Tirumala and Tirupathi

Temple Legend

I INTRODUCTION Bharat, the land of spiritual bliss is strongly believed to be pervaded by the Lords, their deep imprints and a sense of divine presence, eternally available in the environment around. The presence of deities is often felt in the structures called temples, which are the epitomes of the great, age old, rich Hindu Sanatana Dharma. Among the galaxy of temples, which are also the architectural marvels located in our country, the hill shrine of Tirumala is accredited as being the most visited temple in India and also in the world as a whole. Located on the picturesque Seshachalam Hill Ranges, this temple occupies a unique place in our great land of holy shrines. TEMPLE LEGEND The “Temple Legend” is made out of references from a range of ancient scriptures such as Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa Purana, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Aditya Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana.These extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the deity, temple and the hills around Tirumala, besides the numerous teerthams, streams and springs that abound them. The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest. According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini (temple tank), while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara came in to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini. RESTORATION OF EARTH BY ADI VARAHA During the eight thousand yugas (the time equivalent to a day and night for Brahma, the Creator), there was a raging fire, and everything on Earth was reduced to ashes. Man had to forsake the Earth and seek refuge in Janaloka. At the approach of night (for Brahma), Vayu, the Wind God, blew furiously. Huge clouds were formed, there was a torrential rain, which resulted in Pralaya Kalpa (the Great Deluge). The Earth sank into the Patala loka, and remained in that state for a thousand years (during a part of that night of Brahma). SRI ADI VARAHA BRINGING UP THE EARTH ON HIS TUSKS Sri Maha Vishnu, who decided to save Mother Earth, assumed the form of Adi Varaha, a giant wild boar and proceeded to Patala loka. He fought a fierce duel with the demon king Hiranyaksha and killed him. He then splashed the water and brought the Earth up by carrying it on his huge tusks. Brahma, the Devas and the sages extolled Adi Varaha's virtues, by chanting the Vedic mantras. They prayed to him to re-establish the Earth as before. Adi Varaha obliged them, and called upon Brahma to recreate the Universe. He expressed his desire to reside on the Earth to protect its people. He commanded his vehicle, Garuda to fetch Kridachala (a massive natural hill with lofty peaks, embedded with gold and precious stones resembling Adisesha in shape) from Vaikuntam. Garuda brought Kridachala and placed it on a sacred spot, the East of Swami Pushkarini, chosen by Adi Varaha himself. Adi Varaha stood within the divine vimana of Kridachala, which glittered with many splendorous gem-studded gopuras. Brahma and the other holy personages requested the fearsome-looking Adi Varaha to assume a tranquil and composed look, and rest on the hill to protect the mankind and grant boons to people unable to reach God through Dhyana Yoga (meditation) and Karma Yoga (doing one's own duty). Adi Varaha with his consort Bhudevi appeared with four arms and a blissful countenance, adorning an array of jewels. He took a divine decision to stay at Venkatadri, under a divya vimana, to answer the prayers of the devotees. CONTEST BETWEEN ADISESHA AND VAYUDEVA During the Dwaparayuga, Vayudeva (the Wind God) went to Vaikuntam to pay his obeisance to Lord Sri Vishnu. The Lord was reclining in the company of Maha Lakshmi and the doorway was guarded by Adisesha. Vayudeva was incensed when Adisesha prevented him from entering Sri Vishnu’s holy abode resulting in a fierce battle between them. When Lord Vishnu intervened, each was boasting of his superior valour and supreme might. To test who was stronger, the Lord suggested that Adisesha should encircle the Ananda hill, an off-shoot of the Meru Mountain on its northern side, while Vayudeva should blow hard to dislodge the Ananda hill from Adisesha's strangle hold. The contest waxed furiously, and as the World trembled, Brahma, Indra and the other deities prevailed upon Adisesha to yield victory to Vayudeva for the welfare of the world, as a whole. Obliging them, Adisesha released his hold on the hill, with the result, Adisesha and the Ananda hill were together blown away to the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. As Adisesha was crestfallen over his defeat, Lord Brahma and the others appeased him by saying that he would be integrated with the hill Venkatadri and would become the abode of Lord Vishnu. Adisesha then metamorphosed into the vast Seshadri hill range, while his hood manifested itself into Venkatadri, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, his trunk portion turned out to be Ahobila supporting Lord Narasimha and his tail housing Srisailam bearing Lord Mallikarjuna (Lord Siva). TEST OF THE THREE DIVINITIES At the commencement of the Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu left Venkatadri for Sri Vaikuntam, his divine abode. Lord Brahma was saddened over the Lord’s departure and asked Narada to persuade Vishnu to return to Venkatadri. Narada then went to the banks of the River Ganga, where several rishis were performing a holy sacrifice. The rishis could not decide as to whom they should dedicate the fruit of their yaga. Bhrigu, one of the rishis took the task upon himself for testing who among the three chief divinities-Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, is the supreme Lord to receive the divine boon of the Yaga. SAGE BHRIGU AT SATYALOKAM Sage Brigu first went to Satyalokam, the abode of the three-headed Lord Brahma the creator. Brahma was found busy chanting the Vedas with one face, uttering the name of Narayana with another and looking at Goddess Saraswati with the third. He took no notice of Bhrigu’s arrival. Bhrigu resented by the lack of courtesy from Brahma, left Satyalokam in a huff. BHRIGU IN KAILASAM Bhrigu then proceeded to Siva's abode (Kailasam) as a part of his holy mission. Here too, he found Lord Siva absorbed in sporting with his consort Parvathi Devi taking no notice of his visit. Lord Siva also became indignant at Bhrigu’s intrusion into his privacy which further enraged the sage. BHRIGU IN VAIKUNTHAM Finally, Bhrigu went to Sri Vaikuntam, the abode of Lord Vishnu and found Vishnu and Sri Maha Lakshmi reclining on Adisesha unmindful of his arrival. Disgusted over this, Bhrigu, known for his intemperate nature, kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest, where Sri Maha Lakshmi was reclining. Vishnu immediately got up, massaged rishi's foot and enquired if his foot was injured when he kicked on his hard chest. Taken aback over Vishnu’s attention and cool composure, Bhrigu returned to the rishis and advised them to dedicate the fruit of their sacrifice to Vishnu, as he deserved it best, among the divine Trinity. But, Sri Maha Lakshmi was furious over Bhrigu for kicking the holy spot and her favourite abode - the bosom of the Lord. She left Vishnu in a fury and went on to stay at Karavirapura (now Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra) to commence a deep penance. Unable to bear the solitude after Sri Maha Lakshmi’s departure, Vishnu left Vaikuntam in search of her and wandered across the forests and hills. MANIFESTATION OF LORD VENKATESWARA ON VENKATADRI Frustrated over not finding his consort anywhere, Lord Vishnu took an ant-hill on Venkatadri under a tamarind tree as a dwelling place, besides a Pushkarini. Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, taking pity at the plight of Lord Vishnu, made up their mind to serve him in the guise of a cow and calf. Surya – the Sun God, informed Lakshmi of this and requested her to sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country assuming the form of a cattle care-taker. The Chola king sent the cow and its calf to graze on the Venkata Hill along with his herd of other cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu in the ant-hill, the holy cow everyday emptied her udder into the ant-hill and thus fed the Lord. Over a period of time, the queen noticed that the cow was not yielding any milk and chastised the cowherd severely for its peculiar behaviour. The cowherd trying to investigate the cause, followed the cow and discovered to his utter shock that the cow was emptying her udder over the ant-hill. In his anger, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow but accidentally hit the Lord Vishnu who rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow’s life. On seeing Lord Vishnu bleeding, the cowherd fell down and died. On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned to the king with blood stains on her body, bellowing in the presence of the Chola King. An anxious king followed the cow to the scene of the incident, the ant-hill, where the King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground. While the King stood wondering how it had happened, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill and cursed the king to become an Asura (Demon) for the fault of his servant. Entreated by the king who pleaded innocence, the Lord blessed him by saying that his curse would end when he was adorned with the Kireetam (crown) presented by Akasa Raja at the time of his marriage with Sri Padmavati. To atone the sins of raising the axe against the Lord, the cowherd's atma (spirit) received the rare boon from the Lord, which is that, he and his descendants enjoy the privilege of opening the main door in the Lord's sanctum sanctorum in due course. GODDESS PADMAVATHI In course of time, the Chola king was reborn as Akasa Raja and though he ruled well, he had no children much to his displeasure. As part of the yaga, he was ploughing the fields, he found a baby in a lotus flower and named her Alarmel mangai (Lady born in Lotus petals) and adopted her as his daughter. Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Srinivasa (or presented himself after penance in the ant-hill) as the son of an elderly woman-saint Vakula Malika Devi. Vakula Devi was Yasoda in her previous birth, Lord Krishna's foster-mother and was unhappy in that life for not seeing his marriage. As per the boon received from Krishna, she was reborn as Vakula Devi and enjoyed the rare spectacle of witnessing the celestial wedding of the divine couple. In course of time, Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was visited by Saint Narada. On reading her palm, he foretold that she was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu himself. In due time, Lord Srinivasa on a hunting spree was chasing a wild elephant in the forest. The elephant led him into a garden where Princess Padmavati and her maids were playing. The sight of the elephant frightened them and their Princess. When Lord Srinivasa appeared in front of the Elephant, it immediately turned round, saluted the Lord and disappeared into the forest. Lord Srinivasa noticed princess Padmavathi and enquired about her from her maids. Enthralled by her bewitching beauty, Lord Srinivasa lost interest in other activities and told his foster mother Vakula Devi about his love for Padmavathi. He also revealed his identity as Lord Vishnu and narrated her about her past life as his foster-mother then as Yasodha. MARRIAGE OF LORD SRINIVASA AND GODDESS PADMAVATHI Vakula devi left her hermitage to approach Akasa Raja with the marriage proposal of marriage between Lord Srinivasa and Padmavathi. In the mean time, an anxious Lord Srinivasa came to the city in the disguise of a lady fortune-teller. Princess Padmavathi also lost her heart to Lord Srinivasa and fell ill after returning to the palace. Unable to diagnose her ill-health, the maids invited the fortune-teller into the palace to foretell the future of their princess. When the Lord in the guise of a lady fortune-teller revealed that Padmavathi was born with a cause to marry Lord Vishnu in his current avatar as Lord Srinivasa, she recovered and regaled in joy. As the king heard of this news, Vakula revealed her to the King and asked for his daughter's hand in marriage to her son, Lord Srinivasa. The overjoyed king gleefully agreed and his advisor Bhrihaspati wrote the invitation for the wedding between the two celestial beings of Srinivasa and Padmavathi. Lord Srinivasa called for a conference of the Gods to declare his marriage with Princess Padmavati. According to mythologies, the Lord also obtained a huge loan from Kubera, the god of wealth, towards meeting the expenses for the divine and grand wedding matching his stature as the supreme lord of the universe. LORD SRINIVASA TURNS TO LORD VENKATESWARA In about six months after this celestial marriage, Goddess Maha Lakshmi who left the lord, in the past in a huff after sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest, her dwelling place, came to know that her husband married again and came to see him in disbelief. It is said that the Lord turned himself into a granite statue right in front of his two spouses when they together encountered him over his remarriage. Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva then appear before the confused queens and explain the main purpose behind all this complex episode, the Lord's desire to be on the holy seven hills for the emancipation of the mankind from the perpetual trials and tribulations of Kali Yuga. Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi also turn into stone idols expressing their wish to be with their Lord eternally. Goddess Lakshmi stayed with him on the left side of his chest while Goddess Padmavati rested on the right side of his chest. Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple is located to the north of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini in the sacred Seven Hills. The presiding deity is Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of a wild boar. Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy was residing on the hills when Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy descended onto the earth. According to the legend, Tirumala was originally called “Adivarahakshetra” (dwelling place of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy). According to Brahmapurana, it is Lord Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy who granted land to Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy on his request to reside in the sacred Seven Hills. As a thanks giving gesture, Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy had gifted the privilege of first darshan and first naivedyam to Lord Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy. Thus as per the tradition, it is imperative for the pilgrims to pay a visit to Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy before visiting Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Temple Timings: Every day from 5:30 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM. Special abhishekam is performed every year, to the presiding deity in the holy month of Shravana, with the advent of the Shravana star on the auspicious occasion of Varaha Jayanthi.

Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple is located exactly to the opposite of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala. This ancient temple enjoys priority after Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple and Lord Sri Venakteswara Swamy temple. Every day, after offering naivedyam to these deities, it is brought to this temple. According to the legend, Lord Hanuman in his youthful age wanted to leave Tirumala, in search of a camel. This forced his mother Anjana Devi to tie his hands with cuffs and order him to stay in that place till she returned. However, it is believed that Anjana Devi stayed back in Akasa Ganga area and never returned to this place. Hence, the icon of Lord Hanuman in this temple will be seen in a unique form where both his hands were handcuffed (“Bedi-Cuffs”). Temple Timings: Every day from 5:30 AM to 9 PM. Abhishekam is performed every Sunday to this deity, while special abhishekam is performed on Hanuman Jayanthi every year.

Places To Visit Around Tirumala

Besides the sacred Vaishnavite iconic temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy  which is a marvel and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, there are many  other places to visit and things to admire on the Tirumala hills. Some of the must  visit places in Tirumala are Swami Pushkarini, Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple,  Sri Hathiramjee Mutt, Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple, Srivari Sikhara Darshanam,  Sila Thoranam, Dharmagiri, Narayangiri, Papavinasanam, Akasa Ganga water falls,  Temple Museum, Asthana Mandapams and Gogarbham Gardens. THEERTHAMS There are several teerthams in Tirumala, some of them are Pandava Teertham,  Kumaradhara Teertham, Tumbhuru Teertham, Ramakrishna Teertham,  Chakra Teertham, Vaikuntha Teertham, Sesha Teertham, Sitamma Teertham,  Pasupu Teertham, Jupali Teertham, Sanaka Sanandana Teertham. Important  festivals that are held at the teerthams are -Kumaradhara Magha Pournami,  Ramakrishna Pushya Pournami Tumbhuru Phalguna Pournami, Chakra Karthika  Masa – Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi. To enhance the spiritual ambience among the devotees thronging to Tirumala  to get the darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, TTD has introduced  traditional dress code in 2013. Initially it was implemented for the pilgrims  who are taking part in Arjitha Sevas and now it has been extended to VIP pilgrims  seeking break darshan of Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, and general pilgrims  who go for Rs.300 and Rs.50 darshan. MEN For men the dress code is dhoti or pyjamas with upper cloth. WOMEN For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or  churidar with pyjama and upper cloth. PLACES TO VISIT AT TIRUMALA SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMI TEMPLE Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple is one the most important and ancient temples  located in the heart of the temple city - Tirupati. Renowned Sri Vaishnavaite,  Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated this temple in 1130 AD. Before Lord Sri Govindaraja Swamy,  Sri Parthasarathi Swamy was the presiding deity of this temple. The daily rituals in this temple are performed according to “Vaikhanasa Agama”. The rituals,  festivals and functions in this temple are conducted in line with the rituals  performed at Srivari Temple, Tirumala. Generally, the temple is opened daily by 5 AM with Suprabhata Seva and  closed by 9 PM with Ekantha Seva. The following are the sub-temples situated  in the premises of this temple. 01. Sri Partha Sarathi Swamy Temple. 02 Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple. 03 Sri Choodikudutha Nachiyar Ammavari Temple(SriAndal) 04. Sri Salai Nachiyar Ammavari Temple(Sri Pundarikavalli Temple) 05. Sri Bhasyakarla vari Temple 06. Sri Anajaneya swamy Temple near(opposite) Dwajasthambham 07. Sri Thirumangai Alwar Temple 08. Sri Kurath Alwar Temple 09. Sri Madhurakavi and Ananda Alwar Temple 10. Sri Chakrathalwar Temple 11. Sri Mudal Alwar Temple 12. Sri Manavala Mahamuni Temple 13. Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple 14. Sri Anjaneya Swamy Vari Temple 15. Sri Nammalwar Temple 16. Sri Sanjeevaraya swamy Temple( Mattam Anjaneya Swamy Temple) 17. Sri Tirumala Nambi Sannidhi 18. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple, G.S. Mada Street, Tirupati (taken over temple) When South India was invaded by Muslim rulers, the presiding deity of  Chidambaram, Sri Govindaraja Swamy was brought and kept safely in Tirupati.  After the situation at Chidambaram returned to normalcy, the vigraham of  Lord Sri Govindaraja Swamy was taken back to Chidambaram from Tirupati. One day, Sri Ramanujacharya had a vision of Lord Govindaraja Swamy in his  dream. He was advised by the Lord to make arrangements for Him to reside in  Tirupati. Sri Ramanujacharya, by then was aware of Sri Govindaraja Swamy’s  stay at Tirupati during Muslim invasion. He, with the help of the king visited the  place he saw in his dream. To their astonishment, they found the vigraham of  Lord Govindaraja Swamy in that place. Sri Ramanujacharya advised the king to construct a temple for the Lord and houses for the people, who perform kainkaryam in the Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple. Sri Govindaraja Swamy is the elder brother of Sri Venkateswara Swamy,  who accomplished the ever-magnificent marriage between Sri Venkateswara Swamy  and Padmavathi Ammavaru. Sri Govindaraja Swamy was the caretaker of massive  wealth being obtained from king Kubera for conducting the wedding.  