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<p>Lord Srinivasa is the Lord of Lords to whom the ritual of marriage is daily performed. He is the Lord of daily celebration of some ceremony or the other. Among the daily ceremonies held to the Lord, the daily ritual of marriage is of great significance. Hundreds of families participate in this ritual conducted on the prescribed marriage platform of Sampangi compound every day. This ritual is held every day except on the days of special ceremonies. Hence, Lord Srinivasa is called the Emperor of Daily Marital Ceremony.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsrhhN122l-WQ-xZbx50NZHVQyj0JwC5zfuGbgNk5j_bdyhrazTNM3H3h7HhrVa5HNC0i6FtuBtG1bISeodx0Z3wGwlgwlNhSxhmFk0qQVMEJV76RFM5m7hKy-sV10Ji4Mk9t2n6icUKbVlGdMQcf5tIclrnLgRcA0sBzDhKccr8sQTLeP_1EYYjgi=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsrhhN122l-WQ-xZbx50NZHVQyj0JwC5zfuGbgNk5j_bdyhrazTNM3H3h7HhrVa5HNC0i6FtuBtG1bISeodx0Z3wGwlgwlNhSxhmFk0qQVMEJV76RFM5m7hKy-sV10Ji4Mk9t2n6icUKbVlGdMQcf5tIclrnLgRcA0sBzDhKccr8sQTLeP_1EYYjgi=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Marital Ceremony for Lord Venkateswara </b></p><p>The marital ceremony for God is generally performed for our welfare, for our yoga and kshema. Yoga is obtaining that which one doesn’t have. If the issueless get children, it is children yoga. If those who do not have vehicles get vehicles, it is vehicle yoga. Kshema means retention of things as it is. Generally, people crave for things they don’t have and desire to retain things they have. Both these things are within our reach if the ritual of marriage is performed to the Lord.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>What is meant by Kalyana? </b></p><p>Kalyana in the general parlance means that which causes happiness or comfort: “Kalyam sukham anayati praapayati iti kalyanam.” This is also called variously—vivaham, udvaham, parinayam, panigrahanam, etc. In folkore it is pelli, pendli in Telugu; lagna, maduve in Kannada and tirumanam in Tamil. Originally, the marriage of Padmavati and Srinivasa took place some five thousand years ago. They don’t need us to do it again. Obviously, we perform it again for our welfare and fulfilment of desires. This marital ceremony is performed every day in Tirumala during Abhijit lagna to the worship idol, Lord Malayappa along with Sridevi and Bhudevi.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The mythological background </b></p><p>There arose a doubt in the minds of the saints in good old days as to who was the God that can grant us redemption. Sage Bhrigu was commissioned to this task of testing the trinity of Gods—Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara and resolve the issue. He finally resolves that Vishnu alone is the giver of redemption. In this process, Bhrigu kicks Lord Vishnu on His chest and Goddess Lakshmi feels piqued at this indiscriminate act and leaves Vaikuntha for the earth. Narayana too comes down to the earth in search of her and dramatically takes refuge at the hermitage of Vakulamalika as Srinivasa. Vakulamalika is none other than Yashoda of Dvapara yuga who was reborn in Kali yuga to fulfil her desire of witnessing the Lord’s marriage.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyn7b1iKhUvetSZNWtm5nnvafHVBbbbkKh-99PPAS-qh_vYfC-uzmD2s4fGdOSugn1nrRRYOYdbqpdGr9K4J3Th7ZPGVRv0ZgbrjSFpjEx9UYxh77_w8dYZXnb-eXe5ifEuzccB_x9-bpLxPbuvlhgwASPcuDNmZTwVCVs0qNAfjA7ymrlqElUTXzo=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyn7b1iKhUvetSZNWtm5nnvafHVBbbbkKh-99PPAS-qh_vYfC-uzmD2s4fGdOSugn1nrRRYOYdbqpdGr9K4J3Th7ZPGVRv0ZgbrjSFpjEx9UYxh77_w8dYZXnb-eXe5ifEuzccB_x9-bpLxPbuvlhgwASPcuDNmZTwVCVs0qNAfjA7ymrlqElUTXzo=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>While Akasha Raju of Narayanavaram was once tilling the land with a view to sanctifying it for yaga for the sake of children, he stumbles upon a golden box in one of the furrows. Goddess Lakshmi emerges out of the box in a full-blown lotus as an infant. That child was Padmavati. Soon Padmavathi grows young and one day an elephant in rut chases her while she was playing in the garden. Just then Srimannarayana who is alienated from the Vaikuntha and stationed in the hermitage of Vakulamalika happens to approach Padmavathi in the name of Srinivasa and drive the elephant out. Padmavathi and Srinivasa feel delighted at the sight of each other. When Srinivasa enquires about Padmavathi, the maids throw stones at him and his horse. Padmavathi stands stupefied at the sight of Srinivasa, but the maids take her back to the palace. Ever since then, both Srinivasa and Padmavathi suffer the pangs of separation in love. Coming to know of it, Padmavathi’s mother Dharani Devi reprimands her. Srinivasa too informs Vakula Devi about his love for Padmavathi, daughter of Akasha Raju and Dharani Devi and sends her to mediate for their marriage. But, suspecting her ability to perform the task, he moves around the palace in the guise of a soothsayer and gets invited into the palace to unveil the cause of Padmavathi’s ill-health. He tells her: “She has fallen in love with Srinivasa. She will be lost if she is not married to him. Take it from me! Srinivasa’s mother comes here soon with the marriage proposal,” and leaves. As if to prove the words of the soothsayer, Vakulamalika comes there and puts forth the marriage proposal. The parents of Padmavathi agree to it. Vakulamalika comes back home and informs the good news to Srinivasa. She is worried about the funds required to perform the marriage befitting the status of Akasha Raju, who is a king. At the request of Srinivasa, Kubera, the king of Alakapuri, readily showers plenty of money. It being Kaliyuga, Srinivasa signs a deed agreeing to pay back all the money and treasure offered by His devotees till the end of Kaliyuga. Brihaspati Acharya, the preceptor of the angels, fixes the auspicious moment of the marriage on the day of ruling star Uttara Phalguni in Vaisakha masa for prosperity:</p><p><br /></p><p>Shrutvaabraveetsa dhishanastayoruttara phalgunee Sammataassukha vriddhyartham prochyate daivachintakaih! Tayoruttara phalgunyaam vvivahah kriyataamiti Vaisakhamaase vidhivat kriyataamiti sobraveet!!