Venkateswara’s ‘Saare’ to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

Article posted on Saptagiri Magazine by – Dr. Venkata Harshavardhan R.D.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Kartika Brahmotsavams is a spectacular festival of Tiruchanur and Tirupati. Just as Tirumala Brahmotsavam ends with CHAKRA SNANAM, even Tiruchanur Kartika Brahmotsavam ends with a Chakrasnanam on the auspicious Panchami Teertha day known as ‘Panchami Theertham’.

Saare – From Tirumala to Tiruchanur

On this special day, “Saare” (an auspicious and devotional offering) comes from Tirumala Venkateswara Swamivaru to the Goddess Padmavathi. The movement of the divine ‘‘Saare’’ starts (Praramba Yaathra) at BRAHMA MUHURTHAM time in Tirumala and travels through ‘Mada Veedhis’.

Later on, this ‘‘Saare’’ travels through the steps and roads of Tirumala to Tirupati and again from Tirupati to Tiruchanur. This Saare’s Mugimpu Yatra (conclusion part) happens with its travel through four Tiruchanur Mada streets before it is offered to Goddess Padmavathi Ammavaru.

SriVari Saare to Ammavaru from Tirumala

Indian Tradition – SAARE

Normally in India, after performing a wedding or marriage, the bride’s family sends a “SAARE’’ to the in-laws along with their daughter who enters her in-law’s place. This ‘Saare’ mainly consists of food items and gifts to family members and relatives of the bridegroom.

This ‘Saare’ has to do with the gifts meant for the son-in-law and the favourite things used by the daughter from her birth till the wedding day.

Ramayana in Thretha yuga also mentions ‘Mandhara’, the servant of Kaikeyi, who accompanies her to her in-law’s palace. This is one of the famous instances of this tradition.

Coming to the age-old ‘Tirumala Swamivari Saare’, many old aged priests and devotees opined that, this Saare consists of not only Jewellery, Silk Sarees, Turmeric, Saffron (Kumkuma), Traditional Chandan (Sandalwood), Flowers, Betelnuts, Betel leaves, Fruits, Sweets, Elaichi, Aroma oils or Scents, Mirror, Vinjamaras, Handheld fans, Koppu and Jada Kuchulu (hangings worn at the end of plaited hair) just to name a few.

Srivari Saare

These items in the ‘Srivari Saare’ represent the traditions to be followed by Indian girls, and women for the welfare of the family, the safety of society, and their personal “devotional and traditional safety” as well.

The following are some of the important Sanathana Dharma procedures to be followed of Hindu girls, women, and married men.

Wearing Turmeric

The application of turmeric to the face and body not only helps to give glory and glow but also protects the skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungal bodies because of its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic nature with its strong antioxidants inside.

Wearing Gold

Even a small amount of gold on the body activates some parts of the nervous system apart from the extension of prosperity which is evident from ancient medical scripts, the Puranas and Sastras.

Padmavathi Ammavaru - Saare from Tirumala

Draping Sarees

The silk sarees with their strong ‘semi-conductor property’ connect the body with the “five elements” (Pancha Bhoothas) of mother nature and activate and energize the body. The current youth especially girls and women wearing ‘Jeans’ are said to face many problems related to health care.

It’s time for all of us to understand the importance of items in Saare and the message from Lord Venkateswara regarding the same.

Wearing Vermilion

The most important aspect to learn from Kumkuma (vermilion) used by Indians to keep it on the top of “Gnana Netra” (the place between two eyes) to protect, radiate, and energize the ‘third eye’ of the human being and attract the Gnana (Knowledge) and positive powers.

The colour red symbolizes the Goddess and Sun which predominantly appears in Kumkuma. The material in Kumkuma invites eight types of wealth, cosmic power and prosperity through the third eye or gnana netra of the person.

