Tag: Tirumala

Tirumala is a spiritual place in Tirupati district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the neighborhoods of the Tirupati city

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

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Sri Maremma Thalli – Chenga Reddy Palli

Chenga Reddy Palli is a very ancient village in Renigunta Mandalam of Chittoor District in Rayalaseema. One kilometre from Renigunta on the road to Kadapa, to the east of the road is the village. Sri Maremma in this village is a goddess of infinite powers, fulfilling the prayers of the devotees, and accepting their worship and offerings.

Since the temple was constructed, it has been making progress every day. Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu is the temple trustee. By the grace of Goddess Maremma, he is looking after the pujas, the festivities on special days and other pujas with the help of the villagers who have deep faith in the goddess.

Before 1973, a Nagadevata in the form of a snake used to live on an ant hill beneath a Neem Tree. Every year in April-May, the villagers used to raise an image of the goddess with neem berries and set up a temporary shelter with neem branches and bamboo sticks.

Villagers would cook pongal as the offering. They would also prepare special offerings and celebrate the festival.

SRI SRI SRI MAREMMA DEVASTHANAM

Sri Maremma Thalli Building Background

The trustee of the temple, Mr. Kamatham Srinivasulu was working as Shroff in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (Tirumala). One day in 1973, the Goddess appeared in his dream and commanded him to build a temple for her.

When he described his experience to his close friend Sri Arisetti Srinivasulu Naidu working in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and his wife Smt. Venkatasubbamma, the couple immediately gave Rs.116.00 as the first donation for building the temple.

Then, gradually with the help of the residents of the village, Srinivasulu got the foundations dug for building the temple. It is said that laying Kurmayantra on the foundation is very auspicious. However, it was wonderful to know that there were a couple of living kurmas there. Worship was offered to them and they were released into water.

In mantra sastra, the method of worshipping kurmayantras has been described. In consecrating deities, the Dhwajasthambha, when building huge mansions, or industrial workshops, in the eastern direction of the foundation, it has become a tradition to consecrate kurmayantras along with matsyayantra.

Since Maha Vishnu has taken Kurma avatara, by placing the kurmayantra, Maha Vishnu becomes the guardian of the temple and the mansion. He sees to it that there is never any lack of water and makes the place very holy, chases away all evil so that the area gains in prosperity and prominence. The twin tortoises which are so famous appeared alive when laying the foundation of the Maremma temple.

Kurma Avatar of Maha Vishnu

This was due to the power of Grace from Goddess Maremma who happens to be the sister of Vishnu.

Cement, sand, steel, and bricks that were procured were difficult to get, but by the grace of the goddess, the trustee Kamatham Srinivasulu was able to get everything. The temple was completed successfully. On the 14th of February, 1977, the small temple rose by the will of God.

Sri Chandrasekhara Gurukkal who was the Principal of the Vedapatasala of Tirumala- Tirupati Devasthanams presided over the consecration and the Kumbhabhishekam of the temple took place for three days with great eclat.

During these auspicious days, Abhisheka Utsavam, Nitya Homa Mahotsavam and special AlankaraSeva were offered. During this Kumbhabhishekam, not only the villagers but devotees from other villages and nearby places came in great numbers and took part in the service of the Goddess.

Anna dana also took place in a very holy manner. Over time, when this original building fell into disrepair, one-night goddess Maremma appeared in the dream of the trustee’s wife, Smt. Lakshmi. The Goddess commanded that a new temple be consecrated. She told her husband Kamatham Srinivasulu of the vision. That is why the trustee Kamatham Srinivasulu decided to rebuild the temple.

Accepting the words of the gracious lady, Sri Kamatam Srinivasulu wore the garment of Deeksha (promise of doing the job) and laid the foundation stone for renovating the temple on 31stJuly, 2009. The villagers and others, and devotees from the surrounding villages took part in the function in large numbers. Though the work was begun with not even a pie in hand, the work proceeded with good speed and there were no hurdles.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

With the overflowing compassion of the Goddess Maremma, there were no problems and the work was finished by January 2011. For this newly reconstructed temple, the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams gave financial help. The chief priest of Tiruchanur Ayyappaswamy temple, Sri U. Tyagaraja Gurukkul and his son Sri U. Ranjit Swami along with their group of priests grandly performed the Kumbhabhisheka Mahotsavam for three days, i.e., from 18.3. 2011 to 20.3.2011.

Installation of 3 Shaktis

There were also homas. Apart from the images of Pothuraju and Goddess Maremma during the renovation, on the advice of Sri U. Tyagaraja Gurukkul, the figures of dwarapalikas for the Goddess, Sri Klashini Sakthi and Sri Harshini Sakthi were installed.

So also, in the pradakshina circle around the sanctum, images of the three Shaktis, Sri Saraswati Devi, Sri Vaishnavi Devi and Sri Durga Devi, were installed. The cost of renovation came to more than 25 lakhs. Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu said that this large amount came from the villagers, devotees of Goddess Maremma and his friends.

Consecrating the Image of the Goddess

In 1973, the temple trustee Sri Kamatham Srinivasulu and his friend M. Bhaskar went to the devasthanam of Goddess Maremma temple in Samayapuram near Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. There they had good darshan of the presiding deity, Goddess Mariamma.

Samayapuram near Tiruchirapalli

They decided to make in the same shape and with a height of two feet an image of Goddess Maremma and an image of Pothuraju with a height of one and a half feet.

So they approached the sculptor Sri Kannan of Narasingarayanipeta near Chittoor. With great devotion, sincerity and ritual purity, Sri Kannan made the sculptures of Goddess Maremma and Pothuraju. They were brought to the village with great care and were kept for forty-one days one mandalam in water and paddy. After all the preliminaries, they were consecrated after the newly constructed temple was completed. The images were reconsecrated in it in 2011.

Along with them, at the entrance to the sanctum of the Goddess, on the left and right side, Sri Klashini Sakthi and Sri Harshini Sakthi were placed as dwarapalikas, and at the centre of the Mukhamandapa facing the Goddess, the image of her mount, the Lion, and the Balipeetham were set up.

