship these feet, they are blessed in innumerable ways. Attaining these feet of the Lord should be everyone’s life’s goal and final residence and resting place.’

Significance of Annamayya Sankeertanas
– Dr. Rallapalli Shyama Sundar

Sankeerthana Bhandagaram – Inside Tirumala Temple

Sankeerthana Bhandagaram

Adjacent to Sabhera’s room a south-facing room is there. This room has big pillars with beautiful carvings on them. This is known as Sankeerthana Bhandagaram. Some call this room by name Tallapaka Ara i.e., room. There is a board which says that this is Annamacharya Bhandagaram.

This Bhandagaram (treasury) room has wooden doors. On both sides of this entrance, you will find two statues pointing to this room. The statues have guitars (a stringed musical instrument) on their shoulders. The statue on the right side is that of Annamacharya and the statue on the left side is that of Peda Tirumalacharya. The statues and names are identified by the great scholar Late Sri Veturi Prabhakara Shastri Garu.

Poets of the Tallapaka Dynasty

Three poets of the Tallapaka dynasty Annamacharya, his son Peda Tirumalacharyulu, and his grandson China Tirumalacharyulu have composed songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara. They have also written Dandakas (prose hailing the deity) and shatakas (108 padyam’s i.e., Quatrains in praise of their family deity) in Telugu.

Ragi Rekula Ara / Sankeerthana Ara / Tallapaka Ara

Tallapaka poets took care to see that their Keerthanas were engraved on copper plates. These plates were safely preserved in the Sankeerthana Bhandagarams. Because the copper plates were preserved here, people began to call this Ragi Rekula Ara (Room containing copper plates) Sankeerthana Ara (room). As it had Sankeerthanas of Tallapaka poets some named it as Tallapaka Ara (room).

Now so many cassettes are available in the market. So many singers have sung and have been singing the compositions of Tallapaka poets. Almost every day live stage performances are given for all these things – audio and video. The main source for this is Bhandagaram i.e., treasury. This particular room has been playing an important role right from day one when administration of the temple was taken over by T.T.D.

Sankeerthana Bhandagaram room is serving as the hub of all Spiritual Activities of T.T.D. Because of these copper plates, Lord Venkateswara has become a Universal God. His temples are there in almost every important city of the world.

Annamaiah loudly challenges Lord Venkateswara in the following Keerthana.

Ne Nokkada Lekundithe Neekripaku Bathra Medi

Pooni Na Vallane Keerthi Pondevu Neevu

If I were not to be there people would not have come to know about Your Grace or Kindness. You owe Your name and fame to me.

Tallapaka Annamacharya

Annamacharya

Annamacharya was a born ‘Advaithi’ i.e., a smartha. But he has worshipped the Vaishnavite God who is being worshipped by staunch Vaishnavite Acharyas. He participated religiously in all utsavas that are celebrated in Tirumala. He even got one room in the precincts of the temple. His statue is carved on the stone wall near the door of the room.

A Smartha becoming a Vaishnavite is a wonder. The wonder of wonders is he has participated in Vaishnavite rituals of the temple and having a statue engraved on the wall should be considered as the most wonderful thing.

Lord Venkateswara has addressed Annamaiah as Mama i.e., father-in-law. Even today during Kalyanotsavams that are performed Annamaiah happens to be Kanya Daata. According to popular belief, Annamaiah is the incarnation of Lord Venkateswara’s Nandaka Khadga. He has composed nearly 32 thousand keerthanas dealing with Yoga, Sringara, Vairagya etc.

Nobody has sung and composed songs on the Greatness, Generosity, Kindness, Benevolence, Bhaktha vatsalata, Saranagatha Vatsalya etc., of Lord of Seven Hills Sri Srinivasa, like Annamaiah. Even Puranas it seems have failed to explain His greatness. Where everybody has failed there Annamaiah has succeeded.

Annamaiah has this to say about his keerthanas:

“Please consider and preserve them as flowers offered to Your Lotus Feet. These are the flowers of Your Fame. Even if one sings only one sankeerthana that is sufficient for protecting him and blessing him. The other keerthanas please have them in your treasury.”

He i.e., Annamaiah has spent his entire life in the service of Lord Venkateswara.

Peda Tirumalacharya

He ordered his son Peda Tirumalacharya to compose at least one song per day in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Gracefully aged Annamaiah, on phalguna dwadashi day, in the year 1503 became one with his beloved God Lord Venkateswara. In one of his sankeerthanas he has emphasized that You i.e., Lord will protect us by listening to one song or keerthana.

When such is the case please have the other songs or sankeerthanas composed by me in Your treasury. This being the case he would have stored all his songs after getting a room constructed to store them.

