Tag: Vishwaksena

Weekly Sevas - Vaarotsavas - Tirupati Balaji Temple

Weekly Sevas – Vaarotsavas – Tirupati Balaji Temple

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Vaarotsavas – Weekly Services / Weekly Sevas

A few services are rendered to Lord Sri Venkateshwara as Vaarotsavas once a week without fail.

Every day is a festival day in Tirumala. On each specific day, the Lord of Lords blesses His devotees in a specific ritual during the weekdays. These rituals are categorized as weekly pujas. A limited number of Devotees is allowed to take part in these weekly sevas on the issuance of a limited number of tickets.

Let us learn about some of the sevas conducted on different days of the week.

Monday – Visesha Puja (Special Worship)

There is mainly a Vishesha Puja (Special worship) every Monday at 6 am. It is conducted for Sri Malayappa Swamy along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi in the Kalyana Mantapam (Marriage Pandal) of Sampangi Circumambulation. This seva offered every Monday commenced on April 8, 1991, and later became an arjitha seva (paid service).

After the second archana and second naivedyam in the Lord’s temple, Sri Malayappa Swami is taken to the Kalyana Mantapam with His consorts. After completion of Homas as per the Vaikhanasa Shastra, Tirumanjanam/Snapana (Oblution) is conducted for the Lord. The participants are given tirtha (holy water of the Lord) and prasadams.

Vishesha Puja Timings and Cost – Click here

Tuesday – Ashtadala Paada Padmaaraadhana

(Worship of the lord’s feet with Golden Lotuses)

The main deity is offered the Ashtadala Paada Padmaaraadhana service as the second archana every Tuesday at 6 am with 108 golden lotuses. This takes place for about 20 minutes.

Ashtadala Paada Padmaaraadhana - Weekly Sevas on Tuesdays

It is interesting to note that a Muslim devotee from Hyderabad donated the required 108 golden lotuses to the Lord. It is now offered as a paid service. It is a feast to the eyes of the devotees.

Ashtadala Paada Padmaaraadhana Timings and Cost – Click here

Wednesday – Sahasra Kalashabhishekam (Oblution with 1000 Vessels)

Sahasra Kalashabhishekam is an important seva that takes place every Wednesday before the Golden Entrance. This is done to Sri Malayappa Swamy along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi and Vishwaksena, the Chief Commander of the Lord. There is evidence to suggest that this has been taking place since 1511 AD or even earlier.

Vishvaksena - Supreme commander
Vishwaksena, the Chief Commander of the Lord.

Only paid visitors can participate in the seva which takes place before the Golden Entrance. Later, they will be offered the darshan of the main deity and prasadams. It is believed that the participants will be cleansed of all the thousand types of sins.

Sahasra Kalashabhishekam Timings and Cost – Click here

Thursday – Tiruppavada Seva / Netra Darshanam (Sight of Lord’s Eyes)

The food offered every Thursday after the second archana is called Tiruppavada Seva or Annakoototsavam.

At 6 a.m. every Thursday, the main deity is stripped of all the ornaments. The namam (upright mark) of the Lord on His forehead is reduced in size to have a clear vision of the Lord’s Eyes.

Later, a big heap of tamarind rice (pulihora), jilebies and murukus is laid before the Lord at the Golden Entrance. It is decorated with flowers and offered directly to the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum. Vedic scholars recite the Vedas as well as Srinivasa Gadya (prose). Only paid visitors can participate in this service.

Tiruppavada Seva

Later, all the devotees get the opportunity to see Tiruppavada Seva as well as Netra Darshana (the sight of the Lord’s Eyes). It is said that those who pay for the seva are purged of all their lapses related to food and get plenty of food down the generations.

Tiruppavada Seva Timings and Cost – Click here

Poolangi Seva – Garlanding Service

Tomala Seva which takes place every Thursday in the evening is called Poolangi Seva (Garlanding Service). This takes place completely in solitude. Priests adorn the main deity from head to foot with the flowers brought by the Jiyyangars. The Lord appears as though he has worn a flower dress.

The visitors are enraptured by the sight of the Lord in Poolangi Seva emitting fragrance. The sight, it is said, burns all your sins and scents of the past lives.

Poolangi Seva Seva Timings and Cost – Click here

Friday – Abhishekam (Ablutions)

The ablutions that take place to the main deity of Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy at 5 o’clock early in the morning on Friday is called Shukravaraabhishekam. It is said that this practice has been there since 614 AD. Bhagavad Ramanuja, it appears, offered Abhisheka on the occasion of instituting the golden Alamelu Manga image on the chest of the Lord. Abhishekam is done with the sacred waters of Akasha Ganga along with spices like civet, saffron and camphor for about an hour.

Abhishekam / Shukravaraabhishekam - Weekly Sevas

Later, Abhishekam is done with turmeric for Maha Lakshmi situated on the chest of the Lord. It is only during the Abhishekam that the devotees can see the original figure of Lord Srinivasa who manifested Himself for the sake of people in Kali Yuga at the instance of Brahma and other angels.