Outside the Mukhamandapa, in the front portion, the vigraha of Pothuraju and a Trident were installed. Thus, as soon as one enters the temple, devotees get the darshan of Trisool which is the divine weapon of the Goddess. Immediately after, they get to see Pothuraju, the brother of the Goddess. Later, in the pradakshina circle outside the sanctum, on the wall, we see Sri Saraswati Devi in the south, Sri Vaishnavi Devi in the west (the rear side of the sanctum) and Sri Durga Devi in the north.

Devotees who circumambulate in the temple get to see the Shaktis of the Trimurtis before seeing the Mahashakti, Goddess Maremma. They can pray to her also in the same way. That is, whoever does pradakshina in the temple stands to gain — those who want knowledge have Sri Saraswati; riches, health and gold who worship Sri Vaishnavi Devi, physical and mental health can be gained from Sri Durga Devi. And by worshipping Goddess Maremma in this temple, one gains everything and can feel fulfilled.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Amenities for devotees in the temple

Amenities have been made for devotees who come to worship daily, those who come to give offerings, and those from surrounding villages who come with their families. To prepare prasada (kitchen), a storeroom for groceries like rice and cereals for preparing prasada and dwelling places for archakas have also been provided.

There is also a wide cement platform around the temple for devotees to perform anga-pradakshhina. A variety of flowering plants are also being grown in the empty spaces of the temple. They are using these flowers for the daily worship of the Goddess.

Special Functions that take place in the Sannidhi of the Goddess

Every year one month after the Tirupati Tatayyagunta Gangamma jatra, villagers join to celebrate jatara for Goddess Maremma with great enthusiasm. They celebrate grandly the Navaratri festival for nine days.

  • The Goddess is decorated as Kamakshi on the first day,
  • as Balatripurasundari on the second day,
  • on the third as Annapoorneswari Devi,
  • on the fourth as Bhuvaneswari Devi,
  • on the fifth, it is Mamiti Seva (Siva Parvati),
  • on sixth as Lakshmi Devi,
  • on seventh as Ashtabhuja Durga Devi,
  • on eighth as Saraswati Devi.
  • On the ninth and last day, she is decorated as Goddess Maremma

and taken in procession through the streets of the village. The celebrations go on splendidly. With this the Navaratri festival comes to an end.

Apart from these, every Friday, on pournami and during other festival days, they do special decoration and pujas for the goddess.

Click here for the official website 

The Greatness of the Goddess

The Goddess fulfils the prayers of Her devotees. Many people desiring children come to the temple of the goddess and perform pujas. Unmarried people pray to the Goddess for getting married and when their desire is fulfilled they come with their family and fulfil their prayers to the Goddess. For this, the family of the Dharmakarta itself is an example! Earlier Kamatham Ankaiah Naidu of this family and his wife Kamatham Subbamma had no children and went to many temples to offer prayers. But they remained childless.

Once when a swamiji came to the village, they arranged for his food. He was happy with their hospitality and gave them some advice before leaving: “Both of you go to the temple of Sri Maremma in the village, bathe in the pure water in the temple well, go with wet clothes (at that time there was no temple; people used to worship the goddess beneath the neem tree) and pray to her sincerely. You will get children.” He then left the place.

Sri Maremma Thalli, Chenga Reddy Palli

Following the command of the holy man, the couple worshipped Sri Maremma. After that, they were blessed with a male child. He was named Maraiah by the family. After that, sons born in that family were given names to synchronize with the name of the Goddess. From then to this day they worship Goddess Maremma as their Kuladaivam. They fulfil the aspirations of the temple trustee without fail by helping with the daily pujas and serving the temple’s growth.

The villagers have realised the greatness of Goddess Maremma, convey to her their problems and get them solved. Some devotees who have fallen prey to the drinking habit wear a band and have given up the bad habit. Also, many devotees come and describe the marvels of the Goddess, her Shakti’s immensity and their visions.

Thus for the villagers in nearby places and devotees, the Goddess is verily a wish-yielding tree, a Mother who saves people in distress. The compassionate Goddess Maremma’s temple has several pujas daily and with offerings brought by devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled, is flourishing grandly.

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

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Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust is yet another forum that plays a very important role in the protection of cows, which is of paramount importance in Hindu Dharma. The TTD has established a dairy farm called ‘Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshanasala’ in Tirupati in the year 1956 and formed the trust in 2002 to meet its needs.

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust is established to protect the cow and emphasise the spiritual importance of the cow apart from its economic aspect.

Helping needy

The S.V.Dairy Farm, TTD., Tirupati supplies milk and curd to all the TTD Temples for Rituals, prasadams, Abhishekams etc., and also to the service institutions like

  • S.V.Balamandir (Orphanage),
  • S.V.Deaf and Dumb School,
  • S.V.Training Centre for the Physically handicapped,
  • S.V.Poor Home (Leprosy Hospital),
  • S.V.Vedapatasala,
  • S.V.Oriental College Hostel,
  • TTD Hospitals,
  • “Annadanam” scheme of T.T.D. etc.,

Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam

In ‘Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam’ Lord Brahma became a cow, Lord Siva became a calf and Sri Lakshmi become a Yadava maid and both the cow and calf were sold to Chola king by Sri Lakshmi in a bid to provide milk to meditating Srinivasa in Venkatachalam. There also he protected the cow from the curse of its herdsman.

Cow is the greatest blessing of human race, lands grow rich, homes flourish and civilization advances where the Cow is kept and cared for. The Trust also aims at improving the living conditions of cows outside Goshala by providing technical inputs to the general public.

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

Donations

Devotees can also help in the protection and propagation of endangered varieties of native cows such as Gir, Sahiwal, Kankrej, Ongole and Punganur, as TTD management has taken up the massive responsibility with the contribution received by this trust.