</p><p><br /></p><p>Srinivasa sends through Garuda invitation to all the angels to attend the marriage at the auspicious fixed hour. As Brahma, Rudra and all other angels arrive at the marriage pandal at Narayanavaram, Akasha Raju with all his royal retinue receives the bridegroom Srinivasa. Brihaspati chants the veda mantras alongwith the sages as Padmavathi and Srinivasa are seated for the marriage. Akasha Raju and Dharani Devi offer Padmavathi, personification of Sri Maha Lakshmi, in marriage to Srinivasa. To the excitement of all the worlds, Srinivasa ties the sacred knot with Padmavati as the angels bear witness to it. This is the account of Srinivasa Kalyana as laid down in the Ashtadasha Puranas.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz5e1K4wxMzApkojJtUW01zEwEx_7LYnQnmDTxrLRInMyWN7kqIEktwyxUk7I18TKCaSsyKwXun1gwH_wmBFRF5a1JwPYhYxPt5W4quwm6HoVQvPwZH3CJZcacqH0EXPRjmSc4VdV5BygSQV2VqNkmvGvwg7fwPQM93Kj9A2jA2cWOzYS-2T4uqn4o=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz5e1K4wxMzApkojJtUW01zEwEx_7LYnQnmDTxrLRInMyWN7kqIEktwyxUk7I18TKCaSsyKwXun1gwH_wmBFRF5a1JwPYhYxPt5W4quwm6HoVQvPwZH3CJZcacqH0EXPRjmSc4VdV5BygSQV2VqNkmvGvwg7fwPQM93Kj9A2jA2cWOzYS-2T4uqn4o=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>The Historical Background </b></p><p>Tarigonda Vengamamba, a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara, refers to the auspicious moment of the marriage in her V enkat achala Mahatmyam: “suruchira vaisakha shukladashami shukravaramunaadu shubhamuhurtambu,” i.e. “the tenth day of bright lunar fortnight in Vaisakha month, the Friday is the auspicious hour of marriage”. The marriage of Padmavathi and Srinivasa which took place five thousand years ago continued to be conducted till the 15th century in Tirumala on special occasions and during Brahmotsavas only.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tallapaka Annamacharya</b></p><p>Father of Pada tradition of Poetry, born of the aspect of Nandaka sword, initiated the daily ritual of marriage himself taking the role of kanyadaata. Though he belonged to the same gotra as that of Lord Venkateswara, i.e. Bharadvaja Gotra, he considered it his divine gift to assume the role of Akasha Raju on behalf of the Goddess Padmavathi and perform the marriage. While Lord Venkateswara is a daily bridegroom, Annamacharya is a daily kanyadaata. This tradition is being carried forward even now as Annamacharya’s descendents continue to act as the kanyadaataas in Srinivasa’s marriage. The daily ritual of marriage of Lord Srinivasa, who takes care of the welfare of all the worlds, continues unhindered even today. This is recognized among the world of devotees as the most auspicious and unique service rendered to gain the mercy of Lord Srinivasa, in the entire world. Several stone inscriptions testify to the fact that the descendents of Annamacharya had donated a number of villages and agraharas to the temple for this ceremony.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikhfNldl28NAL4Rv2WcSAVGwDkl2E-tKOEx3aGIDSEaQdFiEJ5YZAGnFlVS9KwmnvOV7oqLCUJ-qNFey1tngruiMBgNCv7DXstMfXijdm1Y8TuSET0PB8CpWz3JlPH0UtkospOmY3n2Nxw_QaszGUQ1PTuTjW7UQYjjJb0YYGjtHTUQ8Sy10Rv7zoZ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikhfNldl28NAL4Rv2WcSAVGwDkl2E-tKOEx3aGIDSEaQdFiEJ5YZAGnFlVS9KwmnvOV7oqLCUJ-qNFey1tngruiMBgNCv7DXstMfXijdm1Y8TuSET0PB8CpWz3JlPH0UtkospOmY3n2Nxw_QaszGUQ1PTuTjW7UQYjjJb0YYGjtHTUQ8Sy10Rv7zoZ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>History of Marital Ceremony of Tirumala Lord Venkateswara </b></p><p>It was Tallapaka Annamacharya who inaugurated the daily ritual of marriage for the Lord. He arranged for transfer of 120 varahas from Sendaluru and Mallavaram villages of Kondaveeti region to the treasury of the Lord towards the expenditure for the ceremony. In the beginning, the ceremony used to extend to five days with special naivedyas being offered to the Lord. Panguni month commences on the day of ruling star Anuradha (Phalguna as per the lunar calendar) and ends on the day of Uttaraashaadha star. Considering Padmavathi as their daughter and Srinivasa as their son-in-law, Annamacharya’s descendents commenced this ritual of marriage in 1546. According to the inscription number 354-97, Tallapaka Chinna Tirumalacharya, grandson of Annamacharya, arranged to conduct this service of marital ceremony in the Govindaraja temple of Tirupathi since 1547 for five days in Chittirai and Thai months as per the Tamil Calendar. It used to start four days prior to the day of ruling star of Rohini. The inscription details the items of food to be offered to the Lord on each of these days and the amount of remuneration to be paid to the main priests and Jeeyangars. This ceremony is held at Lakshmi Devi pandal in the premises of Pundarikavalli of Govindaraja temple. Under the auspices of Tallapaka family, only betel leaves and areka nuts were given by way of remuneration in the ceremony. They used to spend only 250 varahas for this. 150 varahas from the income of Nediya village used to be credited to the temple treasury towards the expenditure on this account. This procedure was established by Chinna Tirumalayyangar. Every year this ceremony was conducted for five days without fail in Tirumala and Tirupathi. The income from Tuppili Agrahara besides 400 rekhai coins from Ambattur of Nagari Sirimayi