Venkateswara Temple is a landmark
Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in
Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri
Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here
to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also
got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and the Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga
Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala
Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by
many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.
Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The
hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level. The Hills comprises seven
peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha. The temple lies on the seventh
peak -Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water
tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as "Temple of Seven
Hills". Tirumala town covers about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 sq. km)
in area.
The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and
is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. The
Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. The presiding deity,
Venkateswara, is in standing posture and faces east in Garbhagriha. The temple
follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight
Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras and is listed as 106th and the last earthly Divya
Desam. The Temple premises had two modern Queue complex buildings to organize
the pilgrim rush, Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to
Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites.
It is the richest temple in the world in terms of
donations received and wealth. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000
pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special
occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims
shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.
There are several legends associated with the
manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has
a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here
for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.
During Dvapara Yuga, Adisesha resided on earth as Seshachalam
Hills after losing a contest with Vayu. According to Puranas, Tirumala is
regarded as Adivaraha Kshetra. After killing Hiranyaksha, Adivaraha resided on
this hill. Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam is the widely accepted legend over
Tirumala Temple.
During Kali Yuga, Narada advised Rishis who were
performing Yajna to decide who could be given the fruits of yagna among Trimurtis.
Bhrigu was sent to test Trimurtis. The sage who had an extra eye in the sole of
his foot visited Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva and went unnoticed in both these
locations. At last he visited Vishnu and the lord acts as if he had not noticed
Bhrigu. Getting angered by this act, sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu in the
chest, to which Vishnu did not react and instead apologized to the Sage by
massaging his feet. During this act, he squashed the extra eye that was present
in the sole of Bhrigu's foot. However Lakshmi finds it as an insult and had
left Vaikuntam onto Earth to Kolhapur and started meditating.
Lord Vishnu bore human form as Srinivasa, left Vaikuntam,
in search of Lakshmi, reached Tirumala Hills and started meditating. Lakshmi
came to know about the condition of Srinivasa and prayed to Siva and Brahma.
Siva and Brahma then converted themselves into Cow and Calf and Goddess Lakshmi
had handed over the cow and calf to Chola king ruling over Tirumala Hills at
that time. The Cow would provide milk to Srinivasa daily while it was taken for
grazing. One day Cowherd saw this and tried to beat the Cow with staff but Lord
Srinivasa had borne the injury. Getting angered by this Srinivasa had cursed
the Chola king to become a Demon as dharma says Servants sin should be borne by
Kings. The king prayed for mercy after which Srinivasa said to him, that the
King should take next birth as Akasaraja and should perform marriage of his
daughter Padmavati with Srinivasa.
Lord Srinivasa went to his mother Vakula Devi on Tirumala
hills and stayed there for a while. After curse Chola king took rebirth as
Akasaraja and he had a daughter named Padmavati who was born in the
Padmapushkarini situated at present day Tiruchanur in Andhra Pradesh. Lord
Srinivasa married Padmavati at present day Narayanavanam in Andhra Pradesh and
will return to Tirumala Hills. After few months Goddess Lakshmi had come to
know about the marriage of Srinivasa with Padamavati and went to Tirumala hills
to question Srinivasa. It is said that the Lord Srinivasa turns into Stone
right when he was encountered by Lakshmi and Padmavathi. Lord Brahma and Shiva
appear before the confused queens and explain the main purpose behind all this
- The Lord's desire to be on the 7 hills for the emancipation of mankind from
the perpetual troubles of Kali Yuga. Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi also turn
into stone deities expressing their wish to be with their Lord always. Lakshmi
stays with Him on His Chest on the left side while Padmavathi rests on His
Chest's right side.
