Lord Venkateswara Swamy

Manifestation of Lord Venkateswara Swamy Shines with

Lord Sri Mahavishnu left Vaikuntam and reached Venkatadri as Lord Venkateswara Swamy to protect and bless the devotees. Venkatadri is also known as Venkatachalam. It is one of the seven hills of Tirumala, considered a heavenly abode on the earth.

The sanctum sanctorum where Sri Venkateswara Swamy resides in the temple was covered by a gold-plated ‘gopuram’ called ‘Ananda Nilayam’.

Sthanakamurthy / Sthanaka Virahamurthy

In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Venkateswara Swamy is in the divine form in the ‘Brahma Sthaana.’ The image of the Lord is over eight feet tall and is believed to be the self-manifested one. This Salagramamurthy is called ‘Sthanakamurthy’ because He is in the standing posture. He is Dhruvamurti or Dhruvaberam because His idol is stable.

The Lord is also called ‘Sthanaka Virahamurthy’ as He is the only one without His consorts.

Entamatramuna nevvaru dalachina antamatrame nivu
antarantamu lenci chuda bindanthe nippatiyannatlu
koluthuru mimu vaishnavulu kurimito visnhudani
palukuduru mimu vedantulu parabrahmambanuchu
taluturu mimu saivulu tagina bhaktulu sivudanuchu
alari pogududuru kapalikulu adi bhairavudanuchu….

—Thallapaka Annamacharya

You are that, what one perceives you as if appraised rightly, however, the dough is, so turns out the pancake! If you are Sree Venkatapathi, the Lord who accepts us, right here I surrender unto you! For me, this is the highest truth!

Standing on the Padma Peetham the Lord wears a sword called ‘Nandaka’.

The manifestation of the Lord shines with Surya Katari, Crown, Thirunamam, Vyuha Lakshmi in His bosom along with Sankhu, Chakra, Varada and Kati ‘hasthas’, Naagabharanaas, Camphor on the chin.

Netra Darshan

In Tirumala every Thursday, the main deity was divested of all ornaments, flowers etc. The deity was draped only in Dhoti and Uttareeyam. The Thirunamam and Kasturi on the forehead of the main deity were also reduced in size resulting in the unique ‘Netra Darshan‘ (where the divine eyes of the Lord can be seen).

Now, here Let us see some specialities of the Lord in a glance.

Lord Venkateswara Swamy

1. Thirunamam

Thirunamam worn on the forehead of the Lord is called ‘Urdvapundram.’ It is offered once a week after Abhishekam every Friday. It is made of 16 tulas of ‘pacchakarpuram’ (camphor) and one and a half tula of ‘kasturi’ (musk).

Before the Brahmotsavams and during the Brahmotsavas, on Fridays following the Brahmotsavams, double camphor and musk are used for ‘Thirunamam.’ Therefore, this ‘namam’ is called as ‘Rettimpunamam’ and on every Thursday this ‘namam’ is shortened and the Lord’s eyes are visible to the devotees.

2. Sankham and Chakram

The Lord appears with Sankham (conch) and Sudarshana Chakram (Discus) in both hands. They are said to have been established by Sri Ramanujacharya in his times.

3. Varada Mudra

The two hands of Lord Venkateswara are called Varada Hastha and Kati Hashta. Varada Mudra is found in the right hand of the Lord. His right palm points downwards. Varada means giving boons. This is said to be an indication that whoever takes refuge at His holy lotus’ feet is a true devotee and will be blessed.

4. Kati Hastam

Swami holds Kati Hastam (left hand). Keeping the hand near His knees, kati, symbolizes that whoever surrenders at His feet will be blessed with boons. By placing His hand on the pelvis, the Lord reminds the vital part of man and warns him not to get too much attachment towards anything.

Lord Venkateswara Swamy

5. Camphor on the Chin

The Lord’s chin is decorated with ‘pacchakarpooram’ and appears white. Earlier, a devotee named Ananthalwar reached Tirumala and developed a flower garden to serve the Lord. With the help of his wife, he used to dig the garden well. During this time the Lord appeared as a boy and tried to help in digging.

