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SAPTHAGIRI 3
cloth tapering to a height of 9’ and tied to the
ceiling of the hall with a provision for putting
offerings through openings on its four sides.
Valuable gold and silver ornaments, coins, notes
in all denominations, other materials etc. are being
offered inside as vowed by devotees, thrust into it
through the openings of the cloth cover. The
devotees come in large number for offering to the
deity in a systematic way, adopting ‘Q’ line from
early morning to late in the night, thus the Caldron
overflows with collections. The filled up Caldrons
are replaced number of times by empty ones.
At present the Caldron is prepared with the
measurements and the procedure as given below:
01) Brass metal being used to prepare bottom,
ear, rings and Copper metal for
Circumference of the big Vessel.
02) Caldron measurements will be 25" or 27" and
bottom circumference and height 25" or 27".
03) ‘9 ¼‘ metres white cloth for each Caldron
04) 6 metres yellow cloth for 40 Caldrons.
05) 60 metres red cloth to prepare
Urdhvapundram (Tirunamam) for 40
Caldrons.
The Hundi was established in 25-07-1821 for The big Vessel thus appears to all like
the first time in Tirumala temple. Later on 25-07-1825 redemption receptacle receiving into its broad
it was named as ‘Siri Koluvu’ and the Caldron was stomach.
draped around with white cloth and was put on 9’
height. Afterwards our family got the hereditary
responsibilities and felt as a boon with the blessings of
Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala. The services to the Lord
were recognized and some extent of land was donated
to us. It was taken as our responsibility and kept a
Guard for protection, look after the Income and
Expenditure simultaneously.
In continuation of this tradition, myself offered
a Caldron in the year 2016 weighing 75 kgs., and again
on 04-07-2017 another Caldron. We are extremely
happy to do the noble service with the divine blessings
of Lord Srinivasa.
The Hundi was located just opposite and
southern side of ‘ANNAMAYYA ARA’ in a room with
hundi in its centre, which is an integral part of the
Tirumamani mandap of Mukkoti Pradakshina prakara.
This is about 3’ by 2’ brass Caldron (big Vessel) with
a wide mouth and covered from bottom with a white
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4 SEPTEMBER, 2017
Srivari Hundi (Koppera)
- Smt. D.Gnana Prasunamba - 4
The Sacred Food of God
- Dr. A.V. Ramana Deekshitulu - 7
The Glory of Brahmotsavams at Tirumala
Past and Present
- A. Ramakrishna Deekshitulu - 13
Garuda Pataak Flutters High!
- Dr. G.S.R.K. Babu Rao - 19
Vastrams to Lord Venkateswara
- T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya - 21
Lord Srinivasa with His Consorts in the
Brahmotsavams
- Smt. Radha Madhavi Rani - 23
The Celestial Umbrellas at Tirumala
- J.C. Gnanaprasuna - 25
Tirumala During British Period
- I.L.N. Chandra Sekhara Rao - 31
Ananda Nilayam - The Divine Magical Storehouse
- Srinivas Vodapally - 33
Divine Forms of Lord Srinivasa During
Brahmotsavams
- Prof. Rani Sadasiva Murty - 39
Srivari Brahmotsavams
- Dr. N. Rameshan - 43
Worshipping the Gods as your walk with Kaveri
- Prema Nandakumar - 46
The Splendorous nine nights
- Ahana Lakshmi - 48
Lord Vamana - The Fifth Incarnation of Lord Vishnu
- Dr. M. Krishna Kumar - 50
Puzzle
- T.S. Jagan Mohan - 53

Front Cover : Lord Srinivasa with His Consorts


Back Cover : Chakrasnanam - Chakrattalwar

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SAPTHAGIRI 5
The Annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara
“Naana dikkula narulella, vanalalo nane vatturu kadali”—Tallapaka padakavita pitamaha
Annamayya in his telugu sankeerthana had praised the Brahmotsavams of Tirumala by saying
that devotees will flock to Tirumala, withstanding the rains to witness the Brahmotsavams
festival. It is not only Annamayya, but also Alwars who had praised Tirumala and Lord Sri

E Venkateswara in their Prabandams. During Brahmotsavams, Pasurams from Nalayira Divya


Prabhandam will be recited. Venkatadri is itself a heaven on earth. “Venkatam” means, the one
who washes the sins away. Sri Venkateswara is none other than the form of Veda. He is the

D leader of humankind. He has no boundaries. He is none other than Lord Mahavishnu himself.
He fulfills the wishes of his devotees and also provides them with extreme joy and happiness.

The Abhayahastha of Lord Venkateswara removes all dangers in human life. This year the

I Annual Brahmotsavams are conducted in Tirumala during Navarathri days. Lord Brahma himself
started these Brahmotsavams. Even today Brahmotsavams are conducted with pomp and glory.
During this auspicious period Sri Malayappa Swamy (Utsava murthi) along with His Consorts

T seated on different vahanas decorated with various ornaments and garlands will be taken in a
procession day and night to give Darshan to all devotees.

The devotees from various parts of the world witness these Brahmotsavams. It is believed

O that Devatas, Rishis, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Gandharvas, Trees, Flowers, Fruits, Sky
etc., also witness this annual Brahmotsavams.

During all these days, there will be different Vahana sevas, chanting of Vedas, beautiful
R decorations, display of flowers and fruits, Nadaneerajanam programmes at Asthana Mandapam
in Tirumala. Special Programmes at Annamacharya Kalamandir, Mahati Auditorium will be
conducted in Tirupati every day. There will be daily programmes like music, harikatha, dance,
I bhajans etc. All the programmes are being arranged continuously. The Tulasi garland of
Srivilliputtur, New Umbrellas and New Silk clothes from the Government of Andhra Pradesh
will be offered to Lord Srinivasa.
A All are requested to participate in this grand festival of Brahmotsavams and witness Lord
Srinivasa riding the chariot during Rathothsavam. Visit Tirumala with devotion for finding the

L meaning of values of life and experience joy and peace of mind.

TTD is providing all arrangements for the devotees coming in large number visiting annual
Brahmotsavams. Transport, Accommodation, Darshan, Security, Medical assistance, Information
and Enquiry, Annadana facilities are being arranged in a large scale. Have Darshan of Lord
Narayana as ‘na bhootho na bhavishyati’ and surrender at the feet of Lord of Seven Hills.
‘Sapthagiri’ prays Lord Venkateswara to bless all the devotees during annual Brahmotsavams.

Have Darshan of Sapthagirisa!!

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6 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The ritual of offering food or Naivedyam to Lord Venkateswara – a manifestation of Maha
Vishnu- at the Tirumala temple has existed since eternity. When Lord Vishnu decided to descend
to Earth in Archa form or as an icon that can be worshipped, He commissioned Sage Vaikhanasa
to prepare ancient religious texts called Agama Shastras. These texts give an elaborate
description of rituals to be performed at the Tirumala temple, the ingredients that go into the
preparation of prasadams, the procedures and rules that a priest/ archaka has to follow,
precautions to be taken and the vedic mantras to be recited at each step.Thus the temple
rituals followed at Tirumala essentially belong to the “Vaikhanasa Agama” texts.

The temple program begins at dawn every onto himself so that he himself will become Vishnu
day when the Archaka arrives at the temple after before doing Archana to the Lord. This is a very
offering his daily ablutions to the gods, creation special ritual in Vaikhanasa Agama that declares
and his ancestors. He then begins the rituals of only Vishnu is eligible to worship Vishnu
the day when he seeks permission from all the (Vishnumarchaayathi).
Gods and Demi gods present within the temple.
All the rituals, right from awakening the Lord are After Mantrasanam, the Snanasanam (the
called Mantraasanam. It also includes the recital celestial bath) and Yatrasanam (conducting Durbar)
of a least known hymn called the Atmasuktam. It are performed as part of the Archana. Now it is the
is a mysterious collection of Slokas, by time for offering food to the Lord and this ritual is
uttering of which the called Bhojyasanam; the
Archaka invites offering is called
Lord Vishnu 'Naivedyam'. It

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SAPTHAGIRI 7
means an offering or surrendering to God. This is and a couple of Tulsi leaves are also placed on
not merely a momentary surrendering but of a life top of each food variety as a mark of purification
time of total surrender and acceptance of the and humble obeisance. The Archaka then recites
Supreme Power. The food offering is a process the Vishnu –Gayatri and offers the food in Grasa
that is guided by strict procedures, preparations Mudra (a hand gesture involving the joining of the
and timings. There is an elaborate list of regulations thumb, middle finger and ring finger of the right
as to how the food should be prepared, by whom it hand). He then symbolically feeds the Lord,
should be prepared, with what ingredients, in which mentioning each variety of food placed before Him
proportion it should be prepared and at what in Sanskrit. The Archaka then requests God to
timings. The location of the kitchen in the temple accept his humble offering and then proceeds to
premises is to be on the South-east corner of the recite the Anna Suktam. The Suktam or Hymns
innermost corridor or the Prakaram. The cooks describe food as the Supreme Lord Himself that
should belong to the Vaikhanasa sect, or nourishes the entire Creation. The food is said to
Pancharatra as an alternative. The Agama Shastra bless the devotee with life, grace and energy. By
prescribes the vessels to cook are to be made of offering food to the Supreme Creator, the archaka
gold, silver, copper or earthen pots. The water for prays that by His grace, the hunger and need for
cooking must be from a river, lake or a well. The food of the entire creation is satisfied. Water mixed
fire for cooking is to be brought from the Yagasala– with prescribed herbs is offered intermittently
the place where all the everyday fire rituals are between each morsel of food, just like when a child
performed within the temple.The fuel for the fire is fed very carefully!
must come from a mango tree, or an ashwatha After the food is offered, as a final part of the
tree or palasa. Trees that produce milky secretions ritual, MukhaVasam with betel nut, cardamom,
and trees with thorns are to be avoided. Today, we cloves and camphor is offered. Now, the food
know that such avoidable trees grow in soils offering is complete. It is followed by a
depleted of ground water. MangalaHarathi accompanied by the recital of the
After the food is prepared and before it is KshamaMantram. This particular hymn asks for
offered to God, even the cooks should not smell forgiveness from the Lord for any mistakes or
the food, and it may not be glimpsed by any Apacharams that may have occurred due to want
outsiders. Such is the sanctity that surrounds the of time, devotion or ingredients.
preparation of the divine food. Hence, the cooks The Bell Drive away the Evil Spirits
are required to cover their noses and mouths while
The Naivedyam is conducted behind closed
preparing Naivedyam. The kitchen is then closed
doors with only the archaka inside to announce
for the night after the preparation of divine dinner.
that the Lord is having His food and hence no one
It opens again early in the morning when the cooks
is to be allowed inside the sanctum.This event in
arrive after the stipulated morning ablutions.
Tirumala is marked by the ringing of the huge bells
When the devotees leave the inner temple present in the Maha-mani Mandapa, the hall of
after their Darsan, the ante-room or Antaralam Great Bells within the temple in Tirumala. Agama
(Sanctum Sanctorum) is cleansed in a process Shastra says that the sound of the bells drive away
called Shuddhi, with only the Archaka inside to offer the evil spirits and welcomes the Gods and Demi-
the food. The cooks bring in the vessels with Gods It is also an indication to the devotees to wait
various rice prasadams and leave immediately. A patiently for their turn to have Darsan as the Lord
sprinkling of ghee is made on all the food varieties within the sanctum is being offered Naivedyam.

8 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The quantity of food offering is determined that is fresh and warm (DharOshnEna Go-
in proportion to the size of the icon.The size of the Ksheeram) and fresh butter (Navaneetam) are the
main icon in the temple is nine-and-half feet. This first food offering made to the Lord of
size is said to be the best of best proportions, Tiruvengadam. Suprabhatam is then followed by
Uttamottamam, according to the science of temple Tomala Seva and Sahasra Naamaarchana. During
architecture. Hence the quantities of prasadams the ritual of Yatraasanam, our Lord is offered a
thus prepared for this particular deity is very much mixture of jaggery, black sesame seeds and dried
more than those made in smaller temples.Once ginger, all powdered together. This is followed by
the food is offered to God, it becomes sacred and Sahasranaamaarchana and Bala Bhogam which
is said to assume divine properties and even helps completes the rituals of the morning
to curb negative tendencies such as ego and (Praathahkaalaaaraadhana). After devotees take
arrogance. Thus the prasadams are to be their darsan during Sarvadarsan, Raja Bhogam
consumed by the devotees with utmost respect and along with Ashtottharasatanam Archana are
taken, not simply as an edible substance but as a performed. Later, during the evening rituals,
divine gift. orsaayankaalaaaraadhana, the sanctum is
cleansed again and the deity is decorated with
In Bhagavadgeeta fresh flowers. At the end of the Sayana Bhogam,
Often, a devotee may question the reason the midnight food offering known as 'Tiruveesam'
for offering Naivedyams to God in Archavatara is made to Him. It consists of white rice and a sweet
(iconic form). Krishna Himself has answered this flavoured rice made with jaggery and called
question in the Bhagavadgeeta. The answer may gudaannam. The last ritual of the day, Ekaantaseva
also be found in the Agama Shastras and puranas. ends with an offering of warm milk, along with
He says that water vaporises from the earth without seasonal cut fruits and dry fruits roasted in ghee
being visible but turns into rain and returns to help are piously offered to the Lord.
people flourish. Similarly, Naivedyam is a form of There are additional offerings also made to
devotion and Bhakti that is readily accepted by Him. processional deities, Sri Malayappa Swami and His
He says, “I grasp the essence of the offering without divine Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi during sevas
being seen”. Once He accepts the offerings, He in such as Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam,
turn blesses the devotees; this is proof that God Brahmotsavam, Vasantotsavam and Sahasra
has accepted the offering, a consistently available Deepalankarana Seva. Weekly Sevas that include
evidence of His presence and response to Visesha Pooja on Mondays, Ashtadala Pada
devotees. Padmaaradhanam on Tuesdays, Sahasra
The number of times the food is offered to Kalasabhishekam on Wednesdays, Tiruppavada
seva on Thursdays also see a horde of specially
God is as prescribed by the Agama Shastra. The
made prasadams for each specific Seva. For
quantity, composition, and the variety of food is
Dolotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva,
also according to the Shastras.
a mixture of Cardamom flavoured sugar and
Three Major Offerings cashew nuts is specially offered to the Lord.
The three major offerings are Bala Bhogam, During special occasions and annual
Raja Bhogam and Shayana Bhogam. Along with festivals, the quantities of prasadams prepared are
these three regular offerings there are other doubled as per the rules laid in the Vaikhanasa
Naivedyams made for special occasions too. Agama Shastra. All these offerings are made to
During Suprabhatha Seva, every morning, raw milk please the Supreme Lord, who is the Creator and

SAPTHAGIRI 9
preserver of the entire universe, for • PulihOra
the welfare of the human beings • GudAnnam
and to provide protection from • DadhyOdhanam
disasters.
• Seera or Shakkarabath
Schedules of various food THIRD OR NIGHT BELL: Dinner
offerings or ShayanaBhogam
FIRST BELL: Breakfast or • MarichyAnnam or
Balabhogam
pepper rice
Anna prasadams such as
• ChakrApupam
• MaAtrAnnam
• Dosa
• MudgAnnam (ghee pongal)

• TintrinirasAnnam • LAdukam
(tamarind rice-pulihora) • MAshApUpam
• Dadhyodhanam (Curd rice) • ShAkAnnam
• gudAnnam (jaggery rice, Chakra Pongal)
Ekanta Seva
• SakAnnam (kadambam)
Midnight offering for Tiruveesam is jaggery
• ShakkarAnnam (ravakesari) rice or gudAnnam. For EkantaSeva, just before
Besides these, four other kinds of snacks or God is put to bed, warm milk, dry fruits
Panyaramulu (savouries) are also offered daily. accompanied by seasonal fruits are offered as the
• LAdukam (Laddu) last Naivedyam of the day.
• MAshApUpam (vada) Weekly schedule
• GudApUpam (appam) Monday: No special offering besides the daily
• ChakrApUpam (dosa) offering.
SECOND BELL: Lunch or Raja Bhogam Tuesday: No special offering besides the daily
• SuddhAnnam (plain white rice ) offerings