History of the temple
The first recorded endowment was made by Pallava queen
Samavai in the year 966 CE. She donated many jewels and two parcels of land(one
10 acres and other 13 acres) and ordered to use the revenues generated from
that land to be used for the celebration of major festivals in the temple. The
Pallava dynasty(9th century), the Chola dynasty(10th century), and Vijayanagara
pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord
Venkateswara. The temple gained most of its current wealth and size under the Vijayanagara
Empire, with the donation of diamonds and gold. In 1517, Vijayanagara Emperor
Krishnadevaraya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and
jewels, enabling the Ananda Nilayam (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. After
the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, leaders from states such as the Kingdom of
Mysore and the Gadwal Samsthanam worshiped as pilgrims and gave ornaments and
valuables to the temple. Maratha general Raghoji Bhonsle visited the temple and
set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple.
After the dusk of Vijayanagara Empire, the temple went
into the hands of Golconda in July 1656 and then it was under the French for a
short period of time and under Nawab of Carnatic till 1801 CE. With the advent
of British during the early 19th century, the management of the temple passed to
hands of East India Company, who accorded special status to temple and avoided
interference in temple activities. Madras government passed Regulation seven of
1817, which passed the temple to Board of Revenue through collector of North
Arcot District. In 1821, Bruce of England had drawn rules for the management of
Temple which is referred to as Bruce's Code.
In 1843 the East India Company transferred the
Administration of Temple along with other Temples in Tirupati to Mahants of Hathiramji
Muth, who acted as Vicaranakartas. It was under the rule of Mahants for six
generations until 1933 when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was formed as a
result of the TTD Act in 1933. The Act of 1933 was superseded by Madras Hindu
Religious and Charitable Endowment Act of 1951. Again in 1966, the temple was
placed under direct control of Andhra pradesh State Endowments Department, with
Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments act.
In 1979, act of 1966 was rolled back with new Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
act, where temple administration was vested to a committee consisting of
Executive officer, Chairman and two other members nominated by Government of
Andhra Pradesh.
The temple bears as many as 640 inscriptions in Kannada, Sanskrit,
Tamil, Telugu languages. There is a unique collection of about 3000 copper
plates on which the Telugu Sankirtanas of Tallapaka Annamacharya and his
descendants are inscribed. This collection forms a valuable source of material
for a historical linguist in Telugu apart from its importance to musicologists.
Dwarams and
Prakarams
There are three Dwarams(entrances) which lead to Garbhagriha
from outside. Mahadwaram also known as padikavali is the first entrance which
is provided through Mahaprakaram(outer compound wall). A 50 feet, five storied Gopuram(Temple
tower) is constructed over this Mahadwaram with seven Kalasams at its apex.
Vendivakili(Silver Entrance) also known as Nadimipadikavali is the second
entrance and is provided through SampangiPrakaram(Inner compound wall). A three
storied Gopuram is constructed over Vendivakili with seven Kalasams at its
apex. Bangaruvakili(Golden Entrance) is the third entrance which will lead into
Garbhagriha. There are two tall copper images of the DvarapalakasJaya-Vijaya on
either side of this door. The thick wooden door is covered with gold gilt
plates depicting the Dasavathaaram of Vishnu.
Pradakshinams
Circumambulation around Sanctum sanctorum in the temple
or deities is called Pradakshinam. There are two circumbulation paths in the
temple. The first one is area between Mahaprakaram and sampangiprakaram. This
path known as Sampangipradakshinam has many Mandapas, Dwajasthambam,
Balipeetam, Kshetrapalika sila, prasadam distribution area etc. The
Vimanapradakhinam is the second pradakshinam, which circumbulates Ananda
Nilayam Vimanam. This path has sub-shrines dedicted to Varadaraja and Yoga
Narasimha, Potu(main kitchen), Bangaru Bavi(golden well), Ankurarpana Mandapam,
Yagasala, Nanala (coins and Notla (Paper notes) Parkamani, Almyrah of Sandal
paste (Chandanapu ara), cell of records, Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu, Lords’s hundi
and the seat of Vishvaksena.
Anandanilayam Vimanam and
Garbhagriha
Garbhagriha is the Sanctum sanctorum where the presiding
deity Lord Venkateswara resides along with other small deities. Golden Entrance
leads to Garbhagriha. There are two more doors in between Bangaruvakili and Garbhagriha.