Tying the Hair

The Koppu (Hair Holding Flower like structure to keep the tips and ends of the hair or Jada Gantalu) is another important material-based message from the Saare or Lord Venkateswara to the women. All of us are familiar with the current wires or power cables. When you get in touch or contact the ends of the same when they are open, it is quite obvious that you will get an ‘electricity shock’.

Koppu - Padmavathi Ammavaru - Saare

Hope you remember the electrician closes the ends of these copper or metallic wires with plastic tape to stop the flow of electricity through the wires. Similarly, when girls and women with long and movable hair, that too when they are moving in public places, there is a possibility for their hair ends to get in touch with people with negative energy.

This will lead to the transfer of their positive power to others and take their negative energy in that place. Hence, the message from Koppu and Jada Gantalu from the Saare is “How to protect your positive powers and avoid getting negative energy?” by closing the tips or ends of your hair.

Balanced diet:

The importance of elaichi and fruits / dry fruits / prasadams etc. as a diet is well-known even in the modern world. Even in the past two years, every person has badly gone through the COVID pandemic in one way or another. At that time, a balanced diet like dry fruits etc plays a major role in our immune system.

Wearing flowers

Similarly, the role of flowers and aromatic materials in cleaning the airborne negative energies apart from igniting six out of ‘Eight Chakras’ of human bodies is evident from puranas, vedangas and sastras.

Conclusion

Finally, there is a message from Lord Venkateswara to the married man on what to inscribe and prescribe to his wife and daughters for the welfare and prosperity of the society and family. The same will spread the culture and legacy to the sons or boys of the family as “doing is believing”.

The objective of this post is not just to touch upon the material and ingredients of Tirumala Sri Vaari Saare to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru during the Karthika Tiruchanur Brahmotsavams on Panchami Theertham Day, but also to express the significance of contents of the Saare to spread the prosperity and welfare to the Society, family and individual.

Laksha Kumkumarchana at Padmavathi Temple – Tiruchanur

Sri Padmavathi Devi temple – Tiruchanur

Goddess Padmavathi is the queen of Lord Srinivasa and enjoys a separate identity with equal status. The Goddess is inseparable and enjoys an equal position as she is a Purushakara or instrumental in protecting the devotees from the wrath of the Lord.

As the temple of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru is as important as the Venkateswara Swami temple, pilgrims throng to this temple throughout the year and offer their prayers.

Laksha Kumkumarchana

According to the Hindu Sanatana Dharma, ‘Kumkum’ or vermilion is considered sacred, especially for married women, as it is applied by them over the forehead seeking the longevity of their husbands. It is also considered as the symbolic representation of Goddess Shakti, who is also revered as Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi, and Goddess Parvathi.

Laksha Kumkumarchana - Tiruchanur

‘Laksha Kumkumarchana’ will be performed on a grand note at Sri Padmavathi Devi temple in Tiruchanur every year. This ritual is performed before the commencement of nine day ‘Karthika Brahmotsavams’.

So, before starting brahmotsavams or any mega religious event in a Hindu Goddess temple, the priests usually perform “Laksha Kumkumarchana” seeking the execution of the religious event smoothly and successfully by appeasing Mother Goddess with this unique ritual.

In the temple of Tiruchanoor, which happens to be the abode of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the temple priests carried out “Laksha Kumkumarchana” from 7am till 12 noon to the processional deity of Goddess Padmavathi seated on a finely decked Asan in Mukha Mandapam located opposite Sri Krishna Swamy temple located within the main temple premises.

laksha kumkumaarchana - Tiruchanur

On this occasion, the processional deity of goddess Padmavathi will be seated on ‘Asan’ (platform) amidst the renditions of sacred chants and mellifluous hymns. The priests will chant the 1000 divine names of Goddesses during this fete.

The priests recited “Lakshmi Astottaram”, and “Lakshmi Sahasranamam” several hundred times and carried out “Laksha Kumkumarchana” with devotional fervour. Whenever they were reciting the multiple names of the Goddess, archana was done with vermilion to the processional deity. Hundreds of women devotees took part in this special ritual.