He efficiently utilised this wealth to conduct one of the most glorious weddings  of the history. Hence Sri Govindaraja Swamy is considered to be the god who helps you to  elevate your wealth and manage the wealth acquired efficiently. This temple is a remarkable achievement of the ancient south Indian architecture. It's tall and remarkable seven storied outer Gopuram with 11 kalasas was dated back to 14-15th century. This temple is one of the huge temples in Chittoor district. This Gopuram is enriched with the handwork depicting the scenes from Baghavata, Ramayana and  Lord Sri Venketeswara swamy's life. The tall primary Gopuram is followed by a smaller but no less remarkable inner Gopuram. The inner Gopuram holds a decorative courtyard with a spacious inner  stone hall, which protects the devotee's even during the busy festival times. The following are the important festivals that are being conducted in  Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Tirupati: a) Vaisakha Festival (Annual Brahmotsavam ) b) Float Festival c) Adhyanotsavam d) Thiruvadipuram e) Godaparinayam f) Sri Salai Nachiyar Panguni Uttiram Festival g) Radhasapthami h) Jyestabhishekam i) Anivara Asthanam j) Neeratotsavam k) Buggotsavam l) Pavithrosthavam m) Pushpayagam ( Introduced in 2014 ) In addition to the above, Parveta Utsavam and  Ponna Kalva utsavams are also being conducted  every year. Further, Pournami Garudaseva is  conducted on the Pournami day of every month  for the convenience of the devotees, who fulfill  their vows to Lord Sri Govindarja Swamy  during processions. Besides this, each Alwar Sathumorai and   Thirunakshatram are conducted for 10 days  in each of the 12 Alwar Temples. ARJITHA SEVAS 1. Suprabhatam 5-00 to 5-30 AM Rs. 10/- per head 2. Thomala Seva 6-30 to 7-00 AM Rs.10/- per head 3. Sahasranamarchana 7-30 to 8-00 AM Rs.10/- per head 4. Archanananthara Darsanam 8-00 to 8-30 AM Rs.10/- per head 5. Ekanthaseva 9-00 PM Rs.10/- per head 6. Spl. Entrance Rs. 5/- per head 7. Quick Dharshan Rs 20/- per head SRIVARI PADALA MANDAPAM, ALIPIRI The Srivari Padalamandapam temple located at Alipiri-the Gate  Way to Tirumala temple, is under administrative control of  Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple. The unique feature of this temple is that, the pilgrims who trek  from Alipiri footpath route, first offer prayers in this ancient temple.  Pilgrims carry the holy “Padukalu”- Footwear, which is believed to  be worn by Lord Himself over their head. And offer prayers to the  presiding deity of Padala Venkateswara Swamy. The temple legend says that Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy,  every day after Ekanta Seva in Tirumala, meets His beloved  Consort Goddess Padmavathi Devi in Tiruchanoor, trekking  down this Alipiri footpath route and leaves His footwear at  Alipiri Padalu, hence the name Alipiri Padala Mandapam. ARJITHA SEVAS IN SRIVARI PADALMANDAPAM, ALIPIRI 1. Suprabhatham – 5.00 AM to 5.30 AM 2. Padala Seva - 5.30 AM to 7.30 PM - Rs. 5.00 per head 3. Ekantha Seva - 7.30 PM to 8.00 PM - Rs.10.00 per head 4. Abhisekam - 9.30 AM to 12.00 PM - Rs.20.00 per head (only on Friday) SRI LAKSHMI NARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE This is a sub-temple of Srivari Padalamandapam situated in the  eastern side of the Padalamandapam. This temple was renovated and  samprokshana was conducted on 30th of January 2005. Two sub-temples  namely, Andal and Pariyalwar Temples are attached to this temple. ARJITHA SEVAS 1. Archana / Harathi - 5.30 AM to 7.30PM – Rs. 5.00 per head 2. Abhisekam(Only on Saturday)- 10.30 AM to 12.00PM – Rs. 20.00 per head 3. Abhiseka Ananthara Dharsan- 12.00 PM to 12.30 PM- Rs.5.00 per head 4. Ekantha Seva - 7.30 PM to 8.00 PM – Rs.10.00 per head SRI VINAYAKA SWAMY TEMPLE, 2nd GHAT ROAD This is also a sub-temple of Srivari Padalamandapam, Alipiri. And pilgirms who  reach Tirumala by road, offer prayers to this “Ghat Road Vinayaka Swamy”  seeking His divine blessings for a safe and pleasant journey. 1. Archana Harathi - 5.30 AM to 7.00 PM – Rs. 5.00 per head 2. Two wheeler Vahana Seva - 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM – Rs. 25.00 per one 3. Four wheller Vahana Seva - 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM – Rs. 50.00 per one SRI KAPILESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE According to mythology, this temple derived its name from Maharshi Kapila,  who immersed himself in ardent penance of Lord Shiva. With the unswerving  devotion of Kapila Muni, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati presented themselves  at this location and blessed him. The Shiva Linga is considered to be self-manifested or Svayambhu form of  Lord Shiva and is popularly known as “Sri Kapileswara Swamy”. In front of Kapila Lingam lies a very sacred Sarovara (lake) and this is the  Bilam (cavity) through which Kapila Maharshi came to earth. A spring falls  on the temple. Both the temple and the waterfall are considered to be highly  pious. The Pallava kings, Vijayanagara kings, Tirumala Mahants and so many others  developed this historically and sacred temple. Greatness of Lord Sri Kapileswara was mentioned in the Kulothunga Chola  inscriptions. These are the most ancient inscriptions among all the inscriptions  found in the temple and belong to the 10th century. On the auspicious occasion of full moon day of the Karthika month, all the  teerthas( holy water springs) of the three worlds of heaven, earth and  underworld converge in this sacred Kapila Teertham. SRI KODANDA RAMASWAMY TEMPLE Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is one of the local temples situated in heart  of Tirupati city and one of the important sub-shrines under the control of TTD.  The Idols of Lord Sri Kodandarama Swamy varu, Goddess Sita Ammavaru and  Sri Lakshmana Swamy varu were installed during the regime of Chola Emperor.  