The deity will be in a standing posture with four hands one in varada posture,
one placed over thigh and other two holding Shanka and Sudarshana Chakra. The
deity is decorated with precious ornaments. The deity bears Goddess Lakshmi on
the right chest and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. Pilgrims are not allowed to
enter the Garbhagriha(beyond Kulasekharapadi (path))
Ananda Nilayam Vimanam is the main Gopuram constructed
over 'Garbhagriha. This is a three storied Gopuram and has single Kalasam at
its apex. It was covered with gilt copper plates and covered with a golden
vase. There are many deities of gods carved over this Gopuram. On this Gopuram,
there is a deity of Venkateswara known as "Vimana Venkateswara" which
is believed to be exact replica of deity inside Garbhagriha.
Deities in the temple
Venkateswara, an avatar of Vishnu is the presiding deity
of the temple. It is believed that the Moolavirat is Swayambhu(self-manifested).
Pancha berams
As per Vaikanasa agamas, Venkateswara is represented by
five deities(berams) including the Moolavirat which are together referred to as
Pancha beramulu(Pancha means five;Beram means Deity). The five deities are
Dhruva Beram(Moolavar), Kautuka Beram, Snapana Beram, Utsava Beram, Bali Beram.
All the pancha berams are placed in the Garbhagriha under Ananda Nilayam Vimanam.
1. Moolavirat or Dhruva Beram- In the
centre of Garbhagriha, under the Ananda Nilayam Vimana, the Moolavirat of
Venkateswara is seen in standing posture on lotus base, with four arms, two
holding Shanka and Chakra and one in Varada posture and other in Kati posture.
This deity is considered the main source of energy for the temple and adorns
with Namam and jewels including vajra kiritam(diamond crown), Makarakundalams,
Nagabharanam, Makara Kanti, Saligrama haram, Lakshmi haram. Venkateswara's
consort, Lakshmi will be staying on the chest of the Moolavirat as Vyuha
Lakshmi.
2. Bhoga Srinivasa or Kautuka Beram - This
is a small one-foot (0.3 m) silver deity which was given to the temple in 614
AD by Pallava Queen Samavai for conducting festivals. Bhoga Srinivasa is always
placed near the left foot of Moolavirat and is always connected to the main
deity by a holy Sambandha Kroocha.This deity will receive many daily
sevas(pleasures) on behalf of Moolavar and hence known as Bhoga Srinivasa(In
Telugu: Bhoga means Pleasure). This deity receives Ekanthaseva daily and
SahasraKalasabhisheka on Wednesdays.
3. Ugra Srinivasa or Snapana Beram - This
deity represents the fearsome(Telugu: Ugra means angry) aspect of Lord Venkateswara.
This deity is the main processional deity until 1330 CE when it was replaced by
Malayappa Swami deity. Ugra Srinivasa remains inside the sanctum sanctorum and
comes out on a procession only one day in a year: on Kaishika Dwadasi, before
the sunrise. This deity receives daily abhishekam on behalf of Moolavirat,
giving the name Snapana Beram(Sanskrit: Snapana means cleansing)
4. Malayappa swami or Utsava Beram -
Malayappa is the processional deity(Utsava beram) of the Temple and is always
flanked by the deities of his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. This deity receives
all festivals like Brahmotsavams, Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam, Vasanthotsavam,
Sahasra deepalankarana seva, Padmavati parinyotsavams, pushpapallaki, Anivara
asthanam, Ugadi asthanam etc.
5. Koluvu Srinivasa or Bali Beram- Koluvu
Srinivasa represents Bali Beram. Koluvu Srinivasa is regarded as the guardian
deity of the temple that presides over its financial and economic affairs.
Daily Koluvu seva(Telugu: Koluvu means engaged in) will be held in the morning,
during which, the previous day's offerings, income, expenditures are notified
to this deity, with a presentation of accounts. Panchanga sravanam also will be
held at the same time during which that particular days Tithi, sunrise and sunset
time, nakshatra are notified to the Venkateswara.