But Ananthalvar refused. But the boy continued to help Ananthalvar’s wife. Ananthalvar got angry and threw the crowbar at the boy. The boy got injured. Later the boy was identified as the Lord and ‘pacchakarpooram’ was applied to the wound on the chin.

Bhakta Ananthacharya - Anantalwar Crowbar
Bhakta Ananthacharya – Anantalwar Crowbar

6. Vakshasthala Lakshmi

Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is on the chest of Lord Srinivasa. It appears that Goddess Lakshmi is on both sides of the Lord’s bosom, but Ammavaru is on one side of Moolavirattu’s bosom. Ammavaru is invisible due to decoration. During Abhishekam, Ammavaru appears clearly. She is smeared with turmeric powder.

Chaturvimshati Namavali Puja

It is said that Ammavaru is the main reason for ‘Abhishekam’ to the Lord on Friday. After chanting the Lord’s Sahasranama and Ashtottaranama thrice daily, the Goddess is worshipped with the 24 names from the Varaha Puranam. The name of this worship is ‘Chaturvimshati Namavali Puja’.

The grand ‘darshan’ of the Lord holding the goddess in Her bosom brings grace to both. Moreover, the Lord tells the world the real position of a wife which is very significant.

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7. Surya Katari

The sword is one of Lord Vishnu’s five weapons. It is known as Nandakam and Surya Katari. It is believed that this weapon is meant to punish the wicked and protect the righteous. Pada kavita Pithamaha Thallapaka Annamacharya emerged from the sword called Nandaka to write ‘keerthanas’ on Lord Venkateswara and condemn the sinfulness of the world. The message given by the Lord through this sword is to remove ignorance, carelessness and disregard on the part of human beings.

8. Nagabaranas

The Lord appears wearing ‘nagabharanas’ on both the lower sides of the shoulders and above the elbows. These jewels are symbolic of  Adisesha and the Lord shows His benevolence by making His followers the part of His body. Remarkably, Seshu is the first vehicle in the Brahmotsavams.

9. Silk Clothes

Every Friday after Abhishekam, a 24-mura-long and 4-mura-wide ‘dhoti’ is used for decorating Lord Venkateswara. Apart from this, a 12 mura long and two mura wide silk cloth is worn as Uttareeyam. On Thursday, these are removed and the ‘dhoti’ is decorated and the Uttariyam is put up like ‘yajnopaveetham’

Brahma Kadigina Paadamu
Brahmamu taane nee paadamu….
– Sri Thallapaka Annamacharya

The Lord stands on Padmapeetham. His lotus feet are always covered with golden sheets, wonderful flowers and ‘tulsi’ leaves. It is possible to see the Lord’s feet only on the day of ‘Abhishekam i.e, Friday. While worshipping the Lord’s feet, taking shelter and serving Him means that the devotee has given up his pride at the Lord’s feet and becomes His true devotee by his humbleness.

Sri Venkataachalaadheesham
sriyadyaasitha vakshasam
Srithachetana mandaaram
sreenivasa mahambhaje!!

 

Poola Ara (Flower Room) – Inside Tirupati Balaji Temple

Poola Ara (Flower Room)

By the side of padipotu i.e., the holy kitchen, in the eastern direction, there is one room. As the flowers to be offered to Lord Venkateswara are stored here, they call it poola ara, which means flower room. Some people call it Pushpa mandapam (flower portico).

Garlands meant for various Gods and Goddesses are prepared in this room.

In the Sanctum Sanctorum, a special pooja by the name ‘Thomalaseva’i.e., flower decoration service is performed twice a day. The first seva takes place at 3.30 AM and the second seva at 7 PM. Garlands for this ‘Seva’ are prepared in the flower room.

Similarly, even for other poojas like Kalyana Utsavam, procession etc., the garlands are prepared here.

Yamunottara / Yamunottarai

This room is also known as ‘Yamunottara’ or Yamunottarai (In Tamil). Yamunottara or Yamunottarai means the banks of river Yamuna. The holy tank of Lord Venkateswara is considered the river Yamuna. Lord Venkateswara is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Krishna of the Dwapara age.

Idol of Krishna

To commemorate this incarnation of Lord Vishnu, a beautiful idol of Krishna playing on a flute is installed here. The idol has two spouses of Lord Krishna i.e., Rukmini and Satyabhama by His side. These idols face south. This one-foot-long idol attracts the attention of all devotees who come to Tirumala.