region also used to be spent on these celebrations. This amount was meant not only for Govindaraja’s marital ceremony, but also for the daily services of the Tirumala main temple. There used to be grand processions of the Lord in the four main streets of the temples and offerings of special items of food on this occasion. During the ritual of marriage, Lord Malayappa was the bridegroom; Sridevi and Bhudevi were the brides. It was performed with a lot of fanfare and festivity. The main priests, Jeeyangars, recluses, Vedic scholars and other renderers of service used to be offered remuneration and other courtesies of the temple. Over the years, the amount of 150 rekhai coins was barely sufficient for the conduct of the ceremony. Tiruvedayyan (Tiruvengalanadhan), son of Peda Tirumalacharya, decided to spend his income drawn from Vinukonda Sirimayi region of Kondaveedu kingdom on this ceremony. In 1554 an amount of 470 rekhai coins was credited to the treasury of the Lord to meet the expenditure on the ceremonies. The remaining amount was spent on the offerings of food items to the Gods as per the inscription no. 419 GT. Around 1558 Lord Srinivasa’s marital ceremony was conducted with more offerings of food under the auspices of Tiruvengalanadhan. The five-day ceremony of marriage commenced with Hoisting the Garuda Emblem (Dhvaja rohana) which is generally held during Brahmotsavas. But, the Vaikhanasa tradition allows it in any ceremony.</p><p><br /></p><p>This ceremony, in which both the rich and the poor participate, used to be held previously before the golden threshold. Subsequently, it was shifted to the marriage hall on the way to vimana circumambulation and then to Ranganayaka porch for the convenience of the devotees. But, because of the rising number of participants, it has been shifted to the present “Venkata Ramana Swami marriage hall” to the south of Sampangi circumambulation.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTmbDt7vZgiL62fr1x_4hEFRijq3crfBt_mt9cxwXjJn5oBSm6PkTy2_CnrZLSrho5vacPzmziYRmjJWhUzm3FCHhSzTRXIkqOh62c3howncgC-QaKgI9kPBkU9j4If9mgFkcUBd2tCEjjVqLPSPxT3JQ9bVXnC1qQwWOd3iVkazNyWpkbv4nH0QLP=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTmbDt7vZgiL62fr1x_4hEFRijq3crfBt_mt9cxwXjJn5oBSm6PkTy2_CnrZLSrho5vacPzmziYRmjJWhUzm3FCHhSzTRXIkqOh62c3howncgC-QaKgI9kPBkU9j4If9mgFkcUBd2tCEjjVqLPSPxT3JQ9bVXnC1qQwWOd3iVkazNyWpkbv4nH0QLP=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>As a Paid Service </b></p><p>Over the years the ceremony became a paid service. Among the three ceremonies held for Lord Vishnu according to Vaikhanasa Agama tradition, this ceremony is called shraddotsava or kamyotsava. The remaining two are called kalotsava or naimittikotsava. The devotees blessed by the Lord can participate in this service to the Lord by paying the charge of Rs. 1,000/. Only the participant alongwith the spouse is allowed into it. At the end of the utsava, the couple is given an upper garment (uttareeyam), a jacket, two big laddus, two vadas and five small laddus as prasada.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Procedure of Daily Ritual of Marriage </b></p><p>From the quarters of the priests, the Vaikhanasa priests ordained for this ceremony, alongwith another priest known as Brihaspati clad in yellow garments, enter the marriage pandal of Sampangi circumambulation aided by a torch-bearer known as ‘Vochi’ for the service at the feet of the Lord. By then Malayappa Swami is already seated on the golden throne facing the east. There will be Sridevi and Bhudevi on another golden pedestal. Well-decorated with garlands, the processional deities get ready for the marital ceremony. The daily ritual of marriage starts with the prayer to the congregation at 12 O’ Clock in Abhijit lagna. Later, the vedic rituals of Vishvaksena’s worship, sanctification ceremony (Punyahavachanam), spot germination (sadyoh Ankurarpana), tying the sacred thread (rakshabandhan), lighting the fire (agni pratishta), etc. are conducted. Offering of honey and milk (madhuparka nivedana), washing the feet, touching with the sacred grass (Koorcha pradana) take place. A curtain (thera sella) is held between the Lord and His consorts amidst the chanting of the mantras. New garments are offered to them. The gotrapravaras of the Lord and His consorts are read out as part of the mahasankalpa. After worshipping the mangalya, it is touched to the Lord’s hands and then tied to the Goddesses and the camphor light is waved to them. At the fire place, the priests perform the main sacrifice, sacrifice with puffed rice, the concluding oblation of perfection (purnahuti) and protective marking on the forehead (rakshatilaka dharana). Later vaaranamayiram, exchange of garlands (malaparivartanam) and auspicious turmeric rice (akshataropanam) are conducted as per the ordained procedure. The ceremony concludes with the waving of camphor light.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdv6zjeALANBdDJAnhiQrILqvVbtAWSQmhmmUpidWmYsSOe-oK4QYjMTqtUMPiYITNgRsRFMr6Fvfpp1IG2DdFFTa39ojmtc42eHP1WT7fZC4V7BrUw81F8CQ0kFdXSi_jbW8e60Tb5Z2NGxFVwFOcem25Xvm7CyG58smjwaHAbN3ZqihdfazyaADr=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdv6zjeALANBdDJAnhiQrILqvVbtAWSQmhmmUpidWmYsSOe-oK4QYjMTqtUMPiYITNgRsRFMr6Fvfpp1IG2DdFFTa39ojmtc42eHP1WT7fZC4V7BrUw81F8CQ0kFdXSi_jbW8e60Tb5Z2NGxFVwFOcem25Xvm7CyG58smjwaHAbN3ZqihdfazyaADr=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Fruits of Performing the Lord’s Marital Ceremony </b></p><p>In the Vimanaarchana Kalpam, Sage Marichi details the fruits of conducting the Lord’s Marital Ceremony as follows: “Those who serve the Lord along with Sridevi and Bhudevi during the daily ritual of marriage will be purged of their sins then and there itself. Besides, the progeny upto ten generations, previous and prospective, of his father and mother will be cleansed of their sins. At the end, they attain the sacred world of Lord Vishnu. Ladies thrive with longevity of their husbands forever.</p>

