Tag: Tiruchanur

Tiruchanur (also known as Alamelu Mangapuram) is a suburb and neighborhood of Tirupati and is located in Tirupati district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh

Sri Sundara Raja Swamy

Sri Sundara Raja Swamy

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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

Padmavati Devi – Legend

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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 to Padmavati Devi

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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!

Panchami Theertham Mahotsav

Panchami Theertham Mahotsav

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Panchami Theertham

Tiruchanur is the sacred place where Lord Srinivasa did penance for 12 years to get back Padmavati Devi, who always remains in his heart. Sri Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntam angrily with the misdeed of sage Brighu.

Sri Maha Vishnu himself dug the tank. He brought golden lotus flowers and planted them in the tank. The Devi was born on Karthika masa Sukla paksha Panchami tithi, Uttarashada star, Friday from Padma Sarovaram to benefit the devotees. She stayed back in the heart of Lord Srinivasa.

Teertham, Kshetram, and Devata places are called Sacred places. Suka Maharshi did penance in Tiruchanur. The role of Suka Maharshi was cited in Sri Venkatachala Mahatmyam.

Vrischika Masam on Panchami day

Every year in Vrischika Masam on Panchami day, Avabrudham will be performed, and earlier on the previous day, the ninth day of Brahmotsavam Dvajavarohanam will be organized in this sacred kshetra.

Performance of all glorious and earlier delighted Vahana sevas will be completed for the benefit of devotees as per Pancharatra Agama tradition. Srimannarayana himself gave upades (way of telling) to Lakshmi, Brahma, Ananta, Garuda, and Vishvaksena about this Archana procedure.

Gaja Vahanam - Tiruchanur 2023
Gaja Vahanam – Tiruchanur

Procession on elephants

The pundits recite about 108 pancharatrasamhitas. Special poojas are performed on this festival day. Sri Varu sends Tulasi, turmeric, vermillion, Silk Sarees, Panyarams in a procession of elephants to his consort from Tirumala to Tiruchanur and hands over them with temple tradition.

No Poojas will be performed until the completion of Chakra Snanam

Sri Padmavati Devi along with Sudarsana Swami reaches Padma Sarovaram for Avabrithasnanam to get relief from Brahmotsava tiredness and travails. The poojas will not be performed in Tirumala temple till the completion of Chakra snanam on Karthik Panchami day.

Panchami Theertham - Tiruchanur
Panchami Theertham – Tiruchanur

After the completion of Chakra Snanam, Bhoodevi reaches the temple in a procession, and the devotees in large numbers take a bath in the Padma Sarovar.

Lotus Flower

Lotus Flower

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Padmavathi was born in Lotus

Goddess Padmavati Devi emerged from Padmasarovar in the Lotus. This is why the Pushkarini (temple tank) is known as ‘Padmasarovar’ and the Goddess Sri Padmavati Devi is seated in the Padmasana or Lotus pose named ‘Padmavati‘. In Tiruchanur holding Lotus.

Lotus stands high among flowers

Among the flowers, the Lotus stands high for its growth and immaculate beauty from the mire environment. The Gita exhorts us to be like the Lotus function without attachment and stand above the mud & water of mundane mortifications.

In Hatha Yoga, the Lotus position, Padmasana, is adopted by those who desire to reach the highest level of consciousness, which ipso facto is found in the thousand–plated Lotus Chakra at the top of the head.

Gods & Lotus

  • Brahma attends to his work sitting on a Lotus evolving from the navel of Lord Vishnu,
  • Lakshmi Devi Sits on a Red Lotus,
  • Saraswati holds a White Lotus and
  • Durga was presented with a Lotus by (Aruna) Sun God’s favorite flower.

There are also theories of the life forms evolving from a Golden Lotus.

Lakshmi in Red Lotus
Lakshmi Devi on Red Lotus

In the Gita

The Lotus has been referred to in three places.

  • In 5.10 it is mentioned as a plant that lives & grows in a pond or a lake, which is unwetted or sullied by the surrounding water.
  • In 11.2 it is presented as a plant with graceful leaves which are reminiscent of Lord Krishna’s beautiful eyes.
  • In 11.15 projected as Brahma’s favorite seat. Significantly, the Lotus plant remains unaffected by the surrounding water, in the sense that if the water is sprinkled on its leaf, it immediately rolls down that leaf, leaving it completely dry and unaffected.

Eventually, it is pointed out that, the philosophy of the Gita is about attachment and not detachment. The central message of the Gita in 18.66 is that we must surrender to Lord Krishna and prepare ourselves in that spirit of surrender of the highest order to get His refuge and grace.