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10 SEPTEMBER, 2017
Wednesday: The day when Sahasra temple or heavy inflow of pilgrims or a hurried
Kalashabhishekam is performed to the preparation.There may be a number of reasons,
processional deities, special offering for the day is like unavoidable haste, unavailability of materials,
anna-payasam or kheer, made with milk and dry heavy rains that affect the kitchen.
fruits. AlsoVada pappu, a salad made of raw and Friday: After Abhishekam, every Friday, Lord
soaked moongdal garnished with coconut Venkateswara is adorned with all his finery.
seasoning along with panakam or cardamom Goddesss Lakshmi residing in His heart is also
flavoured jaggery water. worshipped with a special bath and offered a
Thursday: This is the day of the Tiruppavada mixture of butter sprinkled with sugar as
festival. At this time, a huge heap of tamarind rice naivedyam. During Raja Bhogam, a special kheer/
is made and elaborately decorated. This festival is payasam made of jaggery rice and dry fruits and
for anna shanti, pacification to Gods by huge food puranpoli (with dal filling) is offered along with other
offerings. The heap of pulihora is extraordinary in everyday offerings. Again fifty one pieces of the
size and is also extensively decorated. Thursday sweet pancakes mentioned above are made,
is also the day when Lord Srinivasa is offered a offered and distributed within the temple.
special jelebi of large size and a thenthoLa or
Sunday: At first bell, a very important offering called
Murukku (a savoury jelebi)! As in the case of Laddu
Amruthakalasam is offered to Lord Venkateswara.
and Vada, fifty-one of each kind of Jelebi is offered
It is made of rice flour, jaggery, ghee and pepper.
according to the temple tradition.
It is part of Bala Bhogam and takes place only in
Need for anna-shanti: This is done to compensate the morning.
for and seek forgiveness for any short comings in
Food Offerings during Daily Processions
the food offerings made throughout the week. It is
done to at one any deficiencies in the observations Everyday, the Processional Deities of Sri
of rituals of Naivedyam as given in the Agamas. Malayappa Swami and His divine Consorts are
The Agama procedures for Naivedyam are brought out of the sanctum for public viewing.The
elaborate and require numerous ingredients, which deities too are offered sacred food inside the
may be difficult to procure, expensive or dependent temple and also outside, while on procession or in
on seasonal availability. Besides this there may be arjitha sevas. During Kalyanotsavam, four varieties
heavy work pressure due to shortfall of staff in the of rice offerings (MudgAnnam, GudAnnam,

A sprinkling of
ghee is made on
all the food
varieties and a
couple of Tulsi
leav es are also
leaves
placed on top of
each food variety
variety
as a mark of
purifica tion and
ication
purifica
humble
Obeisance.

SAPTHAGIRI 11
Dadhyodhanam, Tintrini or pulihora) and four The Taittiriya Upanishad -Bhruguvalli
varieties of panyarams are offered to the deities. elaborates that
Also, gudApupam (sweet appam) and Annambrahmetivyajanaat |
Shuddhannam are prepared to offer to the holy Annaadhyevakhalvimaanibhootanijaayante |
fire or Havis. Annenajaataanijeevanti |
After abhishekam in vasantotsavams that are Annam prayantyabhisamvishanti ||
held between 3-4 p.m, everyday, again four Tad vijnaaya||
Varieties of rice and four varieties of panyarams Sage Bhrugu started with the form of
are offered as mentioned above. nourishment. He recognized that all beings are
In the evening, during Sahasra Deepalankara born from nourishment, live by imbibing
seva, PanchaKajjayam (a dry mixture of sugar, dry, nourishment and eventually become nourishment
grated coconut, cashew nuts, cardamom and khus- for others. And all beings keep moving towards
khus) is specially offered. nourishment. So by applying the norm suggested
by his mentor nourishment is a manifestation of
After this seva, the deities are ceremoniously Brahman. But Bhrugu is not satisfied that this form
taken back into the temple and near the represents Brahman completely. So he goes back
Bangaruvakili (golden doorway), they are again to Varuna with his quest again. Varuna tells him
offered the 'Rawakesari'. that Brahman is to be known through the kinetics
On special occasions of the form of nourishment. The potential that cause
agitations is verily Brahman. Persuaded thus,
The daily menu increases in quantity for
Bhrugu strives intensely for the intimate knowledge
special occasions such as annual festivals,
of Brahman. He pursues it through austerities
asthanams (Formal courtly gathering or Sabha)
imposed on the form of nourishment to agitate it.In
and special processions.
the manifested universe there is nothing beyond
During Pavitrotsavams, Brahmotsavams and the bliss of Brahman. There is nothing in the
AstaBandhana MahaSamprokshana, a very manifested universe that can cause a ripple in the
special prasadam called 'ksheerAnnam' prepared form of the bliss of brahman. This bliss of Brahman
with rice boiled in milk for a long time and flavoured becomes known by the transactions between the
with cardamom, kesar and dry fruits are offered to sensations and the sensibilities in the
the processional deities. transcendental inner space within oneself. When
It is to be understood that though some of one knows the bliss of Brahman, and gets
the foods offered to God are known to have certain established in the knowledge, he will not starve for
physiological benefits to the human body, it cannot inputs at any plane of his existence. And he will be
be said that the human physiology and digestive able to digest all inputs in a wholesome manner
capacities are same as that of Gods. Hence, the that leads him to the realization of Brahman. He
food offerings are to be taken in small quantities expands his sphere of influence through the
and as a blessing from God. It is not meant to quell products and processes that emanate from him.
hunger or should not be treated as a meal. More He becomes well-known because of the
importantly this is satvik food in which no spices or enhancement of his relevance. That it is not to be
chillies are included in the preparation. It is seen as a mere food particle but it is an
however, rich food that befits Supreme Lord of the embodiment of the supreme soul, blessed by his
Universe. Humans, with our limited means, offer divine vision and upon taking it as his prasada, it
Him the best of everything available to us. To seek confers all auspicious qualities on the devotee. This
His benevolence, we offer Him the best of foods, is the message of the sacred foods of the Lord of
richest of offerings and the most elaborate of Vengadam, Sri Srinivasa Parabrahman.
preparations. This is, in fact, a way of expressing || sarvEjanA: SuKhinObhavantu ||
our devotion and dedication, and a method of
completing our worship.

12 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The grand festival of Brahmotsavam is order of sacrifice performed to propitiate the fervour of
conducted as a kAlOtsava– which means this ritual is the Deity. Sri Venkatesa who revealed Himself on
conducted every year on a specified day without fail. Venkatachala Hill in ages gone by for the emancipation
Among the three varieties of Utsavas that are performed of mankind stands in all His splendour and glory, pointing
in a Vishnu temple viz., Kalotsava, Sraddhotsava and out by His right hand in Varada pose – the ultimate goal
Nimittotsava, the Kalotsava is very important in life – His lotus feet, while His left hand kept in
according to Kasyapa Jnana Kanda. People who have Katyavalambita pose indicated that steady adherence in
faith in our ancient Sastras and rituals believe in the that lotus feet ensure His continued blessings. To the more
efficacy of the performance of sacrifices. The derivative artistic minded persons, this is an occasion when one can
meaning of the word utsava is sacrifice of a high order. see the rich varieties of life.
Utsavas performed to the deities enshrined in our SAntidamvarshadamnityamArOgyampushTidamSubham ||
ancient temples are sacrifices done for the well-being rAshTrAbhivRuddhidamchaIvarAjnaSchabalavardhanam ||
and prosperity of the community living in that locality. Atri’ssamUrtArchanAdhikaraNam
savOyajnasamAKhyAta: sarvayajnaviSEshata: — An Utsava confers peace, nourishment, happiness,
Brahma-Utsavam or Mahotsavam means the highest health and prosperity to the King, people and the country
13
SAPTHAGIRI 13
Ancient records that speak of a festival of
splendour coupled with oriental pomp and pageantry
that it attacts thousands of people of diverse
communities to congregate at the town of Tirumala.
Inspite of the fact that this grand utsavam almost often
coincides with the Navaratri festivities – a period of
intense rejoicing, devotees from far and near, sacrificing
many of their personal comforts and conveniences
throng the streets of Vengadam to witness some, if not
all, the nine days festival of Lord. There is no doubt
modern amenities have contributed much to the success
according to Sage Atri. Perhaps the only festival in the of this annual festivity. The dazzling illumination which
Hill shrine that is connected to the appearance of Lord makes the hills eternally ‘sunlit’ – the sweet melodious
Srinivasa in his most reverential Salagrama Self-
music and traditional Nadaswaram performances – the
manifested iconic form is the annual Brahmotsavams
soul titillating discourses of the learned scholars – and
which are being conducted during the Kanya Masa –
to crown them all, the grand indelible sight of the several
Purattasi (September/October) from very ancient times.
processions of the Lord of the Hills in the magnificent
The Hill shrine of Vengadam is celebrated since grandeur are a few of the many attractions that draw
very early days for the spectacular festivals that were this huge throng of people to this sacred hill at the time
conducted there. The songs of the Alwars speak of great of the Brahmotsavams. But very few had ever thought
congregation of people gathering on the hill during of querying into the antiquity of this festival. Infact, it
parasinAl. At any rate, by 614 A.D. at least, several
will surprise many if they are told that this festival which
festivals had already been instituted in the hill shrine.
is now seen, is only a vestige of what the divine grandsire
Presently, there are more festivals in vogue than even
– Brahma did ages ago, in the presence of Gods and
the days of the year. There are festivals, special occasions
men. Hence no one can say definitely as to when this
and observances involving colourful processions,
festival was first started.
impressive services, varieties of food-offerings and grand
assemblies. But, it is to be noted that festivals take place Delving into the mysterious archives of the
only after the routine worship (tOmAlasEva) is Puranas – especially the comprehensive compilation
completed in the sanctum; a festival is not allowed to called Sri VenkatachalaMahatyam, there are definite
interfere with the normal schedule with reference to the references to the celebration of this Utsavam by Brahma
Dhruva Bera (MoolaVirat or the Main Deity) himself.

14
14 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The Saviour of the Mankind
n The nineteenth chapter of the VarahaPurana deals
with the episode of the Mahotsava of Sri Venkatesa.
The Lord came to the sacred hill of Venkatachala at the
request of the Gods and sages to save mankind from
oblivion in this dark age of Kali. The Lord said that He
had come down to burn the sins of the erring mankind
and promised to remain on the Hills at the request of
Brahma. The slokas in Purana indicate the procession
of the jewel of Venkatadri – Sri Venkatesa going round,
well decorated with costly ornaments and gold brocades
indicates that the Lord is pleased much by the utsavam
on Uchhaisrava, the horse, Airavata, the elephant, Sesha, celebrated for Him by Brahma.
the serpent, Garuda, the embodiment of Vedas,
accompanied by Sri Lakshmi and celestial music, day n That Brahma was regular and punctilious in
conducting the Brahmotsavam for the great Lord of
after day.
Seshachala, is reflected by one of the Astottara
The last (9th) day being the most auspicious day Naamaavali expressions which reads as
– the Sravanam, being the asterism under which Sri brahmakalpOtsavAya SrIvEmkaTESAyanama: (49).
Venkatesa came down to earth, lakhs of people had These confirm the inauguration of this festival by the
Mangalasnanam in the sacred Swami Pushkarini and great creator himself.
obtained the blessings of the Lord.”
Leaving the Puranic age, the antiquity of which
n The same purana later narrates that this is unascertainable, we pass on to more definite periods
Brahmotsavam was propitiated by Brahma in times of historical occurrences. Amongst the several
beyond historical comprehension – at the time when inscriptions that are still existent today in Tirumala
Gods and men moved together on earth, was continued temple – for several of them have been removed,
by Tondaman Chakravarthi, a monarch belonging defaced or even destroyed, during different stages of
probably to an ancient line of the Cholas. the temple, one significant and very important
epigraphical record exists on the north wall in the first
n ‘Sri Venkatesa Sahasranama’, which contained in the
prakara of the temple. This inscription clearly indicates
Brahmanda Puranam, has amidst the thousand epithets
that a princess by name Samavai or Kadavan
extolling the Lord – one which reads as
Perundevi belonging to Pallava line of rulers, presented
brahmOtsavamahOtsukAyanama: (930), which
lands and gold for the celebration of a seven day festival

15
SAPTHAGIRI 15
starting with the hoisting of the flag, Dwajarohanam to about, leaving comparatively little of it for his own
Lord Sri Venkatesa in the month of Margali (December/ purpose in the morning. To get to the bottom of this,
January) and desired the festival to be conducted as long he kept watch to discover who it was that was actually
as the Moon and the Sun continue to shine. wasting away all the flowers. After six or seven
failures, he discovered one night a princely young man
Manavalapperumal
and a young lady to match were disporting themselves
This was the second festival instituted by Samavai, in the garden and playing with the flowers. The old
the queen and for that purpose, by the instruction of the man ran about to capture the young man who dodged
then Vaikhanasa Archakas, she had a solid silver image him and disappeared into the temple. But he managed
of Lord Srinivasa, known as Manavalapperumal, to catch the young lady and tied her up to the next
consecrated in the temple and for whom, she presented a champaka tree. As became her, she begged of him to
large number of jewels including a stone-set Kireetam, release her and pleaded that he should take hold of the
Kanti and other ornaments, which fact is also well man and punish him, and not her, whom he might
supported by inscriptions. Historians correlate the period regard as his own daughter and let go. Anantarya
of this princess to the days of Dantivarman, Pallava king would not let her go. When the day dawned, and the
and it may not be far from correct that the time may be temple Archakas entered the Sanctum, Srinivasa
placed somewhere in the early 6th century, to be precise intimated to them what actually took place and when
614 A.D. the story reached Anantarya, he was transported
The records of the later periods reveal that by about beyond bounds; and taking the flower basket full of
1300 A.D.in addition to the two Brahmotsavams observed flowers and carrying Padmavati, the goddess whom
in the 10th century in the months of Purattasi (Dussera he had taken captive, on his head, he entered the temple
time) and Margali (the time of harvest-Sankranthi or and set both of them before the God. Thereafter it
Baisakhi) similar festivals were conducted in the month was decided on the occasion of Purattasi
of Adi at Tirumala for Sri Venkatesa and this one was Brahmotsavam festival, the Lord may be taken to the
known as tirukkoDitirunAl. garden called anantAlwarpushpatOTa on the 10th day
and that Anantarya may be presented with a garland
Anantaraya's Honours
of flowers and other honours to commemorate this
An event of importance during Brahmotsavams as playful act of Lord Srinivasa with his dear devotee
recorded in temple history was that Anantarya was Anantalwar, who is also one among the 7 Acharya
cultivating a flower garden with greatest care near the Purushas of Tirumala temple. This narrative also
temple. One day he found that all through the flowering indicates that the Brahmotsavam was celebrated in
season, the flowers were all collected and used and thrown all splendour during 11th century.
16
16 SEPTEMBER, 2017
During the Reign of British north of Tombudra (Tungabhadra), by means of
There’s an interesting account on how the festival Ghoseyns, but the people from the rest of the peninsula
of “Salakatla Brahmotsavams” were financed during the either attend with their oblations in person or send them
reign of British. When Tirumala temple was under the by means of relations or friends. The names of 21
direct control of East India Company, they appointed Ghoseyns are registered at the pagoda who obtain flags
Mr. Stratton to submit a comprehensive report on temple from the idol which they carry to their different
and it’s practices. Stratton’s report was dated 31st January countries and which they expose for 2 or 3 months
1803, which has been printed as a selection from the before the annual festival Salakatla Brahmotsavams.
district records of North Arcot and is also included in Those who are desirous of accompanying them in the
the parliamentary papers, which gives an account of the pilgrimage assemble in crowds round the banners of
report on Tirumala. Here Tirumala is referred to as each leader and those who cannot attend in person,
'Tripatty Pagoda'. trust them with their oblations, which being considered
the property of the idol is generally faithfully presented,
The first and principal source of Revenue at the
though no doubt instances occur of the Ghoseyns being
Tripatty pagoda is from Caunkulu (kAnukalu) or
guilty of a breach of trust, but which it is scarcely
oblations which are generally made from interested
possible to discover.
motives in performance of vows which may lead to the
accomplishment of any desired object, such as the birth These Ghoseyns, as leaders of their respective
of a son, restoration to health from sickness, safe caravans, settle each march and the amount of customs
termination of a journey, gain of a victory etc. These which the pilgrims may be subject to through the
oblations are frequently sent by the inhabitants residing countries they pass, having generally known from the