Privileges to Donors

  1. Donors donating to this trust between Rs.1 lakh and Rs.5 lakh will be allowed for Darshan through ‘Supatham’ for one day in a year (subject to availability) for their family of five persons. They will also get free accommodation for five persons or VIP accommodation on a payment basis once in a year. These privileges will be extended during the lifetime of the donor in the case of individuals or for 20 years, in the case of firms, companies and joint donors.
  2. Those donating an amount between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.10 lakh will get Darshan through ‘Supatham’ for three days in a year (subject to availability) for five members of their family. Free accommodation will be provided for three days or VIP accommodation on a payment basis.
  3. Donors donating an amount between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1 crore will be provided break darshan for three days in a year (subject to availability) for their family of five persons. They will be provided accommodation for three times in a year at any room with a tariff value of Rs.500.
  4. Those donating Rs.1 crore and above will get VIP break Darshan for three days a year free of cost for their family of five persons. This apart, the donor’s family will also be provided Suprabhatha Seva for any three days other than the VIP break day.

Donations can be made by way of a cheque/demand draft on any Scheduled Bank drawn in favour of the Executive Officer,
Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust, TTD, Tirupati and can be sent to
the Director,
S.V.Dairy Farm (S.V.Gosamrakshana Shala)
Chandragiri Road, TTD, Tirupati -517501.
Ph.0877-226 4570
Individuals, firms, companies etc. can make donations, and they are eligible for uniform privileges besides Income Tax Benefit under Section 80 (G) of the Indian Income Tax Act.
Click Here to Donate

Sri AagnyaPaalaka Anjaneya Swami (Ramarmeda)

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SRI ANJANEYA SWAMI – The Foremost Devotee of Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala

Sri Anjaneya Swami who is blessed by Lord Sri Rama in the previous Yuga for His devout services is now receiving worship from His devotees in Tirumala, the Kaliyuga Vaikunta. He gives His grand darshan in various postures in different places in Tirumala.

Sri AagnyaPaalaka Anjaneya

Lord Anjaneya Swami resides at Sri Ramulavari Meda as ‘Utsav murthy’ in Tirumala temple. It is a good custom to cover our mouths with our hands while talking to elderly persons so that our saliva drops may not fall on them.

In the same manner, Lord Aagnyapaalaka (the Obedient Hanuman) stands before Lord Rama with His hand covering His mouth. Without spluttering, Lord Anjeneya wants to say ‘Yes, My Lord’ in obedience.

Sri AagnyaPaalaka Anjaneya Swami (Ramarmeda)

To perform this, He covers His mouth with His hand. So, He is known as the ‘Obedient Hanuman‘. It is the embodiment of Lord Anjaneya which obeys the orders of His Lord, Sri Rama. He plays an important role during Lord Rama’s coronation and the pujas performed for Lord Rama.

On the day of Sri Ramanavami also the ‘Obedient Hanuman’ will follow His Lord. If one worships the Obedient Hanuman, one will get good behaviour, knowledge, courage, health and prosperity.

Click here for Bedi Anjaneya Swamy

Dr. I.L.N. Chandra Sekhar Rao

Jyeshtabhishekam at Tirumala 2024

Jyeshtabhishekam at Tirumala 2024

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Jyeshtabhishekam at Tirumala 2024 / Abhideyaka Abhishekam

Jyeshtabhishekam to Sri Malayappa Swami along with His Consorts From 19-06-2024 to 21-06-2024

Jyeshta Star

Jyeshta means ‘Elder’ in Sanskrit. You would have heard the phrase ‘Jyeshta bratha pitasamah’, or the elder brother is akin to one’s father. In Vishnu Sahasranama, we have the Lord referred to as Jyeshtah shreshtah prajapathi, best by age and attributes, Lord of all. There is a star in our twenty-seven nakshatras, called ‘Jyeshta‘.

Of course, the Jyeshta month falls approximately in May/June, almost the hottest period of the year. It is the third month (after Chaitra and Vaisakha) in our calendar.

Like all months, Jyeshta is important for many festivals and vows. One of them is the Vat Savitri Vrat, celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat on the full moon (pournami) of the Jyeshta month. Women fast for the well-being of their husbands, and even tie a thread around a Banyan tree; after all, aren’t banyans long-lived!

Ganga Dussehra

Another beautiful festival that is celebrated during this month is that of Ganga Dussehra. We all know the story of Maa Ganga who was flowing in heaven. She is known as Vishnupadi, nirgata vishnupadabjat tena vishnipaadi smrta, emerging from the feet of Lord Vishnu during his Trivikrama Avatar. She came down to earth because of Bhagiratha’s penance and in the process sanctifying and purifying all that she touched.

This happened in the month of Jyeshta and hence in memory of this event, devotees celebrate Ganga Dussehra during the first ten days of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta month with the Dashami (tenth) day, the day of the descent to earth or Gangavatarana. It is especially important in places like Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayagraj and Haridwar.

Water – Purest of all Things

Apah paramam pavitram, water is the purest of all things, says the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Apsvantaramrtamapsu bhesajam, there is both nectar and medicine in water. In the Jyeshta month, one of the hottest months in the year, our bodies need extra water to keep cool, externally and internally. It is interesting to note that many rituals in the Jyeshta month are associated with purification and cleansing by water.

As everyone knows, in our temples, regular abhishekam or tirumanjanam to the icons is done throughout the year using various items like milk, honey, curd, sandalwood paste etc. This results in a certain amount of wear and tear to the vigrahas.

Herbal oils are used to anoint the vigrahas and special tirumanjanam is performed to heal them from this wear and tear. This is usually done during the Jyeshta star.

Srirangam temple

In Srirangam temple, the ritual is done in the Jyeshta star in the month of Aani (Tamil equivalent of Jyeshta, which falls in June-July), and hence it is also known as Aani Tirumanjanam. The golden kavacha or armour on the utsava murthi of perumal and thayar are mended. The murthis are anointed with herbal oils.

Water from the River Kaveri is brought in special golden and silver pots for the tirumanjanam of the vigrahas. There is no public worship during the two days of Jyeshtabishekham.

