Tag: Tirumala Nambi

Everyday Tirumala Nambi used to get water from a near by Theertham Papanasanam, ten miles away from the temple for the Abhishekam of the Chief Idols

Tirumala Nambi - Sri Ramanujacharya’s maternal uncle

Tirumala Nambi – Sri Ramanujacharya’s maternal uncle

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Tirumala Nambi – One among 5 Gurus of Sri Bhagavad Ramanujacharya

Tirumala Nambi, who served God was also a great scholar in Sanskrit as well as Dravidian language i.e., Tamil. He was one among the five gurus of Sri Bhagavad Ramanujacharya who advocated Vishista Advaitha philosophy.

Not only this, Tirumala Nambi was Sri Ramanujacharya’s maternal uncle.

Once Sri Ramanujacharya came to Venkatachala Kshethra. He was staying near Alipiri the foot of Venkatachalam, under a Tamarind tree. There it is said Tirumala Nambi taught him i.e., Ramanujacharya the secrets about Srimad Ramayanam. After offering his services to Lord Venkateswara and after receiving the prasadams, Tirumala Nambi used to come down near the foot of Tirumala hill…to teach his nephew Sri Ramanujacharya, who stayed in Tirupati for nearly one year.

After having the darshan of Lord Varadaraja Swamy, the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara, Ramanuja used to reach Alipiri before the arrival of Tirumala Nambi. Tirumala Nambi revealed the inner and hidden meaning of Ramayana to Ramanuja nearly 18 times. He never repeated the meaning once given to Ramanuja. Such a great personality was Tirumala Nambi.

While giving discourses on Ramayana, one day Tirumala Nambi thought for a while. He thought I could serve Lord Venkateswara only twice i.e., once in the morning and again in the evening. During afternoons as he comes down to Alipiri, he never gets an opportunity to serve god. He was very much worried.

Ramanuja's Service
Sri Bhagavad Ramanujacharya

Footprints of Lord Venkateswara

On that day night, Lord Venkateswara appeared to Tirumala Nambi in his dream. He told Tirumala Nambi, not to worry about not offering any seva to Me. Lord said ‘Don’t you worry, you continue your Ramayana discourse. To serve Me in the afternoon when you give your discourse My footprints will appear and you can worship those foot prints’.

The next day after noon Tirumala Nambi could see the emergence of the Lord’s footprints at the place where he gives his discourse. The same footprints of Lord Venkateswara are there. We all can have darshan of these footprints when we try to walk the distance from Alipiri.

According to historians, Tirumala seems to be Tirumala Nambi’s birthplace. He dedicated his entire life to serving Lord Venkateswara. History further says that Tirumala Nambi breathed his last at Tirumala.

Akasa Ganga Theertha Utsavam

As narrated earlier in the other post once Lord Venkateswara appeared before Tirumala Nambi in the guise of a hunter and had His thirst quenched. To mark that day even now every year a ceremony is organized at Tirumala. It is known as “Akasa Ganga Theertha Utsavam”.

Tamilians call this as ‘Tanneer Amuda Utsavam’. Amudam in Tamil means amrutam. This utsavam goes on for 25 days continuously. It starts 11 days before ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ and ends fourteen days after Vykuntta Ekadasi. A day after this utsavam festival- Tirumala Nambi’s Tirumanjanam (sacred bath) Theertha Kainkarya (Divine Service) utsavam is celebrated.

Descendants of Tirumala Nambi carry water in silver vessels from Akasa Ganga theerthams for the Lord’s sacred bath: Lord Venkateswara seated on a golden seat moves in a procession with all temple paraphernalia accompanied by temple orchestra, to receive those silver vessels. When the procession meets the people carrying water, Harati is performed. After that, they are carried on the back of the temple elephant.

THANEERAMUDU-FESTIVAL-TIRUMALA-NAMBI-TEMPLE

It circumambulates the temple. At every step during its procession poojas are offered.