It is interesting to note that, on the 10th day of Srivari Annual Brahmotsavams, a strange utsavam by
name BhagSawariUtsavam is conducted in such a way that Lord Malayappa Swami with His Consorts on
a gold palanquin are taken for procession around four mada streets in apradakshiNa – Anti Clockwise
direction. In this Utsavam, even to this day, these Goseyns are honoured with Parivattam (a religious
honour that involves a special recognition by tying a silk cloth of the Lord to the devotees head) – Satari
honours in Vahana Mandapam and Anantalwar Gardens, for the services rendered by their ancestors to
conduct this great Utsavam.
Coming to Vijayanagar period, there are records to show that Harihara II (1344-1404) instituted
fresh Brahmotsavam festival in the month of Masi at Tirumala through the agency of Mullai Tiruvenkata
Jeeyar and dedicated some villages for its expenses. As the time advanced, we find that by about the end of
the 16th century, there were as many as ten festivals, distributed among the ten months of the year, with the
exception of Vaikasi and Ani, during which period the two festivals of Sri Govindaraja Swami at Tirupati
used to be held. Consequently, all the other festivals were stopped over a long period of time and the one
during the month of Purattasi, ending on Sravanam day, the appearance day of Sri Venkateswara was
alone celebrated.
Sawal-e-Jawab
Still further down, we come across other frequent references regarding this ancient festival. Mr.
George Stratton, Collector of Chittoor was directed by the East India Company to collect authentic unbiased
reports about the Tirumala temple. His finding which is called Sawal-e-Jawab and dated 1803, contains
descriptions of this festival and how it was conducted during that time as discussed earlier. This is in brief
the Puranic and historical background of this ancient festival, whose exact beginings are lost in the dim
past beyond historic comprehension. Whatever may be that date, it will be quite appropriate if we can say
that this festival goes back to early Pallava days and for the past 20 centuries or even more, Sri Venkateswara
has been enjoying Brahmotsavam, which was at one time as many as ten in a year.

17
SAPTHAGIRI 17
different farmers of the customs who make favourable with strict adherence. It is customary to celebrate the
openings to them to pass through their range by which Dwajarohanam (hoisting of the Garuda Flag) ritual in
they ensure so much more collections. The ghoseyns the evening, which is contrary to other shrines elsewhere,
by relieving the pilgrims from this trouble, desire from wherein the normal practice is to conduct Dwajarohanam
ritual early in the morning. The reason for this may be
them some advantage in presents as suits their pleasure
attributed to the fact that the ferocious nature of Sri
and at the close of the festival, the ghoseyns further
Ugra Srinivasa Murti, one of the PanchaBeras,
receive from the sirkar as complementary presents from
worshipped as SnapanaBera in Tirumala temple. He
the idol, the articles subjoined to the name of each as
holds a prayoga chakra in his right upper hand. Legend
is registered at the pagoda and shown in a statement.
has it that during ancient times (approximately 1100
At Present...... years ago), when Ugra Srinivasa was worshipped as
Having had a glimpse of the past history of this UtsavaMurti, fire broke out frequently during the
ancient festival, let us now take a peek in to the grandeur processions. And when the assembled devotees and
of this utsavam as we see it in present times. With the Archakas prayed to the Lord for a remedy, the Lord
introduction of modern conveniences, amenities, food, spoke through an Archaka and ordered those present to
shelter, medical aid and more importantly the live dig up the deities hidden inside an anthill in one
coverage, the pilgrim of today feels at ease to be present Malayappa Kona in the dense forests of Seshachala.
during this spectacular occasion, the place is kept Thus, by the command of Lord Himself, in the year
sparklingly clean and free from dreaded diseases. The 1339 A.D. Lord Malayappa Swami was discovered at
festival is of 10 days duration, beginning with the said place and consecrated. Thus Malayappa is now
Ankurarpana and ending with Dwajavarohanam. The being worshipped as the main processional deity!
present day Utsavams are conducted with great Since there is no God on earth greater than Sri
observance of religious customs and traditions. The Venkatesa, vEmkaTESasamOdEvO nabhUtO
dazzling lighting arrangements, the spectacular flower nabhavishyati-the Brahmotsavam is doubly important
decorations, the enthusiastic photo exhibitions along and worth attending. The Puranas enjoin innumerable
with the exclusive live coverage of the event, which is benefits for those who worship Lord Sri Venkatesa on
a visual treat not only enthrals all the devotees, who this occasion. Many have visibly felt the Unseen Power
witness the processions live, but also the devotees who blessing them and answering to their mute appeals for
are sitting at their homes. Attending these festivities help and succour. Or else no other plausible answer can
are a boon to the all the spiritually inclined souls, and be given for the unimaginable crowd that comes to the
it is sure that they not only get all the divine blessings sacred Hill at the time of the Brahmotsavam, setting
of Lord Srinivasa, along with all the demigods, who aside the numerous handicaps and difficulties that one
present themselves serving Srivaru for the entire 10 has to face at such huge congregations. For thousands
days of this grand festival. Thus, for all those who are of years, pious devotees of Lord Srinivasa have been
blessed to be a part of the divine festivities, cherish the arriving to this festival and had it not been for the quick
time spent at Tirumala for a lifetime! response to the multifarious wishes of these pilgrims,
the festival should have dwindled to nothing in the
Processional Deity.....
centuries gone by, especially when confusion and
Throughout the history of the Hill Shrine, commotion prevailed most. This single fact testifies that
whether recorded, inscriptional, puranic accounts, the the Divine grace – dayA– of Sri Srinivasa is so full and
Brahmotsavams, which are celebrated in the month of comprehensive that it would befit to close this word
Kanya stands out as the only utsavam, which continues picture of the Brahmotsavam with the famous quote
to be celebrated with much pomp and gaiety to this ajnAninAmayAdOshAnaSeshAnvihitAnharE |
day, with all the same religious fervour and ecstacy. kshamasvatvamkshamasvatvamSeshasaIlaSiKhAmaNE ||
There are certain peculiar customs and traditions that || SrInivAsOvijayatE ||
are observed in this ritual till date without any deviation
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18 SEPTEMBER, 2017
emerge victorious and it condemned the evil. That
is why Indian psyche always looked upon it with
reverence. People salute to it all the time.
In ancient India, our ancestors used to treat
hoisting of flag (dhwajarohan) as the
commencement of any shubh kary (sacred
ceremony). That tradition has gained utmost
prominence in the temple of Lord Venkateswara
during the celebrations of Brahmotsav. It has
attained a pivotal role. The commencement of
Brahmotsav with the hoisting of dhwaj is a tribute
to our ancient customs and traditions. Perhaps it
is because of the hoisting of the dwaj high above
in the sky, it has become a sacred ceremony that
is jointly performed by the denizens of heaven and
the earth.
Dhwajapata …. Hari’s Vahan (transport)
If we want to know the details of Brahmotsav
and the significance of dhwajarohan and its
procedures in detail….
The brahmotsav celebrations of Lord
Venkateswara, the deity of Tirumala hills, are
commenced with the hoisting of pataak. Before the
hoist, the pataak, which has the image of Garuda,
the transport of Vishnumurthi, is taken in a
procession in all the four Mada Streets (the four
Om … Namostute Dhwajaaya…
roads around the temple) by the archakas. After
Sakala Bhuvana Janahitaaya the procession ceremony is complete, the pataak
Vimala Bhodakaaya.. is hoisted on the tall dhwaja stambh (flag pillar)
Mahita Mangalaaya.. amidst the tumult of the devotees’ chants. After
Devotees chant and worship the above the Brahmotsav celebrations the pataak is lowered
sloka while looking at the fluttering divine dhwaj. with the full-throated chanting of ved mantras.
Devotees call it “Dhwaj pat” with reverence.
Dhwaj is not equivalent to the commonly
used expression ‘flag’. It is not just a colourful It’s an invitation to the Gods….
piece of cloth. Nor is it a mosaic of different There is a special significance to the hoisting
coloured cotton threads. It is a symbol reflecting of dhwaj. It’s a signal of the commencement of
our ancient culture, tradition, ever changing Brahmotsav. The proud fluttering of the pataak to
swadharma a true amalgam of culture and the sway of mountain wind is an invitation to the
tradition. gods. The image of Garuda is reverentially called
In the great war of Kurukshetra, Partha Garuda Alwar by the elders. The main purpose of
Saradhi (Lord Krishna) had installed several divine hoisting the flag with the image of Garuda is
images in his chariot. But on the top of it, the coaxing Garuda to invite all the gods to descend
image of Anjaneya was inscribed on the flag. To from heaven and be blessed by the Lord. Not only
this day, it has become symbolic of sacred they themselves, but also they ensure that all the
dharma-dwaja. It always ensured that the good worlds and their living beings are blessed.

SAPTHAGIRI 19 19
The image that is drawn on the pataak is also feels that it is the benign blessing of the Lord
very meaningful. Garuda Alwar will be pointing to have given him the sacred task for the past 25
his right hand towards the sky, as if he is years.
welcoming the gods, whereas in the left hand he
Not just the dwaj picture design, several
will be holding poorna kalash, which is indicative
mementoes and tabloids relating to several
of all good happenings. Not only this, five more
programmes organized by institutions affiliated to
kalash will be drawn which are indicative of the
TTD, Siva Prasad fulfills them too with his artistic
five elements (panchbhoot). Further, the images
touch. As stated by him, it is through direct worship
of bell, aarati, dhoop etc will be drawn and enliven
or participation in any programme related to
the flag. Snakes will adorn as ornaments to
Swamy, we can receive the blessings of Lord
Garuda on the flag. The images of Surya and
Venkateswara. This is true and TRUE!!
Chandra bearing Thirunamam will also be there.
Thus, the pataak is very significant and unique. Om NamostuteDhwajaya!!
Om Namo Sri Venkatesaya!!!
The significance of Pataak (flag)
The preparation of the “Dhwaj Patam” (flag
picture) is not an easy task. It has to be performed
in tune with the grandeur of Brahmostav with
aesthetic values. It has to be a master piece,
offering tribute to Swamy’s lotus feet. Sri Peruri
Siva Prasad has been bestowed the honourable
opportunity to perform this wonderful and exciting
assignment and he has been performing this
sacred task since 1986. He feels that Lord
Srinivasa himself has entrusted this sacred duty
to him. His oil paintings “Kesavadi Roopalu” have
received acclaim and created history.
Siva Prasad who has been working in
Sapthagiri monthly magazine performs the task
with utmost devotion during Brahmotsav time. The
design and execution of the dhwaj picture is
performed according to some strict norms. A
seven-foot white cloth is used for the preparation
of the dwaj, which is soaked in warm turmeric
water for a full day and then it is dried. Once it is
dried it is again dipped in water mixed with citric
acid and cleaned further. Because of this de-
alkalization, the colour retention would be better
and also help the flag to flutter better. The image
of garuda alwar is then drawn on such a cleansed
cloth. All the colours used in the process are
natural. The colours are synthesized from organic
gums extracted from trees, red clay, charcoal
powder and such other material. Talking about
this, the artist, Siva Prasad humbly says that the
opportunity that he had been getting all these
years to prepare the auspicious dwaj has been
giving him immense satisfaction. It could be
because of punya done in his earlier birth. He
20
20 SEPTEMBER, 2017
valuable ornaments to the Lord of seven hills
along with rich silk vastrams.
The Pallavas, Cholas,Vijayanagar kings and
Yadavas have taken special care of the temple
and reposed their total devotion towards the Lord
of Seven Hills. The Vijayanagar kings especially
Sri Krishnadevaraya has donated numerous
jewels and arranged lot of ubhayams for the Lord’s
utsavams. Achyutaraya and Saluva Narasimha
have also contributed a lot to the temple
development. They contributed ornaments and
costliest pure silk long clothes to be draped
around the body, head, shoulder and to the deity
on different occasions and on special days.
The following Vastrams or Garments that
are being adorned to Lord Venkateswara with
different names on various occasions.
(1) Melchat Vastram – 24 x 4 yards
New Melchat Vastram is adorned to the
Moolavarlu (Main Deity) on every Friday after
Abhishekam. Normally the melchat vastrams are
donated by devotees during abhishekam to the
Lord on Fridays. This silk vastrams are in different
colours like yellow, orange, green or white with
contrasting attractive borders.
Every Friday immediately after Abhishekam,
this 24 yards Melchat vastram will be adorned or
draped around the body and shoulder of the Lord
“Alankara Priyo Vishnuhu” Lord Vishnu
in a beautiful manner. The other four yard vastram
likes to wear excellent garments of different
will be used to cover the Head of the Lord. It will
varieties and ornaments. He adores different be a feast to the eyes to see the Lord of the
clothes on different occasions and costly universe in a Melchat Vastram and another
jewels too. Vastram closely tied to the Lord’s Head.
The Lord of Tirumala is praised in Vedas, (2) Uttariyam - 12 x 2 yards
by all the Alwars and Acharyas since time
The Uttariyams (silk) are used on special
immemorial. The presence of a supreme
occasions like, Deepavali, Ugadi, Anivara
power to protect the devotees is worshipped
Asthanam etc. The uttariyams will be brought with
since thousands of years.
all paraphernalia into the sanctum sanctorum
Devotion towards the Lord amidst vedic recitations. The two yard vastram
All the kings showed special interest for will be tied to the head of the Lord as Parivattam
the growth of Temple infrastructure and donated (tied to the Crown with a knot to the right side).