3-day Annual Abhideyaka Abhishekam

Coming to Tirumala, the rituals linked with the Jyeshta star during the Jyeshta month are particularly important. “Abhidhyeyakam” is the term used for the protective golden kavacham or armour that covers the forms of the utsava murthis of Sri Malayappa swami, with which he is believed to have emerged to fight against evil in Kaliyuga. It is this Swarna kavacham that the Lord is adorned with throughout the year when we worship him.

As mentioned earlier, the regular tirumanjanam rituals as well as daily decorations and special decorations during the processions through the streets do take a toll on the kavacham that adorn Lord Malayappa Swami and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Once a year, this golden kavacham that adorn the murtis is removed and restored. It is the only time of the year that Lord Malayappa can be worshipped without his kavacham.

Jyeshtabhishekam at Tirumala 2024
A view of Swami with Ammavarlu in Three Armours 1st day: Diamond – studded Armour 2nd day – Pearl Armour 3rd day – Golden Armour

The essential purpose of the Jyeshta Abhishekam is to protect the utsava murties from damage that might occur during processions and Tirumanjanam through various pujas.

It is a three-day event. On these days, after the naivedyam bell is rung, the Lord and his divine consorts are moved to the Kalyanotsava mandapam located in Sampangi Prakaram. Here, snapana tirumanjanam is conducted amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras.

This involves performing a ritual bath to the deities using holy and consecrated water mixed with spices including turmeric, sandal paste, honey, milk and curd and is for preservation of the ancient panchaloha core of the murtis. Because it involves nine sets of twelve different materials (dravyam), it is an ashtottara shata kalasha snapana tirumanjanam.

Jyeshtabhishekam – First Day

After the tirumanjanam, on the first day, the Lord is adorned with the ‘Vajrakavacham‘ or armour of diamonds. In this glittering attire, the Lord goes in procession around the streets giving darshan to His devotees.

Jyeshtabhishekam – Second Day

On the second day, the Lord is dressed in the ‘Mutyala kavacham‘ or pearl armour.

Jyeshtabhishekam – Third Day

On the third day, on the Jyeshta nakshatra, after the snapana tirumanjanam, the Maha Shanti Homam is performed at the Kalyanotsava Mandapam in the Sampangi Prakaram inside the temple.

Abhideyakam – Golden Kavacha

Puja is done to the “Abhidyeyakam,” the special golden kavacha. Next, the Lord is once again adorned with it. And this is how we devotees will worship him in his Bangaru (Golden) kavacham or Swarna kavacham for the rest of the year. After the Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, the deities are taken in a celestial procession along four Mada streets to bless devotees.

Special Tirumanjanam (ritual bath)

Since this event falls during the Jyeshta month, it is called ‘Jyeshtabishekham‘. Because the special tirumanjanam (ritual bath) is conducted to this special Swarna kavacham, the “Abhidhyeyakam” that always adorns the Lord, this festival is also called ‘Abhideyaka Abhishekam’.’.

The Golden Armour will remain on the processional deities (Sri Malayappa Swami Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi) till next year when the same ritual is done.

Rangoli - Spiritual and Scientific Significance

Rangoli – Spiritual and Scientific Significance

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Rangoli

Rangoli/kolam known as Rangavalli in Sanskrit, is an enchanting form of visual communication through symmetrical designs since ancient times. Rangoli is an ancient art that combines dots with curved lines to form a design in harmony. Symbolic expressions are in existence in every culture and take precedence at many ceremonies.

Rangoli - Spiritual and Scientific Significance

In Hindu culture, Rangoli has spiritual and scientific significance and all festivals are incomplete without these beautiful and colourful patterns.

Rangolis are believed to add beauty to the dwelling place and bring peace and prosperity to the inhabitants. Rangoli with its symmetry represents order, pattern, harmony and serenity. Symmetry is inherent, hence Rangoli is a manifestation of natural charm and grace.

All natural crystals available in nature have stunning symmetry in them. Crystals are known for their beautiful appearance and sacred vibrations because of their innate symmetry. There is an intimate connection between symmetry and the human brain according to the science of Cymatics and Neuroscience.

The symmetry of Rangavalli and its symbols form visual vibrations that the brain perceives immediately. The response of brain centres to the visual vibrations is tested and established by using MRI. The visual vibrations from a rangoli induce a pleasant sensation in the brain making the mind quiet.

Rangoli - Tirumala Mada Streets During Brahmotsavams
Rangoli/kolams will be drawn attractively to give an enhanced look in and outside the temple in Tirumala.

The fingertips of humans are neurologically connected to the brain. Rangolis are geometrically balanced designs and drawing them involves brain activity. To draw a rangoli with a symmetrical pattern, one must use both the right and the left parts of the brain and simultaneously run the coarse powder through the fingertips of the thumb and index fingers which together activate the nerve centres in the brain.

Generally, women wake up early in the morning and draw these beautiful rangolis in front of the house and hence remain active and peaceful throughout the day.

Rangoli is also spiritually significant as it invokes divine power. The instances of drawing rangoli are also mentioned in the epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatha to express joy and happiness. Rangoli is given immense prominence, especially in the month of Margashira.

It is auspicious for unmarried girls to wake up early in the morning during the month of Margashira and draw rangoli with beautiful and colourful designs with a wish to get fruitful rewards, especially good companions. A good rangoli design with a nice pattern is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi.

Rangoli

Rangoli patterns are usually drawn with rice flour or coarse rice powder and hence they serve as food for insects and birds and it’s a beautiful message that we should care for other living beings on earth (Bhutha Yagna).

Women usually come together to draw bigger designs of rangoli during Sankranti festival which strengthen the cultural and social bonds among women. It is said that putting Rangoli in front of the houses is that the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is pleased.

Nityannadanam by TTD

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Nityannadanam by TTD

In 2006, the then Chairman of the T.T.D. Trust Board provided the facility of offering Srivari ‘annaprasadam’ to all the devotees who came to Tirumala irrespective of the ‘Darshan’ of Srivaru. Later, the TTD started a new building complex for ‘Nityannadanam’. At that time, Matrusri Tharigonda Vengamamba, a devout devotee generously used to offer food to the devotees.