This ritual is considered as a prelude to Brahmotsavams appeasing Goddess for the successful conduct of mega Brahmotsavam.

Chatusthanarchana – Tiruchanur

ChatusthanArchana Visesham - Tiruchanur

The puja vidhi during Brahmotsavams are in the form of Chatusthanarchana (ritual).

Every day during the annual fete, the Chatusthanarchana will be performed twice, both in the morning and in the evening at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple.

In the morning this ceremony is observed in Yagashala between 5 am to 6 am and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

The archakas invoke

  • Sri Paravasudeva (Vaikuntavasa) in holy water,
  • Sri Mahalakshmi in Sacred Kumbham (kalasam),
  • Agni in Homam, sacred rice (Akshata) in Chaktrabja Mandalam and
  • Yaga Bera in the form of Bimbam (deity).
chatustharchana Visesham Tiruchanur

Glory of Divine Mother – Tiruchanur

The Glory of the DIVINE MOTHER

Sriman Narayana, the Almighty manifests Himself in five distinct forms namely the Param, Vyuham, Vibhavam, Antaryami and Archa. In all these forms the Lord is always inseparably united with His divine consort Sri Mahalakshmi.

The Parabrahamam is identified only by the presence of the “Sri”, the Divine Mother.

The Vedas, the verses of the Alwars, the Itihasas, and the Puranas authored by the sages like Valmiki, Vyasa, and Parasara all established the divine couple as the ‘Paratatvam’. While praising the Lord, the Vedas identify him as the one who is “Sripati”. Likewise, while speaking of the Divine Mother, the Sri Suktam hails Her as “Vishnupatni”.

The Almighty has two kinds of determination namely Anugraham and Nigraham. He is undoubtedly an ocean of mercy, the protector of all. He also has the crucial role of establishing ‘dharma’ for which it is necessary to annihilate the demonic forces.

The benign Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is the abode of unalloyed grace and mercy and has no intent of punishing even the worst sinners like Ravana or Kakasura.

“I pray to the goddess who being the consort of the Lord is with Him in all the acts of protecting the whole universe. She is the very personification of mercy and is incapable of the very thought of punishing anyone” says Swami Desikan in his stotra, Yathiraja Saptathi.

Padmavathi Ammavaru

The Almighty is resplendent as Sriman Narayana in all His manifestations. In Srivaikunta, His permanent abode, He is the Lord of the Celestials and is worshipped by Nityasuris like Ananta, Garuda, Viswaksena, and Muktas who reach the land of bliss after liberation. In this Nitya Vibhuti, His permanent abode, He is ever present with His consort the Divine “Sri”.

This land of bliss is beyond the reach of mortals and even Devatas. When the Devatas want to approach the Lord, they do so in His abode in the Milky Ocean. The Lord is present with Sri Mahalakshmi reclining on the Adi Sesha here.

The Almighty in all His mercy comes down to the mortal world, His ‘Leela Vibhuti’, from time to time to protect the virtuous, annihilate demonic forces, and uphold ‘dharma.’ These incarnations are called the ‘Vibhava Avatharas’.

In all these appearances, the Divine Mother incarnates with Him in every ‘avathara.’ When He appeared as Lord Rama, the Goddess Srilakshmi appeared as Sita. When He incarnated as Lord Krishna, She appeared as Rukmini. The sage Parasara in his Vishnu Puranam shows that in every form the Lord assumes, Sri Mahalakshmi too assumes a form that is eminently suitable to His divine ‘leela’.

Varalakshmi Vratam Tiruchanoor

The Almighty is present within every object in His creation. The Paramatma’s presence within our soul is called ‘Antharyami’. This very minute manifestation too is in unison with His ‘Sri’.

All the above manifestations are beyond the reach of the human beings. Param and Vyuham cannot be attained with the physical body. ‘Vibhava Avatharas’ can be enjoyed only by those who lived in the times of the incarnation.