Engraving Sankeerthanas on Copper Plates

Originally all his songs were written on dry palm leaves. To preserve them Annamaiah made arrangements for getting them engraved on copper plates. It is believed that the construction, of this temple room – Sankeerthana Bhandagaram would have been completed between the years 1523-30.

After completion of the construction, people would have preserved engraved copper plates of Annamaiah’s songs along with those of Peda Tirumalacharya, Annamaiah’s son, and China Tirumalacharya Annamaiah’s grandson.

It seems Vijayanagara emperor Achyuta Rayalu extended his helping hand to Annamaiah’s son Peda Tirumalacharyulu, in getting the sankeerthanas engraved on copper plates. The mention of Sankeerthana Bhandagaram is found in the inscription of 1541.

Sankeerthana Aralppadu

The inscription clearly says that the arrangements were made for proper lighting of the room – Sankeerthana Bhandagaram i.e., 24×7 lighting and distribution of ‘ATIRASALU’ a kind of sweet pancake to the devotees after naivedyam. On a very grand scale, even music performances were arranged in the name of ‘Sankeerthana Aralppadu’.

Kodai Tirunallu

Around 1545, it seems, during summer they used to celebrate “Kodai Tirunallu” (temple festival) for 20 days continuously. During this festival near Sankeerthana Bhandagaram, offerings were offered to the Lord. The available records reveal all these things.

Even to this day during Nitya Utsavam which starts on Ugadi and goes on for 40 days, near this room every day, Tallapaka Harati is performed to Malayappa Swamy.

Swamy during Brahmotsavams (Alankaram)

Copper Plates

The copper plates that are preserved in this Sankeerthana Bhandagaram room are not of even size. As per their measurements, they are divided into four groups.

Ordinary plates or sheets (saadhaarana rekulu: Abbreviation: Sa.Re)

So far 2531 ordinary copper plates have been found. These plates belong to all the Tallapaka poets. They are approximately 15.5 inches long and 7 inches wide in their size. They used to keep them almost permanently in temples.

Big plates or sheets (pedda rekulu Abb.pe.re)

Only 36 sheets or plates have been secured so far. People call them Ragi Bandalu i.e., copper stones, or Banda Rekulu i.e., stone sheets. They are 28 inches long and 16 inches wide in size. 5 or 6 sheets are hooked together with a metal ring.

They used to put a rod through metal rings and carry them as if it is a palanquins to different places to propagate and popularize those keerthanas. Great renowned research scholar Sri Veturi Prabhakar Shastri went to Ahobila Kshethra and found them after some search.

copper sheets
Note: Not the actual image but this is given only as sample or reference.

Inscription sheets (Saasanapu Rekulu Abb.sa.re)

The total number of sheets procured is ten. Each sheet is 11 inches long and 8 inches wide in size. Even these plates are hooked (4 or 5 sheets in an iron ring) to iron rings.

Long sheets (Nidu Rekulu Abb.Ni.Re)

These sheets are like palm leaves in their size. They have found 119 sheets. Apart from these some incomplete pieces are also found. These sheets are 33 inches long and 2.5 inches wide in their size. Out of these sheets, some have been lost over a while. We have already given the number of copper sheets found after the search.

Even among these available sheets only ordinary sheets are arranged according to the names of poets.

Tallapaka Annamacharya

Tallapaka Annamacharya

Tallapaka Annamacharya had composed 32,000 devotional songs on Lord Venkateswara. Even today, the songs are being sung and played all over the world. The exotic Rasas makes the song live for all seasons.

Every celebration at Tirumala is not complete without the songs from Annamacharya. The greatness of Annamayya songs is that Lord Venkateswara along with Sri Alarmelmanga enjoys the bhakti that is present in the song.

To enjoy and get real bliss, one has to

  • first visit Tiruchanur Goddess Alarmelmanga,
  • then at Tirumala Adi Varahaswami and
  • finally to Lord Venkateswara.

The Darshan gives eternal happiness, but to enjoy the nectar more, one has to attend all the Sevas at Tirumala and also the Brahmotsavam.

It can be observed that all the Sevas have related songs sung by Annamacharya. The journey now starts from the foothills of Tirumala to enjoy the nectar of Annamayya songs along with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

♪♪♪ Vedu kondama Venkatagiri Venkateswaruni…. ♪♪♪

“Come to the Venkatagiri hills to pray to Lord Venkateswara who fulfills our wishes. He eradicates all our sins.


♪♪♪ Ippuditu kala ganti nella lokamulaku – appadagu tiru Venakatadreesu ganti…. ♪♪♪

The poet expresses the ecstasy of his dream that he saw the great grand peaks of Seshadri hills, the Lord Venkateswara decorated with a high diamond-studded crown with his four hands holding Conch and disc for protection.