It is an ancient and historic temple. Kainkaryams are being rendered in this  temple as per Vaikhanasa Agama. This temple which has a glorious history of over one thousand years was built  by the Chola kings in 10th century A.D. This temple was well developed by  various kings especially by Sri Krishna Deva Raya in 15h century. The symbols and raja mudrikas of Vijaya Nagara dynasty can be seen on the  rock walls of the outer mandapas. There is an Anjaneya swamy temple located  just opposite to the temple. PLACES TO VISIT AT TIRUPATHI Tiruchanoor, is one of the oldest pilgrim towns located 5km away from  Tirupati, is abode of Goddess Sri Padmavathi Devi, the beloved consort of  Lord Venkateswara. This pilgrim centre is popularly known as  “Alarmelmangapuram” (Alar-Lotus, Mel-top, Manga-Goddess, Puram-town)  or Alimelumangapuram. According to temple legend as Goddess Mahalakshmi  emerged on the golden lotus as Padmavathi Devi located at the centre of  Padmasarovaram-the temple tank, this place became famous by the name  “Alarmelmangapuram”. There is a strong belief among the pilgrims that they should pave visit to  Padmavathi and seek Her divine blessings before they visit Lord Venkateswara  as Tirumala during their pilgrimage. The advent of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara,  is narrated in many puranas. According to a legend, there was once a pious  Brahmin called Pundarika. Though he performed all the duties prescribed in  the shastras, he did not have a son. Finally at the age of 50, he got a son whom  he named Madhava. He brought up the child carefully making him proficient in all  branches of learning and got him married to a devout lady. After some time,  Madhava deviated from the righteous path and followed another woman. After  her death he wandered like a mad man. One day he followed a group of pilgrims  going to Tirumala. When he bathed in the holy Sudarshana Lake and climbed the  hills his sins were washed off. There he heard a voice from the sky, which asked  him to bathe in the Swamy Pushkarini and seek the blessings of  Lord Varaha Swamy. Later he was born to King Mitravarman of Thondamandalam  and was named Akasharaja. Akasharaja grew up to be a handsome and wise prince. He married Dharanidevi.  The royal couple was sad because they had no children. On the advice of priest,  Akasharaja decided to perform a yagna. When the sacrificial ground was  ploughed, the couple found a lovely girl in a thousand petal lotus. A divine voice  urged the king to bring up the child with love and care. The child was named  Padamavathi as she was found in a lotus (Padma). When Padmavathi grew up,  Lord Venkateshwara came in search of her. The celestial marriage of Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi took place on a grand note. The temple was constructed in the time of Tondaman Chakravarthi, who happens  to be the elder brother of Goddess Padmavathi. Another popular story which is prominently heard is that of Sage Bhrigu, who hit  Lord Mahavishnu on His Chest which happens to be the residing place of His  consort Goddess Maha Lakshmi. Angered with this gesture, Goddess left Vaikuntham  and reached Patalalokahere is a small story behind this temple.In Vykuntam,a  maharshi called Brugu has beaten the Lord`s heart with his feet. In return, Lord offered many services instead of getting anger. This made angry to Padmavathi  and went to Patalokam, where she heard a divine voice stating that a ‘Pushkarini’  was dug on the banks of the river ‘Swarnamukhi’. Goddess Maha Lakshmi immersed  herself in penance for 12 years. In the 13th year she emerged as Sri Padmavati from  a golden lotus located at the centre of pushkarini on the auspicious Panchami Day  in the holy month of Karthika with the advent of Uttarashadha Nakshatra. SRI KRISHNA SWAMY TEMPLE, (ALAGIYAPERUMAL SHRINE), TIRUCHANOOR This is the earliest of the shrines found inside the compound of Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple  at Tiruchanoor. Alagiyaperumal or Krishna swamy installed in this shrine is the presiding deity. Historical evidences reveal that this deity and temple came to existence by 1221 AD. A devotee by name Pokkiran spent his own money and leveled a piece of land and made it cultivatable and he gave it to the shrine and its servants agreed to conduct the Panguni festival for the Deity. The principal image is that of Aligiyaperumal or Krishna Swamy seated in the centre. He sits in padmasana with his both hands in the varada pose and resting on knees. At right side to him is another deity stated to be Balarama, the other two images are of Krishna in Kaliya mardana pose and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. SRI SUNDARAJA SWAMY TEMPLE, (VARADA RAJA SHRINE), TIRUCHANOOR This shrine is found inside the compound of Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanoor to the south of the shrine of Alagiyaperumal or Krishna Swamy temple. This shrine came into existence sometime in the 16th century. Inside the sanctum in the centre is the idol of Sri Varadaraja Swamy flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi on His either side. The Annual Avatharotsavams of this shrine will be held every year in the month of July for three days. SRI SURANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE The one of its kind Lord Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple is located opposite to Padma Saraovaram-the temple tank of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru temple in Tiruchanoor, about 5km from Tirupati. The presiding deity of Lord Sri Suryanarayana Swamy in this ancient temple is believed to have been installed by none other than Lord Sri Venkateswara Himself as a token of His worship to the Sun God. According to temple legend, after Goddess Lakshmi left Vaikuntha notwithstanding the ignominious gesture of Sage Bhrigu who hit Lord Mahavishnu on his chest, which happens to be Her dwelling place, Lord also left Vaikuntha in search of Her. He happened to meet Goddess Padmavathi Devi and wished to marry her for which he required lot of wealth. For “Lakshmi Kataksham” he offered penance for twelve long