21
SAPTHAGIRI 21
The twelve yard vastram will be adorned as (10) Ugra Srinivasamurthi
Tomala (around the shoulder till the end of the
A Pattu Vastram will be adorned thrice in a
foot of the Lord on both sides) and another cloth
month to Ugra Srinivasamurthi.
to the Katari or long Sword of the Lord. This
uttariyam is also called ‘Adda Tomala Vastram’. (11) Bhatmal Paavada

(3) Gadwal Yeeravada - 24 x 5 This sacred cloth will be adorned to Sri Devi
and Bhu Devi on every wednesday.
This yeeravada or inner cloth measuring 24
x 5 will be draped as a cushion to the bare head (12) Peethaambaram
of Mulavarlu (main deity) before putting the The word 'Peethaambaram' is very famous
kireetam (Crown), whether it is Akasa Raja
and used in all temples. In Lord Venkateswara
kireetam (Crown) or Diamond Crowns so that the
Temple, the main deity is adorned by a shining
Crown fits properly. This cloth was prepared and
gold plated Peethaambaram around the waist on
presented by Gadwal Samsthanam and the name
special occasions like Ugadi Asthanam, Deepavali
is remembered even today as 'Gadwal
Asthanam etc.
Yeeravada'.
(13) Seshavastram
(4) Tirupati Bari Ulchathu Vastram - 12 x 2
This cloth is considered as very sacred as it
This cloth is used as inner cloth to the body
is worn by Lord Venkateswara (Moolavarlu). This
of the Lord upto the waist to keep stiffness to the
vastram will be given away to local temples and
silk cloth.
other sub-temples of the TTD. It is also given as
(5) Kowpeenam an honorific vastram to the dignitaries, when they
A white cloth to be suspended from the visit Tirumala.
centre of the waist as a Langota is Kowpeenam. For other parivara deities pattu (silk) new
6) Vakshasthala Thaayaarla Pattu Vastram or vastrams will be adorned on their Thirunakshatram
Pavada (Silk clothes adorned to days respectively.
Vakshasthala Thaayaar on the Bosom of the
(14) Thursday Darshanam
Lord)
On every Thursday Lord is being adorned
A Silk Pavada or Garment for Vakshasthala
only by the Melchat Vastram with eyes opened.
Thaayaar will be tied after special Abhishekam to
The appearance of the Lord gives the devotees
the Thaayaar on the Right Bosom of the Lord.
an impression that, the Lord is seeing and hearing
(7) Duppata Pattu Vastram their vows. This Thursday darshanam of
Everyday this new vastram will be adorned Swamivaru is called ‘Netra Darshanam’. Netra
to Sri Malayappaswami during Kalyanotsavam Darshanam is considered as auspicious one. The
and also new silk sarees to Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. colourful Melchat vastram gives an impression
that, Goddess is also there in another form.
(8) Pattu Vastram to Bhoga Srinivasamurthi
I express my profound feelings of devotion
This silk cloth will be adorned in Sahasra
with a view of focussing the vastrams of Lord
Kalasabhishekam ritual.
Venkateswara for the benefit of readers. The
(9) Pattu Vastram to Koluvu Srinivasamurthi sacred adornments shows the glory of Lord
This silk cloth will be adorned to Koluvu Venkateswara. We wish that everyone be blessed.
Srinivasamurthi on Sravana star and on Ekadasi Om Namo Venkatesaya
days.
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22 SEPTEMBER, 2017
Among all the temples both in the South and North : Kashyapa, Avatsara and Vaidhruva. She is an aspect
of entire Bharata Varsha the glory of Tirumala is of Prakriti.
unparallel. The main reason perhaps may be because
Through these two Divine Mothers only the glory
Lord Sri Mahavishnu in the form of Sri Venkteswara or
and splendor of Srinivasa is manifested to the worlds.
Srinivasa showers His grace on all the devotees having
On a keen observation it can be perceived that all the
settled here on Tirumala Hills along with his two dearest
riches of Tirumala Hills is the result of the presence of
spouses of all His incarnations Sri Devi (Goddess of
the mother Goddess Sri Devi and all the serenity of the
Riches) and Bhu Devi (The Earth Goddess). Tirumala
Kshetra is because of the presence of Bhu Devi. Hence
is often praised as the Vaikuntha of Kali age. The divinity
Agamas recommend to celebrate most of the daily, weekly,
of Vaikuntha reflects here on this Hill. It is not
exaggeration to say that the glory of Srinivasa lies in fortnightly, monthly and annual festivals of Lord Srinivasa
His two wives Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. in the presence of these two Divine mothers.

Goddess Sri Devi Here is a brief description of the presence of the


two Mother Goddesses in the Glorious Brahmotsavams
As found in those sacred texts, Goddess Sri Devi of Lord Srinivasa.
(The Goddess of Riches) is praised as the daughter of
the Pauranic sage Bhrugu. His predecessors often In the Brahmotsavams from the event of
praised in the Divine Pravara of Sri Devi are five in Dhwajarohana to the Chakrasnanam the presences of the
number and they are: Bhargava, Chyavana, Apnavana, mother goddesses can be seen throughout in all the
Aurva and Vaidala. She is said to be the very form of following events.
Prakriti the Material cause of the Universe. Dhwajarohana
Goddess Bhu Devi After the Ankuraropana ceremony the flag of
Goddess Bhu Devi (The Earth Goddess) is said Garuda is hoisted into the air over the top of the Srivari
to have been the daughter of the Divine Sage Kashyapa Dhwajastambha as a sign of the beginning of the Annual
whose children are all the Gods and Demons. The three Brahmotsavams and also as a call to all the Divine world
sages in the Pravara order of the Goddess Bhu Devi are to attend this Grand Festival. From that night onwards
23
SAPTHAGIRI 23
the processions of Lord Srinivasa mostly along with His ever blooming spring season (Vasanta) in their lives. So
two Consorts and sometimes alone are celebrated. this Vasantotsava is celebrated with great festive zeal
On the Selected Vahanams by all in which Lord Srinivasa, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi
are brought to the Vasanta Mandapa and seated on an
On the first day evening Sri Devi and Bhu Devi elevated platform. There all the archakas, Jiyyangars,
the two spouses of Sri Malayappa Swami give their noble devotees and officials gather together and participate in
Darshan to all the devotees on the Pedda Sesha Vahanam. the festival.
The festivity reaches its height with the splendorous and
wonderful presence of the Mother Goddesses. Svarna Ratham (Golden Chariot)

Similarly the two Goddesses follow Lord On the sixth day evening Svarnaratha is a special
Srinivasa on succeeding days on the Vahanas: Mutyapu attraction to all the devotees. This golden chariot is
Pandiri Vahanam, Kalpa Vriksha Vahanam, Svarna symbolically said as the replica of the Jambu Dvipa, the
Ratham (Golden Chariot) and on the Daru Ratha Golden Lotus in which having pervaded all over Lord
(Wooden Chariot). Srinivasa, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi bless the devotees.
Really this is an occasion to see the beauties and charms
Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam of the God and Goddesses and also the divine brilliance
This vahanam is arranged in the evening of the of them in their bright dresses, ornaments and garlands.
third day. The two Consorts of Lord Srinivasa along Daru Ratha (Wooden Chariot)
with HIM appear on the Pearl bedecked Palanquin and
worshipped by all the devotees all around the Temple On the eighth day of Brahmotsavas it is again an
premises of Lord Srinivasa Temple at Tirumala. The occasion to see Sri Malayappa swamy along with Sri
Palanquin is decorated with garlands of fragrant flowers Devi and Bhu Devi on the beautifully decorated wooden
like Mallika, Malati, Sevntika, Brhatsevantika, Pumnaga chariot. The chariot is very huge and tall in size. All the
and many other known and unknown flowers and leaves devotees show eagerness to pull the chariot in the four
of Tulasi, Maruvakam, Davanam, Brihati and other Mada streets. The garments, the ornaments and big
pious trees and creepers. The chains of pearls on all flowery garlands put on by the God and Goddesses are
sides of the palanquin are all very pure and shining. compared to the bright inner hearts of all the devotees.
The chariot is compared to the Meru mountain the peak
Kalpa Vriksha Vahanam
of which touches the Dhruva Star. It is indicated here
Kalpa Vriksha is a divine tree that bestows upon that Sri Venkateswara and his two spouses grace the
the seekers whatsoever they ask for. According to worlds standing on such highest point of the world.
Puranas the Brahmandas are innumerable. In each
Brahmanda there is one heaven. In each heaven there is Chakrasnana
one Kalpa Vriksha. Lord Srinivasa is the Lord of all Chakrasnana is the holy ablutions festival in which
these endless Brahmandas. So He gave all the Kalpa Sri Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi along
vrikshas to get such a great power to satisfy all the help with Sudarshana Chakra are brought to the banks of the
seekers with required boons. As a token of gratitude all Swami Puskharani near the Varaha Swami’s temple
the Kalpa vrikshas together assume the form of a single amidst the Mangala Nadas of musical instruments and
vehicle during the Brahmotsavams for Lord Srinivasa. Veda chanting.
So Lord Srinivasa along with Sridevi and Bhudevi mount
In the presence of thousands of devotees the holy
upon Kalpavriksha giving their splendorous Darshan to
all the devotees. While Lord Srinivasa is a Kalpa vriksha immersion of the four idols in the holy waters and also
to Kalpavrikshas the spouses Sri Devi and Bhu Devi Abhisheka with Pancha Amritas, Turmeric water and
look like Divine Kalpa Vallis (Kalpa Creepers) on either pure water for all the four of them is performed for a
side of Him. good length of time. All the devotees find pleasure in
participating in this event. Thus the presence of the two
Vasantotsavam Mother Goddesses on either sides of Malalyappa Swami
In the afternoon on the day of 'Svarnaratotsava' it in all these events during Brahmotsavam stands as a
is a custom on Tirumala Hills to celebrate Vasantotsava special mark of perfection and fulfillment of the viewers
as a part of Brahmotsava. It is an indication that all the desires. The devotees feel blessed for ever
devotees whoever worship and serve Lord Srinivasa to see the spouses with the Great God
along with the two Mother Goddesses will see only the forever and obtain eternal bliss.
24
24 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The Significance of Offering Umbrellas:
Garuda Seva during annual Brahmotsvams
at Tirumala is the most celebrated and significant
seva, rendered to Lord Venkateswara in the form of
(an archamurthi), who descended from ‘Vaikunta’
(Lord Mahavishnu) to protect the devotees from the
sins and sufferings of Kaliyuga. During the Garuda
Seva, the most ceremonious thing is offering of the
new umbrellas to the Lord.
The umbrellas are of many kinds. Since time
immemorial, man is accustomed to use umbrellas
for some or other purpose. In ancient times, devotees
used round umbrellas made of palm leaves, wild
date leaves, ‘mogalirekulu’ and coconut leaves in
rural areas. In course of time, many kinds of
umbrellas came into existence.
A novel thought came to the mind of man
that the deities also should enjoy them. The
functions of the deities were being performed like
that of the birth day, marriage, ceremonial
processions etc. with the auspicious, beautiful, royal
and superb presence of umbrellas. Later to make it
more attractive,they started preparing them in brass,
silver and in gold and offered them to the deities.
This became a part of temple ritual in due course of
time.
The worship of Offering New Umbrellas:
During the days of the annual
Brahmotsavams, especially on the day of Garuda
Seva, newly prepared and decorated umbrellas are
being offered to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala
every year. The worship of offering umbrellas will
be done particularly on that day only. It had been in
practice for many years. In days of yore, the facilities
to organize the tradition were very limited. They
used to bring the umbrellas putting them in the
bullock-carts in the light of tapers on foot. It is
significant to note that this tradition is being
continued by Chettiars residing at Chennai even
today.
During the ‘Sravanamasa’ in Chennai the
glory of ceremonial umbrellas is presented as an
eyefeast to the spectators every year. For the Lord
of Seven Hills, every day is a day of celebration. It
is called ‘Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Thoranam.’
Among all the ‘utsavams’ the most glorious and
25
SAPTHAGIRI 25
superb ‘utsavam’ is the annual Brahmotsavams held parts of the umbrellas are made in different areas like
in ‘Sravana/Bhadrapada masa’. According to Puranas, Wood work will be taken up in Chennai. The bamboo
the annual Brahmotsavams were first initiated by Lord work will be done in Kanchi and the ornamental silk
Brahma. work will be done in Chintadripeta in Chennai.
During the annual Brahmotsavams, the fifth day Firstly, silk cloth is used inside the umbrella.
‘utsavam’ is Garudotsavam. It is also called Garuda Above that, Qualitative ‘tracade’ cloth will be used. It
Seva. On this special day the devotees come in large is then wrapped by White ‘drill’ cloth. Ornamental
numbers to see Lord Venkateswara in his gorgeous ‘kuchu’ designs are decorated round the umbrella. A
sitting posture on Garuda during the procession and white cloth would be placed as a cover on the three types
rejoice. In this context, four small umbrellas and two of cloth in order to protect the shining of the umbrellas
big umbrellas will be offered to the Lord every year. during the times of procession. As soon as the umbrellas
The making of these ceremonial umbrellas start a month reach Tirumala, the umbrellas will be unveiled by
removing the outer protecting cover. They appear
before Garuda Seva.
radiantly to the onlookers during the procession. The
The making of Ceremonial Umbrellas: ‘kalasalu’ which were arranged on the umbrella and
The celebration of offering umbrellas on the day based below the stem of the umbrella would be smeared
with gold colour in order to protect its scintillating effect.
of Garudotsavam has been in practice for over a period
of 180 years. This worship was started by Sri Venkata Followed by a musical troupe, the umbrellas will
Krishnamma Setty. It has been in practice traditionally be taken in a procession in the streets of Chennapattanam.
for a long time. For the preparation of umbrellas nearly During this, the devotees offer incense, lights, ‘haarati’
a month’s duration is required. Usually before two and ‘naivedyam’ to the Lord. The umbrellas reach the
months, the process of the divine work takes its initial ‘Kalyanamandapam’ located in Kandapu Setty street in
start up. One auspicious day is fixed during the Chennai. The ‘mandapam’ was arranged by the then
forthnight period of ‘Ashada Amavasya’ and Mayor of Chennapuri Sri K. Sreeramulu. It is a rule
‘Purnima’. The material used is well-grown bamboo that the ‘mandapam’ was to be used when the umbrellas
reapers which are to be worshipped prior to the making were offered gloriously. During those days, the devotees
of the umbrellas. who enter the ‘mandapam’ feel excited, as if they were
in the presence of the Lord of Seven Hills at Tirumala.
During the making of the umbrellas, the part of
A Special Privilege
the tree trunk is used to make the long post and above
that a ‘kalasa’ is placed. Bamboo reapers, silk cloth There is a special privilege in making of these
and white cloth are woven above the kalasa. Different umbrellas. A costly silk cloth is woven for the
‘Moolamurthy’ of Tirumala. It will be kept
in a glass shelf and worshipped there itself.
Along with the new umbrellas, the devotees
bring the cloth and reach Tirumala by foot
on the day of Garuda seva. Lord Malayappa
swami come along with these newly prepared
umbrellas on the Garuda Vahana in a
procession in the night. Later, the
‘Moolamurthy’ is being decorated with the
valuable silk cloth.
If one visits and serves Lord
Venkateswara on the day of Garuda Seva,
which is renowned for ‘Kaimkaryam’ of
umbrellas, the Almighty will bless the
devotees with prosperity,
peace and eternal bliss.

26
26 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The Britishers who came to India for Trade Tirumala Temple Administration has been entrusted
established a company named English East India to Hathiramji Mutt. In the year 1843 July 10th the
Company in the year 1600 A.D. and established Government issued orders to the head of the
first settlement in 1611 A.D. at Machilipatnam and Hathiramji Mutt to take the charge of Temple
took the administrative powers in 1757. The Administration of Tirumala. On July 16 th 1843
present Chittoor District part of the North Arcot Mahanth SevadasJee took the charge as
district came into East India Company in the Administrator of the Temple. In 1843 on 16th July
beginning of 19 th Century. According to 1817 the starting day of Dakshinayana, Sri Seva Dasjee,
Madras Inscription, the district Collector of North the then Head of the Sri Hathiramji Mutt received
Arcot District of Madras State vested the entire properties of Lord including jewellery,
administrators of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara ornaments, Crowns etc., to his Custody. A new
Swamy Temple. As the British Government Account book has been opened for entering
enacted the law not to interfere in the Religion, income and expenditure of the temple. From that
Spiritual and Temple Administration, the Collector day, it has become a practice to keep the temple
of North Arcot District requested the Maharaja of keys before the Lord offering puja
Mysore and Rajas of Venkatagiri to maintain the and handing over the keys to the
Administration of the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Executive Officer. This practice is
Swamy Temple. The request of the Collector has being followed even today. The
not been accepted by the Maharaja of Mysore Hathiramji Mutt continued the
and Rajas of Venkatagiri. Though Pedda Jiyangar administration of the
and Chinna Jiyangar of Tirumala came forward temple for 90 years
to discharge the temple Administration, it was and developed the
turndown by the District Collector due to local temple as well as the
problems. At last, the Government as per the Temple town in
report of the 'Sanad' the then district Collector Tirumala.

