Garbha Gruham[edit]

The Garbhagruha or sanctum is where the idol of Lord Sri

Venkateswara is placed. The idol stands majestically in the Garbha
Gruha, directly beneath a gilt-dome called the "Ananda Nilaya Divya
Vimana".
This idol, called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested. As
there is no known sculptor possessing the capability to sculpt idols of
god so proportionately. Further, no human being is known to have
installed it in the shrine.[21]
The idol of the Lord wears a gold crown (Kiritam), which has a large
emerald embedded on its front. On special occasions, it is replaced
with a diamond kiritam. On the forehead of the idol, two thick patchs
of tilak drawn with refned camphor, almost covers the eyes of the
idol. In between the two white patches is a Kasturitilakam made of
safron.
Golden makara kundalas hang to the ears of the idol. The palm of its
raised right hand is embedded with a gem-set Sudershana Chakra,
and the left palm with the Holy Cone. The slightly outstretched front
right hand, has its fngers pointing toward the feet, as if Lord is the
only recourse to his devotees to dissolve in him and enjoy eternal
bliss. The akimbo of the front left hand implies lord's protection to
devotees, and to show that the Samsara Sagara (Ocean of Life) is
never deeper than to hip's height, if they seek his refuge.
The body of the Idol is spun with a Gold-stringed-Pitambaram, with a
belt of golden-bells. The idol is decorated with precious ornaments. It
has a sacred thread fowing down, cross from the left shoulder. It
bears Goddess Lakshmi on the right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi
on the left. Nagaabharanam ornaments are on both of the idol's
shoulders.The lotus feet are covered with gold frames and decked
with clinging gold anklets. A strong curved belt of gold encompasses
the legs. During Abhishekam, we can have darshan of Goddess
Lakshmi.
The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates
and covered with a golden vase, in the thirteenth century, during the
reign of the Vijayanagara king, Yadava Raya.
Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Garbha Gruha (beyond
Kulasekhara padi (path)).
Ramanuja[edit]
Ramanuja(10171137 C.E)[22][23] (Holy People of the World: A
Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia)[24] born in Tamil Brahmin family in the
village of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu,(Philosophers and Religious
Leaders: An Encyclopedia of People Who Changed the World Lives &
Legacies)[25] was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri
Vaishnava community.[26] He was responsible for managing the
worship procedures and other afairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple.
His shrine was built around the 13th century. It overlooks the western
end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. There are two tall copper images
of the Dvarapalas (door guardians) Jaya and Vijaya on either side of
the door. The door is covered with gilt plates depicting the
Dashavatara of Sri Maha Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with
the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana
Mandapam. Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door. The right hand
of the stone image of Ramanuja is held in the gesture of exposition
(vyakhyana mudra), and the left hand in the form of boon bestowal
(varada hasta) or of holding a book (pustaka hasta). The shrine
fgures prominently during the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, which is
a typical Pancharatra observance. Special worship is conducted in
this shrine during Gandhapodi Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam.
The presiding deity of Ramanuja is taken in a grand procession to
meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.
Jeeyar Mattam was established by Ramanuja, with the call of the
Divine that made today's Chinna Jeeyar Swamy the young
Srimannarayana Ramanujacharyulu to take up the ascetic order of
JEEYAR(Lion) at a very young age of 23 years. He is reckoned very
high among the monks of the India and abroad as the pioneer and
Crusader of Peace.
Annamaya[edit]
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (or Annamayya) (9 May 1408 23
February 1503) was the ofcial songmaster of the Tirumala
Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed
around 36000 keertana songs, many of which were in praise of
Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple. The musical form of
the keertana songs that he composed have strongly infuenced the
structure of Carnatic music compositions, which are still popular
among Carnatic music concert artists. Sri Annamacharya is
remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great
Bhakta/devotee of Bhagwaan Govinda by devotees and saintly
singers.
He is widely regarded as the Pada-kavita Pitaamaha (grand old man
of song-writing) of the Telugu language. Annamacharya is said to
have composed as many as 36,000 sankeertanas[27] (songs) on
Bhagwaan Govinda Venkateswara, of which only about 12,000 are
available today.
Annamacharya considered his compositions as foral oferings to
Bhagwaan Govinda. In the poems, he praises Venkateswara,
describes his love for him, argues and quarrels with the Lord,
confesses the devotee's failures and apprehensions, and surrenders
himself to Venkateswara. His songs are classifed into the Adhyaatma
(spiritual) and Sringaara (romantic) sankeertanas genres. His songs
in the "Sringaara" genre worship Bhagwaan Venkateswara by
describing his amorous and romantic adventures of Venkateswara
and Alamel Manga, while others describe the Bhakti of his devotees.