The Lord within the human beings can be realized only by great ‘yogis’ with immense spiritual strength. The form which is easiest to attain, infinitely merciful, and available always to all the seekers without any discrimination is the Archa (idol) form.

This Thirumeni is “Subhasrayam” meaning it is divine and can destroy the evil ‘karma’ of all who worship it and confer all boons. It is always available. The Lord is waiting for His devotees to come to Him.

Varalakshmi Vratam Tiruchanoor 4

In the Archa form, the Almighty in all temples is seen with His divine consort who is ever present in His chest as ‘Thirumarbu Lakshmi’.

The Lord’s holy chest is a temple for Her to reside both to be ever-present with Him and to be ever-available to bless His devotees. In some temples, she resides in exclusive shrines like ‘Thani Kovil Nachiyar’ like in Srirangam and Kanchipuram. In some temples, She resides with the Moola Moorthi as in Uppiliappan Kovil, Thirunaraiyur. In most temples, one finds Her as Ubhaya Nachiyars along with the ‘Utsavar’.

In Thiruvengadam (Tirumala) the most prominent among the Divya Desams the Lord is named Srinivasa as the Devi is inseparably wound up with Him. She showers grace as the ‘Thirumarbu Lakshmi’ and as Sridevi and Bhudevi in the Bhoga Archa. There is no separate shrine for the goddess within the temple on the Hills. The separate Sannidhi (Shrine) to the Alarmel Mangai

Thayar (Sri Padmavathi Devi) is at the base of Tirumala Hills in Alarmelmangapuram or Tiruchanur. This ‘kshetra’ has been widely spoken of in the Puranas like the Padma Puranam and the Varaha Puranam as the ‘avatara kshetra’ of the goddess. She is said to have emerged here in a golden lotus in the Padma Sarovaram, the temple tank when Lord Srinivasa performed penance and worshipped Her with divine golden lotus flowers.

Padmavathi Ammavari Temple - Tiruchanur - Shanti Nilayam

This Pushkarini is compared with the celestial Milky Ocean where the Devi incarnated when the Lord churned it assuming a thousand arms to help the ‘devas’ get ‘amruta’ to empower them to fight with the ‘asuras.’ The task was so mighty that the Lord enticed the ‘asuras’ to participate for a share of ‘amruta.’ He assumed numerous forms to join both sides and also became a divine tortoise (Koormavatara) to support Mandara Hill from below.

The Divine Sri emerged from the churning Ocean and was bathed with golden pots from the heavenly waters carried by the clouds Pushkala, Avartaka which was showered by eight elephants. The Goddess rose from Her Padmasana, walked straight to the Lord and garlanded Him as all the Devas watched the extraordinary scene. What started as an exercise to procure ‘amruta’ for the Devas turned out to be a clever plot with a concealed plot for the Lord to be united with His consort.

The Devas got their ‘amruta’ while the Lord, the Universal Charmer got back His Devi who is also known by name ‘Amruta’. The incarnation of the Goddess Padmavathi Thayar in the Padma Sarovaram at Tiruchanur is a divine ‘leela’, very similar to the mind-boggling effort of churning an ocean with a mountain.

Lord Srinivasa performed ‘Tapas’ in this sacred ‘kshetra’ to be united with His consort.

Various Utsavams

At Tiruchanur, her ‘avatara sthalam,’ Goddess Padmavathi resides in the ‘archa’ form ever ready to shower Her benign grace on Her devotees. It has been an age- old tradition to worship the goddess before ascending the hills to secure ‘darshan’ of the Lord of Thiruvengadam.

All the rituals are performed according to the ‘Pancharatra Agama’ tradition in Tiruchanur. The Golden Vimanam in Tiruchanur is called ‘Shanthi Nilayam. This is a temple where the goddess enjoys a pre-eminent position and is hailed by the Agama Sastra as ‘Svatantra Veera Lakshmi’.