On every Krishnashtami Day Lord Venkateswara Who is an incarnation of Lord Krishna arrives into this flower room. On His arrival, exclusive poojas are offered to the Lord. From there Lord Venkateswara starts to Yamunottara in a Palanquin. In another palanquin Krishna too reaches Yamunottara. Again here poojas are offered to both Lord Venkateswara and Lord Krishna.

This flower room has another significance. In the 11th century A.D. on one fine day, Sri Ramanujacharya explains the excellence of Lord Srinivasa to his disciples in Sri Rangam. He told them that Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala loves flowers and loves to be worshipped by flowers.

Poola Ara (Flower Room) - Inside Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirumala – Pushpa Mandapam

To please Lord Srinivasa the entire mountain range of Tirumala blooms with flowers of different varieties throughout the year. Because of these flower gardens, Tirumala gets the name Pushpa Mandapam. Even Nammalvar the famous saint among twelve reputed devotees of Lord Vishnu speaks about Lord Srinivasa’s love for flowers in his work ‘Tiruvai Mozhi’.

He further says that the best and holy way of pleasing Lord Srinivasa is to offer Him flowers.

It is said that Sri Ramanujacharya had sent his disciples to Tirumala to see that uninterrupted flower decoration takes place every day. It is believed that he had made some permanent arrangements for this worship. At the behest of Sri Ramanujacharya, his disciple, Ananthalvar had come down to Tirumala to offer flower worship to Lord Srinivasa, throughout the year.

Even before Ramanujacharya or his disciple Ananthalvar, it is said that Sri Ramanuja’s great guru Yamunacharya too had offered flowers to the Lord, as per Ananthalvar’s ‘Sri Venkatachala Itihasa Mala’s book. In fond memory of Sri Yamunacharya, even today the flower worship is known as Yamunottarai.

To show the deep veneration to Lord Venkateswara women devotees do not wear flowers. Flower-wearing is prohibited in Tirumala. Flowers here are meant only for Lord Venkateswara. Hence no human being is allowed to wear them. There are many gardens.

Gardens in Tirumala

Flowers from gardens like

  • Perindevi Thota (thota in Telugu means garden),
  • Ananthalvar Thota,
  • Tallapakam Vari Thota,
  • Tarigonda Vengamamba Thota,
  • Surapuram Vari Thota,
  • Ram Bageecha etc.,

are exclusively used for Lord Venkateswara’s daily pooja.

A very great devotee by the name of Tarigonda Vengamamba while praising Tirumala Hills says “the hill that worships Lord Venkateswara with a variety of flowers”. Now only for names sake we have above mentioned gardens. T.T.D. is now maintaining their flower garden. Even today, the flower worship is carried out with its age-old traditional name “Yamunottarai”.

The old flower room is now converted into a store room to store Swamy’s prasadams like ‘Laddu, Vada’ etc., The flower room is shifted to the premises of Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. From the present flower room in a predecided way, garlands are sent to the main temple. Lord is decorated with flowers as per tradition and convention. They have not changed the decoration methods. Lord is decorated with seasonal flowers.

Sri Srinivasa Divyanugraha Homam Dieties

Garland Names

Names of Garlands that beautify the Chief Idol of the Lord are as follows – Depending on the place they occupy on the Chief Idol of the Lord, the garlands get different names.

Sikha Mani

From the top of the crown a garland of 8 cubits (a cubit is equal to the length of forearm. In Telugu they call it Moora) goes down from the shoulders. This is known as Sikha Mani.

Salagrama Mala

From the two shoulders of the Chief Idol a hanging garland of Salagrama (a piece of ammonite, vaishnavites consider this as a type of Vishnu) touches the feet of Lord Venkateswara. Adjacent to this another lengthy garland adores the Chief Idol. These two garlands are of 4 cubits length.

Kantasari

A two layered garland from the neck decorates two shoulders. This garland is 3.5 cubits length.

Vakshasthala Lakshmi

Two garlands decorate the two spouses of Lord Venkateswara, Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi who dwell in the chest of the Lord. Each garland is of 1.5 cubit length.