<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-_HEh-pXEKp-AbioehitZzr5SiESD3VOYR-oqCgX0CMhvFYTcoFDzjrPO1_6TWsUzbtPbDzyfALZpc2a-Y8JUmuoGmBwyZXk17HiEqVR9TqvfdO4vFTUwn3_qnEHoV5yKB-XOEZcPIkAuO-2FNaz7K8cZkxjgzvbxhi2ZZoEP3oYqMXHihEcK1RE=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-_HEh-pXEKp-AbioehitZzr5SiESD3VOYR-oqCgX0CMhvFYTcoFDzjrPO1_6TWsUzbtPbDzyfALZpc2a-Y8JUmuoGmBwyZXk17HiEqVR9TqvfdO4vFTUwn3_qnEHoV5yKB-XOEZcPIkAuO-2FNaz7K8cZkxjgzvbxhi2ZZoEP3oYqMXHihEcK1RE=s16000" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The Lord of the Vengadam hills, Sri Srinivasa is most benevolent towards his devotees and he always loves to bless them with their chosen wishes along with wealth and moksha. Lord Srinivasa’s appearance at Tirumala is due to the one and only reason to shower all His choicest blessings on mankind. There are many rituals that are periodically conducted during several auspicious occasions throughout the year at Tirumala Hill Shrine. The rituals that are celebrated during the sacred month of Dhanurmasa (Dec/Jan) is considered most auspicious among the other rituals of the year. ‘Dhanurmasa’ is considered as highly auspicious for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. The beginning of Dhanurmasa is marked by the transit of the Sun into ‘Dhanur’ rasi. This is also called ‘DhanusSankramana’. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_KpTgJ9TrlA5_Io0xiYltp77MVoMdBqMEUTYg9ZsSjtIiA0Z1NwBq_x9tDftuavSakxEqWKoBoyIOVFKAWd8Q80akgxUDbqC_pMbD_QBDTZwtt5touaaaHBKZJWxmGrGPX-zaU0WgYJDX01hmTLbohvx7y8cOk_klz-y5z6hM7gWxpjCre8wd50Y=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="852" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_KpTgJ9TrlA5_Io0xiYltp77MVoMdBqMEUTYg9ZsSjtIiA0Z1NwBq_x9tDftuavSakxEqWKoBoyIOVFKAWd8Q80akgxUDbqC_pMbD_QBDTZwtt5touaaaHBKZJWxmGrGPX-zaU0WgYJDX01hmTLbohvx7y8cOk_klz-y5z6hM7gWxpjCre8wd50Y=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>According to Sanatana Dharma, Devas wake-up early in the morning during this month. They perform special prayers to Sri Mahavishnu during the auspicious period of ‘BramhiMuhurtha’ , which is one and half hours before sunrise. Srikrishna in Bhagavad – Gita says ‘MasanamMaargaSeershoham....’ – ‘I manifest more in Margashirsha masam among the different months of the year’. Worshipping Lord Vishnu on a single day during Dhanurmasa is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years. Special worship is conducted in all ancient Vishnu shrines throughout South India and some parts of North India. The holy festival ‘Vaikuntaekadasi’ is also celebrated on an Ekadasi during the bright half of Dhanurmasam.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tiruppalliyezhuchhi –</b> Awakening ritual The daily rituals of the temple begin with sacred ‘tiruppalliyezhuchhi’, instead of the regular Suprabhatam. This is a compilation of sacred verses praising Lord Vishnu sung by the Sri Vaishnavaite saint Sri TondaradipodiAlwar ‘tirumalai ariyadar tirumalaiariyadavar’ is an adage.</p><p><br /></p><p>One who does not know the prabandham ‘tirumalai’ does not know ‘tirumai’, Srimannarayana. Maalai means garland-of-flowers and also a type of prabandham, which has manypoems on a single theme.Tirumalai is one of the 2 prabandhams composed by one of the 12 Alwars, Sri Thondaradippodi Alwar, also called as ‘bhaktangirenu’. His otherprabandham is ‘tiruppalliyezhuchchi’. These prabandhams are part of the 24 prabandhams which make the divine collection ‘nalayiradivyaprabhandam’ - The ten beautiful Tiruppalliyezhuchchi pasurams are recited everyday to awaken our Lord. Tiruppalliyezhuchchi is applicable only to Srimannarayana.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge82INs6DlZ-tsNoRGiU7eIdW_lQbtnqGuUGOQFH9ksECH-36iVm2N32XxtEzoyTALu6J3hIEIZXBJRJw-xDKSVkV7UUPEjKBFQ6hbt01ZblunY5gT9juhM3c3wK3tAqn5prrfECnH4Wq0B8vHYkaiaBM_a8Tf5cB3gh4xl0ni56TSFqpvHJbK4No=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge82INs6DlZ-tsNoRGiU7eIdW_lQbtnqGuUGOQFH9ksECH-36iVm2N32XxtEzoyTALu6J3hIEIZXBJRJw-xDKSVkV7UUPEjKBFQ6hbt01ZblunY5gT9juhM3c3wK3tAqn5prrfECnH4Wq0B8vHYkaiaBM_a8Tf5cB3gh4xl0ni56TSFqpvHJbK4No=s16000" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Dhanurmasa Aradhana </b></p><p>These beautiful songs are sung by the Arulicheyal Ghoshti lead by Sri PeddaJiyangar of Tirumala temple for 30 days during Dhanurmasa. At the conclusion of these verses, the Dhanurmasa Kainkaryams begin with the singing of verses from Sri Goda Devi’s Tiruppavai.The PeddaJeeyar along with Ekangi, SannidhiGolla, Tholappachar will bring a basket full of flowers from Yamunottarai to the Sannidhi. Amidst the recital of these verses, the Vaikhanasa Archaka takes Sankalpam for Dhanurmasa Aradhana – …. dhanurmase Suklapakshe, … asmingramesthithanam brahman Adisarva varnanam, sarvesham bhaktajananamcha, vyadhichoradurbhiksha anavrush Tirajabadadhi sarvaupadrava santyartham, rajarash tragramayajam anaacharya archaka pachaka paricharakadi abhivruthyartham,… meaning, during this auspicious time, May all who belong to the four classes in the country, and all devotees of Lord Vishnu, be protected from several calamities like Diseases, Thieves, Famine, Drought, Cruelity of King and there shall ever be positive progress bestowed on the king, country, village, Founder of the temple, Acharya, Archaka, Paricharaka…After taking the Sankalpam for Dhanurmasa ThomalaSeva, the Archaka now begins offering ritualistic services in a sequence called ‘upacharas’ viz.,</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Asana (getting the deity seated