♪♪♪ Adivo alladivo shree Harivaasamu – padivelu Seshula padagalamayamu…. ♪♪♪

In this song, Annamayya praises the abode of Sri Hari which looks like the spectacle of ten thousand hoods of an Adi Sesha serpent. This abode is not the only favorite of humans but also for the Devas. He praises that this place is for salvation and holiest of holy as it is the repository of wealth which is the grace of Lord Venkateswara.


 

Tallapaka Annamacharya
Tallapaka Annamacharya

Suprabatham

The first Seva of Lord Venkateswara is Suprabatham. The world-famous hymn from Ramayana where Sage Vishwamitra tries to wake up Lord Rama and Lakshmana…

♪♪♪ ‘Kausalya Supraja Rama Poorva Sandhya Pravarthathe’. ♪♪♪

Poet Annamayya assumes himself as mother or guru Vishwamitra and starts waking up the Lord with the below song –

♪♪♪ Vinnapalu vina vale vinth vinthalu – pannagapu doma tera paiketha velayya….♪♪♪

He pleads Lord to wake up and shower grace with his beautiful eyes. He indicates that the sun has risen and all devas are awaiting his Darshan.

Suprabhatam Seva


Vishwaroopa Darshan

The morning first Darshan is called ‘Vishwaroopa Darshan’, so the below song reveals that everything on this hill is holy by having the Darshan of Lord and will be eternally blessed

♪♪♪  Visvaroopamidivo Vishnuroopamidivo – Sasvatulamaitimimka jayamu najanmamu…. ♪♪♪


Mahalakshmi Alarmelmanga

Abhishekam or Thirumanjanam (Holy bath) is a great Seva that reveals the beauty of the Lord’s Divine body. This Seva is performed to Swami on Friday, especially to the Goddess Mahalakshmi who always resides On the Lord’s bosom.

He addresses the Goddess with the beautiful song

♪♪♪  Ksheerabdi Kanyakaku Sree MahaLakshmi kini – Neerajalayakunu Neerajanam Neerajanam…. ♪♪♪

The beauty of Goddess Mahalakshmi Alarmelmanga (or Alamelu Manga) who is the daughter of the Milky Ocean, whose eyes are lotus petal shaped, her hair is like waves of the ocean.

  • She is adorned with expensive gems and jewels and blesses the devotees with her soft lotus-like hand.
  • She blesses the devotees with her sweet pleasant voice.
  • She is very beautiful and is the Queen of Lord Venkateswara to whom we perform this holy bath.

♪♪♪ Kanti Sukravaramu gadiyaledinta – anti alamelumanga andanunde Swamini….♪♪♪


Abhishekam and Nijapada Darshan

On Friday is exclusive, as it is delighted to have Darshan of Lord Venkatesa. Thomala Seva is where the Lord is adorned with flowers from the shoulders to the feet.

Tiruvengadam (Tirumala) is called as ‘Pushpa Mandapam’. It is because Lord Srinivasa liked to wear flowers. Many Alwars have sung that Lord Srinivasa loves all flowers. That is why Ananthalwar, Perialwar, and Thondaradipodi Alwar performed that flower Kainkaryam (Service).

The below song reveals that the Lord loves all flowers.

♪♪♪ Sakala lokeswarudu sarasa jekonu vadu – akhilambuga pushpa yagambu… ♪♪♪

Lord is pleased when flowers are offered by chanting the Mantras.

♪♪♪ Vividha pushpamulato veda ghoshamulato – Avala tiravamudiyu anganala yatato…. kavi vandi nutulato kamma boojala toda – navadharinchi pushpa yagambu…. ♪♪♪

Every day, Archana is performed to the Lord by praising his name. Similarly, many songs were sung by Annamacharya mentioning only the Lord’s name.

Madhava Keshava Madhusudana Vishnu – Sridhara padansakam chintayami yuyam….

Vamana Govinda Vasudeva Pradyumna – Rama Rama Krishna Narayana Achyuta….

Damodara Aniruddha Daiva Pundareekaksha – Nama Trayadeesa Namo namo….

The above keerthana indicates various forms of Lord Vishnu. Archana is one of the nine forms of Bhakti. Another song refers to Shodasapuja (sixteen services) commonly offered to the Supreme Lord. The Pooja vidhi is mentioned here.

♪♪♪ Shodasa kalanidhiki shodasopacharamulu jada toda nichchalunu samarpayAmi…. ♪♪♪

Annamacharya highlights that the names of the Lord itself are the only refuge for worldly beings to be saved from the Samsara. Just uttering the divine names would give peace everywhere.

♪♪♪ Narayana nee namame gati ika – korikalu naku konasaguTaku…. ♪♪♪

Sriman Narayana is a valuable treasure and no other refuge other than reciting his holy names will give us salvation.