Later, the T.T.D continued the traditional culture of charity by offering food in Tirumala putting the name of Matrusri Tharigonda Vengamamba to the building complex. The scheme of Nityannadanam was also started in Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru at Tiruchanur in the past.

Recently on 29-02-2024 in Sri Govindarajaswamy temple in Tirupati the programme ‘Nityannadanam’ was started and going on well every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is the staunch wish of the TTD that all the devotees in Tirumala, Tirupati and other places should make use of the facility of ‘annadanam’ and get the graceful blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Tarigonda Vengamamba Annadhanam Annaprasada Building - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Food is Divine

‘Annam Parabrahmaswarupam’ is a spiritual saying of our elders. Of all gifts, charity is the greatest. Those who give charity will receive ‘Devalokapuja’. Food is the essential thing that sustains the human body for achieving ‘Purusharthas.’ Without food, animals will also die. Therefore, offering food means offering life. Food sustains life.

Giving life is giving all things to human beings. So they receive the fruits by the charity. It is said that whoever eats rice can perform any pious work with energy. Half of the virtue i.e., ‘punyam’ will go to the giver of the food and the other half of it will go to the person who has done the work.

Annaprasadam - Food is Divine - Nityannadanam by TTD

Service to man is service to God.

Offering of food to the hungry is equal to performing a ‘yajna.’ One can satisfy others with food only. But one cannot satisfy others by offering gold, clothes, or anything else. People still want more and more. But one can hear the word ‘Enough’ from them by just offering a meal.

It is said that by doing ‘annadanam’, fame, radiance and strength will be attained in all three worlds. ‘Vedokti’ emphasizes that the first entry into heaven is for those who conduct ‘annadanam.’ The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams put this maxim into practice.

Eham and Param

There is a concept of ‘Eham’ and ‘Param’ regarding the consumption of ‘prasadam’ in temples. Offering ‘prasadam’ is an orthodox tradition for those who perform puja and other rituals and to the devotees visiting the temple. Some of the festivals are entirely related to ‘annadanam.’ ‘Thiruppavada’ in Tirumala is similar to this practice.

Sri Saluva Narasimharaya built choultries for doing ‘annadanam’ to satisfy the hunger of the devotees in Tirumala. Under the supervision of Srimad Kandadai Ramanuja Iyengar, ‘Ramanujakutamulu’ were formed. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the world’s largest spiritual organization, has been serving the devotees by offering food freely to them for a long time.

Resuming the tradition of our ‘sanatana dharma,’ the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams initiated this auspicious deed on 06-04-1985. Initially started with a mere two thousand devotees, the scheme gradually became a major programme. Earlier, this ‘annaprasadam’ scheme was applicable only to the devotees who visited the Lord in the temple.

Sri Venkateswara Museum (TTD Museum), Tirumala

Sri Venkateswara Museum (TTD Museum), Tirumala

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Sri Venkateswara Museum – Tirumala

TTD Museum / Sri Venkateswara Museum was inaugurated on December 26th, 1980 in Thousand Pillars Mandapam by Dr Neelam Sanjeev Reddy, the president of India. Later it was shifted to a newly constructed building with architectural elements beside Narayanagiri Gardens on 27th September 1999 and was opened by Chief Minister of A.P Sri Nara Chandra Babu Naidu Garu.

The museum contains approximately a thousand objects of Indian culture and heritage.

With elegant features, the sculpture of Vishnu in the form of sudarsana moorthy is on display at the museum entrance. He represented all the weapons in his right and left arms used for the destruction of an enemy. There is a reference to sudarsana moorthy in Mahabharata, Bhagavatha, Ramayana and in Itihasas. It belongs to the 16th-century architectural features.

The museum widely has three floors. The ground floor is totally on display of the objects Photographs, Sculptures, Bronze idols, Wood Cravings and Musical Instruments in chronological order.

The first floor has collections of Paintings, Vahanams, Coins, and other miscellaneous items of Annamayya Bhandagaram, Prasadam carrying vessels, Pooja Samagri, Asanams etc. relating to the temple culture and tradition.

TTD Museum – Photographic Section

The photos of all the sevas performed to Lord Venkateswara are classified into daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and yearly and some of the sevas are performed following the god’s thidhi and nakshatra.

The major festivals Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Rathasapthami would be celebrated yearly and also the photographs of Vaggeyakara’s who extolled Lord Venkateswara in their sankeerthanas have been on display.

The photos of Silathoranam, Narayanapadam, and Sacred Thirthas are exhibited.

Silathoranam, Tirumala

TTD Museum – Sculptures Gallery

In this category, a collection of stone sculptures of historical personalities relating to the stories of Ramayanam, Bhagavatham and mythology. The gallery has some of the rarest and most admirable sculptures in the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods.

Sri Venkateswara Museum - Tirumala

The highly decorative 16th-century Vijayanagara. sculptures of Bhuvaraha, Trivikrama are of superb sculptural quality in the gallery and the other images of Valmiki Ramayana-Rama abducting Seetha, Trimurthy are particularly noteworthy in their craftsmanship and expression.

TTD Museum – Bronze Section

The art of Bronze casting objects reveals the high standard of technical skill of artisans in the field of metallurgy in ancient India. This section contains bronze objects of Alwars, Bhuvaraha, Nataraja belonged to the 16th century standards for their remarkable quality of the art form.

The images of Hindu Gods, Goddess es – Umamaheswara, Alinganamoorthy, Chandra Sekhara, Kaliyakrishna, Bala Krishna and Nritya gopala are unique creations having artistic vision and technical knowledge.

TTD Museum – Wood Carvings

These are some of the oldest crafts in the world. Prehistoric people used to make decorative handles for their tools and weapons. The Hindu temples were decorated with doors, ceilings and various fittings carved in teak and other woods with patterns of extreme richness and minute elaboration.

This section contains the exquisite beauty of carving figures belonging to mythological stories i.e. Gajendra Moksham, Hiranyakasyapa Vadha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Govardhanagiridhari etc. are the masterpieces on display.

