Ramanisblog

Tag: lord balaji

  • Inside Thirupati Garbha Gruha 3 Venkateswaras And ….

    The sanctum of Thirupathi Venakateswara, Balaji contains the Idol of Lord Venkateswara and two more Idols of Srinivasa.

    Such is the imposing and divine presence of Lord Balaji with His stunning looks, we often miss what else is present in His Sanctum!

    Vishnu's Discus.
    Vishnu’s Discus.gif

    There are three idols of Lord Balaji, Srinivasa.

    They are,

    Idols in Thirupathi Sanctum image
    replica of Sanctum Sanctorum(Garba Griha) of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple depicting SriDevi BhuDevi Sametha Malayappa Swamy-Left, Lord Venkateswara Main Deity(Dhruva beram)-Center, Bhoga Srinivasa-Center bottom, Ugra Srinivasa, Sita Lakshmana Sametha Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Rukhmini- Right. Image credit wiki

    1.Sri Bhoga Srinivasa,

    2) Ugra Srinivasa,

    Legend has it that fire broke out in the village destroying houses during Brahmotsavam at Tirumala in the 14th century A.D. When prayers were offered to the God, a@ vision appeared to a devotee with a message from Lord Srinivasa himself. With the change in times, the Ugra Srinivasa idol could no longer remain the processibon idol and a new idol would be found as utsava murti (Malayappa swami). The Ugra Srinivasa idol is no longer brought out of the temple after sunrise and it is believed that sunrays touching the idol would spark fire in the temple complex.

    3) Koluvu Srinivasa,

    4) Sri Malayappa,

    5) Sri Krishna,

    6)Srirama, Sita, Lakshmana and Sugreeva and

    7) Sri Chakrattalvar. ‘

    It is rare to find seven idols in a Garbha Gruha.

    Three of Srinivasa are found.

    Srinivasa is an Avatar of Vishnu.

    Vishnu,though according to functions is  Kshatria,because He protects like a father,the term Vishnu is from Jishnu,meaning one who supports,The Vishnu Purana is classified as Sattvic , not Rajasic as protection is the function of a King with Compassion,Kshama,the ability to forgive.

    Yet in Thirupati we find Bhoga Srinivasa given the first place.

    Bhoga means enjoyment.

    In Srinivasa avatar ,His specific purpose has been to shower  Kshama and Blessings and He enjoys it.

    Hence Bhoga Srinivasa gets the priority.

    Ugra,Srinivasa represents His aspect of unforgiving anger.

    Many are not aware of this aspect of Lod Balaji,Srinivasa.

    As much as He is known for His munificence,He does not forgive a forget a slight nor goes any of the dues to Him by the Devotees,uncollected.

    If one has dues to Him ,like a vow taken to visit Thirupati or forgets to offer money if one has taken a vow to do so.

    Normally the signal he is not pleased with you in fulfilling your vow to Him, is your getting inexplicable stomach ailments.

    The solution is to fulfill your vow.

    Then, as a Father He would ignore your omission and shower you with His Grace.

    This,I have experienced personally and also from others.

    These do not have any scientific or even religious explanation.

    Period.

    As to me ,if my issue is resolved it is more than enough, I do not waste my time how and why  the problem is solved.

    Not very rational,

    Isn’t it?

    That is  way the things are.

    ‘Koluvu Srnivasa is Utsava Murthy.

    I am researching into the presence of Rama,Sita,Sugreeva and Chakkarathalvar in the Sanctum.

    They,in my opinion, have a historical connection.

    Shall write.

