Tirumala Nambi – Sri Saila Poorna
In the 10th century A.D. there lived a great Vaishnava devotee by the name Yamunacharya in ‘Sri Rangam’ a popularly famous Vaishnavite pilgrim center. With all the sincerity he had at his command, Sri Yamunacharya was serving Lord Sri Ranganatha. Being an authority on Vishista Advaitha he was also imparting the intricacies of Vaishnavism to his disciples. In one of his discourses, he mentioned Lord Srinivasa of Venkatachala (Kshethra).
He told his disciples that Lord Srinivasa stays in a Pushpa Mandapam and is fond of Abhishekas particularly, with varieties of flowers. According to Namma Alwar, who is known as ‘Parankusa Divya Soora’, this is the best service that a devotee can offer to Lord Srinivasa. Yamunacharya further said, “I had the opportunity to serve Lord Srinivasa for a short time”.
I could not withstand the attack of insects as well as the chill weather. So I came back. If someone can go to Tirumala and get water as well as flowers for Abhishekam and pooja we will be showing our respect to great Namma Alwar (after saying this he anxiously looked at his disciples).
There was a pin-drop silence for some time. After some time one disciple by the name Sri Saila Poorna i.e., Tirumala Nambi stood up and said Guruji, I will go over to Tirumala to offer the poojas explained by you. With the blessings of Sri Yamunacharya, Tirumala Nambi reached Tirumala.
Abhishekam to Lord Venkateswara
Everyday Tirumala Nambi used to get water from a nearby Theertham Papanasanam, ten miles away from the temple for the Abhishekam of the Chief Idols of Lord Venkateswara as well as other utsava moorthies.
Apart from this, he used to collect flowers from the garden and prepare colorful garlands for Srinivasa and the other idols of Sanctum Sanctorum. While bringing water for Abhishekam he used to chant the holy name of the Lord. The Archakas with that water used to perform Abhishekam to the Lotus feet of the Chief Idol which will be covered with gold plated sheets. The silver idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy which is also known as ‘Mana vala Perumal’ was also given a holy bath with the water brought by Tirumala Nambi.
Tirumala Nambi used to carry out the wishes of his guru Yamunacharya by serving Lord Srinivasa. This daily activity of bringing water from Papanasanam and preparing garlands for decoration continued for many years. Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala wanted to bring His devotee’s selfless services to the notice of everyone.
Young Hunter Following Tirumala Nambi
As usual one fine morning Tirumala Nambi was carrying water from Papanasanam for Lord’s Abhishekam. He was in a hurry to reach the temple well before Abhishekam time. As he was returning to the temple carrying water a young hunter with a bow and arrows addressed him as ‘Thatha Thatha’ (a Telugu word for grandfather as well as a word of address used to address elderly people).
Tirumala Nambi stopped for a while and looked back. He saw an attractive young hunter. The young hunter said, ‘Sir I am very very thirsty, please quench my thirst by giving some water you are carrying’. Tirumala Nambi said, ‘this water is meant for Lord’s Abhishekam. I cannot give it to you. Give way to me. I am already late. By saying this he started walking briskly towards the temple.
The young hunter followed Tirumala Nambi. He aimed one arrow and released it. The arrow went and struck the mud pot and made a small hole. The water started dripping and fell into His cup-shaped two hands. Tirumala Nambi turned back after hearing the sound of dripping water. He saw the young hunter drinking the dripping water.
Tirumala Nambi, turning with anger said: ‘You dirty fellow, by drinking the water meant for Lord Venkateswara’s Abhishekam, you have polluted this. Oh! God!! I don’t have much time to go back and fetch the water. What can I do!’. He with raised hands prayed Lord saying ‘Please forgive me. I could not carry water for Abhishekam in time.
Seeing Tirumala Nambi crying like a child, the young hunter said: ‘Oh! Old man! Don’t worry. There is one more tank nearby. I will show you. You just follow me. Tirumala Nambi followed him. They went down into a valley. There was no water tank. Then the young hunter released one arrow.
The arrow went and hit a bend of the hill. From there water started gushing. The hunter pointed to that water source and said ‘You take that water to the temple’.
After that, the hunter said: ‘Look, from tomorrow onwards you carry only this water for my Abhishekam’. Lord Venkateswara who Had assumed the form of a young hunter disappeared.
Akasa Ganga water for Abhishekam
Tirumala Nambi was thrilled. Before he could conclude that the young hunter with Whom he was talking a while ago was no other than Lord Himself. He was fortunate to have seen and spoken to Lord Venkateswara. Immersed in ecstasy he reached the temple by drawing water from Akasa Ganga.
When he entered into the Sanctum Sanctorum an Archaka being possessed by Lord Venkateswara said loudly ‘Tirumala Nambi you have already quenched My thirst by offering soothing cold water. I had water to My heart’s contentment. From tomorrow onwards you bring water from Akasa Ganga only for My Abhishekam’.
Thus He made a public announcement about the greatness and sincere devotion of Tirumala Nambi. Further, about Lord Venkateswara people could come to know that to Him devotees are dearer.
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Tirumala Nambi Temple
There is one small temple dedicated to Tirumala Nambi on the path of Maha Pradakshina i.e., circumambulation. This north-facing temple is towards the southern side of the circumambulation path.
Google map’s location of Sri Tirumala Nambi Sannidhi
Tirumala Nambi the first ever person to dedicate his life for the sake of Theertha seva, it is believed, had a hut here in those days. Even to this day whenever Lord Venkateswara comes out in procession, He is offered Harati first here. After this ceremony only He proceeds to South Mada Street.
The Jeeyangaras leading the procession will be chanting verses from Divya prabandham. This proves the important significance that is given to Tirumala Nambi. Lord Venkateswara Himself has addressed Tirumala Nambi as ‘Thatha’ i.e., Grandfather.
He thus became thatha to all. Maybe because of this, people began to address him as ‘Periya Tirumala Nambi”. The prefix ‘periya’ in Tamil gives the meaning of elder in English. He is also known as Sri Saila Maha Poorna.
1050th AVATAR MAHOTSAVAM OF SRI TIRUMALA NAMBI HELD IN TIRUMALA