She enjoys all kinds of ‘utsavas’ (Nithyotsava, Pakshotsava, Masotsava, Samvatsarotsava and Pavitrotsava), Thirumanjanam on Fridays, Unjal Seva and daily Kalyanotsavam. During the annual Karthika Brahmotsavam, the Goddess comes out of the temple in various mounts like Chinna Sesha Vahanam, Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Gaja Vahanam, etc.

The Vahana Seva tells Her devotees that the celestial beings like Garuda and Sesha serve the Lord’s consort just as they serve the Lord. In the Brahmotsavams for the Padmavathi Thayar the Gaja Vahanam is the highlight just as Garuda Vahanam is special for the Lord.

This is because the elephant is regarded as the symbol of royalty, great wealth, and regal splendour. It is fitting that the goddess of wealth should ride the elephant. Moreover, the temple flag hoisted in the Dwajasthambham too is adorned with an elephant.

Tiruchanur 2023 Elephants

The goddess is present in many temples as Gaja Lakshmi with two elephants offering garlands with utmost devotion and reverence. The Puranas describe the story of Lord Indra’s elephant throwing and stamping Lakshmi Devi’s ‘prasadam’.

Since then, all elephants are atoning for the great sacrilege by devoted service to the Devi.

The glorious ‘darshan’ of the goddess Padmavathi Thayar, Her Thirumeni sparkles with the glow of gold and her holy face and eyes brim with grace. Her rich silk robes, exquisite ornaments and her huge floral garlands complete the picture of perfection.

The goddess is seated on a lotus flower and holds lotus flowers in Her hand. Unlike the Lord She carries no weapons as She is the personification of grace and mercy.

The Brahmotsavams of Sri Padmavathi Devi in this year will be conducted between 10th November 2023 to 18th November 2023. The grand festival will conclude with the Theerthavari on 18th November 2023 which is famous as ‘Panchami Theertham’ as it falls on Panchami Thithi of Suklapaksham, Karthik month to mark the holy ‘avatara’ of the goddess Padmavathi Thayar.

TIruchanur 2023 Panchami Theertham

Auspicious Presents from Swami to Ammavaru

Lord Srinivasa sends an array of auspicious presents like turmeric, sandal paste, rich silks, dazzling ornaments, and garlands to greet His consort. All these offerings are brought from the Tirumala Hills by the officials, and priests and carried to Tiruchanur on an elephant. Lakhs of devotees pour into Tiruchanur to take a dip in the Padma Sarovar to celebrate the day joyously and receive the blessings of the Goddess.

The SVBC channel brings the spectacular ‘utsavam’ live to give ‘darshan’ to people all over the world and to shower the blessings of the goddess Padmavathi Devi on Her devotees forever.

Information Source – SAPTHAGIRI Magazine – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

Avatarotsavams Third Day

Avatarotsavams – Three Days

Sundararaja Swamy is a Self-emerged God in the auspicious star Uttarabhadra in the Jyestha Masa of Lunar Calendar.

The main events of the Avatarotsavams are distributed over the three days beginning on the day with Stabhisha Nakshatra and ending on the day with Uttarabhadra Nakshatra (The Birth Star of Sri Sundararaja Swami) in the following manner

Third-Day

Earlier in the day abhisheskham is performed to the Moolavirat of Sri Sundararajaswami and Sri Padmavati Ammavaru after the Suprabhata and Sahasranamarchana. Special Kalyanotsavam is performed for Sri Padmavati Ammavaru between 10.30 am & noon.

A Thirumanjanam or Abhisheka is performed to utsava idols of Sri Sundara raja swami and his consorts Bhudevi and Sridevi with milk, curd, sandal paste, and a variety of flowers and fruits. Unjal Seva will follow Thirumanjanam later in the evening to the deity.

Sri Sundararajaswami (without Sridevi and Bhudevi) is again taken out in a celestial procession in full decoration of flowery garlands, rich gem-studded ornaments, and other decorations on the Garuda Vahana.