    ‘

    Bhoga Srinivasa Murti:
    Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Idol is a true copy of the Dhruva Bera(Main Deity) except that the Sanku and Chakra are permanently fixed in the case of Bhoga Srinivasa. Sri Bhoga Srinivasa gets Abhishekam every morning unlike the Dhruva Bera to which Abhishekam is performed only on Fridays.
    Ekanta Seva is performed to Sri Bhoga Srinivasa. During Ekanta Seva, Sri Bhoga Srinivasa is placed in a Silver Cradle in the Sayana Madapam and offered milk to Sri Bhoga Srinivasa. Sandalwood paste is also offered to him every night. Ekanta Seva is performed to Sri Bhoga Srinivasa for all months in a year except Dhanurmasam in which Ekanta Seva is performed to Sri Krishna.
    This idol is made of Silver and was consecrated by the donar, the Pallava Queen, Samavai in 966A.D. The donor’s consecration is recorded in an Epigraph on the northern wall of the Temple Prakaram which is perhaps the earliest inscription in the temple.
    Koluvu Srinivasa or Bali Bera:

    Every day after the morning Thomala Seva, a darbar called Koluvu is held in the Tirumamani Mantapam where the deity is brought and is seated in a silver chair with a gold umbrella above him. This idol officiates for the main idol during this function and hence his name is Koluvu Srinivasa.

    He is akin to the guardian deity and supervises the temple household, and keeps himself posted with all the affairs and revenue of the temple. The Panchangam or the Calendar of the day is also read out before Koluvu Srinivasa Every Day.

    Sri Malayappa or Utsava Murthi:
    The first mention of this deity under the name “Malai Kuniya Ninra Perumal” is found in an Epigraph about the year 1339AD. The idol is in a Standing Pose and is a replica of the Dhruva Bera(Main Deity). The two upper arms hold the Sanku and Chakra, the lower right arm is in the Varada hasta pose and the left arm in Katyavalambite pose. This image has a very rich treasury of precious gems and jewels made of Platinum and Gold.
    The idol of Lord Malayappa is about three feet height and stands on a lotus pedestal on a platform about 14inch height. To right is the idol of Sridevi about 30inch height. Sridevi left hand is in the Kataka hasta pose, the right is in the Gajakarna pose. To left is the idol of Bhudevi which is in standind pose. Bhudevi left hand is in the Gajakarna pose, the right is in the Kataka hasta pose.
    In the order of preferences the idols that represents the Dhruva Bera’

    Description of Thirupathi Balaji’S Grabha Gruha is from the following link and quoted portions are from this source.

    http://www.allgodscollections.com/2013/02/idols-in-garbha-griha-of-tirumala.html

  • Tirupati Balaji Temperature 110 F Sweats Daily

    I have written on  Unique Temples of India, which have special  special features.

    Some of them are aligned Longitude wise, like Chidambaram, Kanchipuram and Kalahasthi,

    lordbalajihdwww-picturesimages-inwallpapers9
    Lord Balaji, Tirupati, India

    Image credit.

    http://wallpaperhd9.blogspot.in/2013/07/lord-tirumala-venkateswara-swamy_22.html

     

    Temples where the shadow of the Murthi falls on the wall in the sanctum, where there is no source of Light.

    The Idols change colors once in every one and a half hour,once in fourteen days.

    Where Snakes perform pooja.

    Crocodile guards the temple.

    Where lord Subrahmanya idol sweats on the Kanda Sashti day.

    Tirumala hill resembling the profile of the Presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara, Balaji.

    and

    The idol of Lord Balaji of Tirupati has a temperature of 110 F early in the Morning around 4.30 am when the Abhishekam is perfomed and He sweats!

    ‘The idol of the Balaji always maintains a temperature of around 110*F. The Thirumala Hills is in cold climate at a height of about 3000 feet. ABHISHEGAM(sacred bath) is done early in the morning around 4.30AM to the idol with Cold Water,Cold Milk as well as other DRAVYAMS. But immediately after the sacred bath fine particles of water,appear on the body of the idol just like sweating.The ARCHAKAS,PUROHITS, gently swap the sweating by pressing a silken cloth on the body of the idol.On allThursdays, when the ornaments put on the idol of Balaji are removed just before the commencement of the sacred bath they are found to be very warm.’

    I cross checked the information with the traditional archakas who perform this ritual to Lord Balaji at Tirupati.