Sankhu (conch shell), Chakram (The Holy wheel)

Two garlands decorate the Sankhu as well as the Chakra of the Chief Idol. Each garland will be of one cubit length.

Katari Saram

(Saram means chain) Near the navel of the Chief Idol there is a sword by name Nandaka. A garland of 2 cubits length decorates the sword.

Thaavalamulu

(i)Under two elbows (ii) from the waist upto knees and (iii) from knees to the feet three garlands will beautify the Chief Idol. First one is of 3 cubits length, second one is at 3.5 cubits length and the third one is of 4 cubits length.

Thiruvadi Dandalu

Two garlands of 1 cubit length taken around the lotus feet of the Lord.

Every Thursday in the evening a special garland apart from the aforesaid garlands is offered to Lord Srinivasa. This particular offering is known as ‘Poolangi Seva’ (a special pooja performed with flowers). At the time of this particular pooja or seva, all the ornaments placed on the Chief Idol are removed. The Idol is decorated with fresh flowers.

Similarly, garlands are offered to other deities of the temple, which is considered to be an ‘Ananda Nilaya’ an abode of happiness.

Significance of Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhalayam)

Garlands offered to Utsava (Mobile) Moorthies

  • Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy: 1 Garland
  • Koluvu Srinivasa Moorthy : 1
  • Garland Malayappa Swamy with spouses Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi : 3 Garlands
  • Ugra (ferocious) Srinivasa Moorthy With Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi : 3 Garlands
  • Seetha, Rama and Lakshmana : 3 Garlands
  • Sri Rukmini and Sri Krishna: 2 Garlands
  • Chakrathalvar (Sudarshan): 1 Garland
  • Anantha, Garuda and Vishwaksena : 3 Garlands

Garlands that are offered to other idols of the temple

  • Security guards of Golden Door: 2 Garlands
  • Garudalwar : 1 Garland
  • Varadaraja Swamy : 1 Garland
  • Vakulamalika : 1 Garland
  • Bhagawad Ramanujacharya (Chief Idol and Utsava Moorthy): 2 Garlands
  • Yoga Narasimha Swamy : 1 Garland
  • Vishwaksena : 1 Garland
  • Potu Thayaru : 1 Garland
  • Bedi Anjaneya Swamy : 1 Garland
  • Sri Varaha Swamy Temple : 3 Garlands
  • Konetigattu Anjaneya Swamy :1(only on Sundays)
Vishvaksena - Supreme commander
Vishwaksena / Vishvaksena – Supreme commander

Apart from these garlands which are offered to different deities daily, even the garlands for special occasions like Vasantha Utsavam (spring festival) processions (the mobile idols – utsava moorthies are taken in a procession around the temple) are prepared in this Flower room only.

The different varieties of fragrant flowers and Tulasi that are used for preparing the garlands are grown in the flower garden specially and exclusively meant for God.

Twice every day i.e., in the morning as well as in the evening garlands are offered to God. This particular pooja is known as Thomala Seva (Flower worship). The Vaishnava Saints (Jeeyangars) carry these garlands prepared specially with the flowers with great devotion, on their head.

To the accompaniment of auspicious music and the chanting of Veda Mantras the Jeeyangars, before entering into the Sanctum Sanctorum go around the Dhwajasthambham and Vimanam.

Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!

Manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi

Manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi

One should be aware of Ashtalakshmis or the manifestations of Goddess Sri Lakshmi.Manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi - Banner

Veda Lakshmi in TretaYuga

A sage named Brahmarishi Kushadhvaja was fixated on the Vedas. He was apathetic towards the institution of marriage but enthusiastic about begetting Goddess Lakshmi. One day while pursuing the Vedas, the celestial Narthaki (dancer) Urvashi ambled past Brahmarishi Kushadhvaja.

Bewitched by her beauty, he gets distracted for a second. As a consequence, Lakshmi descends to the Earth. She was born whilst pursuing the Vedas, hence the epithet Vedavathi.

During Her formative years, being Lakshmi’s apparent incarnation, She was engrossed in Lord Vishnu’s thoughts. She performs austere penance in the Himalayas. Whilst exploring the Himalayas on Pushpaka Vimana, Ravana saw Vedavathi. She self-immolates in indignation and reaches ‘Agni Loka.’