Originally all these wood carvings were collected from the old chariot of Govindaraja Swami temple belonged to the 17th century which was built during the period of Matla Kumara Anantha Raya.

Sri Venkateswara Museum - Tirumala

Ivory pallaki which the Mysore king donated to the Srivari temple stands for its highest quality of artistic vision. The four sides of the pallaki are decorated with narrative figures of Ramayana, Sri Krishna Leelas and Dasavatharas in Ivory are could be astonished with the beautification of the carving.

Musical Instruments

Music is a form of art that comes from the Greek words meaning “art of the muses” who were the goddesses who inspired the arts such as literature, music and poetry. T.T.D., Tirumala Museum contains 64 types of musical instruments and they are classified into four categories i.e. Tata Vadya, Sushira Vadya, Avanaddha Vadya, and Ghana Vadya.

Musical Instruments - Sri Venkateswara Museum - Tirumala

  • TataVadya – String Instruments eg: veena, sitar, tumbura etc.
  • Sushira Vadya – weird instruments eg; organ, harmonium, nadaswaram, flute etc.
  • Avanaddha Vadya – Membrane covered eg: mridangam, damaru.
  • Ghana Vadya – Solid percussion instruments eg: Ghatam, gangs, Kartal.

Annamayya Sankeerthana Copper plates

Sri Tallapaka Annamayya wrote 32 thousand sankeerthanas on Lord Venkateswara praising His glory. These sankeerthanas copied from palm leaves and inscribed on copper plates during the period of Achyutha Raya in the 16th century by Tallapaka Pedda Tirumalacharya and Chinna Tirumalacharya. These were stored in stone chamber besides north side of Srivari Hundi and named Annamayya Bhandagaram.

Sankeerthana Bhandagaram or Annamacharya Bhandagaram

Later these were shifted to the S.V. Museum, Tirumala. These copper plates are classified into three categories. They are Bhandarekulu, Sadaranarekulu and Talapatra kruti rekulu (Copper plates).

Interested Devotees can witness the script of the copper plates during the museum’s working hours i.e. from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Vahanams

The processional deity of Sri Venkateswara is taken out in processions through four Mada streets of Tirumala in view of welfare of the devotees. Each Vahanam describes the spiritual proximally with the god and remind us the inseparable relation between atma and paramatma.

Tirupati Balaji Temple

Coins

The museum has the collection antique gold, silver and copper coins available from Srivari Hundi belonged to 15th century A.D. down to 18th century of different dynasties who were on rule in India.

Venkateswara's 'Saare' to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

Venkateswara’s ‘Saare’ to Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

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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.

TTD - Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati

TTD – Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati

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Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / SV Ayurveda Hospital

Dhanvantari

Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the immanent divine consciousness, represents the divine healer in the tradition of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanvantari considered the God of Ayurvedic medicine is believed to have emerged from the sea during Samudra mathan, holding a pot of Amrit in one hand and the sacred Ayurveda text in the other.

Dhanvantari

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an elegant healing system, described approximately 5,000 years ago in ancient Vedic texts as comprehensive teachings on preserving and maintaining health. The fact that this ancient medicine is still in use today is a testament to the wisdom it holds when it comes to understanding the human potential to achieve a happy and wholesome life.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to promote the Vedas and allied sciences, established Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College, Tirupati in 1983. It is affiliated with Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The college has become one of the best institutes in India and has produced several graduates and post graduate students from time to time.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College

The Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / College has an attached teaching hospital with 210 beds with all Investigations and therapies and also renders Ayurvedic medical services to the people free of cost. People from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and even from other states utilise the services of this Hospital.

The teaching hospital is a part of the College administration for imparting better education and training to the PG& UG students being admitted into the College. Teaching faculty (Professor, Reader, Assistant Professor and Lecturer) are the consultants of the Hospital.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital / SV Ayurveda Hospital

OPD Services at SV Ayurveda Hospital

  • OPD functions from 7.30 AM to 12.00 PM and 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM.
  • Consultants are available from 9.00 AM to 11.30 AM & 3.30 PM to 4.30 PM on all working days.

Duty Medical Officers and doctors are available for consultation around the clock. The hospital has well-experienced, well-qualified and dedicated Ayurvedacharya / B.A.M.S. / M.D. doctors who attend to the patients.

Click here for Google Maps Location

OP (outpatient) Services are available in all specialities. S.V. Ayurvedic Hospital has approximately 210 beds with a bed occupancy rate and runs 10 OPDs daily with at least 350-500 patients attending exclusively to OPDs.

Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic Hospital

Procedure for Consultation

For outpatient consultation services, the patient has to register his/ her name at the registration counter. Doctors will do initial screening at the counter. Depending upon the requirements and the medical issue the staff will guide the patient to the concerned consultant.

Patients are advised to bring a copy of all previous evaluations and investigations.

Old (Follow-up/Review) Patients

The patient has to plan his/her follow-up visits according to the availability of the concerned consultant. They should visit the OPD on the duty day of the concerned consultant. They must also bring the Registration OPD Card or Discharge Summary Card during follow-up visits.

The Outpatient Department is generally crowded and free-of-cost medicines are distributed to each patient. SV Ayurveda Hospital caters to the medical requirements of all sections of society. The TTD management seeks and appreciates the patience and cooperation of the visitors.

S.V. Ayurveda Hospital OPD & Department-wise details in a glance

Kayachikitsa OPD (internal medicine)

Kayachikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda(Ashtanga Ayurveda) that deals with general medicine. It is the first branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda which mainly deals with diagnosis and treatment of various general health problems.

Kayachikitsa, representing the school of medicine forms the basis for all other branches of Ayurvedic treatment and hence this lays the foundation for shaping a skilled Ayurvedic physician. Kaya also refers to digestive fire or Agni.

Ayurveda believes that the imbalance in our digestive system is the root cause of multiple diseases. Hence, the chikitsa (treatment) also involves correcting the digestive fire or Agni to restore good health.

Kayachikitsa (or internal medicine), wherein Kaya means ‘body’ and chikitsa means ‘treatment’. The treatment also involves correcting the imbalance caused due to tridosas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The remedy encompasses a range of internal and external medications, detoxifications etc., along with specialized therapy to treat the disorder. The approach of Kayachikitsa involves the complete management of body and mind.

