Sri Venkateswara Swamy Archives - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Varaha Kshetram – Manifestation of Sri MahaVishnu

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Varaha Kshetram

The Seven Hills of Tirumala in total is being called ‘Varaha Kshetram‘. Sri Venkateswara Swami and Sri Varaha Swami temples are located here.

Having the first darshan of Lord Varaha Swami, the darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swami later by the devotees has been a practice for several years and is the specialty of this Kshetram. Then only fruitful results will be obtained for their visit to the Sacred Tirumala hills.

Sthala Puranam

The sthala mahatmyam of the temple of Sri Venkateswara is called ‘Sri Venkatachala Mahatmyam’. This is mentioned in several puranas like Varaha, Padma, Garuda, Brahma, Markandeya, Vamana, Brahmottara, Skanda, Aditya, Bhavishyottara and Harivamsa. Out of these, the most important are Varaha and Bhavishyottara puranas.

Sveta Varaha Kalpa

The 33rd Chapter of “Sri Varaha Purana” describing Sveta-Varaha’s slaying Hiranyaksha forms the first Chapter of “Sri Venkatachala Mahatmyam”. The sthala purana mentions a conference of all rishis, and munis at Naimisaranya, where Suta, the apara vedavyasa was asked to describe to the assembled saints about the pre-eminent kshetras sacred to Sri Mahavishnu.

The 36th Chapter of “Sri Varaha Purana” describes the divine grandeur of Sri Sveta Varaha Swami, who chose his abode on the Kridadri and forms the 4th Chapter of “Sri Venkatachala Mahatmyam”.

In as much as the hill is dearer to God and is encircled by the sacred crest, here lies the certainty of fructification of human efforts in the different spiritual fields, such as Mantra, Tapas, Yagna, Kamya and other siddhis (acquisitions) and no obstacles intervene. Even small deeds on this hill tend to the attainment of the desired objects. All holy tirthas abound on this hill.

A constant worshipper with faith and devotion, who desires knowledge obtains knowledge; who longs for riches acquires much gold; who desires children begets sons; who covets kingdom secures a state; who wishes for the removal of bodily deformity derives a perfect and lovely physique; and likewise whatever men may desire that they shall obtain.

Through various causes, the kridadri have different names for their significance and they are as follows:-

Chintamani,
Gnanadri,
Tirthadri,
Pushkaradri,
Vrishadri or Dharmadri,
Kanakadri,
Narayanadri,
Vaikuntadri,
Simhachala,
Anjanadri,
Varahadri (for its being Varaha kshetra in it),
Nilagiri,
Venkatadri,
Srinivasagiri,
Anandadri,
Sri-saila.

It possesses also admirable powers as multitudinous as God himself.

Its mahima is indescribable even by the four-faced Brahma, the six-faced Subrahmanya, the thousand-eyed Indra, or the thousand-hooded Adisesha. The rishis of Naimisaranya expressed their curiosity to Suta to know more. In addition to this, some engraved inscriptions on the pillars were found in the Tirumala temple.

There are other innumerable collections of legends and stories about Tirumala and the presiding God Sri Venkateswara or Srinivasa. Most of the incidents in the sthalapurana describe the sanctity and the greatness of the Hills of Tirumala and the numerous tirthas situated on them.

According to Legend…

Hiranyaksha was filled with pride, He once met Narada Maharshi and asked him “Is there anyone stronger than me”, then Narada replied, “Yes, There exists Lord Vishnu, who is stronger than you”. Hiranyaksha started searching for Lord Vishnu everywhere, but he couldn’t find him. He searched the whole earth and went underwater to Paatal Loka also for Lord Vishnu.

All the Gods were worried and rushed to Lord Vishnu for help. Oh! Lord! Please save us, Hiranyaksha has taken the earth and disappeared”. The Lord replied “Don’t worry, I know Hiranyaksha has taken the earth to paatal Loka. I’ll soon get the earth back to its position”. Then Lord Vishnu took the form of SwetaVaraha, a white boar with two curved tusks.