At the time of the capture of Sita, Agni substitutes Sita with Vedavathi considering the intolerable imminent adversities. At the event of ‘agni pravesha’, Lord Agni replaces the true Sita who acknowledges and appreciates Vedavathi’s selflessness granting Her a wish as a token of gratitude.

Perpetually ambitious about Lord Narayana, Vedavathi gladly expresses Her desire to be His eternal divine consort.

Being monogamous in Treta Yuga, Lord Narayana comforts Vedavathi permitting Her desire to come to fruition in Kaliyuga instead. This narrative is documented in Kurma Purana, one of the indisputable compilations of Sri Veda Vyasa.

The Valmiki Ramayana is not exhaustive, but a comprehensive account of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. However, the remainder of the Puranas encompasses intricate details. In comforting Vedavathi, Lord Vishnu conceives an opportunity to descend to the earth in Kaliyuga.

Ever since the spirit of Vedavathi endured as Veda Lakshmi anxiously awaited the Lord’s descent. The Lord manifests as Matsya Narayana or Veda Narayana at Vedanarayana Swamy temple of Nagalapuram near Tirupati.

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Srivatsa Lakshmi (Vaikunta)

Srivatsa Lakshmi resides as a mole on the chest of Lord Vishnu. Everyone is well-acquainted with the episode of Bhrigu Maharshi paying a visit to Vaikunta to see Lord Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi who were absorbed in a sobering conversation at the time of his arrival.

Since it is the onset of Kaliyuga, Lord Vishnu advises Sri Lakshmi that it is high time to manifest on the earth. Anomalously, He suggests Lakshmi descend ahead for Him to follow His lead. Lakshmi apprehensively reminds the Lord that she customarily follows His lead in every avatar instead; subsequently, gets married and partakes in annihilating the evil.

Lord Vishnu remarks the upcoming ‘avatar’ is distinctive and does not ensure a return to Vaikunta upon conclusion, unlike the earlier ones. With negative personality traits being an inherent attribute in everyone, it is futile to seek change. It would be pragmatic to change their thought patterns and safeguard the staunch devotees from evil instead.

Persistent about goddess Lakshmi’s descent, the Lord takes the honorific ‘Srinivasa’ as an explicit homage to Sri Lakshmi. With Lakshmi being perturbed over the forthcoming separation, the Lord suggests Her to take solace from the fact that He shall descend as a mere mortal and invigorate His supremacy once they reunite.

Bhrigu Maharshi arrives at that instant and eventually hurts Lord Vishnu. Bhrigu was comforted by the Lord, which enrages Sri Lakshmi. She determines to leave Vaikunta and descends to the earth in resentment. Bhrigu Maharshi’s episode is merely a divine interlude.

As Bhrigu was impertinent towards Lord Vishnu out of ‘tamo guna,’ Sri Lakshmi vows She shall return to Vaikunta in Her ‘shuddha sattva’ form alone.

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Mahalakshmi (Kolhapur)

Goddess Sri Lakshmi went to Kapilaranya i.e. Kapila Maharshi’s hermitage. One can perceive Her presence in Kolhapur with the spiritual powers of the ancient sages. As Sri Lakshmi performed acute penance, Agastya and the other sages sought her refuge.

Mahalakshmi (Kolhapur)

Sati Devi’s eyes fell on Padmavatipuram as she self-immolated during Daksha Yagna. Once, Lord Brahma created three ‘manasaputras.’ They were Gaya, Lavana, and Kolha who regrettably turned unrighteous. Gayasura and Lavanasura were eliminated by Lord Vishnu, but Kolhasura wreaked havoc in Padmavatipuram under his reign.

Kolhapur - Sri Mahalakshmi Temple

Kolhasura, along with his son Karavira, dissuaded Agastya and the other sages from their divine austerities. As Agastya and the sages sought Sri Lakshmi to extinguish them. Since her imminent return, Sri Lakshmi slaughtered them. As a dying wish, Kolhasura and Karavira entreat Sri Lakshmi to name their province after them.

Hence the eponymous Kolhapur! Sri Lakshmi obliges and manifests as Maha Lakshmi to safeguard Her devotees.