The Lord gives His Glorious darshan to all the devotees on the four Mada streets around the temple in the first quarter of the night.

Significance of Garudavahana

From the philosophic point of view, Garuda is the very form of the Vedas. So Mounting of Sri Sundararaja on Garuda suggests that the Vedas alone are capable of spreading the message of Vishnu tattva to all the ends of directions.

  • Garuda is the chief vehicle of Vishnu.
  • Garuda is the Sandals of Vishnu.
  • One who bears the Vishnu padukas on his head will attain Vaikuntha by the grace of the Great God.

May all the devotees having participated in this Divine Festival be blessed with all kinds of gracious favors of Lord Sri Sundararaja Swami and His Consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.

Avatarotsavams Second Day

Avatarotsavams – Three Days

Sundararaja Swamy is a Self-emerged God in the auspicious star Uttarabhadra in the Jyestha Masa of Lunar Calendar.

The main events of the Avatarotsavams are distributed over three days beginning on the day with Stabhisha Nakshatra and ending on the day with Uttarabhadra Nakshatra (The Birth Star of Sri Sundararaja Swami) in the following manner

First Day

Second Day

Again on the second day, Sahasranamarchana after Suprabhata Seva to Sri Sundararaja Swami, Kalyanotsavam to Goddess Padmavati Devi, Abhisheka and Unjala Seva to Sri Sundararaja Swami amidst the Vedic chants and auspicious tunes and Nadaswaram and percussion are the events offered in the Mukhamandapa while in the first quarter of the night the celestial ride of Swami alone in the four Mada streets on Hanumad Vahana.

Significance of Hanumad vahanam

Hanuman was the personification of the bhakti in the form of the most trusted and selfless service to the Lord in his incarnation as Sri Rama in Treta Yuga. No exaggeration is there to say that Lord Hanuman was the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama.

Hanuman the vehicle of Sri Rama in the great war between Rama and Ravana, is the heroic one who freed the sorrow of Sita.

  • He is the greatest among the monkeys.
  • He is the slayer of the demon Akshaya, the son of Ravana.
  • He is the one who trembled the entire city of Lanka with his valor.
  • His speed is equal to that of wind.
  • He is the most self-controlled celibate, the best among the wise and always stands in the forefront of Monkey-warrior troops.

On seeing such a great devotee of Sri Ramachandra everybody will surely get all kinds of virtues, will be free from grief, and attains the blessings of Sri Sundararaja Swami.

Third Day

Avatarotsavams of Sundara Raja Swamy

Avatarotsavams – Three Days

Sundararaja Swamy is a Self-emerged God in the auspicious star Uttarabhadra in the Jyestha Masa of Lunar Calendar.

The main events of the Avatarotsavams are distributed over the three days beginning on the day with Stabhisha Nakshatra and ending on the day with Uttarabhadra Nakshatra (The Birth Star of Sri Sundararaja Swami) in the following manner

First Day

Sahasranamarchana to Swami after Suprabhata Seva, Kalyanotsavam to the Utsava Murthi of Goddess Padmavati, Abhisheka to Sundararaja Swamy and finally in the evening Unjal Seva – are the events of the first Day.

While these are the events performed in the temple premises there will be a Celestial Ride in the Four Mada Streets by Sri Sundararaja Swami, Sri Devi, and Bhu Devi on the Pedda Sesha Vahana on the first day night.

Significance of Pedda Sesha Vahanam

Among all the Vahana sevas, the first one is the Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva. Pedda Seshavahana is adorned with different kinds of flowery garlands, electric lamp series, and other kinds of decorative items.

Being accompanied by the resonant Vedic recitations the Divine Mother Sri Devi and Bhu Devi and the Prime God of the Festival Sri Sundararaja Swami will bless the devotees in the four Mada streets.

All three idols are adorned with fragrant flowery garlands and different kinds of jewelry. The gracious glances of the three deities are to save the world from all calamities.

The majestic appearance of Pedda Sesha Vahana is highly pleasing with his Seven huge hoods.