Other Murtis
Along with Pancha berams, garbhagriha also hosts panchaloha
deities of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, Rukmini, Sri Krishna Swamy, Chakratalwar. The
temple hosts the deities of Garuda, Yoga Narasimha, Varadaraja, Kubera, Bedi
Anjaneya in their respective sub-shrines. The temple also host the deities of
Anantha, Garuda, Viswaksena, Sugriva, Ramanuja. Vimana Venkateswara is the
exact replica idol of Venkateswara carved on the Ananda Nilayam Viamana's
second teir north west corner.
Puja
The temple follows "Vaikhanasa Agama" tradition
of worship, which is believed to be revealed by Sage Vikhanasa and is
propagated by his disciples Atri, Bhrigu, Marichi, Kasyapa. Vaikhanasa is one
of the principal traditions of Hinduism and primarily worships Vishnu (and his
associated Avatars) as the Supreme God. This ancient texts recommends six times
puja(worship) a day for Vishnu, of which minimum one puja is mandatory. Rituals
are classified as daily, weekly and periodical. The daily sevas in Temple(in
order of occurrence) include Suprabhata Seva, Thomala Seva, Archana, Kalyanotsavam,
Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva), Arjita Brahmotsavam, Arjita Vasantotsavam, Sahasra
Dipalankarana Seva, Ekanta Seva. Weekly sevas of the Temple include Vishesha
Pooja on Monday, Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana on Tuesday, Sahasra
Kalasabhishekam on Wednesday, Tiruppavada Seva on Thursday, Abhishekam and Nijapada
Darshanam on Friday. There are no weekly sevas on Saturday and Sunday.
Periodical rituals include Jyesthabhishekam, Aaniwara Asthanam, Pavithrotsavam,
Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam.
Naivedhyam
The world-famous "Tirupati Laddu" is given at
Tirumala Temple as prasadam. Tirupati Laddu had got Geographical indication tag
which entitles only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to make or sell it. Many
other prasadams are also offered to Venkateswara which will then be distributed
to devotees, including daddojanam (curd rice), puliohora (tamarind rice), vada
and chakkera-pongali (sweet pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi,
Muruku, Dosa, seera (kesari), Malhora. Free meals are given daily to the
pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tirupavada seva is conducted, where food items are kept
as naivedyam to Lord Venkateswara.
Hair tonsuring
Many devotees have their head tonsured as
"Mokku", an offering to God. The daily amount of hair collected is
over a ton. As per legend, when Lord Venkateswara was hit on his head by a
shepherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This was noticed by Neela
Devi, a Gandharva princess. She felt "such an attractive face should not
have a flaw". Immediately, she cut a portion of her hair and, with her
magical power, implanted it on his scalp. Lord Venkateswara noticed her
sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful asset of the female form, he promised her
that all his devotees who come to his abode would offer their hair to him, and
she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence, it is believed that
hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. The hill, Neeladri, one
of the seven hills, is named after her.
Hundi (donation pot)
As per legend, it is believed that Srinivasa had to make
arrangements for his wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to Lord Venkateswara
(a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavathi. Srinivasa sought a
loan of one crore and 11.4 million (11,400,000) coins of gold from Kubera
and had Viswakarma, the divine architect, create heavenly surroundings in the
Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathi lived for all eternity while
Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in
his heart forever. In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate
money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to
Kubera.
Thulabaram
In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing
balance and the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of
the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold,
coins. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children.
Festivals
Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple is a paradise of
Festivals where over 433 festivals are being observed in 365 days of a year
suiting the title "Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Toranam" where every day is
a festival.
Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams, a nine-day event, which
is celebrated every year during month of October, is the major event of Sri
Venkateswara Temple. During brahmotsavams the processional deity Malayappa
along with his consorts SriDevi and BhuDevi, is taken in a procession in four
mada streets around the temple on different vahanams. Vahanams include
Dwajarohanam, Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Chinna Sesha Vahanam, Hamsa Vahanam, Simha
Vahanam, Muthaypu pandiri Vahanam, Kalpavriksha Vahanam, Sarva Bhoopala
Vahanam, Mohini Avataram, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Swarna
Rathotsavam(Golden Chariot), Gajavahanam, Rathotsavam(Chariot), Ashwa Vahanam,
Chakra Snanam. During Brahmotsavams, The temple will witness lakhs of devotees
particularly on Garuda vahanam. Vaikunta Ekadasi, the day on which it is believed
that Vaikunta Dwarams will be opened and the most important Vasihnavite
festival, is celebrated with grandeur in Tirumala. The Tirumala Venkateswara
Temple will be flooded with devotees on a single day with numbers reaching up
to 1.5 lakhs, to have a darshan of Venkateswara through special entrance which
encircles inner sanctum called "Vaikunta Dwaram". Rathasapthami is
another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara's
processional deity(Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on
seven different vahanams starting from early morning to late night. The other
annual festivals include Rama Navami, Janmashtami, Ugadi, Teppotsavam(Float
Festival), Sri Padmavati Parinayotsavams, Pushpa yagam, Pushpa pallaki, Vasanthotsavam
(spring festival) conducted in March–April, were celebrated with great
splendor.
Songs and hymns
Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam is the first and pre-dawn
seva performed to Lord Venkateswara at Sayana Mandapam inside sanctum sanctorum
of Tirumala Temple. 'Suprabhatam' is a Sanskrit term which literally means
‘Good Morning’ and is meant to wake up the Lord from His celestial sleep. Sri
Venkateswara Suprabhatam hymns were composed by Prathivadhi Bhayankaram
Annangaracharya during 13th century and consists of 70 slokas in four parts
including Suprabhatam(29), Stotram(11), Prapatti(14) and Mangalasasanam(16).
The thirteenth sloka of Sri venkateswara Suprabhatam is as follows:
Devanagari
श्रीमन्नभीष्ट-वरदाखिललोक-बन्धो
श्रीश्रीनिवास-जगदेकदयैकसिन्धो। श्रीदेवतागृहभुजान्तर-दिव्यमूर्ते श्रीवेङ्कटाचलपतेतवसुप्रभातम्॥ |
IAST
srimannabhiṣṭavaradakhilalokabandho srisrinivasajagadekadayaikasindho । sridevatagṛhabhujantaradivyamurte srivenkaṭacalapate tava suprabhatam ॥ |
|
“
|
One with Lakshmi! One who grants boons!
Friend of all the worlds! Abode of Sri Lakshmi! The matchless ocean of
compassion! One having a charming form on account of the chest which is the
abode of Sri Lakshmi! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to
Thee॥
|
”
|
Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya), the poet saint of
14th century, one of the greatest Telugu poets and a great devotee of Lord
Venkateswara, had sung 32000 songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara. All his
songs which are in Telugu and Sanskrit, are referred to as Sankirtanas and are
classified as Sringara Sankirtanalu and Adhyatma Sankirtanalu.
The Seven Hills
The temple is located on seven hills. The presiding deity
is also referred to as Sapthagirisha or Lord of Seven hills. It is believed
that seven hills, also referred to as Saptagiri, represent the seven hoods of
Adisesha. The seven hills are as follows:
·
Vrushabhadri—Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva
·
Anjanadri—Hill of Lord Hanuman.
·
Neeladri—Hill of Neela Devi
·
Garudadri or Garudachalam—Hill of Garuda, the vahana of
Lord Vishnu
·
Seshadri or Seshachalam—Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord
Vishnu
·
Narayanadri—Hill of Narayana. Srivari Padalu are located
here
·
Venkatadri—Hill of Lord Venkateswara
Subshrines
Varadaraja Temple
Varadaraja Temple is a subshrine in Tirumala Venkateswara
Temple dedicated to Vararaja Swamy an incarnation of Vishnu. It is not known
when this deity was installed. The shrine is located in Vimanapradakshinam,
towards left of Vendivakili(silver entrance) while entering temple. The stone
deity is sitting posture facing west.
Yoga Narasimha Temple
Yoga Narasimha Temple is a sub-shrine dedicated to Narasimha
Swamy, a lion headed fourth-incarnation of Vishnu. The shrine is said to have
been built between 1330 A.D. – 1360 A.D and is located in Vimanapradakshinam,
towards right of Vendivakili(silver entrance) while entering temple. The deity
is in sitting-meditating posture facing west.