on a place of honour)</li><li>svagata (words and gestures of welcome, and orienting the deity towards ourselves – vigrahasyAbhimukhikaranam)</li><li>anumana (begging the deity to condescend and accept the worship to be offered – archan arthamprasIdaitiy Achanam)</li><li>padya (water for washing the lotus feet – pada-prakshalanaya)</li><li>arghya (water for washing the hands)</li><li>Achamana (water for ceremonial sipping, being given on the right hand of the deity by means of pranidhi)</li><li>Pushpa (flowers being offered at the feet, on the shoulders, and on the conch and discus)</li><li>Gandha (sandalpaste being applied to parts of the body above navel)</li><li>dhupa (incense wafting in the four directions)</li><li>dipa (light with clarified butter),</li><li>snana (giving a ceremonial bath or Abhisheka (only during morning worship) in the morning or sprinkling water on the deity – abhyukshana (in afternoon and evening)</li><li>plota (drying the icon with a clean cloth)</li><li>Vastra (draping the icon with fresh garments of silk or cotton)</li><li>uttarIya (providing an upper garment)</li><li>Abharana (decorating the icon with ornaments)</li><li>upavita (bestowing the sacrificial cord of cotton or gold)</li><li>havis (food offering, baked and seasoned)</li><li>paniIya (offering water for drinking, while eating food )</li><li>Achamana (to signify the completion of the food offering)</li><li>mukhavasa (fragrant substances to clean the mouth)</li><li>Bali (food offering for the attendant deities)</li><li>pranama (prostrations)</li><li>pushpanjali (offering of flowers or Tulasi at the completion of the ritual of worship)</li><li>Stuti (prayers in eulogy)</li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The same upachara may be offered twice or thrice depending on the usage and custom of the shrine. Here at Tirumala each upachara is offered thrice which is a long standing custom from times immemorial. The above upacharas are classified under different categories and are called as ‘shatkaiarchana’ (Worshipping six times a day), which is followed in the temple as prescribed in Vaikhanasa Bhrigu Samhitha Prakeernadhikara.</p><p><br /></p><p>Shatkalam vatrikalamvadvikalakam Ekakalamvapujanamdevdevasya || meaning - Lord Vishnu must be worshipped one time, two, three or at the maximum, six times a day in a temple. Also we read in Bhagavadarchanam of Prakeernadhikara Pratyusha Schaprabhata Schamadhyahna Schaaparahnaka: | Sayankaioni SidhaSchapujakala Stushatsmruta: ||</p><p><br /></p><p>The times of worshipping Lord Vishnu according to Sage Bhrighu are Pratyusha – before sunrise, Pratahkala – at sunrise, when the sun hit horizon, Madhyahna – at noon, when the sun at top of sky, Aparahna – late afternoon when sun start to descend, Sayankala – evening before total sunset and Ardharatri (Nisidhikalam) – during midnight. But the worship which is offered during Dhanurmasa is an extra addition to the regular 6 times worship a day.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Parrot Alankaram (Adornment) </b></p><p>After offering all the upacharas during Dhanurmasa ThomalaSeva, Mantrapushpam is offered to Lord Srinivasa with the Tulasi placed at the lotus feet given by a descendant of Tirumala Nambi called Tholappachar. Now the Mulavirat is offered with NakshatraHarati followed by KarpooraHarati, which concludes, Dhanurmasa ThomalaSeva.Srivari Mulavirat (Main Deity) is adorned with flower garlands and there will be no separate adornment of flowers in the regular ThomalaSeva. Also two specially made parrots with leaves, one from Srivilliputtur Andal Sannidhi is adorned on the left bosom of Srivaru, another one provided by TTD garden department is also adorned on the left side near Shankham. Also a diamond studded parrot is adorned on the right bosom of Srivaru throughout Dhanurmasam. The adornment of Parrot on Srivari Mulavirat bosom has a special significance and meaning.</p><p><br /></p><p>In Sri GodaDevi’s ‘NachiarTirumozhi’ (5th Decad, 5th verse), Andal refers fondly to Her parrot as ‘Paalamudhoottieduthaenkolakkili’ - a parrot that’s fed on milk. In Her verse, Andal speaks of three birds - the swan, the cuckoo and the parrot. In the sloka, ‘Koojantam Rama Rameti,’ Valmiki is referred to as a cuckoo — Valmiki kokilam. Sukabrahma Rishi narrated the story of Lord Krishna. Suka also means parrot in Sanskrit. So Andal, by singing about the cuckoo and the parrot, may be said to be referring to the narrators of the stories of Rama and Krishna, respectively. The reference to the swan is Andal’s way of referring to the Acharyas, who are invariably compared to swans because of their discerning capacity.”ilamkili” by ANDAL, instead of to “ilamkuyil”. We all know that kuyil is known for its melodious voice, and normally no one refers to kili for its sweet voice. If anything, the parrot has a hoarse voice. But the parrot is known for obediently repeating whatever it hears, and does not go on its own and echo its own thoughts. Our sampradayam is that we obey whatever our acharya-s teach us, and not just say whatever occurs in our heads. It isconsidered murkhatvam (stupidity, foolishness) to go on our own and blabberour thoughts, instead of following our elders’ words and echoing this toothers. Parrot, and not kuyil, is known for its faithfully repeating whatit hears, and this is why ANDAL chose the parrot for sweetness! This is what ANDAL herself does, namely, she faithfully follows the path shown toher by perialwar. The subsequent Acarya-s follow the path of ANDAL – this is our sampradayam.