The seven hoods of the Pedda Sesha have a philosophical interpretation according to which the seven prime causes of the world :

  • Mahat or the Universal Intelligence,
  • Ahankara (The Universal self) and
  • The five Subtle Elements Sabda – The Sound, Sparsa – The Touch, Rupa – The Color, Rasa – The Taste, and Gandha – The Smell are said to be the seven hoods.

The Pedda Sesha himself is said to have been the very form of Prakrti. The mounting of Sri Sundararaja Swami on Pedda Sesha is explained as the association of the Parama Purusha with Prakriti.

Soon the devotees see the Great God on the Pedda Sesha vahanam, their minds are filled with great joy, and start reciting different kinds of stotrams.

*Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Sri Sundara Raja Swamy

One gracious form of Sri Mahavishnu is that of Sri Sundara Raja Swamy.

Location

Sri Sundara Raja Swami’s temple is situated as a sub-shrine in the temple complex of Sri Padmavati Ammavaru, the Consort of Sri Venkateswara of Alamelu Mangapuram, Tiruchanur.

This temple of Sri Sundararaja Swami is also known as the temple of Sri Varadaraja Swamy and the devotees can see Him along with his two Consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.

Beautiful Ruler

As the name of God does suggest He is SUNDARARAJA, the Most Beautiful Ruler of the clusters of innumerable Galaxies.

This temple of Sundararaja Swami was believed to have been built during the 16th Century as the stone inscriptions of 1541 AD and 1547 AD make mention of the Rathotsava (The Car Festival) of Sri Varadaraja Swami and His Brahmotsavams respectively.

In standing posture

In the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple, the main Deity Sundararaja Swamy or Varadaraja Swamy appears as Sthanaka Murti or as an idol in standing posture with four hands.

In the upper two hands, he holds Sudarsana Chakra and Panchajanya, and the lower right hand is in Varada (bestowing) mudra while the lower left hand is slipped down free with nothing held in it.

On His right side most beautiful Consort of Sri Devi and on His left with the same splendor His other Divine Spouse Bhu Devi grace all the devotees with pleasant looks.

Partitions

The temple of Sundara Raja Swamy has four partitions by names

  • Mahamantapa,
  • Mukhamantapa,
  • Antarala and
  • Garbhalaya (The Sanctum Sanctorum).

On the outer side of Mahamantapa, there is the Hall of Garuda (Garudamanta) where the idol of Garuda with widespread wings is facing the Deity Sundararaja Swami.

Worship of the god

All the procedures of worship in this temple are according to Pancharatra tradition. Thrice a day there is a regular worship (Archana) with Offerings (Naivedyam) to God. All the Anna Prasadams to God are brought from the Pakasala or the Cooking Chamber of Sri Padmavati Ammavaru.

Special Abisheka on Uttarabhadra

Sundararaja Swamy is believed to have Self Emerged in the auspicious star Uttarabhadra.

Hence every month on the day of  Uttarabhadra there is a special Abhisheka, Archana, and Nivedana to the Utsava Murthi-s and at the end of the celebration, there will be Tiruchanur Village Festival (Gramotsava) where all the villagers of the surroundings gather together with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Padmavati Devi – Legend

Goddess Padmavati Devi

Goddess Padmavati Devi also known as ‘ALARMEL MANGA’, the consort of Lord Srinivasa, made Tiruchanur Her abode.

  • She is glorified as the queen of the Universe.
  • She represents the Lord’s Sankalpa (wish).
  • The Divine Mother is concerned for the miserable plight of Her children (devotees) by appealing to the Lord to forgive and bless them with compassion.
  • Devotees pray to the Supreme Mother to exercise Her loving concern and solicitousness for their welfare and bring them closer to their Father (Lord Srinivasa).

Legend

The Lotus Tank of Tiruchanur has mythological significance. There is an interesting story attached to this holy tank of Tiruchanur.