    For Tirupati e services visit Link below.

    http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/

    Citation and reference..

    http://www.tirupatipackagefrombangalore.com/miracles-of-thirupati/

    Ramani’s blog Rare information on Tirupati Balaji

     

  • Arjuna Visited Tirupati Papavinasa Theertha

    Countless Pilgrimages were taken by people belonging to Mahabharata times to South India.

    And contrary to what people think Tirupati is 2100 Million Years old.

    Route taken by Arjuna in his Pilgrimage.jpg Arjuna’s Pilgrimage,Route.

    ”

    Geologists have dated this and the information tallies with what Hindu Puranas say about the age of the Hills.

    It is about 21oo Million years old.’

    Source .Tirupati 2100 Million Years old

    The List includes,

    Lord Krishna,

    Balarama,

    The Pandavas,

    Karna….

    I had written an article on the Pilgrimage undertaken by Arjuna to South India.

    papavinasam-theertham.jpg
    Papavinasana Theertha, Tirupati.

    Among other places visited by Arjuna, he visited Tirupati, had Darshan of Lord Varaha ,Balaji  and took a holy dip in the Papavinasana Theertha for atoning the sin of seeing Yudhistra and Draupadi together.(Skanda Purana)

    Tirupati Papnanasa Theertham.jpg Tirupati Papnanasa Theertham.

    ‘

    When the five Pandavas were living together with their wife Draupadi, they had an arrangement,that Draupadi shall live as wife together with one of the Five and the other four Pandvas shall not be with her.

    Sri Vatsam of balaji, Tirupati.jpgi.
    Balaji Tirupati,Srivathsam is visible.

    Lord Balaji, Tirupati.

     

    At a point of time, Yudhistra was living with Draupadi.

     

    Agni,God Fire,in the guise of a Brahmin sought the help of  Arjuna to help  ease his hunger.

     

    Arjuna,being a Kshatriya and a King, could not but to accede to Agni’s request.

     

    Without knowing who Agni was and what his hunger was for, Arjuna agreed and was  shocked to know it was Agni and his hunger was for burning down the Kanadava Forest.

     

    He was in a dilemma for as a King he(Prince)  he had a duty to protect   forests with the animals living in it.

     

    He consulted(who else?) Lord Krishna,who told him as a King and Kshatriya it was his duty to fulfill his promise .

     

    ( Krishna had a hidden agenda.

     

    He knew that a great war will ensue , that Arjuna  did not have a powerful Bow and he waned Arjuna to possess one.

     

    He engineered the whole event though Indra,father of Arjuna.)

     

    As anticipated by Krishna Agni asked Vauna to give the best bow and he gave the Kandeeva to Arjuna.

     

    Arjuna burnt the forest.

     

    Agini gave him the Agneyastra as well.

     

    When Arjuna came Home to take his old bow and arrows,he unintentionally saw Yudihistra and Draupadi together.

     

    It is considered to be a sin to see man and wife together when they are intimate,Sastras declare and one has to atone for this,Prayaschitta.

     

    One of the Prayascitta was going on a Pilgrimage.

     

    Krishna advised the Prayaschitta of Pilgrimage as He wanted Arjuna to get the help of as many Kings as possible for the Mahabharata war(Arjuna was not aware of the fact).

     

    Arjuna went on a Pilgrimage of India and in the process married many a princesses,including the daughter of a Pandya king-the Pandya fought the war along with the Panadvas.

     

    Vyasa gives a detailed description of the route taken by Arjuna during the Pilgrimage.’

    Source.Arjuna’s Pilgrimage Photot Essay Ramani’s blog

     

    Papavinasam Theertham is around 2 miles from Tirumala and is a beautiful waterfall in the region. The devotees also believe a holy dip at this site can relieve them from their sins and evils. There are separate dressing rooms at this site for men and women, where they can change their dresses. The reservoir near the dam restricts the water flow in this theertham.

     

  • Lord Balaji Feet Thirumala Man Made?