Lord then went to paatal loka. There was darkness in the depths in which the Earth was submerged. There, He found the earth hidden under seven underground worlds. Sri Varaha Swami fought and challenged Hiranyaksha. Hiranyaksha used many weapons, but it did not affect Lord Vishnu. Finally, Lord Vishnu directed his Chakra to Hiranyaksha, Chakra separated his head from the body. Hiranyaksha died then and there. Thus, Lord Vishnu relieved him from his curse.

Balancing the earth between the snout and the curved tusks, Lord Varaha brought Bhu Devi (earth) out of the depths of darkness and out of the deadly waters. As he rose out of the waters with the earth safe, those who witnessed the event praised God with gratitude. Then, the Varaha Swami placed her in the middle of the seas and supported her with his power.

Lord Sri Venkateswara took up residence in Tirumala, with the permission of Sri Varaha swami, and granted Lord Varaha, the privilege of first view (Darshan), and first Naivedyam. According to the legend, Tirumala was originally the Adi Varahakshetra. According to Brahma Purana, Naivedyam should first be offered to Sri Varaha swami. Pilgrims should visit Sri Adi Varahaswami temple before Sri Venkateswara Swami temple.

According to Atri Samhita, Varaha Avatara is worshipped in three ways

Adi Varaha,
Pralaya Varaha, and
Yajna Varaha.

SRI VARAHASWAMI TEMPLE AT TIRUMALA

It is located to the north of the Sri Venkateswara Swami temple on the banks of Swami Pushkarini. The presiding deity is Sri Varaha Swami, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of a Svetha Varaha (white boar) that was staying on the hills when the Lord Mahavishnu descended to earth.

The Bhuvarahaswami in the Sanctum holds Chakra and Sankha in his hands seated on the surface of 2’ height and faces north having Bhudevi in his left-hand side.

In addition to this idols of 1’ in height Panchaloha Varaha and Sri Srinivasa, some salagrams can be seen. Further 1’ height copper plated yantra, which is in chaturasrakara shape. This is in brahmi script and may be a danapatram written by Sri Venkateswara Swami. While entering the temple’s Garbhagriha we come across Lord Vishvaksena and Ramanujacharya. We can observe Vishvaksena’s Idol on the right side of the temple’s Garbhagriha and Ramanujacharya Idol to the left of temple’s Garbhagriha.

There is no dwajasthambam in this temple. As such daily poojas archana, an offering of naivedyam three times a day is being conducted as per Vaikhanasa Agama. The annaprasadams are prepared in the kitchen of Sri Venkateswara Swami temple, first to Sri Varaha Swami and later to Lord Srinivasa.

In the year 1982 from April 21 to 26 Mahasamprokshanam was conducted. The height of the dias of the presiding deity was increased. Golden makara thoranam to Swamivaru was arranged. A big golden vimana, kalasa pratistaphana programmes were performed grandly.

The Varaha Swami temple was well constructed as per agama and vastu sastras. It was divided into four parts viz., mukha mandapam antaralayam and Garbha griha. The sanctity and
the beauty of the temple attracts Pilgrims.

On the last day of every year of ‘Srivari Brahmotsavams’ i.e. Sravana star day on the eve of chakra snanam Sri Venkateswara Swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi and Chakrattalwar come to Mukha mandapam of Sri Varaha Swami temple in a procession. After panchamrutha snapana tirumanjanam, chakrasnanam will be performed in the sacred waters of Swami pushkarini to the processional deities.

Chakra Snanam - Tirumala — Chakra Snanam during Brahmotsavams in Swamy Vari Pushkarini – Beside Varaha Swamy temple – Tirumala

The archakas, vedaparayanadars, mathadhipathis, higher officials of TTD., employees, men, women, and children devotees in large numbers take baths in the waters. Similarly, on Rathasapthami and Mukkoti dwadasi days only Chakrattalwar will come to this Mukhamandapam. After the abhishekham, the bath will be performed in the sacred waters of Swamipushkarini.