Finally, the kalasams (vessels) are handed over to the Archakas in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Archakas with the Akasa Ganga theertham washes the Lotus’ Feet and the other usual limbs of the Lord. After this sacred bath, the Lord is offered all the traditional poojas.

The poojas will be followed by felicitation to the descendants of Tirumala Nambi. This particular utsavam was initiated by Sri Ramanujachari. Uninterruptedly this Utsavam is being continued even to this day. Lord Venkateswara loves to drink sacred water brought by those Vaishnavite devotees who follow very strictly all the religious duties as prescribed in our scriptures. The same Lord once relished food offered by an innocent illiterate pot maker.

River – Viraja

It is firmly believed that under His Lotus Feet, a river named Viraja flows. This is supposed to be a celestial river. Everyday morning Sahasra (1000) Nama Archana (pooja) with Tulasi leaves, follows Thomalaseva (pooja with flowers and leaves).

They chant: ‘Om Venkatesaya Namah, Om Virupakshaya Namaha, Om Visveshwaraya Namaha… the thousand names of Lord. Finally they chant Om Venkatadri Gadaa Dharaya Namaha’. These 1000 names are found in Brahmanda Purana. These 1000 names are different from Vishnu Sahasra Nama which starts with “Om Viswam Vishnuhu Vasatkkaro”…

During afternoon pooja and night pooja, Tulasi leaves are offered to the Lotus Feet of Lord Venkateswara. They then chant 108 holy names taken from Varahapurana’s Venkatachala mahatmyam. It starts with “Om Venkatesaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha” and ends with “Om Srinivasaya Sri Venkatesaya Namaha”.

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

Tulasi Leaves offered to Lotus Feet

After offering poojas in the morning, afternoon, and night they take out the Tulasi leaves offered to the Lotus Feet and offer it to Lakshmi who is seated in His Heart with 24 holy names. These names start with “Om Sriyai Namaha” and end with “Om Abdijaayai Namaha”.

Only during Dhanur Masam while chanting Sahasra Namas, Bilwa leaves are selected instead of the usual Tulasi leaves.

Every Tuesday the Chief Idol of Lord Venkateswara is worshipped with golden lotus flowers. They chant the aforesaid 108 names of Lord Venkateswara. This worship is known as Ashtadala Padapadma Aradhana. This is a paid seva. Those who pay the prescribed fees can witness this special pooja.

It is believed that daily during night time after the final seva and after locking up the doors, Brahma the creator, and the other celestial beings come to earth and offer poojas to Lord. To felicitate their pooja near the Golden Door, they place a golden vessel filled with sacred water. Not only a vessel but they keep a ball of Sandalwood paste near Lord’s Lotus Feet. After Suprabhatam the same water is offered to the devotees as Brahma Theertham.

TTD News on Tirumala Nambi

Tirumala Nambi - 1st Citizen of Tirumala

Tirumala Nambi – 1st Citizen of Tirumala

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Tirumala Nambi – Sri Saila Poorna

In the 10th century A.D. there lived a great Vaishnava devotee by the name Yamunacharya in ‘Sri Rangam’ a popularly famous Vaishnavite pilgrim center. With all the sincerity he had at his command, Sri Yamunacharya was serving Lord Sri Ranganatha. Being an authority on Vishista Advaitha he was also imparting the intricacies of Vaishnavism to his disciples. In one of his discourses, he mentioned Lord Srinivasa of Venkatachala (Kshethra).

He told his disciples that Lord Srinivasa stays in a Pushpa Mandapam and is fond of Abhishekas particularly, with varieties of flowers. According to Namma Alwar, who is known as ‘Parankusa Divya Soora’, this is the best service that a devotee can offer to Lord Srinivasa. Yamunacharya further said, “I had the opportunity to serve Lord Srinivasa for a short time”.

I could not withstand the attack of insects as well as the chill weather. So I came back. If someone can go to Tirumala and get water as well as flowers for Abhishekam and pooja we will be showing our respect to great Namma Alwar (after saying this he anxiously looked at his disciples).