One day all the rishis gathered in Naimisaranya and discussed who was great among the Trinity and to whom they should offer ‘Yagnaphala’. All the sages ultimately determined to consult sage Bhrigu who they considered to be the final authority.

Bhrigu Testing

Bhrigu first visited Kailasam, the abode of Lord Siva, and then Satyaloka, the abode of Brahma.

The sage was not welcomed in both the Lokas and he felt insulted when he visited Vaikunta, the abode of Srimannarayana. There also he received the same treatment.

The arrogant sage kicked on the chest of Lord Vishnu. Sri Mahalakshmi felt humiliated for it was her permanent abode and she got very angry. She deserted Vaikuntam and settled in ‘KARAVIRAPURA’ or ‘KOLHAPUR’.

Lord Vishnu’s Penance for 12 years

Lord Vishnu unable to bear the separation of Sri Mahalakshmi, did penance for twelve years. Then his desire was fulfilled and his penance bore fruit.

Sri Mahalakshmi emerged in the Lotus tank with a thousand sun rays with serene charm and dignity in the month of Karthika Suklapaksha Panchami on Friday being the star Uttarashada.

Mahalakshmi holding lotus buds in her hand and carrying a lotus garland looked at her husband like a coy bride. Then Sri Padmavati Srinivasa Kalyanam was a magnificent scene for the gods. The divine couple was finally united after a long separation.

At Tiruchanur in her avathara sthala goddess, Padmavati resides in Archa form to shower her benign grace on all of us. The deity is being worshipped in Pancharatra Agama Sampradaya.

Festivals or Sevas

She enjoys all Nithyotsava, Pakshotsava, Masotsava, Samvatsarotsava rituals. Among all the rituals the Brahmotsavam is the most significant splendid festival that is being rendered to her.

Ammavaru seats on several vahanas like Sesha, Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Simha, Gaja, Surya and Chandraprabha. Among them, the Gaja Vahana is considered to be auspicious as Garuda Vahanam to the Lord. This is because the elephant is regarded as the symbol of ‘Royalty and Wealth’.

The grandeur of Brahmotsavam will conclude with the ‘PANCHAMI THEERTHAM’ as it is very auspicious to Ammavaru.

Panchami Theertham - Tiruchanur (2)

Mother of Fortunes

The sublime Brahmotsavam at Tiruchanur makes devotees remember the significance of the Mother and Motherhood concept. Have the graceful darshan of Goddess Padmavati Devi, the mother of fortunes, thereby all the misfortunes will vanish materially and eternally.

SRI PADMAVATI SRINIVAASAAYA NAMAH

*Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine

Pushpayagam to Padmavati Devi

Pushpayagam (Yagam with Flowers) in Tiruchanur

Pushpayagam is performed to Sri Padmavati Devi in Tiruchanur. This is an annual festival that is performed the day after the completion of the annual Brahmotsavam on the asterism of Karthika masa, on the day after Panchami Theertham.

After the daily pujas, Goddess Sri Padmavati Devi is seated on a special golden platform and Snapana Tirumanjanam is performed. Later the Utsava Murti (procession statues) are decked up and a unique worship is done to Her with tons of varieties of flowers.

Flowers being used for Yagam

Traditional flowers including Mangolia, Souther wood, Chrysanthemums, Maruvam, Fragrant Herbs, Roses, Water Lilies etc. are blessed to touch the deities angas from top to bottom in this floral shower rendered to Goddess amidst chanting of Vedic hymns.

PushpaYagam - Tiruchanur - Padmavathi Ammavaru
PushpaYagam – Padmavathi Ammavaru – Tiruchanur

Later, a procession will be taken out in the evening. There is an age-old belief that this festival is usually performed to save the earth from natural calamities like quakes, cyclones, and epidemics and to appease the Goddess to save the lives of humanity, flora, and fauna from all the catastrophes.

The Pushpayagam that is performed to Amma is a feast for our eyes. Let’s have Her divine blessings!