The third manifestation since Veda Lakshmi and Srivatsa Lakshmi. The divine architect Vishwakarma replicated Manidweepa (the abode of Shakthi) for Kolhapur Maha Lakshmi. Vaikunta being desolate since Lakshmi’s departure, the Lord expeditiously descended to the Earth.

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Swatantra Veera Lakshmi in Tiruchanur

Meanwhile, in Treta Yuga Veda Lakshmi’s spirit prevailing on the earth was discovered as Padmavathi Devi by Akasha Raja. She was discovered in a lotus while ploughing the earth. Hence the epithet Padmavathi. The union of Lord Venkateswara with Goddess Padmavathi is a widely-known narrative.

Since Maha Lakshmi manifested in Kolhapur, Lord Venkateswara had to borrow money from Lord Kubera as goddess Padmavathi is goddess Lakshmi’s partial incarnation. Her absolute incarnation manifested in Kolhapur, The Lord felt inadequate without His eternal divine companion.

Honouring Padmavathi, the Lord suggests Her remain at Vakula Mata’s hermitage while He goes in quest of Sri Lakshmi. As the Lord reached Kolhapur, all deities were discernable except Sri Lakshmi despite Her manifestation.

The distraught Lord bathes in Padma Kund, Panchaganga and Rudraprayaga which is an undiscovered sanctified confluence, to pacify His eternal consort. Ensuing ten years of vain penance, ‘akashvani’ apprises the Lord that goddess Lakshmi manifested in Her unsympathetic (rajo guna) form to eradicate the nefarious.

Hence, the mace, ‘paana paatra’ and lion. Goddess Lakshmi shall be apparent merely in Her purest form. ‘You visit Shuka Maharshi’s hermitage, excavate a pond, and plant lotuses from Deva Loka and ensure those lotuses do not wilt for about twelve years whilst meditating on Sri Lakshmi.

Swatantra Veera Lakshmi in Tiruchanur

Subsequently, She shall emerge on Karthika Panchami in Her ‘shuddha Sattvika’ form and reach You’. The Lord acts per the divine voice and visits Suka Maharshi’s hermitage. Every Durgashtami, temple honours are sent to Kolhapur from Tirumala, in keeping with the long-established tradition since her manifestation. Eventually, the Lord visits Sri Shukapuram i.e. the present Tiruchanur.

Distressed by the Lord’s abandonment, Sri Padmavathi was prescribed severe penance on Venkatachalam by Vakula Matha to expedite His return. With the Lord at Shuka Maharshi’s hermitage, Sri Padmavathi at Venkatachalam, and goddess Maha Lakshmi in Kolhapur, when do they unite? When the Lord arrives at Suka Maharshi’s hermitage, He excavates a divine pond. Vayu Deva was entrusted to equip the excavated pond with the majestic golden lotuses from Deva Loka.

To prevent the lotuses from wilting, the Lord directs the Sun to remain in Kolhapur for twelve years. Reflecting upon Sri Lakshmi’s ‘shuddha sattva’ form, the Lord recites the Maha Lakshmi Moola Mantra meditating on the heart of lotus for twelve years. Reaching Padmasarovaram, the Gods and sages intensified their prayers pleading with Sri Lakshmi to return to the Lord.

Panchami Theertham

With the advent of Panchami of Karthika month in the twelfth year, while the Lord was immersed in deep penance. Brighu Maharshi earnestly apologised for his impertinence urging Maha Lakshmi to be His descendant offering to perform fervent penance.

The golden lotus at the core of Padmasarovaram unfurled revealing a pacified Maha Lakshmi on Karthika Shukla Panchami in Her serene form. Be-jewelled, illuminating, and adorned in white while the majestic elephants showered Her with the sacred Akasha Ganga.

Maha Lakshmi manifested as a sixteen-year-old maiden. Subsequently, the Lord opens His eyes as the deities showered flowers from Heaven. The Lord embraced Goddess Maha Lakshmi and adorned Her with His garland.

With Maha Lakshmi’s absence from Vaikunta, the gods and sages were ecstatic over the Lord’s demonstrativeness. Consequently, they began a soul-stirring recital of Sri Lakshmi Hrudaya Stotra earnestly pleading with Sri Lakshmi to never abandon Vaikunta.