31
SAPTHAGIRI 31
The heads of the Hathiramji Mutt are Veda pathasala in Tirupati. Mahanth Prayaga Das
Sevadas (1843-64), Dharmadas (1864-80), started Printing Press in Madras exclusively for
Bhagavandas (1880-90), Mahaveerdas (1890- Temple. During the time of Mahanth Prayaga Das
94), Ramakrishna Das (1894-1900), Prayagadas a number of Ornaments, Jewellery and Crowns
(1900-1933) has discharged the duties as were prepared for Lord Venkateswara Swamy.
Administrator and during their period they
In 1933, the then Governor of Madras
developed the temple and also introduced so
removed the Hathiramji Mutt from Tirumala Temple
many Sevas to the Lord and provided amenities
and Administration, appointed a Committee of
to the devotees. The official seal of the
Trustees (Dharmakarthala Mandali) for Temple
Hathiramjee Mutt Administrators was Vishvakhena
Administration with this the Administration of
Mudra.
Mahanths came to an end. But, at the same time
Mahanth Sevadas renovated the temple Mahanth Prayaga Das has been appointed as the
pushkarini and started Teppotsavam in the year Chairman for Committee of Trustees and he
1849 i.e., Soumya Nama savatsaram Bhadrapada continued in that post up to 1936. After him, P.
sukla Trayodasi Sravana Nakshatram. In the year Venkata Rangarayanim (1936-39), T.A.
1878 on September 11 th i.e., Bahudaanya Ramalingam Chettiar (1939-42), V. Raghunatha
Savatsaram Bhadrapada sukla Pournami day Reddy (1942-46), G. Narayana Swamy Chetti
Mahanth Dharmadas renovated Main Entrance (1946-48) worked as Chairmen for Committee
Gopuram (Mahadwara Gopuram) and other during British Government. Along with Committee
Mandapas of the Temple. of the trustees, the Government also appointed a
During the 90 years of Hathiramji Mutt, Commissioner to look after the Temple
Administration of the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Administration. K. Seetarami Reddy (1933-36),
Swamy temple, Mahanth Prayaga Das Ranganatha Modaliyar (1936-39), Sambaiah
administered the temple for 30 years and during Panthulu (1939-42), B.V. Srihari Rao Naidu (1942-
his time he not only developed the temple but 45), M. Jayaram Naidu (1945-48) served as
also provided many facilities to the devotees. In Commissioners for Tirumala Temple and
the year 1908 on September 30 th i.e., developed Temple and the Temple Town.
Keelakanama Savatsaram Aswiyuja sukla
Many Britishers also worshipped Sri
Purnima day Prayaga Das installed Golden
Venkateswara Swamy. The First Collecter of the
Kalasam on the top of Anandanilaya Vimanam
Ceded District with the headquarters of Kadapa
with the help of his brother Ramalakshmana Das.
Sir Thomas Manro visited Tirumala and
Mahanth Prayaga Das established Choultries for
worshipped Sri Venkateswara Swamy. He offered
pilgrims not only in Tirumala but also in Tirupati.
Nivedana in a Gangalam (A big utensil) and he
He installed Washington Street lights in Tirumala
entrusted so many villages as Inam to maintain
Streets and on the way to Tirumala from Tirupati.
the Temple. English officer Colnal Mekani also
He developed Alipiri pedestrian route and
worshipped Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
renovated Gopurams. He provided Water and
Health facilities to the devotees and also provided Thus the Britishers took much interest in the
free cow milk to the infants in Tirumala. In Tirupati development of the Temple. The Britishers never
he constructed Administrative Building (Old Huzur involved directly in the Temple administration, but
Office) for Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam. Further played a great role in the
he established Oriental College, High School and development of the temple.

32
32 SEPTEMBER, 2017
ANANDANILAYAM
The Divine Magical Storehouse
Telugu Original by : J. Balasubrahmanyam
English by : Srinivas Vodapally
‘Ananda Nilayudu’, a synonym for in both the hands, abhaya hasta
Lord Venkateswara, evokes pious assuring divine protection, and the
feelings among the devotees. pointing finger of other hand (kati hasta)
showing his feet, directing the devotees
His abode ‘Ananda Nilaya’ is the
to surrender at his feet and be relieved
golden wonder in Tirumala hills,
of all sins.
gleaming in the morning sunshine and
radiating divinity far and wide. In that Pancha Beralu (Five mini idols)
divine edifice, is the imposing idol of the
There are four more idols of the
Lord – recital of His countless names,
Lord in the sanctum sanctorum of
His sevas, alankaras, festivities, rituals
Ananda Nilayam in addition to the
……the list is unending and beyond
saligram moolavirat (main idol). These
words … even for Brahma! Let us know
are called Pancha Beralu. The idols
some of these and obtain His Grace!!
grace the devotees in various ceremonial
The visage of the Lord is processions of the Lord. Lord’s saligram
imposing, beautiful, delicately carved idol stands 8 feet tall in all its majesty
and enticing. His love for the devotees and is called Dhruva Beram. Devotees
is such that He left Vaikunth and long all their life, to visit Tirumala and
descended on the Seven Hills as have a look at His divine murti even for
Saligram with Adi Lakshmi on his a fleeting moment. Important ‘arjita
bosom, and derived the name ‘Sri- sevas’ like SuprabhataSeva,
nivasa’. (One who lives with ThomalaSeva, SahasraUdaya
Lakshmi) Namarchana, Ashtottara
Shatanamavali, and
Imposing Posture
other offerings all
In the sanctum through the day are
sanctorum of Ananda made to this
Nilaya, the Lord moolavirat (Main
stands full height Deity). Also, the
with four hands, Dhruva Beram is
diamond studded o f f e r e d
kireet (crown), Ashtadala
yagnopaveeta, P a a d a
Nandaka, the Padmaradhan
Sword dangling on Tuesdays;
from the Tiruppavada
waist, Sankh Seva, Netra
and Chakra Darshanam
33
SAPTHAGIRI 33
and Poolangi Seva in the night of Thursday; Abhishekam is
performed Friday mornings with aromatics. All these sevas are also
offered to ‘Vyuha Lakshmi’ entrenched on the bosom of the Lord.
The Second Beram is 1½ feet high silver idol identical to
Dhruva Beram (moola virat). Also called ‘Manavala Perumal’,
abhishekam of sacred water from Akasa Ganga is offered to this
idol in the mornings and during EkantaSeva in the nights. Manavala
Perumal is also offered Sahasra Kalasabhishekam every
Wednesday at Golden Threshold of Ananda Nilayam.
The Third Beram, ‘Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy’, (1½ feet
panchaloha idol) holds darbar every day in the Bangaru Vakili, after
Panchanga Sravanam, income and expenditure statements are
SRINIVASA (Moola murthy) presented to Him.
The Fourth Beram is ‘Ugra Srinivasa Murthy’, associated with
Sridevi and Bhudevi. Earlier, He was gracing devotees in various
divine processions, but now He participates in only one Utsavam
before sunrise on Karteeka Dwadashi and enters the temple.
The Fifth Beram is ‘Srinivasa Murthy’. Associated with Sridevi
and Bhudevi. He is also called ‘Malayappa Swamy’. Since the idol
was found in Malayappa Kona, He is named after it. This idol graces
devotees in ceremonial processions organized outside the temple
and is very closely associated to the devotees.
In addition to the above, the following idols exist in the sanctum
sanctorum of Ananda Nilayam and they participate in various divine
processions. We can see some of them prominently placed, where
‘Teertha’ is served to devotees: Sudarsana Chakratalvar, Ananta,
BHOGA SRINIVASA
Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana, Sri
Krishna and Sri Rukmini,
Sugreeva, Hanuman, Garuda,
Vishvaksena, etc.

UGRA SRINIVASA
KOLUVU SRINIVASA

34
34 SEPTEMBER, 2017
Different Names of the Lord Dazzling Jewellery!
The Lord of Tirumala has many names, some of them The imposing idol of the Lord is
sound strange. Their origin is not known. But all of them decorated from head to toe with such
are so devoutly and so emotionally chanted that the Lord gorgeous jewellery that the devotees
responds to any of them. Some of the prominent names cannot take off their eyes from His
are: mesmerizing beauty and grandeur. To
name a few: lotus seat, covering to
Edukondalavada: Since He is the Lord of seven hills, feet, Nandaka sword – all in gold;
namely: Seshadri, Narayanadri, Venkatadri, Garudadri, diamonds-studded ‘katari’, Abhaya
Vrishadri, Vrishabhadri, and Anjanadri, This name is very Hasta, Kati Hasta, crowns, golden
popular and dear to the devotees. cover, Saligram garlands, diamond
studded Sankh-Chakras, Lakshmi
Venkatapati: In Sanskrit language ‘Venkatapati’ means ‘the garland, Sahasranama laces, Makara
dispeller of sins of devotees’. Hence, He is also addressed Toran, and many more. All these
as such. ornaments are decorated to the Lord
on various auspicious occasions.
Tirumalesa: Since he is the Lord of Tirumala, he is very
widely addressed as Tirumalesa. All the ornaments of the Lord are
presented to Him by the devotees, in
Srinivasa: ‘Lakshmi Devi’ lives on his right bosom and fulfillment of their vows in times of
recommends help to the needy devotees. Hence, he is difficulties, and as a tribute to His
addressed as ‘Srinivasa’ benevolence in fulfilling their wishes.

Tasty Food Offerings


The Lord of Anandanilaya likes beautiful ornaments;
he also has a penchant for delicious food. And above all
He loves His devotees! For their sake, He accepts tasty
and mouth-watering Laddus, Vadappas, Payasam,
Kadambam, Pulihora, Pongali, Sira, Kesari, etc. He does
not use the same plate once used. Hence all the offerings
are made to Him in un-baked (dried) earthen plates. He
just graces these foods and gives away all of them back to
His devotees for their pleasure and health!
Curious Offerings of Devotees
Irrespective of their caste, creed, and region,
devotees approach the Lord with curious offerings like ’Tala
Neelalu’ hair on the head, ‘Niluvu Dopidi’ (submission of
whatever ornaments on the body at the time of taking the
vow) ‘Tulabharam’ (offering of items equal to one’s weight),
‘Anga Pradakshina’, (circumnutating around the temple in
prostrate position) ‘Akhanda Deeparadhana’, (uninterrupted
lighting of lamps) and many such. Lord gracefully accepts
all of them!
Not only the commoners, but also the affluent and
the famous people have submitted offerings to the Lord.
Kings, business tycoons, movie persons, actors, foreigners,
all of them submit themselves and make offerings.
35
SAPTHAGIRI 35
Lord of Festivals
The Lord of Tirumala is also famous as Lord of Festivals. No other temple celebrates so many
festivals. The Lord is worshipped with daily festivals such as: SuprabhataSeva, ThomalaSeva, Archans,
Kalyanotsav, Dolotsav, Ekantaseva; Weekly festivals such as: Visesha Puja, Ashtadala
PadaPadmaradhana, Sahasra kalash abhishekam, Tiruppavada, Netra Darshanam, PoolangiSeva,
Sukravara Abhishekam, etc; Monthly festivals such as: Shravana, Aardra, Punarvasu, Punnami,
Garuda Seva, etc. During the Annual Festivals like Ugadi Aasthanam, Aanivara Aasthanam, Special
Festivals, Pushpayaga, Brahmotsav, etc., the glory of the Lord is indescribable and can only be
experienced!

Krishna Devaraya, the emperor of Starting with ‘Dhwajaarohan’, ten days before
Vijayanagara empire, visited the Lord seven times Sravana Nakshatram and concluding with ‘Chakra
between 1513 and 1531 AD and offered Snanam’, Dhwaja avarohanam, the religious glory
necklaces studded with precious stones, golden in Tirumala is beyond description!
vessels for offerings, golden coating to Starting with ‘Pedda SeshaVahana’
Makaratorana and Vimana. Prior to that a Pallava procession on the first day, the Lord endows
queen offered silver idol of the Lord in 614, and celestial bliss with his glorious presence for ten
participated in a procession. There are many days in processions like: ‘Chinna SeshaVahan’,
‘Hamsa Vahanam’, ‘Simha Vahan’, ‘Mutyapu
‘Shasans’ (inscriptions) to testify that many kings
Pandiri’, ‘Kalpa Vruksh’,‘Sarva Bhoopala Vahan’,
and therich offered lands and valuable items to
‘Mohini Avataram’, ‘Garudotsav’, ‘Hanumadvahan’,
the Lord. ‘Gaja Vahanam’, ‘Suryaprabha’, ‘Chandraprabha’,
Glorious Brahmotsavs ‘Rathotsav’, ‘Asvavahan’, etc.

Brahmotsavs are celebrated in Tirumala for Prominently to be mentioned are the


Garudotsav celebrated on the fifth day night and
ten days every year with pomp and glory and
the Rathotsav on the eighth day morning of the
with unprecedented participation of devotees.
Brahmotsavas. Lakhs of devotees throng to
The religious fervour and devotion increases by Tirumala for Rathotsav to watch and immerse in
the day during these celebrations. the divine bliss of watching the Lord adorned in
Brahmotsavs are being celebrated every ‘Makarakanthi’, ‘Lakshmi’ necklaces, and
year from times immemorial on Sravana ‘Sahasranama’ laces of the moolavirat, new
umbrellas from Mudra village, floral garlands of
Nakshatra of Kanya masa, as commemoration
Sri Goda Devi from Villiputtur and seated on
of the arrival of the Lord on the earth. Since Lord
Golden Garuda – all these exceptional
Brahma himself has initiated these festivities, embellishments done to the Lord just for that one
they are named after him as Brahmotsavas. day!

36
36 SEPTEMBER, 2017
People from all walks of life – unmarried, the flower show and make the temple area
married, young, old, seekers of worldly pleasures glittering.
and heavenly bliss – all throng to Tirumala with Kshetrapalak
supplicated hands and yearning hearts, and
submit offerings at Lord’s feet. Lord Shiva is the Kshetrapalak (local
protector) of Tirumala Hills. He is called Rudra
During Brahmotsav, devotees going up the here and is stationed in Gogarbham. On Sivaratri,
Tirumala hills through Alipiri foot route, reverberate elaborate pujas and celebrations are performed
the hills by Govinda namas. Various devotee here.
groups engaged in the praise of the Lord through
burrakathas (story narration as a ballad), The First Worship of the Day
chekkabhajanas (folk songs redendered in the Even prior to the opening of Lord’s Bangaru
rhythmic clasps with wooden pieces), kolatams Vakili in the early morning, Lord Brahma performs
(dandiya), etc., resonate the air of the hills. the initial puja of the Lord Venkateswara in the
Innumerable devotees take sacred bath in Brahma Muhurtam (between 2:30 and 3:00 AM)
Pushkarini with tonsured heads. The entire staff every day. For this purpose, water and sandal
of the TT Devasthanams – employees, scouts, paste are kept in big golden vessels in the
volunteers, health staff, will be busy day and night sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Later in the
to make devotees’ stay comfortable during this day, the same is distributed to the devotees as
auspicious period. Brahmateerth.
The beauty of Tirumala hills in the nights, The First Darshan of the Day
especially during Brahmotsavs is enhanced
This unique opportunity is enjoyed by
manifold by welcome arches, beautifully lit temple
‘Sannidhi Golla’, the descendant of the Yadav
‘prakarams’, pushkarini, over-brimming devotees
(cow herd), who reared the sacred cow that
out beating the capacity of the guest houses. On
shared its milk to the Lord when he was beneath
this occasion, the Srivari Temple is bedecked with
an ant hill. Soon after the Sannidhi Golla opening
various colourful flowers by Devasthanam and the
the Golden Door of the temple, the archaks enter
gardens department, sanctifying the Temple
the temple and render Suprabhata Seva. Again,
precincts with floral aroma. Electricity department
in the night the door is closed by Sannidhi Golla
too illuminates the whole place competing with
after the Ekanta Seva of the Lord.

The First Aarati


After the
SuprabhataSeva, the
first aarati is given by
the descendants of
Hathi Ramji Baba, the
blessed devotee who
played dice with the
Lord.