In his later keertanas, he espouses subjects such as morality, dharma
and righteousness. He was one of the frst few who opposed the
social stigma towards the untouchable castes in his era, with his
sankeertanas explaining that the relationship between God and
human is the same irrespective of the latters' color, caste and
fnancial status, in beautiful yet powerful usage of words in his songs
"Brahmam Okkate Parabrahmam Okkate..." and "E Kulajudainanemi
Evvadainanemi..."
His choice of words gives a mellifuous tone to his songs, charming
the listener. His prodigious literary career earned him a place among
the all-time greats of Telugu literature.
Tarikonda Venkamamba[edit]
Tarikonda Venkamamba (born 1730) was a poetess and staunch
devotee of Lord Venkateswara in the 18th century. She wrote
numerous poems and songs. Her frst poem was Tarikonda Nrusimha
Satakam; it was followed by three Yakshaganams, Nrusimha Vilasa
Katha, Siva Natakam and Balakrishna Natakam; and Rajayogamrutha
Saram, a Dwipada Kavyam. These works were completed when she
was in Tarikonda. On her return to Tirumala from Tumburakona
caves, Venkamamba composed Vishnu Parijatham, Chenchu
Natakam, Rukmini Natakam and Jala Krida Vilasam and Mukthi
Kanthi Vilasam (all Yakshaganams), Gopi Natakam (Golla Kalapam-
Yakshaganam), Rama Parinayam, Sri Bhagavatham, Sri Krishna
Manjari, Tatva Keerthanalu and Vashista Ramayanam (Dwipada), Sri
Venkataachala Mahatyam (Padya Prabhandam) and Ashtanga
Yoga,Saram (Padyakruthi).
Tyagaraja[edit]
Kakarla Tyagabrahmam (4 May 1767 6 January 1847), colloquially
known as Tyagayya and Tygarjar, was one of the greatest
composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He,
along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama
Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music. He was a prolifc
composer and highly infuential in the development of the South
Indian classical music tradition. Tyagaraja composed thousands of
devotional compositions, most of them in praise of Lord Rama most
of which remain very popular even today. Of special mention are fve
of his compositions called the Pancharatna Krithis (English: 'fve
gems'), which are often sung in programs in his honour.
His compositions in praise of Lord Venkateswara include 'Tera
Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' among others.
Deities in the temple[edit]
1. Moolavirat or Dhruva Beram The main stone deity of Lord
Venkateswara is called Dhruva Beram (beram means "deity",
and dhruva means "pole star" or "fxed"). The deity is about 8
feet (2.4 m) from the toes to the top of the crown and is
considered the main source of energy for the temple.
2. Kautuka Beram or Bhoga Srinivasa This is a tiny one-foot
(0.3 m) silver deity, which was given to the temple in 614 AD by
Pallava Queen Samavai Perindevi, and has never been
removed from the temple from the day it was installed. This
deity is popularly known as Bhoga Srinivasa, because it enjoys
all the Bhoga (worldly pleasures) which the Moolavirat has. This
deity sleeps in a golden cot every night and receives Sahasra
Kalashabishekam every Wednesday. This deity is always
placed near the left foot of Moolavirat and is always connected
to the main deity by a holy Sambandha Kroocha. The deity is
always faced at an angle of 45 degrees towards the devotees,
because it holds a Prayoga ("ready to strike") Chakra.
3. Snapana Beram or Ugra Srinivasa This idol of the Lord
represents the anger part of Lord Venkateswara. He remains
inside the sanctum sanctorum, and comes out on only one day
each year: on Kaishika Dwadasi, before the sunrise. Snapana
means "cleansing". The idol is cleansed daily with holy waters,
milk, curds, ghee, sandalwood paste, turmeric, and so on.
Malayappa swami along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi during the annual
Vasanthotsavam ceremony
1. Utsava Beram This is the form of the Lord which comes out
of the temple to see the devotees. This deity is also called
Malayappa, and its consorts are Sridevi and Bhudevi. These
three deities were found in a cave called Malayappan Konai in
the holy Tirumala Hills. Originally Ugra Srinivasa was the
Utsava Beram (the procession deity), and frequently disastrous
fres were happening whenever the deity was taken out for
processions. People prayed to the Lord for a solution. The Lord
appeared in dreams, and ordered the people to fnd a suitable
set of idols hidden in the Holy Tirumala hills for the Utsavar
(procession). The hunt began, and the villagers called the idol
they found Malayappa, which means "King of the Hills". After
these idols were brought to the temple, the number of
programmes increased to include Nitya Kalyanaotsavam,
Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, Arjita Brahmotsavam,
Nityaotsvam, Dolotsavam, and others. Jewels worth millions of
rupees have been donated as oferings to these idols.