Since Maha Lakshmi’s illustrious emergence in Padmasarovaram, Shuka Maharshi and the gods plead with Her to manifest. She graciously obliges and manifests as Sarva Swatantra Veera Lakshmi in Tiruchanur. At Tiruchanur, all rituals are wholly devoted to the goddess regardless of the Lord’s idol being consecrated later.

So the deity at Tiruchanur is ‘shuddha sattva’ Lakshmi flanked by lotuses She emerged as seated in a golden lotus, hence the epithet Alarmelu Manga. Padmam (lotus) being Sri Lakshmi’s abode, She is hence mellifluously referred to as Padmavathi Devi.

Tiruchanur’s Padmavathi Devi is not Akasha Raja’s daughter, but Sri Lakshmi’s partial incarnation Padmavathi Devi instead. The goddess emerged in a golden lotus in Padmasarovaram, the modern day pillared hall in the temple tank, excavated by the Lord Himself.

Panchami Theertham - Tiruchanur (2)

One dip in the holy ‘pushkarini’ will dissipate one’s worries. Every Karthika Panchami, to commemorate the occasion of Her emergence, Lord Venkateswara accords temple honours to His divine consort.

Vyuha Lakshmi

Despite being Sarva Swatantra Veera Lakshmi, to remain inseparable, She also manifests as Vyuha Lakshmi in ‘shuddha sattva’ form on the Lord’s chest. Vyuha Lakshmi apprises the Lord that she shall eternally remain on His chest to be able to convey the devotees’ pleas ahead.

The consecration and worship of Vyuha-Lakshmi are meant to secure unbounded and eternal prosperity. In the daily worship of the Hill-God, after the Venkatesa Sahasranama Archana in the morning, this Vyuha-Lakshmi on the Lord’s chest is also worshipped reciting sixteen names of Sri Lakshmi (shodasha-nama) with the offering of Tulasi leaves after each name and also Goddess Padmavathi on the left chest is worshipped at the same time.

This image is specially worshipped during the main deity’s ceremonial bath on Fridays, as also during Makara- Sankranthi, when this Sri Lakshmi on the right chest of the Lord receives a bath with perfumed water.

Dhruva Beram - Tirupati Balaji

Lord Venkateswara’s idol has a ‘Srivatsam’ mark on His right chest, which is a permanent part of the idol. It can be seen embossed, but only on Thursdays when the jewels are removed completely, except the Melchat Vastram and on Fridays, during Abhishekam and Nijapada Darshanam. The ‘darshan’ of Vakshasthala Lakshmi can be seen if one comes very near to Kulasekhara Padi and even from there also, one can only assume Her shape.

Only ‘archakas’ can see the image of Vakshasthala Lakshmi on the Lord’s divine chest. This Lakshmi is called Dvi-bhuja-Vyuha-Lakshmi in Vaikhanasa Samhithas. The presence of Lakshmi on the body of the Lord is responsible for the name Sri-Nivasa (the abode of Lakshmi) for Him. This image of Lakshmi is in the Agamas prescribed to be twoarmed and seated in the lotus posture. This form is called Vyuha-Lakshmi.

Manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi - Banner

Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi

Along with Vyuha Lakshmi, the Lord departs for Tirumala to reunite with Goddess Padmavathi who wept uncontrollably upon reconciliation. Lord Venkateswara consoles Her and apprises of Her illustrious previous births.

To quell the separation from the Lord further, She manifests as Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi, unifying with Vyuha Lakshmi, the fifth and sixth manifestations of Ashta Lakshmi. Lord Venkateswara equally embraces His divine consorts Lakshmi and Padmavathi and bears them on His chest. The revered embodiment of Vyuha Lakshmi and Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi gets Srivari Abhishekam duly observed every Friday.

Except Tirumala, the Lord is customarily accompanied by His divine consorts in any Vaishnava temple. One can visit Tiruchanur to offer prayers to Goddess Maha Lakshmi. The Lord married Padmavathi Devi in Narayanavanam. In the southwest corner of the temple Goddess Padmavathi manifests as a radiant new bride and sets out only during the festivities and processions.

This is the contemporaneous exhaustive saga of the sublime Alarmelu Manga, Padmavathi, and Sri Lakshmi.