37
SAPTHAGIRI 37
was initiated by Anant Alvar, the disciple of
Bhagavad Ramanuja, a thousand years ago.
Teertha Kainkaryam
Abhishek (sacred bath) is performed every
day to ‘Bhoga Srinivasa’ idol and on every Friday
to ‘Moola Murti’ by the sacred waters of Akasa
Ganga. This service of bringing waters from
Akasa Ganga is being performed by the
descendents of the great Sri Vaishnava, Sri
‘Tirumala Nambi’. He initiated this seva personally
to the Lord about thousand years ago. Tirumala
Nambi was the maternal uncle of Bhagavad
Ramanuja and it is said that the Lord used to call
him ‘Tata’ (grandpa). Hence Tirumala Nambi is
also called ‘Tirumala Tatacharyulu’.
MutyalaAarati
Every day evening a set of sevas mark
Lord’s resting in Yoga Nidra. This is called Ekanta
Seva. Firstly, Sannidhi Golla makes the soft and
Sri BhuVarahaswamy bed for the Lord and lights the oil lamps. Before
Varahaswamy is the first deity to be visited going to sleep, the Lord is gently rocked in the
in Tirumala. He is also called ‘Shweta golden swing, while a descendant of
Varahaswamy’. As per the custom of Tirumala Annamacharya sings a soothing lullaby for the
kshetra, the Tirumala yatra will be considered Lord. At the same time, a descendant of
complete only after visiting Varahaswamy first, Tarigonda Venkamamba offers camphor
perform pooja and make offerings to him. Only ‘Nirajanam’ in a pearl filled silver plate. This pious
after that the devotees should visit Lord lady from Tarigonda settled in Tirumala in her
Venkateswara. This is also the treaty of the Lord childhood itself in the service of the Lord. The
that he had made with Varahaswamy. aarati offered to the Lord on her behalf is the last
service and the doors of the temple will be closed
Melukolupu Seva for the day.

The renowned poet-singer Tallapaka There are a few more customs followed in
Annamacharya, sang keertans to the Lord as Tirumala in addition to the above distinct events
wake-up call and during Ekanta Seva. Even Sacred dip in the sanctifying tank (Pushkarini)
today this coveted opportunity is passed on to
A dip in the sacred pushkarini will cleanse
the heirs of Annamacharya at the Melukolupu
the devotees of all their sins. Next would be the
and Ekanta Sevas. They also have the privilege
darshan of Sri Adi Varahaswamy.
of acting as Kanyadata in the daily Kalyanotsav
of the Lord. There are several miraculous happenings
at every step on Tirumala hills and it is difficult to
Floral service understand them. Let us be contented with the
The flowers that blossom on Tirumala hills grace and abhaya hasta (assuring hand) of the
are exclusively used in the service of the Lord. Lord on us.
No one is permitted to touch them. This tradition Om Venkatesaya Namah

38
38 SEPTEMBER, 2017
There is no such a place in the entire Vahanas sevas, Services to the Lord
Universe which is equal to the holy Venktadri. There Srinivasa on various Vahanas or Vehicles on all
is no other God equal to Lord Sri Venkatesa. Not the nine days of this festival are very important. All
the devotees from various regions, all archaka
even in future we can see any other such a great
swamis, all the officials and Jiyyangars gather
God.
together to celebrate this festival.
According to the Brahma Purana Lord Sri
While all the gods in other temples stay in
Venkateswara emerged by Himself (Svayambhu) their sanctum sanctorum gracing their devotees
in particular in the Southern part of the River Ganga Lord Srinivasa stays in the Garbhalaya (Sanctum
nearly at a distance of two hundred Yojanas and Sanctorum) and another form of Him
at a distance of Five Yojanas West from the Eastern MALAYAPPASWAMI receives all kinds of services
Ocean, on this Mountain which was then called during all the festivals outside the temple. Sri
Narayana Giri, the Western bank of Svami Malayappaswami (Sri Venkateswara) is the dearest
God of all the devotees. During the
Puskarini, in the first Krita Yuga of present
Brahmotsavams He moves around on different
Svetavaraha Kalpa in the Bharata Varsha of
Vahanams and graces the devotees in different
Jambudvipa, in the month of Bhadrapada on the
forms with different weapons and ornaments. His
Tithi of Dvadasi in the most auspicious Siddha Yoga forms are special, His decorations are special and
of Monday, by the request of all the GODS for the His ornaments are special. Here are the details in
protection of all the worlds. brief.

SAPTHAGIRI 39
SRI VENKATESWARA WITH SRIDEVI AND GODDESS SARASVATI ON HAMSA VAHANAM
BHUDEVI ON PEDDASESHA VAHANAM
Soon the curtain is unveiled all the devotees
Pedda Shesha Vahanam is the first one with a great devotion could have the pleasant
among all the Vahanasevas. The Vehicle of Darsan of Sri Malayappa Swami in the form of
Peddashesha Vahana is made ready for its move Goddess of Learning Sarasvati holding the jewel
in the four holy Mada Streets of Tirumala Temple. studded Veena and Pustakam (book) in hands to
remove all the difficulties of His Devotees.
It is decorated with different kinds of flowery
Goddess Sarsavati is one of the Divine forms of
garlands, electric lamp series and other kinds of
Para Sakti. She is the Spouse of Brahma, the
decorative things. While the most resonant Vedic
Creator. She is the Goddess of Knowledge and
recitations lead the procession, the Divine mothers Wisdom.
Sri Devi and Bhu Devi and the Prime God of the
YOGA NRISIMHA ON SIMHA VAHANAM
Festival Sri Malayappa Swami are brought to the
Vahanamanadapa (The Hall of the Sacred While the pleasant form of Lord Srinivasa is
Vahanams) and mounted upon the Peddasesha to grace his devotees his Fierce appearance in
Vahanam on three separate seats. While Lord the form of Narasimha is to cause a dreadful
feeling in the hearts of Demons. Hence on this
Srinivasa bearing Sudarsana Chakra and
holy occasion Lord Srinivasa having assumed
Panchajanya Conch on the either sides of the
such marvelous form of YOGA NRISIMHA
shoulders and a Mace and Lotus with his two mounted up on the SIMHA VAHANA. This Nrisimha
hands the Mother Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi form of Vishnu is for protecting the good and
are richly ornamented and appropriately crowned. punishing the evil.
All the three idols are adorned with different While the Asuri emotions in human beings
kinds of jewelry and fragrant flowery garlands of start swallowing the worlds with unfettered
different sizes and spaciously seated on the madness and their beastly desires are with
Peddasesha vahanam. The three deities cast their unpreventable wrath wandering in the forests of
gracious looks on the worlds with great objective world a GREAT LION is needed to kill all
compassion. Their new silk garments are emitting those beasts of desires and a GOD like NRISIMHA
is necessary for suppressing those ASURI
splendorous rays.
EMOTIONS. Hence today is meant for SIMHA
LORD SRINIVASA ALONE ON CHINNA SESHA vahana with NRISIMHA MURTI on it. The DIVINE
VAHANAM LION GOD NRISIMHA firmly holds the Six internal
demonic feelings of human beings : Desire, Anger,
The magnificent appearance of Sri
Greed, Infatuation, Intoxication and Jealousy and
Malayappa swami on Chinna Sesha is a result of tears them with his 10 sharp claws.
the great virtues of the devotees. So the moment
SRI MALAYAPPA SWAMI WITH HIS TWO
of Sri Venkateswara is nothing but the symbolic
SPOUSES ON MUTYAPU PANDIRI VAHANAM
appearance of Swami in all the hearts of worldly
beings. So He is called 'Sarvabhuta chittadhivasi On the evening of the third day, the Lord is
Vasudeva'. Vasudeva means one who dwells in again taken out in procession along with his
the hearts of all beings. He is further called consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi in a palanquin
decorated with a canopy of pearls. Pearl is said to
'Sarvantaryami..' Who moves in the inner hearts
be a symbol of purity and royalty. While the
of all. So for his fulfillment of Sarvantaryamitva he
Palanquin of Pearl is so beautiful as this the God
needs one vehicle. That is Jiva the Individual Self
on this vahanam is more beautiful with his splendor
or Individual Consciousness. That Jiva is Chinna
with different ornaments such as Vajarakavacham,
Sesha of this context. Jeweled Crown and all other divine ornaments.
40
40 SEPTEMBER, 2017
SRI VENKATESWARA WITH SRIDEVI AND with great devotion. One of the special features
BHUDEVI ON KALPA VRIKSHA VAHANAM of this Garuda Vahana seva is that the special
ornaments like Makara Kanthi, Lakshmi Haram,
On the fourth day of the festival the Lord
Sahasranama haram etc., which on all other days
along with his two spouses is taken out in
exclusively adorned to the Mula Virat or Dhruva
procession in the morning on the Kalpa Vruksha
bera in the Sanctum Sanctorum are today
as his vehicle. His and of his two better halves the
adorned to Sri Malayappa Swami. Similarly the
ornaments, the decorations and their garlands are
flowery garland of Godambika Devi of Villiputturu
all very brilliant even during the day time and they
is specially brought on this day from Tamilnadu
are pleasing to the eyes of the devotees. He
and the priests decorate Srinivasa Swamy with
bestows the Kalpa Vriksha with such ability to fulfill
that Garland. Beautiful, colorful and round-shaped
all the desires of help seekers.
white umbrellas which devotees send from
LORD SRINIVASA ON SARVA BHUPALA Tamilnadu also can be seen in the huge Convoy
VAHANAM of Sri Swamy varu as a mark of His Ananthakoti
On the fourth day evening the Lord is again Brahmanda Nayakatva.
taken out in procession on a vehicle called Sarva VENKATADRI RAMA ON HANUMAD VAHANAM
Bhoopala Vahanam signifying that He is the Lord
In the morning of the 6 th day of
of Lords. One who has no grace of Vishnu cannot
Brahmotsavams the devotees have the pleasure
become a ruler. In every ruler may be of a region
of witnessing the most inspiring source of devotion
or a country or a continent or the entire earth or
Sri Hanuman as the vehicle of Lord Srinivasa
even of all celestial regions, unless there is the who assumes the form of Sri Venktadari Rama
aspect of Vishnu one cannot become ruler. So with a bow in one hand and the other hand in
every ruler having realized this fact should rule Varada Mudra. People feel blessed to see
his respective regions according to the line of Srinivasa in the appearance of Sri Venkatadri
Dharma. This is intended to be conveyed to the Rama a rare appearance.
people. Hence He moves on Sarvabhupala
vahanam. SRI MALAYAPPA SWAMI WITH SRIDEVI AND
BHUDEVI ON SUVARNA RATHAM
MOHINI AVATARAM ON PALANQUIN
This is a very pleasant event to all the
The beautiful Goddess Mohini is the 5th day’s devotees to behold Sri Malayappa swami varu
morning form of Srinivasa and on the elevated with his two spouses Sri Devi and Bhu Devi the
mount moves in the four Mada streets to please Divine Mothers of the whole Universe on the
all the devotees by showering her nectarous GOLDEN CHARIOT. The golden Chariot when
blessings to all. On seeing such a most beautiful seen even from distance looks like as if it were
female aspect of Srinivasa and by her side the the moving - golden replica of the Mahadvara of
little Balakrishna sits in butter-eating posture Sri Swami’s main Temple. It causes such a
pleasing and gracing all the devotees on the either surprising pleasure looking as if it were another
sides of the Mada streets. Anandanilaya.
SRI MALAYAPPA SWAMI ON GARUDA SRI SWAMI ALONE ON GAJA VAHANAM
VAHANAM
On the sixth day evening the Lord is taken
The kind hearted GOD Srinivasa with a out in procession on Elephant (Gaja) or
desire to bless his devotees mounts on the back Airavatham as his vehicle. For both Lord Srinivasa
of Garutman on this 5th day in the evening. This and his spouse Sri Devi the Elephant is one of
festival is witnessed by some lakhs of devotees the most dearest vehicle.

41
SAPTHAGIRI 41
SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMI ON flooded with devotees to witness this occasion.
SURYAPRABHA VAHANAM It is believed and said that those who witness
the Lord seated on the Chariot during
On this day during the morning time Sri
Rathotsavam will not be reborn. Idols of Daruka
Malayappaswami Mounts upon the Vehicle in the
the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna and four horses
form of Surya Deva. Here the wonderful sequence
are placed before the Lord on the chariot.
is that The GOD VISHNU mounted up on his own
divine aspect. Vishnu on Vishnu is a very rare KALKI ON ASWA VAHANAM
occurrence. The God is bestowing all blessings The incarnation of Kalki is the 10th and the
on his devotees. last among all the special incarnations of Lord
The Crown of Swami varu represents Vishnu. This incarnation of Vishnu is meant for
Upanishads.. His two ear ornaments are Jnana gracing His devotees with all kinds of prosperity
and Vairagya. His silk garments are the Vedas. and protection in this drastic Kali Age. To
His Yajnopavita is Pranava. His eyes are the Bhakti suppress the evil influences of KALI this
and Karma. incarnation of Vishnu is meant. For this sake Kalki
bears in his hands the Sword of Jnana and
His Kaustubha Mani is the Jivatma. His
mounts upon the Horse of Pranava. That divine
Srivatsa is Jivachaitanya. That is why he has given
Horse of Pranava is the vehicle of the Day of Sri
equal status to all the Jivas on par with Sri
Srinivasa during the Brahmotsavams. To purify
Mahalakshmi who is on his vakshasthala.
all the worlds Sri Malayappa swami is on that
SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMI ON CHANDRA Divine Horse and sets his journey in the four
PRABHA VAHANAM Mada Streets which are representatives of the
While the devotees are offering prayers of four Vedas : Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and
this kind describing various aspects of Lord Atharva veda.
Srinivasa the processional deity Sri LORD SRINIVASA WITH HIS TWO SPOUSES
Malayappaswami Varu in the form the little Krishna AND SUDARSANA DURING CHAKRA SNANAM
eating butter from the pot having mounted on the
Chakrasnanam is the end ritual of
Chandraprabhavahanam moves in the Mada
Brahmotsavams. A holy bath taken at the end of
streets blessing his devotees.
any Yajna is called Avabrutha snanam. This
Here the little Krishna represents pure Avabrutha Snana at the end of the Brahmotsava
Parabrahma Tattva. The pot in the hands of Yajna is called Chakrasnanam. Chakrasnana
Krishna is Brahmandam and the butter has two alone is as much important as the rest of total
way interpretation. When it is eaten it is the Bhakti Brahmotsava vahana sevas all together. On the
of His devotees and when it is offered by Him to tenth day morning, last day of the
the devotees it is the essential Knowledge to attain Brahmotsavam, special abhishekam (Avabrutha
Moksha. It is a very spectacular view to see Snanam) is held for utsava murti
Malayappa Swami on Chandraprabha Vahana. Malayappaswami and his consorts Sri Devi and
Bhu Devi in the complex of Lord Varaha Swamy
LORD SRINIVASA WITH HIS TWO SPOUSES ON
temple on the banks of Swamy Pushkarini. This
RATHOTSAVAM
ritual of Abhisheka for Malayappaswami, Sri Devi
On the penultimate day (eighth day) morning and Bhu Devi is performed in the presence of
the Lord Venkateswara is taken out in procession thousands of devotees. Along with the God and
along with his consorts seated on a fully decorated Goddesses the abhisheka ceremony
Chariot pulled by the devotees with the chanting is offered to Sudarsana
of Govinda Nama Smarana. Tirumala will be Chakrattalvar also.
42
42 SEPTEMBER, 2017
The Tirumala temple is famous from earliest times for the festivals
conducted on the hill. Those festivals more or less continue with increasing
popularity even up to the present day.

