Sri Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy / Snapana Beram
Sri Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy (Ugra – ferocious) with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi, as per temple tradition is also known as Venkatattu Raivar, Snapana Beram, Snapana Moorthy and Achyuta Beram.
To Snapana Beram (Bath Image) daily Abhishekams are not offered. These idols – Srinivasa Moorthy, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi – are made of Panchaloha.
In the olden days it is believed were taken in procession during festival days. Once when these idols were taken in procession it is said some astonishing things, with unexpected consequences, had happened. From that day (1330 A.D) onwards these idols are not taken in procession on festival days.
But on two days in a year i.e., on Dwadasa Tiruaradhana (Krishna Ashtami) and Kartheeka Dwadasi (Kaisika or Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi) darbar is arranged for Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy. Even on these two days in the small hours of the day i.e., some hours before sunrise around 2.30 or 3 a.m. the darbar is arranged. It is said that the idols become more ferocious when the sun’s rays touch them. This continues even to this day.
On Dwadasa Aradhana night at about 10 O’clock, the idols of Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy along with His two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi will be brought from the Sanctum Sanctorum and will be placed in Ghanta Mandapam. After placing them there they are given holy bath and offerings. After completing all these rituals the idols will be taken back to Ananda Nilayam.
Click here for – 5 Idols of Tirupati Balaji – Pancha Berams
Karthika Dwadasi
On Kaisika Dwadasi Day (Karthika Dwadasi) after Suprabhatam and Thomala seva the Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy’s idol along with the idols of Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi will have Abhishekam and will be adored with a new set of silk robes, ornaments and garlands.
Then Sri Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy will be taken in a procession befitting an emperor. This procession will be taken out on the Maha Pradakshanam route. Archakas will take care to complete the procession and other connected rituals by 3 a.m.
After the procession, the idols will be brought to Ranga Mandapam. Here Sri Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy arrives riding on Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam. (The term ‘Sarvabhoopala’ means ‘Emperor of Entire Universe)
After traditional poojas and Harati, the idols will be taken back to Ananda Nilaya. This duplicate image of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy is made of panchalohas. This 20-inch-long idol stands on a lotus seat of 6 inches in height.
Similarly on the two sides of Sri Ugra Srinivasa Moorthy on a 5 inches high lotus seat 18 inches long Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi stand. These idols are considered to be the oldest idols among the idols that are taken out in procession.