Later, Abhishekam is conducted for the golden Alumelu Manga clinging to the neck of the Lord. The devotees are greatly attracted to the seva. The Abhisheka Darshana comes to an end with the sprinkling of holy abhisheka water on the devotees which cleanses them from all sins and endows them with health and wealth.

Abhishekam Timings and Cost – Click here

Nija Pada Darshanam (Vision of the Holy Feet)

After the couples have a glimpse of the Lord at the end of Abhisheka starts the Nija Pada Darshanam (the sight of the feet of the Lord). The paid devotees can participate in this seva and see the Holy Feet of the Lord without any covering. This is the only seva in which one can see the feet of the Lord.

Nija Pada Darshanam - Weekly Sevas

At all other times, the feet of the Lord shine with golden coverings. According to the Puranas, the sight of the Lord’s feet purges the devotees of all their sins.

To know more about how to avail of Srivari Arjitha Seva Tickets please visit  https://ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in

Note: Images are from the Replica of Tirumala Temple (photography is strictly prohibited inside Tirumala Temple)

Ramulavari Meda (Rama’s Abode) - Tirupati Balaji Temple

Ramulavari Meda (Rama’s Abode) – Tirupati Balaji Temple

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Ramulavari Meda / Rama’s Abode

As soon as you cross Snapana Mandapam there is a narrow 12″ x 10″ passage. This is known as Ramulavari Meda. Before 1262-65 A.D. the researchers believe that this was not there. They believe that this was a part of the present Vaikunta Pradakshina path.

To enter Ramulavari Meda from Snapana Mandapam we have to pass through Six feet wide stone door frame. Outside this door frame wooden door frame with doors is built for protection. A locking system is provided to lock inner doors.

Sri Rama Rama Ramethi
Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasra Nama Thath Thulyam
Rama Nama Varanane

On both sides of Ramulavari Meda, there are raised terraces or platforms.

  • On the southern side raised platform the utsava statues of Angada, Hanuman, and Sugreeva, facing north are installed.
  • Similarly, on the northern side raised platform utsava moorthies of Venkateswara’s family members like Vishwaksena, Anantha, and Garuda are installed. These statues face south.

VISWAK SENA or SRI VISHVAKSENA or VISWAKSENA

Rama’s family

The Deities who belong to Rama’s family –

Sugreeva

Being the king of Vanaras, he has a crown on his head. He is offering his salutations to Rama by joining his two hands with upward palms. He will participate in the coronation ceremony of Rama which will be performed on Dasami Day after Sri Rama Navami.

Angada

After seeing Rama’s splendor in Lord Venkateswara of Venkatachala, Angada’s jaw gets dropped. Angada’s bewildered expression can be seen in the face. Being crown prince he has a small cap-like crown. He too will participate in the coronation ceremony of Sri Rama.

Obedient Hanuman

Obedient Hanuman is standing before Rama with his right hand covering his mouth. When he says ‘Yes My Lord’ to avoid spluttering he is covering his mouth with his right hand. Because of this particular behavior, he is known as the most obedient Hanuman. He plays an important role when Rama’s court gets assembled or at the time of Rama’s coronation.

Sri Venkateswara’s family

The Deities belonging to Sri Venkateswara’s family –

Anantha

Anantha is no other than Adisesha who becomes a comfortable bed for Lord Srinivasa by curling down. He has hoods and is showing blessing Mudra. This Moorthy is made of Panchaloha (an alloy of five metals).

ANNA UNJAL MANDAPAM
Hoisting of the Garudadhwaja on Dhwajastambham

On the very first day of Brahmothsavams before hoisting the temple flag a ceremony to invite eight guards who guard four directions as well as four corners, is performed. Anantha participates in this Gramotsav.

Vishwaksena

Vishwaksena is the commander-in-chief of universal Lord Sri Venkateswara’s army. He is also known as “Sena Mudaliyar” in Tamil. He has blessing hands and has Sankhu and Chakra. This Moorthy is also made of an alloy of five metals. He plays an important role in different courts – Ugadi, Deepavali, Anivara – He will head ceremonies like Ankurarpanam, Mrutti Sangraha (soil collection).

Being commander-in-chief of Lord Venkateswara he occupies an important place.

Garuda

He is Swamy’s aerial car. He will be ever ready to carry the Lord with open wings. This panchaloha Moorthy stands with folded hands. He participates on the first day of Swamy Brahmothsavam at the time of inviting rulers of all the eight directions. This Utsav Moorthy whose height is 1 ½ feet participates in all ceremonies.

garuda puranam

The idols of Seetha Rama and Lakshmana which are now kept in Sanctum Sanctorum were once on the raised platform. Because of this placement, that particular area gets the name of ‘Ramulavari Meda’.

It is said the idols which were once on the platform were shifted into Sanctum Sanctorum. But the name continues to be Ramulavari Meda even to this day. The other small idols that were there on the raised platform were, it is said, shifted to Ankurarpana (sprouting) Mandapam which is near the golden well.

When the crowd is larger, devotees will have the darshan of Lord Balaji from this Ramulavari Meda. Daily night Ekantha seva (solitude) will be performed here. At that time a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya with a Tambura (a stringed musical instrument) will sing a lullaby.