Kayachikitsa is used to tackle issues related to chronic illnesses and common illnesses.

Some of the diseases which are dealing Kayachikitsa OPD are:

  • Skin diseases (Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis, Eczema, Urticaria etc.)
  • Gastritis, Neurovascular disorders
  • Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders)
  • Respiratory diseases (Kasa, Swasa)
  • Kaamale (jaundice) – Irritable Bowel syndrome

Panchakarma OPD & Theatre services

SV Ayurveda Hospital has well-equipped male and female Panchakarma theatres separately. Panchakarma is performed by highly trained and skilled panchakarma therapists under the supervision of Panchakarma specialist doctors. This purification process helps to maintain good hygiene both at the mental and physical levels.

The treatment is customized according to the requirement of the patient depending upon their body constitution and health disorder.

Panchakarma OPD

Shalyatantra (Surgery) OPD & Theatre services

Shalyatantra is one of distinct branch of Ayurveda which explains and demonstrates surgical knowledge and procedures that were performed and used since thousands of years ago and are useful even today. The name of the sage-physician, Susruta, is synonymous with surgery. From his treatise Susruta Samhita, we have become aware of the sophisticated methods of surgery that were practised in India thousands of years ago

Diseases treated

  • Piles, Fissure in Ano, Fistula, & recurrent Abscess.
  • Inflammatory conditions-boils
  • Gallstones, Injury to marma
  • Deformities, Traumatic conditions
  • Cysts, Corns, warts
  • Varicose veins, Osteo Myelitis
  • Urinary track infections and hernia
  • Traditional Para surgical procedures like Agnikarma, Ksharakarma, Kshara Sutra and Jalukavacharana.

PG – A&B OPD (Dravyaguna Vigyana, Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana & Ayurveda Samhita)

Dravyaguna Vigyana

Doctor of Medicine in Dravyaguna Vigyan (Ayurvedic Pharmacology) is a non-clinical course. It provides the principles of Ayurvedic pharmacognosy and pharmacology with a special focus on the identification of controversial drugs, adulterants and substitutes used in Ayurvedic practice.

Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana

Doctor of Medicine in Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana (Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacy) is a Non-Clinical course. Keeping with tradition, the course prepares students for an Ayurvedic physician who is capable of formulating and preparing medicines according to the specific needs of a patient.

The program provides training in medicinal chemistry and the preparation of highly potent medicines from minerals and metals. The course also deals with the principles and practice of Ayurvedic Pharmacy with its varied pharmaceutical methods and dosage forms.

Ayurveda Samhita

This is a Non – Clinical course provides research training in the study of classical texts of Ayurveda, their scientific exploration and validation.

Balaroga OPD (Paediatrics)

Balyavastha or childhood is a crucial phase in human life. This phase is different from other stages because of the Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle) and Aushadhi (medicines) administered during that period. As these factors play an important role during childhood, the methods adopted in the treatment of children are also different.

Balaroga is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with neonatal care, infant feeding, diet for the newborn, daily and seasonal regime and also deals with diseases and disorders relating to children including nutrition of children, immunization etc. Usually, childhood is prone to common ailments like Digestive disorders, Respiratory infections, Skin problems, Worm infestation, etc.

Diseases treated:

  • Treatment for cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, etc.
  • Delayed milestones
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Kasa and general health.

Balaroga

The M. D. in Balaroga provides research training in the study of classical texts of Ayurveda, their scientific exploration and validation. This branch of Ayurveda, also known as ‘Kaumarayabhritya’ is one of the significant branches that focus on nursing and nurturing infants, newborns and children.

Balaroga not only involves prenatal, and postnatal baby care but also some ailments under the branch of Gynaecology. The specialist doctors in Ayurveda Paediatrics create awareness among the parents about child care, food habits, physical growth, and physiological and psychological issues related to child growth. This helps in bringing up a healthy child.

Shalakyatantra (ENT & Opthomology)

Shalakyatantra is Ayurveda branch for ENT & Ophthamology. It is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with diseases affecting the body parts located above the neck. It encompasses the treatment for the medical conditions related to organs of the head and above the shoulder like Eyes, Ears, Lips, Nose, Throat, Teeth, Skull, Central Nervous System and Brain.

These body parts are vulnerable to diseases which can get complicated as they progress.

The name ‘Shalakyatantra’ came into existence as the therapy involves excessive usage of Shalaka’ which means ‘probe’. This is a branch of Ayurveda where the treatment is done using appropriate tools for ingesting medication to the affected body parts. Various specialized instruments are used for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes as this speciality deals with delicate and narrow sections of the head.

In some places, this treatment is also called as ‘Urdhwangachikitsa’ where ‘Urdhwanga’ refers to body parts above the head, and ‘chikitsa’ relates to treatment. This system of medicine is also concerned with preventing contagious diseases.

By adopting a daily or seasonal routine with the appropriate cleansing procedure, the functional integrity and structure of body parts situated above the head are taken care of.

The disorders treated in the Shalakyatantra Department are

  • Treatment for Netra rogas (Eyes)
  • Nasa rogas (Nose)
  • Karna rogas (Ear)
  • Mukharogas (Oral Cavity Disorders)
  • Shirorogas (Head)

Prasoothi & Streeroga (Obstetrics/Gynaecology)

Prasoothi & Streeroga is a significant branch of Ayurveda, mainly dealing with childbirth /Parturition (Prasuti Tantra / Obstetrics) and Gynaecological (Streeroga) disorders. Prasuti tantra deals with pregnancy, labour and puerperium, whereas Streeroga deals with the management of diseases manifesting mainly in women.

The OPD services of Prasoothi and Streeroga at SV Ayurveda Hospital offer exceptional ayurvedic care in addressing pre-natal, post-natal and anti-natal care.