In ancient days under royal patronage the Tirumala which is known as ‘Brahmotsavam’
temple had received gifts and endowments belongs to this category of basic festivals.
primarily for the worship of the Lord and secondarily
The Brahmotsavams
for augmenting the grandeur and attraction of the
temple and increasing its popularity by means of The Brahmotsavams at Tirumala is the most
elaborate festivals and profuse food offerings. popular festival drawing huge crowds. This is a
Even the construction of spacious and artistic basic festival enjoined by the Sastras and Agamas.
mandapams and imposing prakarams and The festival bear the name ‘Brahmotsavams’ to
gopurams were intended only for this purpose. commemorate the first Utsavam of the Lord of
Tirumala, which was conducted by Brahma, the
The festivals in the temples may be classified
Lord of Creation as per Varaha Purana. This
into two broad divisions, namely, the basic festivals
Utsavam is conducted according to the injunctions
connected with the ritual of temple worship and
of the Sastras.
which are enjoined by the Sastras and Agamas,
and auxiliary or secondary festivals according to Prior to 966 A.D. perhaps only one
the nature of this establishment, endowment by Brahmotsavam was conducted at Tirumala. In 966
devotees etc. The basic festivals are compulsorily A.D. the Pallava Queen Samavai who arranged
being enjoined by the Agamas and the Sastras to for the installation of the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy
be observed at fixed times of the Calendar to idol in the temple, made provisions to conduct two
coincide with some astronomical data and the Brahmotsavams, one in Purattasi month and the
omission of which would be considered to be most other during the Mukkoti Dvadasi period. Thus two
inauspicious. In fact in many of temples, restitution Brahmotsavams were being performed from the
of these festivals once suspended would call for 10th Century A.D. The same Queen also presented
special Suddhi rites. The most popular festival of a number of jewels and ornaments including a

SAPTHAGIRI 43
Kiritam or crown and arranged for endowments temple as well. Thus by about the 14th Century
for the conduct of the festivals with a procession A.D. a festival known as ‘Tirukodi Tirunal’ or
for the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy for a few days ‘Brahmotsavam’ was conducted three times a year
immediately preceding the main festival as well at Tirumala and two times a year at Tirupati—-
as during-the main festival itself in the month of (Epigraph 102-T.T.). We learn that there were
Purattasi commencing on the day of Chittirai and more festivals than one though the precise nature
lasting for nine days. In the same year the same and number of them are not known.
Queen made a further provision for another
At the time of Harihara II we learn that this
festival for the same silver idol with two
King instituted a fresh festival in the month of masi
processions each day for seven days prior to
at Tirumala through the agency o f Mullai
Margazhi Tiru Dvadasi that is the Mukkoti Dvadasi.
Tiruvenkata Jeer. The expenses were to be met
To meet the expenses of these, the Queen
from the income of the village Pungodu which was
endowed certain lands to the temples and
endowed by him to the temple (61 and 103-T.T.).
enjoined on the administrators called the
From a critical study of the epigraph we can find
Stanattars to take care to see that no tax was
that as times went on these festivals rose by the
levied on the land granted by her.
middle of the 16th Century to ten a year and they
The Chola records make no mention of any were probably distributed among the ten months
of these festivals but a later epigraph enables us of the year with the exception of Vaikasi and Ani
to gauge from the increase in quantity and variety in which two festivals were conducted at Tirupati
of food offerings about the increase in the number for Sri Govindaraja.
and magnitude of the festivals of the temples.
The Brahmotsavam was celebrated for a
Some of the minor feudatories like the
period of twelve days counted from the day of
Gandagopalas, the Yadavarayas, with
ankurarpana (sowing of seeds) of nine kinds
Kadavarayas and the Sambhuvarians made gifts
of seeds in earthen vessels to the day of
and grants to the temple for the perpetuation of
Vidayarru, or the day of preparations for
nityadeepa and nitya naivedya as well as
relaxation after the exertions of the temple
utsavams for the deities. Thus we find from the
servants for twelve days during the festival.
evidence of the epigraphs that about 1300 A.D.
Each day after the procession was over, the
in addition to the two Brahmotsavams observed
Utsavamurthi was taken away into the temple
in the 10th Century in the months of Purattasi
to a mandapa, installed there is an asthana or
and Margazhi, similar festivals were also
an assembly, and was offered the special
performed in the month of Adi at Tirumala for the
naivedya provided for the occasion by the
Lord (189 T.T.)., besides the original namely, the
devotees. Similar asthanams were also
festival in Vaikhasi held at Tirupati (111-G.T.). The
arranged by the devotees to be conducted in
second festival in Adi was instituted by the Queen
the mandapams built in their flower gardens,
of Viranarasimha Yadavaraya, in his 30th regnal
round the temple to which the Utsavamurthi
year. To meet the expenses the Queen granted
was taken during the course of the procession
half the village of ‘Paindapalli’ of which the other
before returning to the temple. In fact the
half had already been granted. Besides this she
asthana formed a feature not only in the
had a four-sided wooden ratha(Chariot)
Brahmotsavam but in other festivals also.
constructed for the deity during the festival, and
the expenses for decoration and repairs to this Till some decades ago the temple conducted
ratha also were ordered by her to be met from four Brahmotsavams in a year; the first in purattasi
the same endowments. The temple administrators month, the second on the Rathasaptami day, the
were also empowered by her to utilise any unspent Third on the Kausika Ekadasi day in the Kartika
balance of the endowment to the repairs of the month and the fourth on Vaikunta Ekadasi or

44
44 SEPTEMBER, 2017
Mukkoti Ekadasi day. The utsavams are Lord are not seated by his side on the Vahanam
conducted for several days. The festival during as usual. On this day, the Lord is given ‘Uyyala
the Rathasapthami period is considered to be an Seva’ in the evening. This Uyyala Seva or ‘Seva
arsha utsava, while that on the Kausika Dvadasi in the Swing’ takes place in the open area near
day is considered to be a rakshasic one. The most the Dhvajastambham. The processional deity
comes out of the temple in a tiruchi and the poles
important of these is the purattasi month Utsavam
of the tirucchi are fixed to chain (fixed to the
generally conducted in September-October. The
ceiling) with rings attached to them and the whole
utsavam commences on the day when Sravana
is swung to and fro during the Swing or Uyyala
Nakshatra is prominent. At present only this
Seva. During this Asthanam or durbar, songs are
festival is conducted.
sung and Vedic hymns etc. chanted.
On the day before the Sravana star day
The deity is then taken and installed on the
(thithi) Ankurarpanam is done by sowing Garuda vehicle. The Makarakanti ornament and
‘navadhanya’ seeds for germination in specially the Lakshmiharam on the Mula-vigraham are then
decorated new pots called ‘Palikas’. This is brought and used for the decoration of the Lord
supposed to form part of the propitiatory offerings on the Garuda vehicle. The vahanam is then
to the Nityasuris or celestials in the temple. A taken in procession around the east, west, north
‘Poorna Kumbham’ is also installed in the and south Mada streets of Tirumala. The Lord has
yagasala. the usual paraphernalia during this procession
The festival actually commences on the such as Chatra, Chamara, Mangala Vadyas,
recital of the holy books etc.
first day with the Dhvajarohanam - a ceremony
in which the Lord’s flag with the Garuda The car festival takes place on the eighth
emblem is flown on a flag staff erected next to day. This ‘Rathotsavam’ attracts the largest crowd
the Dhvajastambham. Everyday the Utsavam during the Brahmotvasam festival days. The
for the Lord is conducted with splendour, along Utsavamurthi along with His Consorts is brought
with homas etc., as per rituals laid down. The on to the temple car early in the morning. The
Lord’s Utsava Vigraham (with or without His Lord in the temple car are then gaily decorated;
Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi) is also taken the temple chariot is then taken round the streets
in procession twice-once in the day time and of Tirumala.
again in the night time with the appropriate On the eleventh day of the festival, the
Vahanam. The Vahanams for the processions processional deity is taken on a Tirucchi Vahanam
at night on the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, to the Swami Pushkarini. The Chakram of the Lord
sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth days are (also called Chakrattalvar) then gets a bath in the
the Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Hamsa, Simha, Swami Pushkarini. At the same time, the devotees
Punya Koti Vimanam, Garuda, Elephant, of the Lord also plunge into the Swami Pushkarini.
Chandra Prabha, Aswa, Ivory Palanquin, and A bath at this time in the Swami Pushkarini is
Tirucchi Vahanams respectively. considered to be very holy and merit-giving. The
Brahmotsavam comes to an end with this snana
The important festival days are the fifth, or bathing of the Lord in the Pushkarani.
eighth and eleventh days. The morning
procession of the Lord on the 7th day with Surya It is also to be noted that Second
Prabha Vahanam is also worth seeing. Brahmotsavam in adhika month is performed once
in four year.
The Utsavam on the night of the fifth day
— an extract from ‘THE TIRUMALA TEMPLE’
is called the Garuda Seva or Garudotsavam. On
by Dr.N. Ramesan
this day the processional deity alone is taken in
procession on the Garuda; the consorts of the
45
SAPTHAGIRI 45
Kaveri Pushkarams from
Sept. 12th to 23rd, 2017

For the Indian nurtured in Sanatana Dharma, handsome Jaganmohana Ranga deity in
water is holy. Spirituality is associated with the flowing the Ranganatha temple, which is referred to
waters of the river. Hence, even great kings like Sagara as Madhya Ranga. Actually as we move
moved out of their palaces to stay on the banks of a along the Kaveri banks, we would come
river to perform yajnas. The Mahabharata tells us how across countless temples to Ranganatha. This
when Balarama decided to stay away from the is why often in the course of archana in some of these
Kurukshetra war, he went away to follow the course of temples, the priest will say, “Kaveriteerarasikaaya
the river Saraswati and this is how we have a detailed namah”. From here we can joyously travel along the
picture of the Saraswati delta civilization in the plains for miles watching the flowing Kaveri till we
Mahabharata. In course of time all rivers nurtured come to another great space in Karnataka, the Mysore
unique civilizations. Rivers like the Ganges, the State. Despite the destruction by Islamic armies in the
Tambraparni, the Godavari and Kaveri are now famous past including those of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan,
for their associations with the life divine. It is now time Sanatana Dharma has triumphed and a good number
to celebrate Kaveri pushkaram and so let us start with of temples famous for their sanctity as well as for their
worshipping at the source of the river which rises in art, architecture and sculpture like those at Belur and
Kodagu district. There is a temple here and the place is Halebid have survived and speak of the triumph of the
known as 'Talakaveri'. In rainy season one can watch Spirit of Hinduism propagated in these areas by Sri
the flow from the kund (tank) which has been built Ramanuja one thousand years ago.
around the spring of water Originally built by the
Kodava tribe, the temple becomes crowded in Fifteen kilometres away from Mysore is the
Octoberwith pilgrims coming for the Tala snana as it is famous Srirangapatna. It is actually an island
the Pushkaram season for rivers. For a little distance surrounded by Kaveri waters. The temple to
from here Kaveri flows as Antarvahini and emerges as Ranganatha here was built in the 9thcentury by the kings
the Kaveri river to begin its uninterrupted flow through of the Ganga dynasty. Sri Ramanuja’s stay in Karnataka
765 kilometres. Innumerable temples and temple cities evoked a lot of enthusiasm in the minds of the devotees
have sprung upon its nourishing banks. At least a few and within three centuries the temple had become an
of these spots of life divine should be remembered with architectural marvel too thanks to the sculptors of the
gratitude during this pushkaram season. Hoysala and Vijayanagar dynasties. This temple is
known as 'AdiRangam', while the Ranganatha temple
After worshipping the Goddess at Talakaveri and
in Sivasamudram is known as 'Madhya Rangam'.
having darshan of the presiding deities in the temples
of Agasthya and Subramania swamy, we will rest for a Kaveririver’s 'AntyaRangam' is in the Srirangam temple
while at Sivasamudram in Mandya district. The Kaveri city.
descending 98 metres is awesome and forms a fitting Having taken in the spiritual ambience of the holy
background for the ancient SomesvaraLinga. When we temple which has not been marred by battles including
worship Shiva here, we get to be blessed by the Sri Tipu Sultan’s last battle with the British, we can proceed
Chakra established by AdiSankara 1800 years ago. We towards the Kongunadu, that forms, as it were, the
can also have our heart grow wings watching the gateway to Tamil Nadu. Here we have famous Siva

46
46 SEPTEMBER, 2017
temples like Avinashilingam. But it is now time for us Having bathed in the Kaveri, and worshipped in the
to conclude this particular travel with Kaveri in Veli Andal temple, let us now enter in the seventh prakara
AntyaRangam. We cross Kaveri to enter the island, known as ChitraVeedhi, where we can worship at the shrine
holding our palms together in adoration reciting the of Vedanta Desika. We now move into the sixth prakara,
the Uttara Veedhi to pay homage to ManavalaMamuni in
verse of Sri Bhattar in Sri RangarajaStava:
his temple. Going into the fifth prakara by crossing the
“On the banks of the Kaveri, in the city of NanmukanKottaiVasal, we can worship at a series of great
Srirangam, lies the Blue-Complexioned rivalling the temples including those of Nathamuni,
sapphire’s sheen, on the King of the Serpents. If I can TondaradippodiAlvar, Anjaneya, Nathamuni and
spend my time close to him, calling out, “O Ramanuja. The well-known Thousand-Pillared Mandapam
Madhumadhana, O Narayana, O Hari, O Govinda, O and the sculpturally fantastic Sesharayar Mandapam are
Murari, my days would pass by like a minute.” in this circle. The most important temple in this circle is
that of Ranganayaki Thayar. Entering the fourth prakara
Indeed, this is an eternal city that takes our breath
we can worship in the temples of Dhanvantri and
away by its size, by its history, religious rituals, spiritual
Nammalwar It is in this prakara that we standamazed
aura and thronging pilgrims. All the alvars have visited woshipping the huge Garuda who looks every inch the
the temple and sung about Ranganatha’s handsome guardian of us all if we find ourselves in any difficulty.
appearance and the never-failing compassion of From here we enter the third Prakara named after
RanganayakiThayar. All famous Sri Vaishnava KulasekaraAlvar. In this prakara we can gaze at the
acharyas have lived here. Srirangam is also an Paramapadavasal whose doors are opened only on Vaikunta
importance spiritual centre for the Ekadasi day. Walking through NazhikaiKettanVasal, we
MadhwaSampradaya and there are several Mutts here find ourselves in the second prakara. It is the most-guarded
that subscribe to the DvaitaVedanta. place as it contains the treasury. ThulukkaNachiarSannidhi
in the Arjuna Mandapam and Santhana Mandapam where
Sri Ranganatha’s temple has seven prakaras,
tirumanjanam is performed are in this prakara.
each of them encircled by a fortwall. Outside the seventh
we have the Adayavalaindhan Circle, an enclosure as Ah, now we have come to AnukkanTiruvasal
indicated by the name. Here we have the which is the entry space for the first prakara. We now
VeliAndalsannidhi, a huge temple where originally stand at the door of the sanctum, known as
Perialvar and Andal are said to have stayed on their KulasekharanPadi with two huge pillars in its front called
first visit to Srirangam. Later on, King Vallabhadeva Tirumana-Thoon. Having wandered through the seven
built an east-facing temple to Andal. Sri Krishnadeva prakaras as one wanders through several births, we stand
at the KulasekharanPadi and have a clear view of Lord
Raya’s epic AmuktaMalyada makes references to their
Ranganatha resting on the Adisesha, under the Pranavakara
staying outside the seventh prakara and then going in
Vimana. Is there a heavenlier gift for us during the
to worship Ranganatha.
KaveriPushkaram?
“What is the use of having eyes
If you cannot see KaveriRanga?
He is the Lord Auspicious
In all the world. What use having eyes
If you do not watch His feet?
What use having sight
If one does not bathe
In Chandrapushkarini
And watch with joy Lord Ranga?”
(Sripada Raja’s song)