There was a pin-drop silence for some time. After some time one disciple by the name Sri Saila Poorna i.e., Tirumala Nambi stood up and said Guruji, I will go over to Tirumala to offer the poojas explained by you. With the blessings of Sri Yamunacharya, Tirumala Nambi reached Tirumala.

Abhishekam to Lord Venkateswara

Everyday Tirumala Nambi used to get water from a nearby Theertham Papanasanam, ten miles away from the temple for the Abhishekam of the Chief Idols of Lord Venkateswara as well as other utsava moorthies.

Apart from this, he used to collect flowers from the garden and prepare colorful garlands for Srinivasa and the other idols of Sanctum Sanctorum. While bringing water for Abhishekam he used to chant the holy name of the Lord. The Archakas with that water used to perform Abhishekam to the Lotus feet of the Chief Idol which will be covered with gold plated sheets. The silver idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy which is also known as ‘Mana vala Perumal’ was also given a holy bath with the water brought by Tirumala Nambi.

Bhoga Srinivasa murthy
Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy

Tirumala Nambi used to carry out the wishes of his guru Yamunacharya by serving Lord Srinivasa. This daily activity of bringing water from Papanasanam and preparing garlands for decoration continued for many years. Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala wanted to bring His devotee’s selfless services to the notice of everyone.

Young Hunter Following Tirumala Nambi

As usual one fine morning Tirumala Nambi was carrying water from Papanasanam for Lord’s Abhishekam. He was in a hurry to reach the temple well before Abhishekam time. As he was returning to the temple carrying water a young hunter with a bow and arrows addressed him as ‘Thatha Thatha’ (a Telugu word for grandfather as well as a word of address used to address elderly people).

Tirumala Nambi stopped for a while and looked back. He saw an attractive young hunter. The young hunter said, ‘Sir I am very very thirsty, please quench my thirst by giving some water you are carrying’. Tirumala Nambi said, ‘this water is meant for Lord’s Abhishekam. I cannot give it to you. Give way to me. I am already late. By saying this he started walking briskly towards the temple.

The young hunter followed Tirumala Nambi. He aimed one arrow and released it. The arrow went and struck the mud pot and made a small hole. The water started dripping and fell into His cup-shaped two hands. Tirumala Nambi turned back after hearing the sound of dripping water. He saw the young hunter drinking the dripping water.

Tirumala Nambi Carrying water

Tirumala Nambi, turning with anger said: ‘You dirty fellow, by drinking the water meant for Lord Venkateswara’s Abhishekam, you have polluted this. Oh! God!! I don’t have much time to go back and fetch the water. What can I do!’. He with raised hands prayed Lord saying ‘Please forgive me. I could not carry water for Abhishekam in time.

Seeing Tirumala Nambi crying like a child, the young hunter said: ‘Oh! Old man! Don’t worry. There is one more tank nearby. I will show you. You just follow me. Tirumala Nambi followed him. They went down into a valley. There was no water tank. Then the young hunter released one arrow.

The arrow went and hit a bend of the hill. From there water started gushing. The hunter pointed to that water source and said ‘You take that water to the temple’.

After that, the hunter said: ‘Look, from tomorrow onwards you carry only this water for my Abhishekam’. Lord Venkateswara who Had assumed the form of a young hunter disappeared.

Akasa Ganga Theertham
Akasa Ganga Theertham

Akasa Ganga water for Abhishekam

Tirumala Nambi was thrilled. Before he could conclude that the young hunter with Whom he was talking a while ago was no other than Lord Himself. He was fortunate to have seen and spoken to Lord Venkateswara. Immersed in ecstasy he reached the temple by drawing water from Akasa Ganga.

When he entered into the Sanctum Sanctorum an Archaka being possessed by Lord Venkateswara said loudly ‘Tirumala Nambi you have already quenched My thirst by offering soothing cold water. I had water to My heart’s contentment. From tomorrow onwards you bring water from Akasa Ganga only for My Abhishekam’.

Thus He made a public announcement about the greatness and sincere devotion of Tirumala Nambi. Further, about Lord Venkateswara people could come to know that to Him devotees are dearer.