Diseases treated

The Specialist doctors cater to the following problems related to women’s health:

  • Pre conceptional care
  • Month-wise regimen for pregnancy, Yoga pregnancy
  • Menstrual issues due to thyroid dysfunction and obesity
  • Post-natal care
  • A promising approach for Infertility (male and female)
  • Non-surgical management of pregnancy-related complaint
  • Nausea, vomiting, headache.

Swasthavritta

Swasthavritta (Social and Preventative Medicine)

Swasthavritta (Social and Preventative Medicine) is a non–clinical course. The program provides training on the principles and practice of Social and Preventive Medicine at both the personal and communal levels. Social and Preventative Medicine in the School of Ayurveda gives elaborate guidelines and regimens for maintaining and promoting the health of the individual and the community integrating modern concepts with principles of Ayurveda.

Swashavritta means “regime of abiding by one’s nature”. It highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy life by adopting principles of a daily regimen, seasonal regimen, and ethical regimen to combat the diseases associated with lifestyle changes. It incorporates principles and practice of treatment both at personal and communal levels. The OPD at SV Ayurveda Hospital mainly deals with counselling.

The patients are advised to maintain good health and prevent diseases by adopting a holistic approach to life. They are guided to consume healthy food, bring positive changes in lifestyle, practice yoga and also follow ethical behaviour.

The counselling on lifestyle modification and preventive aspects are done based on the prakruthi analysis, which is the body constitution of any individual. These practices not only build immunity but also helps to restore balance in the tridoshas, i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and thus helps one attain stability in life.

Purpose

As the detailed information given above would have made it clear, the purpose of the T.T.D. SV Ayurveda College promotes Ayurveda and imparts quality education to the students and makes them good teachers and efficient Ayurvedic Physicians the Hospital provides free Medical Services for more than one and a half lakh patients per year.

TTD – In the service of Mankind

Garuda - The Valiant

Garuda – The Valiant

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Article by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi

Garuda – Pakshiraja

Garuda is described as Pakshiraja, the king of Birds. All of us recognize him as the vahana or mount of Lord Vishnu. When you enter a Vishnu temple, there is an image or icon of Garuda at the entrance. He is celebrated as ‘Periya Thiruvadi’ just as Hanuman is known as ‘Siriya Thiruvadi’.

Garuda Statue, Alipiri

Origin of Garuda

The origin of Garuda is described in the Adiparva of the Mahabharata. Briefly, he is the son of Sage Kashyapa and Vinata. He is the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya.

But how did Garuda become Lord Vishnu’s vahana? The story is as follows: His mother Vinata lost a bet with her co-sister Kadruva (who employed a trick) resulting in Vinata becoming a slave to Kadruva and her children, the nagas. This was due to a curse uttered by Aruna who also said that she would be delivered from slavery by her son.

This could be done only by getting the amruta for the snakes that were his step-brothers (Kadruva’s children). Valiant Garuda, the shapeshifter (for he was a master of ashtasiddhis), managed to obtain the amruta that was amazingly guarded. When Garuda was in the air with the pot of nectar, he met Lord Vishnu.

Slokas 13-16 in the 33rd Adhyaya (chapter) of the Adi Parva in Mahabharata describe the encounter (summarised here): At that time, the son of Vinata encountered Lord Vishnu Narayana was pleased with Garuda’s commitment.

He called out to Garuda – ‘I would like to give you a boon’.

Garuda the sky-roamer said, ‘Lord let me serve on your flag’.

And ‘Even without a drink of the nectar, may I be immortal’. The Lord said to Garuda, ‘Let it be so’.

Now Garuda said, ‘Lord, now I proffer thee a boon.’ Lord Vishnu said, ‘I wish that you become my steed’.

And that is how the mighty Garuda became the vahana of Lord Vishnu.

Garuda-seva or the processional of the lord mounted on Garuda is a wonderful spectacle in any Vishnu temple. Crowds throng to worship the lord on Garuda because it is believed that moksha can be easily obtained when worshipping the lord on Garuda Vahana.

Garuda Seva Crowd
Crowd waiting for Garuda Vahana Seva in Tirumala (Tirupati Balaji Temple)

After all, did the Lord not speed to Gajendra’s rescue flying there mounted on Garuda? This scene has also been captured dramatically by the poet Pothana in his ‘Bhagavatam’. Every single illustration of Gajendra moksha shows the lord arriving to rescue the King of Elephants riding his favourite mount.

The third chapter of the ashtama skanda of Srimad Bhagavatam describes what happened. Specifically, the 31st sloka says:

Hearing the mental prayer of the distressed elephant The lord of the world wielding the Sudarsana (discus) Swiftly arrived on his vahana, Garuda, who is Possessed of a speed that depends on his will.

Garuda Vahana is so closely associated with Sriman Narayana that in Narasimha Satakam, Seshappa describing lord Vishnu says “Garudavahana divya kaustubhalankara ravi koti teja sa rangavadana”: On his Garuda vahana, adorned with the divine Kaustubha gem, bright-faced like the sun…” (Verse 83).

But Garuda is much more than all that. In Garuda Panchashat, Swami Vedanta Desika writes that Garuda is the personification of Vedas (verse 3). He says Garuda’s eyes are the Gayatri mantra, his name is the Yajur Veda and so on. At the end of the verse Swami Desika prays saying that the Garuda thus extolled by the Vedas may show us the way to freedom.

Being like Garuda, selfless, devoted and committed to achieving the given task despite hurdles on the way pleases the lord and helps attain moksha.

Garuda Vahanam in Tirumala

At Tirumala, the sight of Sri Malayappa swami mounted on the golden Garuda vahanam during Srivari Brahmotsavam sends devotees into ecstasy. Garuda is often adorned with precious jewels such as the Makara kanti, Salagrama haaram and wears a golden crown.

Garuda Seva

The lord’s feet are securely placed in the open palms of Garuda who is seen kneeling on one leg. Lord’s appearance on Garuda bestows transcendence and salvation to the devotees. There is also a monthly Garuda seva on the full moon night when Sri Malayappa swami varu tours the Mada streets on the Garuda Vahana.

Devotees can watch the Garudavahanaseva live on SVBC Channel and be blessed.