47
SAPTHAGIRI 47
There are two important Navaratri festivals every
year. The ten day festival of Chaitra Navaratri or Vasanta
Navaratri falls during March-April and begins with
Ugadi. The ninth day of this Navaratri is usually
celebrated as Sri Rama Navami. The other Navaratri is
the Sharadiya Navaratri that falls during September-
October. This is more popular and hence is known as
Maha-Navaratri.
Maha-Navaratri is celebrated all over India with
some local differences. Generally, during the nine nights
of this festival, the mother Goddess is worshipped in her
three important forms – Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati
– each form being worshipped for three days. During the
first three days, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of
Durga or Kali, in the form of a warrior, dressed in red
and riding on a lion or tiger. On the second three days,
the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Lakshmi
signifying wealth and prosperity. The last three days are
devoted to Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. The
tenth day is Vijaya Dasami – where victory over evil is
celebrated – whether it is Durga overcoming Mahishasura
or Rama winning over Ravana.
Navaratri celebrations usually begin with
ghatasthapana or kalashasthapana representing the
Mother Goddess (Devi) where a pot with water, mango
leaves and a coconut, sometimes with the face of Devi, is
installed in the puja room or in front of the kolu or in a
special place in the house. The pot and the coconut may
be decorated with turmeric and vermilion; sometimes a
cloth or threads are tied around the coconut. After fasting
and pooja, harati is performed.
During Navaratri, the mother goddess in the form
of Durga is venerated. Worship of goddess Durga dates
to ancient times. She is the fierce protective form and
ensures victory of good over evil. Devi Mahatmyam (also
known as Durgasaptashati), part of the Markandeya
Purana, describes the battle between good and evil, the
Navaratri Utsavams from battle between Durga and Mahishasura. The battle
Sept. 21st to 30th, 2017 between good and evil is not just a physical destruction

48
4848 SEPTEMBER, 2017
of an enemy. It is also destruction of mind’s evil In south India, especially in the states of Tamil
tendencies. As the elite points out, Mahishasura, the Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the practice of
demon stands for ‘tamoguna’, the quality of laziness, ‘bommalakoluvu’ is in vogue. Figurines and idols made
darkness, ignorance and inertia. These can be get rid of a variety of materials - clay, ceramic, metal, paper;
off by invoking the divine power of goddess Durga. professionally made or handcrafted at home; bought new
This protective nature of goddess Durga is or handed down over years and generations – are displayed
extolled by Sri Aurobindo in his DurgaStotra: on a series of steps that are covered with cloth and
“Mother Durga! Slay the enemy within, then root decorated. Some people go in for simple displays, others
out all obstacles outside. May the noble heroic mighty plan meticulous thematic presentations, collecting items
Indian race, supreme in love and unity, truth and carefully for the purpose. It is not just Gods and
strength, arts and letters, force and knowledge ever Goddesses who appear on the steps – social themes and
dwell in its holy woodlands, its fertile fields under its tableaus of daily events are on display; sometimes even
sky-scraping hills, along the banks of its pure-streaming the gods are made to participate in current happenings
rivers. This is our prayer at the feet of the Mother. such as a Ganesh cricket set. On the floor, greenery for
Make thyself manifest. parks is created using fast growing seeds such as til.
In Bengal, Durga Puja is a major festival with Evenings are special when ladies and children attired in
huge pandals in which giant figures of Durga are their best go from house to house for ‘pasupukumkum’,
installed and worshipped. There, it is the last six days admiring the display and also singing. Sundal made of
of Navaratri that are celebrated. The idols are soaked chana or peas is a must. Just as Devi Mahatmyam
worshipped for five days and on the sixth day, Dasami, is chanted where Durga puja is done, in some places it is
they are taken in ceremonial procession and immersed Sri Suktam, the hymn to Lakshmi, that is recited. On
in the river. The end of Navaratri also marks an Vijaya Dashami day, hymns to goddess Saraswati are
auspicious time for starting new activities. chanted.
prathamaۨĞDLODSXWUƯFDGYLWƯ\DۨEUDKPDFƗUL۬Ư@ Not just at home, but in temples too, kolu is
t‫܀‬WƯ\Dۨcandraghaۨ‫ܒ‬HWLNnj‫܈‬PƗ۬‫ڲ‬eticaturthakam@@ celebrated. Ammavaru is adorned with various alankaras
(decorations) and referred to as being in ‘kolu’. For
pa۬camaۨVNQGDPƗWHWL‫܈‬a‫ܒ܈‬haۨNƗW\Ɨ\DQƯWLFD@
example, in Srirangam temple, the Navaratri festival is
saptamaۨNƗODUƗWUƯWLPDKƗJDXUƯWLFƗ‫ܒ܈‬amam@@ entirely in the thayarsannidhi, with thayar being placed
navamaۨVLGGKLGƗWUƯFDQDYDGXUJƗ‫ۊ‬SUDNƯUWLWƗ‫@@ۊ‬ in the swing and giving darshan to the thronging
Just as each day is dedicated to one form of the multitudes. In Madurai Meenakshi temple, a series of
Goddess, each day has a significance in terms of colour. kolu displays can be seen within the temple in a large
The colour is decided based on the day of the week that number of bays near the sanctum.
the festival begins and the remaining eight follow a fixed It can be observed that whatever rituals are
cycle of colours. In 2017, the sequence is given as yellow followed, whatever modes of celebrations are carried out,
(for 21st September) followed by green, grey, orange, the Navaratri period actually focuses on woman power.
white, red, royal blue, pink and purple. Over time, in She is the one who nurtures, nourishes and guards her
Gujarat and Maharashtra, it has become a fashionable family, her people.
trend to wear the colour of the day whether going to
work or to participate in dandiya and garba dances!

SAPTHAGIRI 49 49
49
Vamana
Jayanti
Sept. 2nd,
2017

The puranas offer splendid glimpses of Hindu his hermitage, they inspired Aditi to commence
tradition and culture. They protect ‘sanatana penance to please Lord Vishnu. After Aditi’s severe
dharma’ and religious righteousness. The Vamana penance, Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased.
Purana is one of the eighteen Puranas written by Thoroughly gratified by Kashyap’s eulogies, He
Maharshi Veda Vyasa. It contains tales pertaining appeared before the deities. Kashyap requested
to Lord Vishnu in His ‘Vamana Swaroopa’ i.e., dwarf Him to give Aditi, the privilege of becoming His
incarnation. While giving answers to sage Narada’s mother. Lord Vishnu agreed to take birth as her
queries, the sage Pulastya narrates the tale of the son.
Vamana Purana. According to legends, Lord
The Legend of king Bali: King Bali was the great
Vamana is the twelfth of the Adityas and the
grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son
fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Bhagavatha
of Prahlada and son of Virochana. After his father’s
Purana describes that Lord Vishnu descended as
death, he defeated the deities and drove them out
Vamana as an avatar to restore the authority
from their abodes. Very soon, all the three worlds
of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken
were under his control. Despite these features, he
by King Bali. Lord Krishna made it clear in the Gita:
was a virtuous king and so were his subjects.
Paritranaaya saadhoonaam vinaasaaya
During his reign, every corner in his kingdom would
chadushkritaam / dharma samsthapanaarthaayaya
be abuzz with religious activities. As a result, the
sambhavami yuge yuge// To protect the virtuous,
whole world became devoid of sin. The sage
to destroy evil and to establish “dharma’, I recreate
Pulastya said that the just rule of Bali had
myself in every Yuga”.
transformed Kaliyuga into Satayuga. Even his
Lord Vishnu blesses Kashyap: As per the subjects engaged themselves in virtuous activities
suggestion of Lord Brahma, the deities proceeded like penance and yagnas. They followed non-
towards Kashyap’s hermitage. When they reached violence and truth. One day, Goddess Lakshmi
50
50 SEPTEMBER, 2017
went to Bali and said that She had come to bless extremely pleased if Bilva patra, Malati and
him because he was a victorious king. He had even Champa flowers were offered to Him. A person who
defeated Indra and had control over all the three constructs the temple of Lord Vishnu liberates his
worlds. During the reign of king Bali, his subjects ancestors from their sins. Prahlad asked king Bali
were happy and prosperous. Nobody experienced to construct the temple of Lord Vishnu and worship
the pangs of hunger and everybody’s desire was Him with utmost devotion. After the departure of
fulfilled. The prominence of virtuosity and religious Prahlad, king Bali followed his instructions faithfully
rituals during king Bali’s rule was incomparable and and engaged himself in the worship of Lord Vishnu.
prosperity prevailed throughout his kingdom. The He instructed Vishwakarma to construct a
bond between Bali and Lakshmi is said to be one magnificent temple of Lord Vishnu and started
of the reasons for celebrating the Raksha worshipping Lord Vishnu accompanied by his wife
Bandhan, where the sisters prays for the welfare Vindhyavali. He used to clean the premises of the
of the brothers and the brothers protect the sisters temple and worship to Lord Vishnu with utmost
from harm. The festivals like Onam and Diwali are piety.
related to the return of king Bali from the nether
The Demands of Lord Vamana: The shaking and
world.
trembling of the earth surprised king Bali and he
After Lord Vishnu had established himself asked his ‘guru’ Shukracharya about the strange
inside Aditi’s womb, the demons became devoid event. He was also surprised by the fact that Agni
of their radiance and power. King Bali was surprised was not accepting the offerings. Shukracharya,
by the sudden development and asked Prahlad after contemplating for a while came to know about
about it. Prahlad who was a staunch devotee of Vamana’s incarnation. He informed king Bali that
Lord Vishnu went into deep meditation and saw Vamana was on his way to the site of oblation and
Lord Vishnu manifesting in Aditi’s womb as a dwarf. his each step was causing turbulence on the earth.
After coming out from his meditative trance, he told
King Bali was pleased that he would get an
Bali that the demons had lost their radiance due to
opportunity to see Lord Vishnu whom the sages
Lord Vishnu who was about to take incarnation at
contemplate upon Him incessantly. He was proud
the request of the deities. The arrogant and foolish
of his good fortune that the Lord was paying him a
king Bali made fun of Lord Vishnu egoistically.
visit. Knowing the reason for the arrival of Lord
Prahlad became furious at Bali’s arrogant and
Vamana, Shukracharya warned king Bali against
foolish utterances and cursed him by saying that
making any promise to Him. King Bali said that he
very soon he would meet his downfall and lose his
could not refuse if the Lord demands anything from
kingdom. After being cursed, king Bali realized his
him. He was willing to face any hardship to
mistake and begged for forgiveness. Prahlad said
safeguard his charitable image. He did mind even
to him to take refuge in Lord Vishnu, the Supreme
though the deities would get benefit by his actions.
Protector. He said that Lord Vishnu would be
Even if the Lord came with the intention of killing

The Manifestation of Lord Vamana: The ‘maharshis’ organized the process of the ‘Upanayanam’of
Lord Vamana. Bruhaspati offered him ‘Brahmasutra’. Kashyapa gave him ‘molanulu’. The Earth
granted him ‘krishnajinam’. Lord Chandra offered him ‘danda’. Lord Vamana’s mother gave her
son ‘koupeenam’. The Sky delivered him ‘chatram’. Lord Brahma offered him ‘kamandalam’. Sapta
Rishis presented him ‘dharbhalu’. Goddess Saraswathi offered him ‘aksharamala.’ Lord Surya
preached the boy ‘Gayatri Mantra’. Lord Kubera gave him a begging bowl. Goddess Parvati put
‘bhiksha’ into the begging bowl. It is said that “Sa brahma varchasenaivam sabham sambhavito
vatuhu.” The boy was scintillating like the radiance of Lord Brahma. Lord Vamana, in the guise of
a short Brahmin carrying an umbrella made of wood and palmyra leaves proceeded towards the
place where King Bali was performing his oblation in order to request three paces of land. He was
in the appearance of a hermit. Though he was diminutive in size, yet each of his steps was enough
to shake the earth.
51
SAPTHAGIRI 51
him, he was not scared. Lord Vamana arrived at King Bali in the Underworld: Lord Vishnu
the site. Vamana’s radiance subdued the power of blessed king Bali by saying that he would enjoy a
all demons who were present there. Impressed by long life till the end of the present Kalpa and sent
the grandeur of king Bali’s ‘yagna’, Lord Vamana him to the nether world. After reaching the nether
complimented him for organizing such a world, king Bali got constructed a beautiful city
magnificent ‘yagna’. King Bali eulogized and made of diamonds and other precious stones.
worshipped his esteemed guest. He requested Vishwakarma constructed an enormous altar in the
Vamana to reveal the reason of his arrival and central part of the city. King Bali lived there in luxury.
promised that his wishes would be fulfilled. Lord One day, while the demons were engaged in their
Vamana smiled and told him that he needed a small sensual pleasures, suddenly the awesome
piece of land measured by three steps for the Sudarshan chakra entered king Bali’s palace and
performance of yagna. King Bali was surprised and after making the demons bereft of their radiance
requested him to ask for more land but Lord went back to Lord Vishnu. King Bali thought that
Vamana told him that he needed only that much of only his grandfather Prahlad could help him out
land. King Bali consented. Lord Vamana revealed from the situation. On being remembered by king
His identity and enlarged to gigantic and cosmic Bali, Prahlad appeared before him. King Bali
proportions to stride over the three worlds. He requested him to describe the means which would
stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, be benedictory to him. Prahlad was pleasantly
from earth to the netherworld with the second. King surprised by his change of heart and said that a
Bali who was unable to fulfill his promise offered man who takes refuge in Lord Vishnu and
his head for the third. Vamana placed his foot and surrenders himself to His will becomes liberated
gave the king immortality for his humility. He was from all the miseries of life. All things which are
also allowed to return every year to see the citizens visible in the universe are the manifold
of his country. manifestations of Lord Vishnu himself. The bond
between Bali and Lakshmi is said to be one of the
reasons for celebrating the Raksha Bandhan,
SOLUTION TO PUZZLE where the sisters prays for the welfare of the
brothers and the brothers protect the sisters from
1 2 3 4 5 any harm. The festival of Onam for some and the
A N A Y U A K S first day of Diwali for some are related to the return
of Bali.
P S S F U King Bali symbolizes prosperity associated
6
with arrogance. The three feet of Lord Vamana
7
T N U A H T I K symbolizes the three planes of existence i.e.,
“Jagruth’, ‘swapna’, and ‘sushupti’ and the final step
placed on the head elevated king Bali from all the
R A E L three states. Thereby, he attained salvation and
8 9 10 11 eternal bliss. The reading of the Vamana Purana
S C A N A R J A helps man in enhancing his knowledge and makes
him free from all kinds of worldly attachments. It
12
also increases his love and devotion towards the
A A B N O
lotus-feet of Lord Vishnu. A devotee who chants
13 14 15 any one of the names of Lord Vishnu mentioned
H I D N I M T E in the Vamana Purana namely Karan Vaman,
Narayan, Amitvikram, Shargang Chakra and
Y D L E Purushottam and makes salutation either by
thought, speech or action attains
16 17 ‘Vaikunta’, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
A U R A A L A S

52 SEPTEMBER, 2017
PUZZLE
1 2 3 4 5
ACROSS
1. Wife of Kasyapa (5)
4. Say that one wants something (3)
6 7
(Jumbled)
6. Keep coming back to the mind (5)
(Jumbled)
8 9 10 11 7. A Large canvas bag used by soldiers to
carry various things (3) (From right to left).
12
8. Look quickly through (4)
13 14 15 10. Open a little way only (4) (Jumbled)
12. Seize (3) (Jumbled)
13. At the back (4) (Jumbled)
16 17 14. Small insect (4) (Jumbled)
16. A special quality close to a person (4)
17. Cry of unhappiness (4)
Presented by
T.S. Jagan Mohan 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121
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CLUES FOR PUZZLE
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WEAR HELMET DOWN


Pilgrims must
1. Fitting (3)
wear Helmet
while proceeding 2. Rakshasa (5)
between 3. Daughter of Banasura (4)
Tirumala and 4. Behind (5)
Tirupati and 5. Saraswathi (5)
Viceversa on Two
8. Kaveri river (5)
wheelers to
9. Parvathi (5)
protect
themselves from 10. Swathi (star) (5)
accidents. 11. Write quickly (3)
15. Visit (3) (From down to up).
Chief Vigilance & Security Officer, TTD

SAPTHAGIRI 53
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