2. Bali Beram or Koluvu Srinivasa This panchaloha idol
resembles the main deity, and represents the presiding ofcer
for all activities and rituals in the temple. The idol is also called
Bali Beram. Koluvu Srinivasa is regarded as the guardian deity
of the temple that presides over its fnancial and economic
afairs. Daily oferings are made to the deity, with a presentation
of accounts. Every year during July i.e. according to Hindu
calendar "Dakshinaya Sankaramana" the temple celebrates
"Anivar Asthanam" which is the end of the fscal year.
Worship[edit]
Tirumala Temple entrance
The names ascribed to the main deity are Balaji, Srinivasa,
Venkateswara, Malayappa (Father of hill in Tamil), Elumalaiyaan(Lord
of seven hills in Tamil), Edukondalavadu (Lord of seven hills in
Telugu) and Venkatachalapathy' 'or Venkataramana. The goddess Sri
or Lakshmi (Vishnu's consort) resides on the chest of Venkateswara;
thus, he is also known by the epithet "Srinivasa" (the one in whom Sri
resides). The goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi reside on either
side of his chest. The deity is considered the Kali yuga varada, that
is, 'the boon-granting Lord of Kali yuga'. (Kali yuga is the fourth and
fnal age of the Hindu cycle of ages). The temple is held in particular
reverence by the sect who hails from "Naimisharanya" (north India),
known as the Sri Vaikhanasa/ Adhi Vaikhanasas followers of Sri
Vikanasa Muni.
For worshippers, the deity Venkateswara symbolises goodness.
When people travel to Tirupati, they chant the mantra
Ezhumalayanukku Govinda Govinda or Venkataramana Govinda (in
Tamil),Yedukondalavada Venkataramana Govinda Govinda (in
Telugu) or Om Namo Narayanaaya or Om Sri Venkatesaya Namah (in
Sanskrit). Lord Venkateswara is believed by followers to be a very
merciful form of Vishnu, being the fulfller of every wish made to him
by the devotees.
Several composers composed beautiful kirtanas about Lord
Venkateswara, the most notable amongst them being Tyagaraja and
Annamacharya, who composed mostly in Telugu. Annamacharya
(14081503) was a legendary devotee of Lord Venkateswara and
composed songs almost exclusively about the deity.
Lord Vishnu is worshiped in the Temple as per Vaikhanasa traditions.
The ancient texts of the sage Marichi (the Bhagvad Shastram and
Vimanarchana Kalpam) state that Lord Vishnu here should be
worshipped six times a day.
1. UshaKala Aradhana worship (or Aradhana) should start and
fnish before sunrise
2. Prathakala Aradhana worship should start after sunrise and
fnish before noon
3. Madhyanika Aradhana worship should start and fnish at
noon
4. Aparahana Aradhana worship should start when the sun
starts to descend
5. SandhyaKala Aradhana worship should start and fnish
around the sunset
6. Ardharatri Aradhana worship should start after the horizon is
completely dark
All the Aradhana is done by hereditary Vaikhanasa priests, who have
performed the services for generations. Only these priests have the
right to touch and ofer services to the Lord. These set of Archakas
are called Mirasidars (owners and shareholders of the temple). The
four families of the Tirumala Temple which are in this Mirasi are the
Gollapalli, Peddintti, Paidipalli, and Tirupathammagari family.
To assist the Archakas in temple work and rituals,other Vaikhanasa
who don't belongs to this family & Jeeyar Mattam established by
Ramanuja, would take care of the temple work. Currently Thridanda
Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy heads the Jeeyar Mattam
established by Ramanuja.
Epigraphical lore of Tirupati[edit]
This Temple bears on its walls several inscriptions which are of
historical, cultural and linguistic importance. The number of
inscriptions on the Hill Temple and in the temples of Lower Tirupati
and Tiruchanur exceed one thousand and they furnish a continuous
and authentic record of the transactions of the Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams for over seven or eight centuries. We have evidence
to believe that many early inscriptions on the walls of the temples
have disappeared beyond recovery due to restorations and
renovations undertaken from time to time.
As many as 1060 inscriptions are found engraved on the walls of the
temples under the management of the Devasthanam. They are
published by the T.T, Devasthanams and are classifed as follows:
Sri Venkateswara's Temple, Tirumala: # of inscriptions: 640.