    The legends of India and Hinduism are at once mind boggling to the extent of testing one’s imagination and at the same time most of them are verifiable with facts from antiquity, Astronomical dating, Linguistics, Carbon Dating..

    Sreevari Padaalu Thirumala.Image.jpg Lord Balaji Foot prints.Tirumala Hills, India

    .We have Human settlements in India,in Chennai itself dating back to 1.07 Million years!

    We have Bhimbedka rock inscriptions dating back to some 50,000 years.

    Lord Balaji Face in Tirupathi Hills.jpg. Lord Balaji Face in Tirupathi Hills.

    We have references to Tsunamis in Tamil Classics,which are now being accepted by science as Facts.

    Mount Toba’s ashes settled in Jwalapuram, Kurnool, Andhra and this is dated again to antiquity.

    We have the Nazca lines of Peru which resembles Shiva’s Trident.

    Lord Krishan’s  son Pradhyumna built a city in Russia.

    Lahore Pakistan was built by Lava, son of Lord Rama.

    The Mayas and Incas followed the Agama procedure in building their Pyramids.

    In the Middle east we have the Shiva Temple now called Mecca.

    Also we have a Shiva temple in Petra Jordan.

    The US is not far behind nor are the Americas.

    The Central American countries followed Ramayana and even Andal’s Thiruppaavai.

    Makara Sankaranthi was celebrated there.

    And we have a Natural Vishnu temple in the Grand Canyon.

    I have written on all these with authentic proof and Links.

    About a couple of years back I posted an article that the Thirumala Hills in the Eastern ghats of India resemble the face of Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati.

    I also posted some articles on some strange happenings in Tirupati which defy reason.

    Mind you these have been documented.

    Now as the Deccan Plateau is one of the oldest landmass of the earth and it has a natural arch, I checked whether  I could find any information geologically in support of the Legend of Lord Balaji.

    In the process I came across information that Lord Venkaestwara’s Feet are to be found in the Thirumala Hills.

    And people worship this.

    Though I had been to Tirupati many times I never knew of this.

     


    ”

    Srivari Padalu:

    According to Vedas/Puranas ‘Srivari Padalu’ is the place where Lord Venkateswara Swamy first set his feet on one of the seven hills namely ‘Narayanagiri’. The footprint of the Lord is available in this place to the pilgrims with restricted access by T.T.D so that they cannot touch the foot prints. Pilgrims have to climb 300 odd steps to reach this divine spot from where a beautiful top view of the temple town ‘Tirumala’ is very delightful to watch.

     

    Location: Srivari Padalu , Tirumala

     

    Distance: 6 Km from Tirumala Bus stand

     

    Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

     

    Address:
    Srivari Padalu,
    Narayanagiri Road,Tirumala,
    Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh
    India

    What about the History of the Easten Ghat of which the Thirumala forms a part along with six other Hills?

    The Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats, and have a complex geologic history related to the assembly and breakup of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia and the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.

    The Eastern Ghats are made up of charnockites, granite gneiss, khondalites, metamorphic gneisses and quartzite rock formations. The structure of the Eastern Ghats includes thrusts and strike-slip faults[2] all along its range. Limestone, bauxiteand iron ore are also found in the Eastern Ghats hill ranges.

    The Eparchaean Unconformity of the Tirumala Hills is a major discontinuity of stratigraphic significance that represents an extensive period of erosion and non-deposition. It is seen at the steep natural slopes, road scars and ravines in the Tirupati– Tirumala Ghat road in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

    Which individual has gone up to the top of the Thirumala hills  to sculpt Two Feet  only to propagate Hinduism and Lord Venkateswara?

    And what did he get out of this?

     

    Citation.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Ghats

    http://tourism.intirupati.com/place/srivari-padalu/

  • What Is Brahmotsava,Tirupati Brahmotsva

    One would have across the term Brahmotsava being performed n Lord Vishnu Temples.

    Brahmotsvams are quite popular in Thirupathi Sri Balaji Temple and Sri Rangam Ranganatha Temple , though the Brahmotsavams are conducted in all the Sri Vaishnava Templs in the South.