The third reference to the Lotus plant is given in Gita 11.15, wherein Arjuna says that with divine eyes he could behold Brahma seated on a Lotus – seat. This Lotus seat is the one that springs from the navel of Lord Vishnu.

It means that Arjuna saw the stalk of the Lotus and also the place, from where the Lotus spring up.

The word Abjabhava also refers to Brahma, as he was born out of a Lotus.

Saraswati on white Lotus
Saraswati Mata on White Lotus

Vision of Lotuses

Salutation to the one who is lotus-eyed and always decorated with garlands of Lotuses, whose feet are marked with the emblem of Lotuses.

Why Padmavathi is not in Tirumala

Why Padmavathi is not in Tirumala

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Why Padmavathi is not in Tirumala

Story Behind

The husband, Srinivasa lives up the Seven Hills in ‘Ananda Nilaya’! His wife Alamelu Manga lives in Tiruchanur, down the hills in ‘Shanti Nilaya’! Doesn’t it look queer? There seems to be a special reason for this.

Long ago, Padmavathi used to live in ‘Shanti Nilaya’, a golden palace, perched on a hill as high as the Seven Hills. But the mata in ‘Shanti Nilaya” used to bestow a little more benevolence than the Swami in ‘Ananda Nilayam’.

Because of the weight of her benevolence, the hill on which her palace was perched, sank into the ground. That was the reason for both being separate – one on the top of Seven Hills and another on the ground level in Tiruchanur. This is the story, some say.

Swami – Standing in Ananda Nilayam

Another point to note: Swami is in the standing posture in the temple on the hill, with all his weaponry as if he is ready to go somewhere. It’s difficult for the devotees to convey to him any of their problems. Due to this diffidence, we forget to seek from him all that we want.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

Alamelu – Sitting on Lotus

But downhill! Alamelu Manga mata sits on a lotus very leisurely holding two lotuses in her hands in abhayamudra [assurance], as if saying, “Come on, tell me what you wish!” She listens to our pleadings and passes them on to her husband. She pressurizes Him and ensures that he grants them.

 

In case, Swami pretends not to have listened to her messages, She says, “Swami, it’s only because of keeping me on your chest as ‘Vyuha Laxmi’, you have been in existence as Srinivasa. It’s because of me you left Vaikunta and did penance on the bank of Lotus.

PushpaYagam - Tiruchanur - Padmavathi Ammavaru

Like that, she teases him and tactfully diverts His attention towards the devotees and their pleadings. Thus she is a mother of Mothers – Alamelu Mangamma.

Final result!!! Swami accedes to her pleadings and recommendations and grants them saying, “You have more benevolence on the devotees than I.” Like that Lord, Srinivasa has been granting the wishes of the devotees with a smile for ages. This is what happened because of Alamelu Manga Mata of Tiruchanur.

Padmavati Devi

Padmavati Devi

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GODDESS PADMAVATI DEVI

  • The sacred bath ‘ABHISHEKAM’ is performed to Goddess Padmavati Devi on Fridays.
  • All the rituals and pujas offered to Ammavaru are as per the procedures of ‘PANCHARATRA AGAMA’.
  • Goddess Mahalakshmi immersed herself in penance and emerged as ‘SRI PADMAVATI DEVI’ from a Lotus located at the center of Pushkarini (holy pond) on the auspicious ‘PANCHAMI’ day. Since then that day has been called ‘TIRUCHANUR PANCHAMI’.
  • It has been an age-old tradition to worship ‘GODDESS PADMAVATI DEVI’ before worshipping ‘LORD SRINIVASA’.
  • The Utsavas (festivities) at Tirumala are called ‘SRIVARI UTSAVAS’ and the Utsavas at Tiruchanur are called ‘SRI UTSAVS’.
  • Gaja Seva (Elephant Service) occupies a prominent place in Tiruchanur since Goddess Padmavati Devi is the incarnation of ‘GAJA LAKSHMI’.
  • The Sanctum Sanctorum of the Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur is called ‘SHANTI NILAYAM’.
  • The laddu prasadam of Ammavaru in Tiruchanur is called ‘AMRUTHA KALASAM’.
  • The flagstaff hoisted to commemorate Dwajarohanam has an ‘ELEPHANT’ symbol as it is dear to Ammavaru.
  • The very mention of Tiruchanur will bring to our mind the sacred manifestation of Goddess Alarmelmanga in the Lotus Tank ‘PADMA SAROVAR’.

Gaja Vahana Seva - Padmavati Devi Ammavaru