Sri Govindaraja's Temple, Tirupati: # of inscriptions: 340.
Other Temples: # of inscriptions: 80.
Excepting a few, almost all the epigraphs of the Tirupati Temples are
in Tamil language and in alphabet interspersed with Grantha
characters. About 50 inscriptions are in Telugu and Kannada.[1]
Additionally, in the temple, there is a unique collection of about 3000
copper plates on which the Telugu Sankirtanas of Tallapaka
Annamacharya and his descendants are inscribed. This collection
forms a valuable source of material for a historical linguist in Telugu,
apart from its importance to musicologists.
Under the patronage of almost all important dynasties of South India,
this sacred Temple of Tirumala enjoyed full benefts and glory. The
Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, Kadavarayas, Yadavarayas,
Telugu Cholas, Telugu Pallavas, Vijayanagara kings (Sangama,
Saluva and Tuluva lines) have left the marks of their patronage and
endowments on the walls of the Temples of Tirumala and Tirupati.[1]
Temple activities[edit]
Prasadam[edit]
The world famous Tirupati Laddu is given at Tirumala Temple as
prasadam.[28] Recently, the Trust has taken Geographical Indication
of Laddu prasadam, hence, no one can prepare the same Laddu.
Many other prasadams are also available including daddojanam (curd
rice), pulioharey (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongali (sweet
pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi, Muruku, Dosa,
seera (kesari). Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On
Thursdays, the Tirupavadai seva is conducted, where food items are
kept as naivedyam to Lord Srinivasa.
Hair tonsuring[edit]
Devotees shaving their heads at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Many devotees have their head tonsured as "Mokku", an ofering to
God. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton.[29] The hair
thus gathered is sold by the temple organisation a few times a year by
public auction to international buyers for use as hair extensions and in
cosmetics,[30] bringing over $6 million to the temple's treasury.[31]
This is the second highest income generating activity in the temple
next to the Hundi Collection.
When Lord Balaji was hit on his head by a shepherd, a small portion
of his scalp became bald. This was noticed by Neela Devi, a
Gandharva princess. She felt "such an attractive face should not have
a faw". Immediately, she cut a portion of her hair and, with her
magical power, implanted it on his scalp. Lord Balaji noticed her
sacrifce. As hair is a beautiful asset of the female form, he promised
her that all his devotees who come to his abode would ofer their hair
to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence,
it is believed that hair ofered by the devotees is accepted by Neela
Devi. The hill, Neeladri, one of the seven hills, is named after her.
Hundi (donation pot)[edit]
It is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his
wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to the god Venkateswara (a
form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavati. Srinivasa
sought a loan of one crore and 11.4 million (11,400,000) coins of gold
from Kubera and had Viswakarma, the divine architect, create
heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and
Padmavathy lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi,
understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his
heart forever.
[
citation needed
]
In remembrance of this, devotees go to
Tirupati to donate money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so
that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as
22.5 million INR a day.[8] Devotees ofer gold as a token of their love
for God. Temple sources said that in April 2010 the temple deposited
3,000 kg of gold with SBI as gold oferings in the temple hundi by
devotees, which had accumulated for the last several years.[32]
Thulabharam[edit]
One of the most important ofering in this temple, is the 'thulabharam.'
In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing
balance and the other pan is flled with materials greater than the
weight of the devotee. Devotees usually ofer sugar, jaggery, tulsi
leaves, banana, gold, coins. This is mostly performed with newborn
babies or children.
Arjitha seva (paid services)[edit]
Pilgrims can view and participate (in a limited fashion) in the various
sevas performed to Dhruva bera (main idol), Bhoga Srinivasa, Sri
Malayappa swami and other idols in the temple.
When pilgrims purchase arjitha seva tickets, they get the opportunity
to see a seva performed to the Lord, obtain prasadam in the form of
vastram (clothes), akshantalu (sacred and blessed rice) and food
articles (laddus, vadas, dosas, pongal, rice items) and a darshan of
the utsava murti.[33]
The Seven Hills[edit]
The seven hills, also called Saptagiri (Template:Lang-Te), represent
the Saptarishi (seven sages). They sometimes called the Sapathagiri.
Hence the Lord is named Saptagirinivasa. The following are the
seven hills:
Gaaligopuram on Tirumala walkway from Tirupati
Mokalla mitta gopuram Tirumala hills Andhra Pradesh
Vrushabhadri Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva
Anjanadri Hill of Lord Hanuman. It is said to be birthplace of lord
Hanuman.