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGx53ElsdofWQriajAFgPK7eE0iMrjb6EupczkMd56q0E8e4Tzju_SBs4EWBGAPL_ZoyVhPVakEwxrOCXpb-x8IiZm8EvP2jiwYsYKD9SrUACKl5cgCLodluhTXAhNBoPMuO2CVDC6Whf6wBqf0-uxJ85DcEIh9ooZY5fsFVNeTJ1xeWEeNRaL9IE=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGx53ElsdofWQriajAFgPK7eE0iMrjb6EupczkMd56q0E8e4Tzju_SBs4EWBGAPL_ZoyVhPVakEwxrOCXpb-x8IiZm8EvP2jiwYsYKD9SrUACKl5cgCLodluhTXAhNBoPMuO2CVDC6Whf6wBqf0-uxJ85DcEIh9ooZY5fsFVNeTJ1xeWEeNRaL9IE=s16000" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bilva Archana </b></p><p>The next ritual is Sahasranama Archana. Sri Venkatesa SahasraNamavali – 1008 names of Lord Srinivasa is recited from BrahmandaPurana of Sri VenkatachalaMahatyam. During this Archana, the lotus feet of Sri Venkateswara is worshipped by offering Bilva leaves amidst recital of Archana. This is peculiar to the 30 days of Dhanrumasam and also only during the Sahasranama Archana of Dhanurmasa Kainkaryams. During Sahasranamarchana, Srivari Dhruva Beram is worshipped with Tulasi leaves amidst recital of 1008 names, for all the 11 months in a year except during the 30 days of Dhanurmasa. In this Margasira month, during Sahasranama Archana as part of DhanurmasaAradhana, Srivaru is offered Archana with Bilva leaves. The Lord of Vengadam hill is Lord Srinivasa and his consort is Goddess Lakshmi devi, she is known as ‘Bilvavanalaya’. And She is praised in Lakshmi chaturvimsati Naamaavali – the 24 auspicious names of Goddess Lakshmi from VarahaPurana as Namobilvavanasthayai Vishnupatnyainamonamaha || Once Indra and other Devas last Swargaloka to Asuras. They then worshipped Lakshmi with 24 names. She was happy with their worship and conferred swargaloka, and also said. Temamanenastotre nastutvasthanamavapnuyu: | Akhandai: bilvapatrairmamarcha yantinarabhuvi || (Varahapurana).</p><p><br /></p><p>Those who worship me with the auspicious bilva leaves, they will be conferred their lost place along with immense wealth by my grace. And hence in Tirumala, it is rightfully followed by worshipping Lord Venkateswara, who is holding Goddess Lakshmi on his right bosom, with bilva leaves. Also Vaikhanasa Bhrighu Samhita states that - Nandyavartam cha padmam cha tulasIvishnuparnika | Bilvam cha karavIram cha padmamkumudam evacha | AshTavaipunya pushpanigrahyanituyath akramam || The eight types of auspicious flowers that are suggested by Vaikhanasa Bhrighu Samhita used in worshipping Lord Vishnu are – Nandivardhanam (Jasmine), Padmam (Lotus), Tulasi (Basil), Vishnu parnika (Orania), Bilvam (leaves of wood apple), Ganneru (oleander), Kumudam (Red lotus), Bilva (Belpatra), and Metta Tamara. And hence in Tirumala, its an age old custom to use Bilvapatram during Dhanurmasa, along with other types of flowers.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Naivedyam</b> </p><p>During the Dhanurmasa Naivedyam, special food offerings like JaggeryDosa, Mudgannam (KattePongali), Sundal, Seera are offered every day to Lord Srinivasa.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC2J6tmKlpcyk-F8eYJIylg78zUj_BexsO7gXb-LrCs3RTbh2_uAZ7zKAI2_uARTuzOnT7G4eH-fPc6ElDN-ADLhZH0vdAFC1OWhHLkrU75EclY5GAL3V7kKxVr_WTH35gjNo8OXPN9aAdjrZCXBcq7WGita_468ltIWi2NB3NPS0mZbzFO7WHi3I=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC2J6tmKlpcyk-F8eYJIylg78zUj_BexsO7gXb-LrCs3RTbh2_uAZ7zKAI2_uARTuzOnT7G4eH-fPc6ElDN-ADLhZH0vdAFC1OWhHLkrU75EclY5GAL3V7kKxVr_WTH35gjNo8OXPN9aAdjrZCXBcq7WGita_468ltIWi2NB3NPS0mZbzFO7WHi3I=s16000" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Ekantaseva to Lord Krishna Swami </b></p><p>The last sequence of Vaikhanasa worship is called ‘paryankasana’ (Ekantaseva or Sayanaasana) and is the putting of representative icon to rest for the night, before the temple doors are closed. In the hill shrine, the KautukaBera, Sri Bhoga Srinivasa is offered with this Kainkaryam. Vaikhanasa Agama provides that KautukaBera, Bali Bera or any other bera may be used as a Sayana – Bera; an icon of Krishna may also be used, KaUtukambali beramvanyaloukikamevava | Athavakrushnarupamvasayanaya Kalpate ||</p><p><br /></p><p>Infact, the silver image of Lord Krishna (which is kept in the Sanctum on the left side of Dhruva Bera) is used for this service instead of the Kautukabera Bhoga Srinivasa, for 30 days during Dhanurmasa in the hill shrine. Before putting to Bed, Lord Krishna is offered sacred bath with luke warm water and then dressed up with a vastram followed by offering of warm milk, Fried Nuts, Fruits and Betel nuts. The icon of Bhoga Srinivasa was presented by a pallava princess Samavai, in the year 614 AD. She also arranged for a 7 day festival known as TirukkodiTirunal ending with the Tirudvadasi(VaikuntaDwadasi) day. Likewise, during each day of Dhanurmasam, these rituals are conducted with much devotion and dedication, and hence worshipping Srivaru during this auspicious Dhanurmasa shall confer great merits to the devotees. Those who worship Lord Vishnu in this holy month of Dhanurmasa, will be conferred with the choicest blessings of Lord Srinivasa and by his eternal grace, devotees are blessed with health, wealth, peace and prosperity in this world and attain Vishnu lokaprapti at the end of their lives.