years worshipping Lord Surya, the eternal power which is responsible for birth and growth of the entire humanity and fulfillment of aspirations. Lord Surya appeared before Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and granted His wish and hence this place is also called “Bhaskara Kshetram”. Venkatachala Mahatyam states that Lord Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the Golden Lotus in full splendor from where Goddess Padmavathi emerged from Padma Sarovaram. As a mark of tribute to Sun God, Lord Mahavishnu in His incarnation as Lord Venkateswara constructed a temple and consecrated a fine black stone statue of Lord Suryanarayana, located 20feet towards the east on the bank of Padma Sarovara and to the north of Sri Alarmelmanga Tayar sannidhi in Sukapuri, the legendary name of present Tiruchanur. All the rituals in this temple are as per vaikhanasa agama tenets. OUTSIDE TEMPLES FUNCTIONING UNDER - (SRI PAT),TIRUCHANOOR SRI PRASANNA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, APPALAYAGUNTA The Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy temple is located at a distance of about 16km, from Tirupati. This temple has its uniqueness with the presence of the presiding deity of Lord Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy in 'Abhaya Hasta Posture’, which is considered the ultimate blessing posture. The Lord's blissful posture is pleasant and rewarding for a devotee who wants to divulge deep into the Swami's realms. Significance of Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple This is the place where the Lord Venkateswara Swamy graced the conglomeration of Sri Siddeshwara and other sages on the occasion of his marriage. As the temple was the place for the Lord's union with his consort Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, here he is considered the most pleasant and granting. The pilgrims believe that a glimpse of this Lord will fulfill wish since the Lord is in Abhaya Hasta posture. Another important feature of this ancient temple is the presence of Lord Vayu –wind God who liberates devotees suffering from chronic diseases. The temple was constructed by the King of Karvetinagaram, Sri Venkata Perumalaraju Brahmadeva Maharaj in the year 1232AD and consists shrine of Lord Anjaneya Swamy located opposite to the temple. The temple also contains idols of Goddess Padmavathi and Smt Andal Devi within the temple. This temple was taken over by TTD in the year 1988 and all the rituals are as per the tenets of Vaikhanasa Agama. Temple Timings: 5:45 AM to 8:00 PM Sevas: 1) Archana & Harathi - Rs. 5-00 2) Abhishekam (on Friday) - Rs. 30-00 per person 3) Kalyanotsavam - Rs.300-00 per person (every month on Sravana Nakshathram day) Daily Sevas Name of the Seva Timings Suprabatham 5:45 AM to 6:15 AM Thomalaseva 6:45 AM to 7:30 AM Archana 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM Sarvadarshanam 6:15 AM to 6:45 AM 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Night Bell 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM Break ( Sudhi) 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM Ekantha Seva 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM Weekly Sevas: Day Name of the Seva Timings  Friday Abhishekam 7:00 AM TO 8:00 AM 8:00 AM TO 8:30 AM Saturday Unjala Seva 5:30 AM TO 6:30 AM Monthly Sevas: Day Name of the Seva Timings  Sravana Nakshatram (Every Month) Kalyanotsavam 11:00 AM to 12.30 PM  SRIDEVI BHUDEVI SAMETHA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, THONDAMANADU This historical temple was constructed by Sri Thondaman Chakravarthy, king of “Thondamandalam” and elder brother of Goddess Padmavathi Devi. The significance of this ancient temple is that the Structure of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is like “Ananda Nilayam” of Tirumala Temple. This temple is located about 30km from Tirupati and 6km from Sri Kalahasti. According to temple legend, Thondaman Chakravarthy used to go to Tirumala frequently to worship Lord Venkateswara Swamy. As years passed by, due to his age he was unable to reach Tirumala and prayed Lord His for darshan. Moved by his devotion, Lord Venkateswara blessed him and granted a boon and appeared in his house along with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Tondaman Chakravarthy constructed a temple for the Lord and His two consorts here and paid his tributes everyday till his last breath. The Moolavarlu of this temple will be in sitting posture. This temple was taken over by TTD in the year 2008 and all the kainkaryams are as per the tenets of Pancharatra Agama. Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 04:00 PM to 07:30 PM Sevas: Archana & Harathi - Rs.5-00  Note: Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Venkateswara SwamyTemple, Thondamanadu is under Balalayam. Reconstruction work is under progress.  SRI PADMAVATHI SAMETHA VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, PITHAPURAM, E.G.DIST. In the early 19th Century, ardent devotees of Lord Sri Balanagu Lachanna along with some village representatives gathered a small piece of land and installed the idol of Lord Venkateswara. As it was installed by Balanagu Lacchanna, the presiding deity is known as Sri Bala Venkateswara Swamy. Later, Balanagu Lachanna thought that Lord Venkateswara Swamy should not be kept alone and hence the idols of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru and Sri Govindaraja Swamy Varu were installed. All the Kainkaryamas and rituals of the temple are conducted as per Pancharathra Agama. TTD has taken over this temple in the year 2000. Location: situated 20 KM from the National highway-215 (Vijayawada to Calcutta) at Pithapuram Municipality entrance and adjacent to Pada Gaya Kshethram in East Godavari District. Temple Timings : 05:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM Sevas : Archana & Harathi - Rs. 5.00 Abhishekam - Rs.30.00