Neeladri Hill of Neela Devi It is believed that hair ofered by the
devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. It is because of boon
granted by Lord Venkateswara to Neela Devi.
Garudadri or Garudachalam Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord
Vishnu
Seshadri or Seshachalam Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu
Naraynadri Hill of Narayana. Srivari Padalu are located here
Venkatadri Hill of Lord Venkateswara
estivals[edit]
Elephants marching during a festival at Tirumala
The town celebrates most Vaishnava festivals, including Vaikuntha
Ekadasi, Rama Navami, and Janmashtami with great splendor, while
the Brahmotsavam celebrated every year during September is the
most important festival in Tirumala. The temple receives millions of
devotees over the short span of a week. Other major festivals include
Vasanthotsavam (spring festival), conducted in MarchApril, and
Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami), celebrated in February,
when Lord Venkateswara's deity is taken on procession around the
temple chariots.
!earby temples[edit]
Srikalahasti Temple is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated on
the banks of the River Swarnamukhi. The renowned devotee of
Lord Shiva, Kannappa, attained salvation there. It is 38
kilometres (24 mi) from Tirupati, and is connected by frequent
buses.
Srinivasa Mangapuram is situated 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from
Tirupati.This temple houses Lord Venkateswara, also known as
Prasanna Venkateswara or Kalyana Venkateswara. Bus
connections are available from Tirupati.
Sri Padmavati Devi Alayam (Alamelu Mangapuram), located 4
kilometres (2.5 mi) south of Tirupati, is an important temple
which is visited by every pilgrim who visits Tirupati. It houses
the spouses of the Lord, Sri Padmavathi Devi (Alamelu
Mangamma) and Thayaru. According to the legends, the
goddess Padmavathi was born in a tank called Pushakarini
there. The temples of Sri Krishna Swamy and Sri Sundara Raja
Swamy are also inside the complex. The temple is considered
as a Shakti Peeth.
Shiva carrying the corpse of Sati DeviShakti Peetha means the divine
chair of Adi Parashakti, the Mother Goddess. The origin of
Shakti Peethas is related to the mythology of Daksha Yaga and
Sati's self immolation. It had immense signifcance in shaping
the ancient Sanskrit literature and even had impact on the
culture of India. It led to the development of the concept of
Shakti Peethas and there by strengthening Shaktism.[34][35]
[36]Shakti Peethas are shrines that are believes to have
enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body
parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Lord Shiva carried it and
wandered throughout Aryavartha in sorrow. There are 51 Shakti
Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each temple have
shrines for Shakti and Kalabhairava and mostly the each temple
associates diferent names to Shakti and Kalabhairava in that
temple.[37]
Sri Govinda Raja Swami Temple is located in Tirupati near the
railway station. The highlight of the temple is its outer pinnacle
(Gaali Gopuram), which is visible from a distance. In addition to
a shrine to Sri Govinda Raja Swami, the temple complex also
houses the shrines of Andal Ammavaru, Sri Krishna, Sri
Ramanuja Thirumangai Alwar, Sri Vedanta Desika, Sri Lakshmi,
and Sri Manevala Mahamunlu. The Bramhotsavam of Govinda
Raja Swami during the month of Vaisakha (MayJune) attracts
a large number of devotees every year.
Sri Kodanda Rama Swami Temple is also situated in Tirupati. This
temple houses the shrines of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
The idols of this temple are famous. Bramhotsavam in this
temple takes place in the month of Falgun (MarchApril).
Sri Kapileswara Swami Temple is the only temple of Lord Shiva in
Tirupati. Pilgrims normally proceed to Tirumala for Darshan
after taking a customary dip in the temple tank. Located amidst
foothills of Tirumala, the place is also known for its waterfalls.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple is located at
Narayanavanam, according to legends. Lord Venkateswara
courted and married goddess Padmavathi Devi there.
Soumyanatha Swami Temple, Soumyanatha Swami is another name
and form of Lord Venkateswara in Nandalur Kadapa District

Main gopuram of Sri Kalyana venkateswara temple at Srinivasa

mangapuram; Tirupati
The entrance board at Sri kalyana venkateswara temple at Srinivasa
mangapuram: Tirupati
sacred water of padmvati ammavaru, at Tirucanuru, near Tirupati.
"Sri Mallayana Perumala Swamy Devalayalam" is located at
gajulamandyam village. From Tirupathi it is about 15 km. It was
constructed before 500 years. According to the legend, Swami
Venkateswara on his way to Tirumala met a maharshi named
mandavya there.