♪♪♪ Govinda Govinda yani koluvare – Govinda yani koluvare…. ♪♪♪

We have to put absolute faith in Lord Venkateswara and seek His sacred feet as an ultimate refuge.

♪♪♪ Chinni Sisuvu Chinni Sisuvu ennadu…… appalaninanta…. balupaina potta meedi pala charala toda nuli vedi venna tinna nori toda chelagi nedide…. ♪♪♪

As mentioned in Bhagavad Gita, one has to offer Satvika food to the Lord and then only have it as prasadam. Tiruppavada Seva on Thursday morning is where the large quantity of Puliyoghara (Tamarind Rice) is spread across in front of Garuda and offered to the Lord as Naivedhyam.

Devotees may have darshan of Lord Venkateswara with devotion. Thus, singing this Song.

♪♪♪ Tandanana ahi tandanana pure – tandana bhala tandanana …. ♪♪♪

Annamayya stresses that True devotees will not look into anything. Offering Lotus to the Lotus feet gives pleasure to the Lord and is the simple Bhakti one can perform to the Lord.


Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva

Every Tuesday is performed to the Lord as Seva. The specialty is that golden petal flowers (108) are offered at the holy feet by reciting the Lord’s name. The divinity of the Holy Feet is praised in the below songs.

♪♪♪ Ati durita pankamanTina kadugaga – miti nee padame minneru….
rati karmajnulu rachina narchaka – vratamu nee padame vanayai niliche…. ♪♪♪

Nithya Kalyanam

Lord of Tirumala is Nithya Kalyana Perumal where Kalyanotsavam is performed every day. Kalyanotsavam is performed for the benefit of the world. Numerous songs are sung during this Utsavam. It is the happiest event of all time.

♪♪♪ Pidikiti talambrala pendli kooturu konta-peda mara le navveene pendli kooturu…. ♪♪♪

Beautiful event Talambralu (pouring holy yellow rice) on bride Alarmelu Manga’s head by the bridegroom, Srinivasa is gorgeous. The full song depicts the wedding dress, ornaments and decorations during the grand wedding ceremony.

♪♪♪ Lakshmi kalyanamu leelato pade nide memu – Lakshmi Narayauu l Elayunu neevunu…. ♪♪♪

This wedding song also describes the complete wedding ceremony, decoration, and the beauty of the Lord and Goddess. It also highlights that they are a “Divine couple” who are inseparable which gives bliss to the World.

Vasantothsavam

Vasantothsavam is a beautiful Seva where Utsava Murthy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi is bathed with holy water, milk, curd, honey, and turmeric. Purusha Suktam and Sri Suktam are recited during this seva.

The below song will be suitable for the wonderful Seva.

♪♪♪ Jagadapu Chanavula Jajara Saginala Manchapu Jajara …. ♪♪♪

Lord with His Consorts give Darshan in a Mirror Hall reflected infinity. He is seated in Dolo- Unjal (Swing) and is wonderful watching the Supreme reflecting infinity.

♪♪♪ Dolayanchala Dolayanchala hare Dolayam…. ♪♪♪

Arjitha Brahmotsavam

is a short Brahmotsavam where major Vahanams are decorated and the Lord is decorated and mounted on different Vahanams.

♪♪♪ Ettu nerchiti vayya inni vahanamu lekka – gattiga nimpuke hari kadu mechchemayya…. ♪♪♪

Annamayya calls Lord Sri Hari and questions how he admires the skill to ride so many vehicles. He praises the vehicle during the Avatara.

Sahasra Deepalankara Seva

Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, before Sandhya Kalam (before night), Lord Malayappa Swami with Sri Devi, Bhu Devi decorated in a swing (Unjal) surrounded by thousand lamps. Annamayya had sung “Dolayam …” to Lord enjoying this Seva.

♪♪♪ Chooda Chooda Manikyalu Chukkala Vale Nunnavee – Eedu Leni Kannulave Ina Chandrulu…. ♪♪♪

The above song is perfect for Sahasra Deepalankara Seva as Annamayya sees the lamps clearly and they are like stars in front of the Divine. But, he says the lotus eyes of the Lord are eternal and brighter than lamps. They shine like the Sun and Moon.

Sahasra Deepalankarana -

Ekanta Seva

Ekanta Seva is the peaceful last Seva of the day, where Tallapakavari Lali and Tarigondavari Muthyala Harati in remembrance of Annamayya and Tarigonda Vengamamba is performed. Annamayya sings for Baby Krishna in the Cradle as he assumes as Yashoda Mata.

♪♪♪ JO Achyutananda JO JO Mukunda – Rave Paramananda Rama Govinda… ♪♪♪

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is asleep after the hectic schedule. But he is always readily awaiting to bless us. Let us cradle him for some more time!

Ekantha Seva (daily Seva) in Tirumala temple
Ekantha Seva (daily Seva) in Tirumala temple