Garuthmantha Temple
A small shrine dedicated to Garuda the vehicle of Lord
Venkateswara is situated exactly opposite to the Bangaruvakili(Golden Entrance)
of Jaya-Vijaya. This sub-shrine is part of Garudamandapam. The Garuthmantha
deity is six feet tall and faces west looking towards Lord Venkateswara inside
Garbhagriha.
Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple
Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple is the temple dedicated to Varaha
an incarnation of Vishnu. This temple is believed to be older than Sri
Venkateswara Temple. The temple lies on the Northern Banks of Swami Pushkarini.
As per tradition, at first Naivedyam will be offered to Bhuvaraha Swamy before
offering it to Lord Venkateswara in main Temple. And also as per tradition,
devotees should have the darshan of Lord Bhuvaraha swamy before Lord
Venkateswara.
Bedi-Anjaneya Temple
Bedi-Anjaneya Temple is the sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
The temple lies exactly opposite to the Mahadwaram near Akhilandam(place where
coconuts are offered). The deity in this temple has both of his hands
handcuffed(Telugu Language:Bedilu).
Vakulamatha Sannidhi
Vakulamatha is the mother of Lord Venkateswara. There is
statue dedicated to her in the main temple just ahead of Varadaraja shrine. The
deity is in sitting posture. As per legend, she supervises the preparation of
food that is to be offered to her son. For this reason a hole is made to the
wall which separates Vakulamatha sannidhi and Srivari potu(Kitchen).
Kubera Sannidi
There is a sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Kubera within the
Vimanapradakshina. The deity lies to the right side of Garbhagriha and faces south
towards preciding deity.
Ramanuja Shrine
The Shrine of Sri Ramanuja is located adjacent to the
northern corridor of the Vimana Pradakshinam. It is also known as the
Bhashyakara Sannidhi. The shrine was built around in the 13th century A.D.
Notable devotees
Ramanuja (1017–1137) was the most important Acharya of Sri
Vaishnavism. He was responsible for managing the worshipping procedures and
other affairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple. Ramanuja is credited for gifting
the holy conch and the discus, the weapons of Vishnu during his visit. So he is
considered as 'Acharya'(Guru or teacher) to the Lord himself. He established
the Pedda Jeeyar Matam. He has a sannidhi(shrine) inside the temple.
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (or Annamayya) (22 May 1408 –
4 April 1503) was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple,
and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertanas, many of which were
in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple.
Religious significance
The temple is considered one of the eight Swayambhu
Kshetras of Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its
own. Seven other temples in the line are Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Bhu
Varaha Swamy temple, and Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in South India and Saligrama
in Nepal, Naimisaranya, Pushkar and Badrinath Temple in North India.
The temple is revered by Alvars in Divya Prabandham. The
temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are
mentioned in these books. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala
are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri
Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several
legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.
Nearby temples
There are many ancient temples nearby Tirumala. Sri
Padamavathi Temple is temple dedicated to Padmavathi, the wife of Venkateswara,
situated at Tiruchanur which is 5 km from Tirupati. Srikalahasteeswara
Temple is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which represents "Vayu"(air)
form of elements of Nature, is situated at Srikalahasti which is 38 km
from Tirupati. Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, situated at Kanipakam town, is a
10th-century Temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka at 75 km from Tirupati.
Other than these, temples like Govindaraja Temple, Kalyana Venkateswara
Temple(Srinivasa Mangapuram), Kodandarama Temple, Kapila Theertham are situated
within the Tirupati city.
References
·
S. Krishnasvami Aiyangar (1939). A History of
the Holy Shrine of Sri Venkatesa in Tirupati. Ananda Press, Madras.
·
"Tirumala
Temple History". Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
·
"Sri Bhu
Varaha Swamy Temple". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
·
"Sri
Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple". Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
·
Feminism and
World Religions. SUNY Press. 1999.
p. 48.