    What is Brahmotsavam?

    Brahmotsavam means a Festival, an offering  By Lord Brahma to Lord Vishnu.

    There are legends that Lord Brahma performs the Brahmotsava ans a special Pooja for Lord Visnhu daily at Suchidram Sthaumalaya Temple, where Brahma , Vishnu and Shiva are found in on Idol.

    Brahmotsavam,Tirupati.Image.jpg
    Brahmotsavam,Tirupati.

    While Brahma is believed to perform this every day in the early morning around 4.30 am, Indra, Chief of the Devas, performs in the dead of the night at 12 Midnight.

    The performance of the Pooja by Brahma to Lord Vishnu is known as Brahmotsavam.

    There is another interpretation.

    Brahma in Sanskrit means ,Very big, original cause.

    A Big Festival , Pooja in a Temple is called Brahmotsavam.

    The dates of Brahmotsavams vary from temple to temple.

    ‘One of the major Kaalotsavams in Srivaishnava Temples is Brahmotsavam (tiruk-kODi-tirunAL).   Brahmotsavam is conducted at different times in different Temples:
    Period of the year in which the Brahmotsavam is conducted varies from temple to
    temple. Some examples of when it is performed are: 1. Pratishtapana (Kumbhabhishekam) day of the Temple, 2. Pratishtapana day of Sri Shataari, 3. Thirunakshatram- Birthstar/Birthday of the Temple Deity, 4. Conducted as Shraddotsavam or Kaamyotsavam as desired  (sponsored) by devotees.

    Thus, there can be more than one Brahmotsavam in a given year. In the Thirumala
    Temple, it is conducted once in the Tamil month ofPurattasi (Sep. 18- Oct.18). It starts on first day of Navaratri (Oct. 10, for 1999) and concludes on Vijayadashami (Oct.19, for 1999), which also happens to be the Thirunakshatram (Shravanam star) of Sri Venkateshwara, the Deity of the Temple. This is the most prominent Brahmotsavam (also called Manava Brahmotsavam). Brahmotsavams in Tirumala are also conducted at three other times of the year, namely: Kaisika Ekadashi (also known as, Raakshasa Brahmotsavam), Mukkoti Dwadashi (also known as, Daiva Brahmotsavam) and Rathasaptami (also known as, Aarsha Brahmotsavam). Besides, these 4 Brahmotsavams in a year, it is also conducted as a shraddotsavam as desired by devotees. It is stated that in the
    year 1551 AD, as many as 11 Brahmotsavamas took place.

    Origins: Brahmotsavam means “Grand celebration” or a “celebration performed by Brahma”. We will shortly see how both the meanings are appropriate for this event.  Lord Indra once killed a Brahma-raakshasa (a Brahmin with demonic characters). In doing so, he incurred a great sin of killing a Brahmana- “Brahma hatya dosham(BHD)”. To relieve Indra of this burden, Lord Brahma conducted a ceremony. In this ceremony, officiated by Brahma himself, Indra held Sriman Narayana ( Lord Vishnu) on his head during the special ritual bath “Avabritha Snaanam”. This verily was the first Brahmotsavam.

    Because of the immense cleansing power of Brahmotsavam, this utsavam is periodically performed in Temples to wash away all wrong doings that may have been
    incurred. It is said that the Lord Brahma himself rendered the first Brahmotsavam seva
    (service) to Lord Venkateshwara (Vishnu) of the Thirumalai shrine. Indeed, it is a
    common belief that every Brahmotsavam is witnessed by Lord Brahma. In recognition
    of this, a well decorated empty chariot is pulled in front of the chariot carrying the
    deities at the processions held during the Brahmotsavam Brahma is believed to be
    seated in that chariot  overseeing  the celebration. Thus, Brahmotsavam is also
    referred to as “Brahmapratyakshotsavam” (celebration conducted right in front of
    Brahma). References to Brahmotsavam can be found in Varaaha Puraanam (ch.18) and
    Bhavishyotthara Puraanam (ch. 24).