Have the blessings of Lord Sweta-Varahaswami and Sri Srinivasa residing on Sacred Tirumala Hills

Varam Svetavarahakhyam
samharam Dharanidharam
Swava dhamshtrabhyam
dharodharam Srinivasam bhajeanisam

Possessing a high-strength body, the killer of demon Hiranyaksha, who snatched away Bhudevi, the saver of bhumi (Earth) with his curved tusks, we always pray Sweta-Varahaswami and Lord Srinivasa!!

Metlotsavam – 4 times in a year – A Unique Spiritual Program of Dasa Sahitya Project

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Dasa Sahitya Project to conduct “Metlotsavam” – In the Memory of Sri Vyasatirtha

Tirumala – the sacred abode of Sri Venkateswara Swamy is unparalleled in its spiritual glory. As per Bhagawan Vedavyasa, a holy place like Tirumala and a God like Sri Venkateswara never existed in the past nor will there be in the future. Such is the grandeur and splendor of this kshetra.

Only by climbing hills on foot

From time immemorial, devotees be it Devatas or humans, are longing to come to this holy place and also are longing to sing paeans on God Venkateswara. While the Devatas descend from the upper worlds, humans have to make physical effort to travel by traversing a variety of landscapes that exist from their origin and up to the destination.

Both the Puranas and historical records affirm that the mode of travel to reach the hill shrine was only by climbing the hills on foot. There were no other modes of transportation ever recorded in the scriptures or historical accounts.

Lord Himself climbed the hill

God Srinivasa Himself is said to have climbed the hill on foot twice, once before marrying Goddess Padmavati and the second time after the holy marriage with the Goddess. Thus, it is the Supreme Godhead Himself who introduced ‘walking on foot’ as the only mode of transportation to the hilltop.

Hence, for the last many millennia, devotees from all corners of the world are coming to the hill temple on walk.

Tirumala - Seven Hills — Horizontal and Vertical view of Seven Hills – Tirumala

The glory of Tirumala hill

Bhavishyottara Purana beautifully describes the spiritual glory of Tirumala Hill by narrating the story of a Brahmana named Madhava. At the beginning of Kaliyuga, there was a Brahmana by the name Madhava who lived in Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. He was well-versed in all Vedas and Shastras. He was married to a beautiful woman called Chandralekha.

One day, due to the effect of bad Karma, he left his duly wedded wife and started living with a wretched woman.

After the death of his second wife, Madhava lost his interest in life and became a tramp. Soon he found his way to Tirumala hill. The mere darshan of the holy hill made him recollect and repent for his past deeds. As he touched the foot of the hill, all his sins were cleansed.

Brahmadeva appeared before Madhava and advised him to climb the hill. He further advised him to leave the present physical body after taking the darshan of Varaha Swamy.

Thus, Madhava climbed the hill, prostrated before Varaha Swamy, and left the mortal coil in the Yogic method. In his subsequent birth, Madhava became Akasha Maharaja, the father of Goddess Padmavati and father-in-law of God Venkateswara. This episode clearly shows the significance of climbing the hill with devotion and the fruits it reaps i.e., liberation from accrued sins.

History of Tirumala Temple

The history of Tirumala temple is replete with innumerable instances where the most rich and powerful emperors, queens, and nobles too have walked the whole path to reach God’s abode. Despite the comforts available to them at their beck and call, the rich and powerful of the bygone eras have always walked to Tirumala temple on foot with utmost devotion.

Then what about the spiritual Gurus and Acharyas? Would they be traveling by an elephant decorated with silk draping with gold embroidery or would they be riding a horse belonging to the world’s best breed? Never. All the Acharyas and Gurus have gone on a pilgrimage on foot to Tirumala from wherever they were camping. They came to Tirumala with their followers and disciples who too travelled on foot along with their spiritual masters.

Those followers and disciples never displayed their displeasure or discomfort to walk through the treacherous mountain ranges and dreaded forests. Instead, they begged and pleaded with their masters to undertake the Tirumala pilgrimage as many times in a year as possible.