Tallapaka Annamacharya

Ankurarpana Mandapam - Tirupati Balaji Temple

Ankurarpana Mandapam – Tirupati Balaji Temple

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Ankurarpana Mandapam / Ankur Arpana Mandapam

Opposite the chief kitchen and towards the south of Bangaru Baavi there is a mandapam. This is known as Ankurarpana Mandapam. Every year the Dasara Brahmothsavam is celebrated for ten days by Lord Venkateswara. The initiation of this Brahmothsavam starts from this Mandapam.

Ankuram as we all known is sprout. Arpanam is offering. Here in this mandapam, Nava Dhanyam (nine varieties of grains) sprouts are grown. For every auspicious occasion, the sprouting marks the beginning. The sprouting process takes place a day before the hoisting of a flag on Golden Dhwajasthambham. (click here for Dhwajasthambham mandapam).

Google’s Map – Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Vishwaksena – chief commander of Lord Venkateswara

On that day under the supervision of the chief commander of Lord Venkateswara, Vishwaksena, the Ankurarpanam takes place. Firstly the idols of Vishwaksena, Garuda, and Anantha will be brought from Ramulavari Meda to this Mandapam. Then under the direction of Vishwaksena fine ant hill soil is collected.

Then Sri Vishwaksena, Sri Sudarsana, Anantha, and Garuda reach Vasantha Mandapam which is situated in the southwest direction of Lord’s temple.

Vishwaksena
Chief commander of Lord Venkateswara, Vishwaksena

With all temple honors like piped music, beating of drums, chanting of Veda Mantras they proceed to Vasantha Mandapam in a procession. The soil collection, particularly the soil from ant hills, takes place in Vasantha Mandapam. Before collecting the soil from ant hills, the instruments to be used and even ant hills are worshipped as per Vedic rituals. Then with that soil Vishwakasena, in a procession enters the main temple through Maha pradakshana path.

Then onwards Sri Vishwaksena, Garuda, etc., stay back in Ankurarpana Mandapam till the completion of Brahmothsavam. Not only during Brahmothsavams, but even on occasions like Jyeshtabhishekam (an annual function which is celebrated for three days from pournami) Sravana Nakshthram day (this comes in the month of Karthik on this day pushpa yaga utsavam is performed to Lord Venkateswara) the aforesaid procedure of Ankurarpanam will be performed a day before under the supervision of Vishwaksena who happens to be the commander-in-chief.

Because the Ankurarpanam takes place, this mandapam gets the name of Ankur Arpana Mandapam. This mandapam has one more specialty.

The idols of

  • Anantha,
  • Vishwaksena,
  • Garuda,
  • Sugreeva,
  • Angada, and
  • Anjaneya

which will be in Ramulavari Meda, are shifted to Ankurarpana Mandapam. This shifting helps the pilgrims who visit Tirumala to have the darshan of idols mentioned. We have already come to know about these idols and their importance. Let us bow before these idols.

Explore all Mandapams Inside Tirumala Temple

Yagasala

Adjacent to Ankurarpana Mandapam towards the west there is a room. This room is known as Yagasala. Yagams are conducted here. All Yagas connected with the daily Vedic activities of the temple are conducted here. Of late Yagas are conducted in this mandapam only during Brahmothsavams.

The homams, yagas connected with all the other activities like Jyeshtabhishekam, Pavitra Utsavam, Pushpayagam, and the special pooja that are being conducted every Monday, daily Kalyana Utsavam are now being held in, sampangi mandapam.

Every Wednesday, Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam is performed to the Chief Idol in the morning. During this particular pooja yagam is conducted on a stage near Golden Door

Yagno yagna patiryajwa
Yagnango yagna vaahanaha
Yagna Bhrudyagna kridagnee
Yagna Bhugyagna Saadhanaha
Yagnanthakrid yagna Guhya
Mana Mannada Eva Cha

-Vishnu Sahasra Namam

Because of the yagna performed by sage Bhrigu, Lord Vishnu took human form and started dwelling in Tirumala which is being praised as Vykunttam on earth. Lord Vishnu’s Consort Sri Maha Lakshmi as Alamelu Manga, too was born in Narayanavanam which is considered to be the edge of Venkatachala mountain. She was born in Yagna Bhoomi of Akasaraju. From the house of Akasa Raju, She walked into the Abode of Lord Venkateswara which is known as Ananda Nilayam.

Ananda Nilayam Tirumala
Ananda Nilayam, Tirumala Temple

From that day Alamelu Manga became His Consort. Lord Venkateswara assumed the name of Srinivasa. Srinivasa is fulfilling all the desires of His devotees.

The Yagasala is within the precincts (the area within the walls or perceived boundaries of a particular building or place) of the temple. The Yagasala is the place where the marriage between Srinivasa and Alamelu Manga was solemnized. Since time immemorial yagnas have been conducted keeping in mind the general welfare of the people. Lord Venkateswara Himself is everything.

He is Kartha, Karma as well as Kriya. Let us bow our heads before Lord Venkateswara who readily answers all sincere prayers of His devotees.

Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!