    Events of Brahmotsava.

    Brahmotsavam celebration lasts for 9 days. Brahmotsavam is not just a Temple ritual, but is a grand festival for the whole town. It begins with Ankurarpanam and concludes with AvabhrithaSnanam (Ritual bath or Theerthavaari). On each day, the UtsavaMurthis (Mobile Deities) will be  decorated and taken in procession, once in the morning and once in the evening on different Vahanams (vehicles). In the night, there will also be Unjalseva (Deities seated on the swing). The intricate step by step details vary from Temple to Temple. Here is a brief summary of main events in the Brahmotsavam celebration at the Balaji temple in Thirumalai.

    Day 1
    Ankurarpanam (planting 9 grains in soil placed in earthen dishes). Kankanadharanam (wrist band) to Utsava Muthi and priests.Procession of Vishvaksenar (Commander-in-chief of Vishnu’s army).
    Mritsangrahanam- Collecting the soil for Brahmotsava Yagna(Hawan, Fire ceremony) Peetam. Vishvaksenar returns from procession and enters the Yaga Shaala (Place where Yagnam is conducted), where he is received with Poorna Kumbham honor(special Pot filled with water). He is believed to be the Pradhana Yajaman (Chief conductor) of this Yagnam. This is followed by Procession of Deity on Pedda Sesha (Big serpent) Vahanam.

    Day 2
    Morning Utsavam (procession) of Deity on Smaller Shesha (smaller serpent) Vahanam.
    Dwajaarohanam in the evening. Garuda Dwajam- a flag bearing the emblem of Garuda
    (The Eagle- Vehicle of Vishnu) is hoisted with Veda Mantrams from Taittiriya samhita
    dedicated to Garuda. This signals start of Brahmotsavam to the whole town. Once the
    flag is hoisted, it is expected that no householder leaves town or plans any auspicious
    ceremony in the house until the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Thus the whole town is
    able to fully take part in the celebration and not be preoccupied with other personal
    activities. Even if someone has to leave town on emergency, they are expected to
    return prior to un-hoisting the flag (Dwaja-awarohanam) on day 9.

    Day 3
    Morning procession on Lion (Simha Vahanam)

    Day 4
    Morning procession on the “every desire fulfilling giving tree” (Kalpavriksha
    vahanam)

    Day 5
    Deity is dressed as Mohini (temptress, a form of Vishnu) and taken procession in
    ivory pallaki (carrier).
    Night procession is taken on Eagle (Garuda vahanotsavam – Garuda Sevai).

    Day 6
    Morning: Procession on Hanuman (Monkey, devotee of Rama/Vishnu) vahanam.
    Night procession on Gaja (Elephant) vahanam.

    Day 7
    Morning procession on Surya Prabha (Sun) vahanam.
    Evening procession on Chandra Prabha(Moon) vahanam.

    Day 8

    Morning: Rathotsavam -Ratha (chariot) Yatra (procession) for the Deities.
    Night: Procession on Ashva (horse) vahanam.

    Day 9
    Morning: Deities carried in pallaki (carrier) to the Pushkarani (sacred pond) in front of
    the Varaha Swami (the Boar incarnation of Vishnu) Temple for the special bath
    -Abhishekam and Avabritha Snanam (Theerthavaari thirumanjanam). All devotees
    also take bath in the pushkarani. The Deities are taken back to the Kalyana Mantapam
    of the Temple. The flag is un-hoisted, marking the conclusion of Brahmotsavam. Even
    watching the video of this majestic celebration in itself deeply touches our heart, mind, eyes and ears.

    References::

    1. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, The Hill-Shrine of Vengadam: Art, Architecture and Agama
    of Tirumala Temple, First Edition, (Ed., Daivajna K.N. Somayaji), Pub., Kalpatharu
    Research Academy, Bangalore, 1993.

    2. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, Thirupathi Thimmappa (in Kannada), IBH publihers,
    Bangalore, 1980.

     

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