திருமலை - திருப்பதியில் அறை எடுத்துத் தங்கி சுவாமி தரிசனம் செய்வது எப்படி?

திருப்பதி சென்று சுவாமி தரிசனம் செய்பவர்களில் இரண்டு விதமானவர்கள் உண்டு. காலையில் கிளம்பி, திருப்பதி சென்று சுவாமி தரிசனம் செய்துவிட்டு இரவே வீடு திரும்புபவர்கள் ஒருவகை. திருப்பதிப் பயணமா? கீழ்த்திருப்பதியில் ஒரு நாள்... மேல் திருப்பதியில் இரன்டு நாள் என மூன்று நாட்கள் தங்கிவிட்டு வந்தால்தான் மனதுக்கு நிறைவாக இருக்கும் என்று சுவாமி தரிசனம் செய்துவிட்டு வருபவர்கள் இன்னொரு ரகம்.

''மலையிலேயே இரண்டு நாள் அறை எடுத்துத் தங்குனீங்களா? நாங்களும் அப்படி இருந்துட்டு வரணும்னு நினைப்போம் ஆனா, முடியறதில்ல. ரெண்டாவது நாங்க ரூம் புக் பண்ண போறப்ப எல்லாம் ரூம் இல்லேனு சொல்லிடுவாங்க''னு பலரும் சொல்லக் கேட்டிருக்கிறோம்.  

திருமலையில் தேவஸ்தான அறையில் தங்கி,  புஷ்கரணியில் குளித்து,வராகசாமி தரிசனம் செய்து, பின்னர் சுவாமிதரிசனம் செய்யவேண்டும். ஒரு நாளாவது இரவில் திருமலையில் தங்கி எம்பெருமானின் அருளைப் பெறவேண்டும் என எண்ணும் பக்தர்கள் ஏராளம். 