THANEERAMUDU-FESTIVAL-TIRUMALA-NAMBI-TEMPLE
MALAYAPPA VISITS Tirumala Nambi Sannidhi (Temple) – During Thaneeramudu Festival

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Tirumala Nambi Temple

There is one small temple dedicated to Tirumala Nambi on the path of Maha Pradakshina i.e., circumambulation. This north-facing temple is towards the southern side of the circumambulation path.

Google map’s location of Sri Tirumala Nambi Sannidhi

Tirumala Nambi the first ever person to dedicate his life for the sake of Theertha seva, it is believed, had a hut here in those days. Even to this day whenever Lord Venkateswara comes out in procession, He is offered Harati first here. After this ceremony only He proceeds to South Mada Street.

The Jeeyangaras leading the procession will be chanting verses from Divya prabandham. This proves the important significance that is given to Tirumala Nambi. Lord Venkateswara Himself has addressed Tirumala Nambi as ‘Thatha’ i.e., Grandfather.

He thus became thatha to all. Maybe because of this, people began to address him as ‘Periya Tirumala Nambi”. The prefix ‘periya’ in Tamil gives the meaning of elder in English. He is also known as Sri Saila Maha Poorna.

Tanniramudu Utsavam

1050th AVATAR MAHOTSAVAM OF SRI TIRUMALA NAMBI HELD IN TIRUMALA

Sri Ramanuja

Sri Ramanuja

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Sri Ramanuja – Great Personality

Sri Ramanuja was born to Kesava Somayaji – Kanthimathi couple in the year 1017 A..D in Pingala Year, Chitra Month, Mesha Raasi, Thiruvadhira Nakshatra at Sriperumbudur near Kanchipuram.

Glow and Appearance

His maternal uncle Tirumala Nambi (Sri Saila Purna) came from Tirumala to Sri Perumbudur, looked at the child, and was astonished by his divine glow.

He named him “Ilaya Azhwar – Ramanuja – Lakshmana” due to his divine glow since it resembles the appearance as described in the sloka: “Lakshmano Lakshmi Sampanna”.

While he was learning Vedanta under Yadava Prakasha in Kanchipuram, Sri Yamunacharya heard about his wisdom and was impressed by it. He wanted to see Sri Ramanuja at the earliest.

Well-built Person

When Yadavaprakasa along with his disciples was circumambulating Sri Varadarajaswami Temple, Sri Yamunacharya asked his disciple Thirukkachi Nambi (Kanchi Purna) “Who is Sri Ramanuja among them?” Thirukacchi Nambi replied “Aayathascha Survruthascha Bahavaha,” meaning the well-built man at the centre.

Dhanurdas a disciple of Sri Ramanuja also described the beauty of Sri Ramanuja’s eyes. All these incidents indicate he is a WELL-BUILT person.

Extraordinary Talent

While learning Vedanta under Yadava Prakasa, he used to observe the meaning of certain Upanishad slokas.

At times, when Yadava Prakasa explanations are not apt, Sri Ramanuja used to give correct explanations whereas Yadava Prakasa used to disagree with Sri Ramanuja and get angry on him.

On a particular occasion, while describing “Paramatma” in Chandogya Upanishad the sloka “Ya Yeshontharaditye Hiranyaha Purushodrishyate Tasya Kapyasam Pundairkamevamakshini” was under discussion.

For the word Kapyasa, Yadava Prakasa explained it as follows “Paramatma has red lotus eyes which resemble the red butt of the monkey”.

Ramanuja refuted the meaning with tears flowing down his cheeks. He compared the eyes of Lord with a Red Lotus-born in a pond filled with water, having a strong stem and made to bloom by the rays of the sun.

Maladhara (Thirumalaiandan), is one of the five acharyas of Sri Ramanuja. He learnt Nammazhwar’s Thiruvaimozhi from Thirumalaiandan. At times, his explanations were more meaningful and apt compared to Thirumalaiandan’s explanations.

Such incidents reveal his EXTRAORDINARY TALENTS of him.