Such was the attraction cast by Sri Venkateswara. Such was the spell of spiritual bliss offered by Tirumala Kshetra. Emperors such as Sri Krishnadevaraya, Achyutaraya, and Venkatapatiraya have traveled to Tirumala on many occasions on foot.

Similarly, great saint Sri Ramanuja has not only traveled to Tirumala on foot but also established a system for temple management that is running smoothly to this day.

METLOTSAVAM - Tirumala — Dvaita Siddhanta, Sri Madhvacharya carried a pilgrimage to Tirumala kshetra

Singing the glory of the Lord

Celebrated poet-composers such as Sri Purandaradasa, Sri Vijayadasa, Sri Gopaladasa, and Sri Jagannathadasa have made it a tradition to visit Tirumala 2-3 times a year and sing the glory of the holy place and the God.

Great saint, poet, and establisher of many charities, Sri Vyasatirtha of Dvaita philosophy has a unique association with Tirumala temple. He was asked to act as the overseer of the Tirumala temple administration from c.1486 to c.1498 by the then Vijayanagara emperor Saluva Narasimharaya. During his tenure as temple overseer and chief priest, Sri Vyasatirtha used to climb the hill on foot to perform all rituals to God Venkateswara.

Subsequently, he was climbing down on foot to attend to the mundane works that included attending to nature’s calls. This can be said as the highest example of utmost devotion and dedication toward the upkeep of the sanctity of the holy place.

There is another splendid narrative about Sri Vyasatirtha’s sacred association with Tirumala temple. Every time, the great saint was climbing the hill or coming down, he never set his foot on the holy hill. All the time and the whole way, he was climbing up or down the hill on his knees.

Because, for him, the whole mountain appeared as a huge, sacred Salagrama which is nothing but a rocky, physical form of Bhagawan Vishnu. One can imagine how challenging it could be to climb up and down a hill as tall as Tirumala on knees yet Sri Vyasatirtha continued to climb in this way for 12 long years.

Metlotsavam

Dasa Sahitya Project – Metlotsavams

The exemplary devotion of Sri Vyasatirtha who never took a rest for 12 years to climb up and climb down the Tirumala temple has become the inspiration for (devotees) Dasa Sahitya Project to conduct “Metlotsavam.” This unique program is dedicated to the sacred memory of Sri Vyasatirtha and all other such noble souls who walked to the hill with utmost devotion and dedication.

Since its inception in 1979, the Dasa Sahitya Project has been conducting Metlotsavams at regular intervals (4 times in a calendar year) in which thousands of devotees participate with the sole aim of worshipping Kaliyuga Daivam through Nama Sankirtana, Japa, and Parayana. Each spell of Metlotsavam begins with the arrival of the devotees (close to 3,500 per spell) at Tirupati which is followed by Akhanda Nama Sankirtana and Pravachanams.

Later, on a specific day of Metlotsavam, all the devotees congregate at Alipiri Padala Mandapam to commence their travel on foot towards God’s abode.

Brahma Muhurtham

The congregation takes place at Brahmi Muhurtham i.e., at 4:00 AM. A grand Puja is conducted with the participation of senior officials of TTD and spiritual personalities. Later, the devotees will start climbing the holy hill of Tirumala by singing the glories of Sri Venkateswara and chanting his sacred names. There will be short discourses by eminent scholars at specific places along the footpath where the devotees take brief rest.

After reaching Tirumala, the devotees are allowed to have the darshan of Sri Srinivasa Parabrahma and subsequently offered Annadanam. Subsequently, the devotees will climb down the hill and reach Tirupati from where they will be returning to their places with hearts filled with the sacred memories of Sri Srinivasa and Tirumala kshetra (place).

As the years progressed, Metlotsavam started gaining popularity due to its ability to offer unique spiritual experiences to the participants. Today, Metlotsavam has become an unforgettable divine event for thousands of devotees.

Article published in Sapthagiri Magazine “Metlotsavam – Sri Anandatheerthacharya”

Tag: Sri Venkateswara Swamy