திருமலையில் அறை எடுத்துத் தங்கி சுவாமி தரிசனம் செய்வது எப்படி?

திருப்பதிக்குப் போவதென்று முடிவு செய்துவிட்டால், சிலநாட்களுக்கு முன்பாகவே முடிவெடுத்துவிடுங்கள். கீழ்திருப்பதி மேல் திருப்பதி (திருமலை) இரண்டு இடங்களிலுமே திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தானத்தின் சார்பில், ஏராளமான அறைகள், முறையான பராமரிப்புடன் பக்தர்களின் தேவைக்காக கட்டப்பட்டுள்ளன. கீழ்த்திருப்பதியில் பஸ்ஸ்டாண்டுக்கு எதிர்புறம் 'சீனிவாசம் காம்ப்ளக்ஸ்'  மாதவம் கெஸ்ட் ஹவுஸ் ஆகிய இரண்டு தேவஸ்தான விடுதிகள் உள்ளன. 

திருப்பதி சென்ட்ரல்  பஸ்-ஸ்டாண்ட் எதிர்புறம் உள்ள 'சீனிவாசம் காம்ப்ளக்ஸில் ரூ. 200, ரூ.400, ரூ.600 கட்டணத்தில் அறைகள் கிடைக்கின்றன. மாதவம் கெஸ்ட் ஹவுஸில் ரூ.800, ரூ.1000 கட்டணத்தில் அறைகள் கிடைக்கின்றன. இவை பாதுகாப்புடன் முறையாகப் பராமரிக்கப்பட்டும் வருகின்றன.

திருப்பதி ரெயில்வே ஸ்டேஷனின் எதிர்புறம் உள்ளது, விஷ்ணு நிவாஸம் காம்ப்ளக்ஸ்.  இங்கே, ரூ.300, ரூ.500, ரூ.800, ரூ.1300 ரூபாயில் அறைகள் கிடைக்கும் வாய்ப்புகள் உள்ளன. கீழ்த்திருப்பதியில் ஏராளமான தனியார் விடுதிகளும் உள்ளன.
திருமலையில் அதாவது மேல் திருப்பதியில், கோவர்த்தன், சப்தகிரி, கருடாத்ரி, வராகசாமி கெஸ்ட் ஹவுஸ், ராம் பகிஜா, பத்மாவதி கெஸ்ட் ஹவுஸ் என ஏராளமான தேவஸ்தான விடுதிகள் உள்ளன.

இவற்றில் மட்டும் மொத்தம் ஆறு ஆயிரம் அறைகள் உள்ளன. மேல் திருப்பதியில் தனியார் விடுதிகள்  எதுவும் கிடையாது. இங்கே, ரூ.50, ரூ.100, ரூ.150, ரூ.500, ரூ.600, ரூ.750, ரூ.1000, ரூ.1500, ரூ.2000 கட்டணத்தில் அவரவர் வசதிக்கேற்ப அறைகளைத் தேர்வு செய்து தங்கலாம். நாம் செலுத்தும் கட்டணத்துக்கேற்ப அறைகளில் வசதி வாய்ப்புகள் செய்யப்பட்டிருக்கும்.

இவற்றில் தங்க வேண்டுமென்றால், ஆன்லைனில்  பதிவு செய்யவேண்டும்.  இல்லாவிட்டால், உங்கள் மாவட்டத்தில் இருக்கும் திருமலை திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தான அலுவலகத்தில் தம்பதியாகச் சென்று முன்பதிவுசெய்துகொள்ள வேண்டும். ஒருவர் மட்டும் தனிநபராகச் சென்று கேட்டால் , அறைகள் தரமாட்டார்கள்.

கோடைகால விடுமுறை என்பதால், பலரும் முன்பதிவு செய்வார்கள்.120 நாட்களுக்கு முன்பாகவே முன்பதிவு தொடங்கிவிடும். உங்கள் பயணத்தை முன்பே திட்டமிட்டுக்கொள்ளுங்கள். சனி, ஞாயிறு, அரசு விடுமுறை இல்லாத நாட்களில் கூட்டம் சற்றுக் குறைவாக இருக்கும்.  குறிப்பாக செவ்வாய், புதன் ஆகிய நாட்களில் பயணத் திட்டத்தை வகுத்துக்கொண்டால் உங்கள் பயணம் இனிமையாகும்.

YOU SEE THE BELOW LINKS:

http://umaprakashapurva.blogspot.in/2017/02/chitra-pournami-at-thiruvannamalai.html

http://umaprakashapurva.blogspot.in/2015/04/kuladievam-1mangalambikai-samedha.html

http://umaprakashapurva.blogspot.com/2017/01/tiruchendur.html

http://umaprakashapurva.blogspot.com/2017/01/nava-tirupathi-in-tirunelveli.html

http://umaprakashapurva.blogspot.com/2017/01/navakailasam-in-tirunelveli-papanasam.html

http://umaprakashapurva.blogspot.in/2017/02/tirunelveli-in-and-around-trip.html

Thanks

umaprakash