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuzJsSQ2L3TM93gU5AzESUGGNNDsW96GJe3e4MLWG2i59w7Iof1KzLGRc-TdQBHKWxOboiSojE5BuBekimb9hSR6rjgEMSb_LxZ1l92Lm64hsMyWSqtHN6sVmL82WGdNrub11kWdrh0SrMMECsVffi0ZssrXsFUTqa3oby4fAECuwa5LVVZbrRnmI=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuzJsSQ2L3TM93gU5AzESUGGNNDsW96GJe3e4MLWG2i59w7Iof1KzLGRc-TdQBHKWxOboiSojE5BuBekimb9hSR6rjgEMSb_LxZ1l92Lm64hsMyWSqtHN6sVmL82WGdNrub11kWdrh0SrMMECsVffi0ZssrXsFUTqa3oby4fAECuwa5LVVZbrRnmI=s16000" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Andal Neerattotsavam</b></p><p>Godadevi desired to marry Lord Srikrishna as her husband and performed ‘Dhanurmasa Vratam’ with devotion. In memory of that event ‘Andal Neerattotsavam’ is being performed for seven days before the Bhogi festival in Dhanurmasam. On this day, Godadevi in Sri Govindarajaswami temple, Tirupati starts in a procession on a Palanquin through mada streets reaches Neeratta mandapam at Ramachandra Teertham. There Neerattam or Abhishekam, Nivedanam, Saattumora and Asthanam will be conducted as per customs. They remain there till evening. Later the deity is being adorned with flowers and carried back in a palanquin to Sri Govindarajaswami temple. The Neerattotsavam is being performed for seven days continuously. On the eighth day i.e. on the Bhogi day, Andal along with Sri Krishna Swami, ascends the Bhogi palanquin in the evening moves round through mada streets and reaches sannidhi. This day Godadevi marries Lord Srikrishna and Utsavams are being celebrated grandly. The next day ‘Godaparinayotsavam’ is being celebrated on Kanuma festival day. This tradition is being followed till today.</p>

<h2 style="text-align: left;">‘<b>Annam Parabrahma Swarupam</b>’ – Food is Divine</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUfnSNDJ7xvkAWGxzn8XoKir6pkF-5yb3KLn4BlcIMm29S-y8qVazhOaXC2WJdIQSyX29gKMWkz-jph81T_Tu6gwYuyxNlFowrzwRXqQWimKztJE_j8wzFZCL2Id6e0gEyPGBFppiu2c5FR-tfIGImnsfp20akPXkSVhG0mSq8HTBcxpxkiVLbw4aU=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUfnSNDJ7xvkAWGxzn8XoKir6pkF-5yb3KLn4BlcIMm29S-y8qVazhOaXC2WJdIQSyX29gKMWkz-jph81T_Tu6gwYuyxNlFowrzwRXqQWimKztJE_j8wzFZCL2Id6e0gEyPGBFppiu2c5FR-tfIGImnsfp20akPXkSVhG0mSq8HTBcxpxkiVLbw4aU=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p>Among all the donations, donating food is more auspicious. You all know that T.T.D. is serving Annaprasadam to the devotees in Tirumala, Tiruchanur and other important pilgrimage centers in a large scale. T.T.D. is now introducing ‘one day donation scheme’ in Annaprasadam Trust, while extending it’s uniform privileges to the donors. An expenditure of Rs.26/- lakhs (Rupees Twenty Six Lakhs Only) had been arrived for ‘one day donation scheme’ to serve complete distribution of Annaprasadam at free of cost to the devotees. Since Rs.26/- lakhs is a big amount to bear the entire expenditure by the donors, for their convenience and facility, the one day expenditure is divided into three portions as :</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Breakfast – Rs. 06/-lakhs</li><li>Lunch – Rs. 10/-lakhs</li><li>Dinner – Rs.10/-lakhs</li><li>In Total – Rs.26/- lakhs</li></ul><p></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii1TLoWowYl7BDfjhiL7FgvL5gLihB3MAs7655YQuDZHx181Vq42HbA_XaSjQpVdpBD9sU_60DSSq6_xYjfpcQnPeGptz3fcUdu2F8mKFhSOovA0fUu7YfBIPRwwo04Z4uLDNfN7iOh3IsbwGZErBuGj6GfOJrfrfwaoEQ4VAB1jhQVgpPelCnrDwK=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii1TLoWowYl7BDfjhiL7FgvL5gLihB3MAs7655YQuDZHx181Vq42HbA_XaSjQpVdpBD9sU_60DSSq6_xYjfpcQnPeGptz3fcUdu2F8mKFhSOovA0fUu7YfBIPRwwo04Z4uLDNfN7iOh3IsbwGZErBuGj6GfOJrfrfwaoEQ4VAB1jhQVgpPelCnrDwK=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">THE DETAILS OF ‘ONE DAY DONATION SCHEME’ IN S.V. ANNAPRASADAM TRUST ARE BEING FURNISHED: </h2><div><br /></div><div>To accept an amount of Rs.26/- lakhs (Rupees Twenty six lakhs only) or more as donation towards expenditure for one day complete distribution of Annaprasadams such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from the Individuals / Companies / Firms / Trusts / Joint Donors etc. The privileges will be extended on par with Rs.05/- lakhs and Rs.10/- lakhs to below Rs.1/- crore donors. In addition to this, the following additional privileges are being provided:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>THE DONOR’S NAME WILL BE DISPLAYED IN MTVAC, TIRUMALA.</li><li>THE DONOR IS PERMITTED FOR ONE DAY OF THEIR CHOICE TO SERVE IN MTVAC, TIRUMALA FOR ONE TIME ONLY.</li></ul></div><div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Contact Information</b></div><div><ul><li>0877 - 2264258</li><li>0877 - 2264375</li><li>0877 - 2264237</li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>THE SPECIAL OFFICER,</b></div><div>SRI VENKATESWARA ANNAPRASADAM TRUST,</div><div>T.T.D. ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING,</div><div>K.T.ROAD, TIRUPATI </div><div><br /></div><div>(OR) you can login through <a href="http://www.tirumala.org">www.tirumala.org</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpltukY9U5OBn_-mc_bvTlQd0xx5-QcknqSG8oSyxMqpeYL51PEd5tkFMJRbzTjLNAdNS9Ar-NEshhlkYl4qj8lPwHxBdxZBH0MSG7xBq4liesmGDhSOFNj4cDobYUM_CJ_Z5LYc38oZs/s1024/1492425_530478190424241_8130225528844638863_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpltukY9U5OBn_-mc_bvTlQd0xx5-QcknqSG8oSyxMqpeYL51PEd5tkFMJRbzTjLNAdNS9Ar-NEshhlkYl4qj8lPwHxBdxZBH0MSG7xBq4liesmGDhSOFNj4cDobYUM_CJ_Z5LYc38oZs/s16000/1492425_530478190424241_8130225528844638863_o.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The town of Tirupati, for ages has been the most sacred landscape dotted with temples dedicated to the Gods of Vedic pantheon. There are temples, small and big, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi & Goddess Parvathi. There are also temples that serve as celestial dwellings for many local gods and goddesses. All these temples proudly display the plularalism and peaceful coexistence of different paths leading towards the common goal – Self Realisation and Moksha. Among all the temples of Tirupati, Kapileswara temple stands out for its unique geographical disposition and the Puranic legends associated with it. The abode of God Shiva in the form of Kapileswara temple surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, perennial small streams, sub-shrines, forest and of course the towering mountain peaks of Seshachalam range. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N5oA8r5vS8IJObpLq-aaVsAhSiXyAHWzqiB5CVYGnhWyLFtgurDxpzANO6zq3atMz2FkANHddxsPDx4Ns8SXDxebUmRJo5IWuFnz2kOhedWua-4Jp5nwFwqpkiUBemyPP02p9qqScZw/s2048/Kapila_Theertham_waterfalls_Tirupati_2015_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N5oA8r5vS8IJObpLq-aaVsAhSiXyAHWzqiB5CVYGnhWyLFtgurDxpzANO6zq3atMz2FkANHddxsPDx4Ns8SXDxebUmRJo5IWuFnz2kOhedWua-4Jp5nwFwqpkiUBemyPP02p9qqScZw/s16000/Kapila_Theertham_waterfalls_Tirupati_2015_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Puranic sources inform us that the Linga of Kapileswara has been installed by Sage Kapila during Treta Yuga. Sage Kapila has been hailed as one of the many prominent incarnations of Mahavishnu. Many references of this great sage can be found in Bhagavata, Brahmanda, Narada, Skanda Puranas. Sage Kapila said to be living in Patala (one of the netherworlds) by building a hermitage for himself. During Treta Yuga, the 60,000 sons of King Sagara went to this hermitage in search of their holy cow and found it being tied near Sage’s hut. Accusing him as a thief they tried to hit Kapila who got angry at this misdeed and burnt them down into ashes. Later Kapila came on to earth and did penance at the foot of Tirumala hills and had the darshan of Lord Shiva who manifested in the form of a Linga. This same Linga is now being worshipped as “Kapileswara”. Other legends say that Siva is the Kshetra Palaka of Tirumala hills. As if to attest this legend, Sri Kapileswara Linga is seen facing the Tirumala hills. Though this Linga is said to be here for millions of years, the historical antiquity of this temple dates back to 11 th century. The first epigraphic reference to this temple belongs to Chola king Rajendra – I (1012 AD – 1044 AD) reign. One of his royal officers named Brahmarayan Munaiyadarayan has built the shrine. The last epigraphic record found in this temple belongs to the reign of Vijayanagara emperor Sadashivaraya. This temple reflects Chola and Vijayanagara architecture and contains a pillared verandah, Mukhamandapa, Antarala and Garbhagruha. In the southern side of the inner shrine, there is a shrine dedicated to Kamakshi Devi, the consort of Kapileswara.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzB7NiqARkNIV1CJb7lR_za-Bt2aZO5QOePda-tndVTo7tO_EQjKsLrWadJtfx02oKQAHIywinNCmP-tO_qrVHJt-k-D-7p40C5keUtCULNzcB_WAJannNPPvFL7Xr0zxPj8dFvLr0HM/s1280/158889219_1367376000280658_3574355134283117012_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzB7NiqARkNIV1CJb7lR_za-Bt2aZO5QOePda-tndVTo7tO_EQjKsLrWadJtfx02oKQAHIywinNCmP-tO_qrVHJt-k-D-7p40C5keUtCULNzcB_WAJannNPPvFL7Xr0zxPj8dFvLr0HM/s16000/158889219_1367376000280658_3574355134283117012_n.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Sub-shrines or Upa Alayas of Kapileswara Temple </b></p><p>The typical layout of any temple in Bharata is generally a complex of many shrines located at specific places and cardinal points stipulated in Vastu shastra. Almost all the major temples in India particularly South India have small shrines called Upa Alayas dedicated to several gods and goddess. Kapileswara Swami temple of Tirupati too is not an exception to this general feature of temple architecture and the complex houses many subshrines around the central shrine of Sri Kapileswara. These sub-shrines include the shrines of Ganapati, Kumaraswami, Venugopala Swami, Lakshmi Narayana Swami and Lakshmi Narasimha Swami. Apart from these shrines, there are few smaller shrines having different Siva Lingas such as Vishwanatha etc. Apart from the shrines there are many stone images lined up all along the Pradakshina path around the central shrines. These images include Dakshina Murthi, Kala Bhairava, Siva-Nataraja etc. There is a fascinating phenomenon that in Shaivite temple one can see temples dedicated to Vishnu and a temple for Shiva in Vaishnavite kshetrams. Owing to this tradition, there are three subshrines featuring three forms of Vishnu i.e. Venugopala (Srikrishna), Lakshmi Narayana and Lakshmi Narasimha Swami. All these sub-shrines feature a blend of Chola and Vijayanagara architecture. The murtis of Venugopala (Srikrishna) and Lakshmi Narayana are so captivating that one doesn’t wish to bat their eyelid even for a second. Similarly, the magnificent image of Kumaraswami, riding peacock vehicle and flanked by His two consorts, mesmerizes the devotees.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4pDdE-bs-1BIlp5Qi4kx4nrxgv8qr6W19kPI9kenDl7XpxJKgGXC5SGIMlinh0vIOFGZPGLLMXZYivEYswXvN1LdWnib-91lOkmpVerW58TbynBB2NNo-9njWKoBvIZqPHxWBzUasr0/s960/1150798_411145932325503_600043493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4pDdE-bs-1BIlp5Qi4kx4nrxgv8qr6W19kPI9kenDl7XpxJKgGXC5SGIMlinh0vIOFGZPGLLMXZYivEYswXvN1LdWnib-91lOkmpVerW58TbynBB2NNo-9njWKoBvIZqPHxWBzUasr0/s16000/1150798_411145932325503_600043493_n.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Other structures of the temple </b></p><p>‘Sandhyavandana Mandapas’, a row of pillared corridors, built around the Kapila Teertham tank are the unique feature of this temple. These row of Mandapas that surround the temple from three sides have been built during Vijayanagara emperor, Achyutadevaraya’s period. An inscription from c.1531 gives details of this construction Interestingly, there is a shrine dedicated to the Srivaishnava saint, Nammalwar, is located within the precincts of Kapileswara Swami temple. An inscription from c.1544 mentions that a devotee named Tallapakam Periya Tirumalaiyyangar made a donation to this shrine for conducting Sattumora service. Legends and Srivaishnava hagiographies say that the Alwars of Srivaishnava pantheon have taken their sacred dip in Kapila Teertham and hence it is also called as 'Alwar Teertham'.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiYEB7TBbMEj5RbwGAvl67xAu0fH5iT0XxOdL5AoSANRFzgVRsO-2dG_SjV_hoED6Y59EwDrpPEEHTY3m9ZUj_qlM-OrFhz7SSHFJyIVwTGyB9F5ZjiSbEktqKH2ZTpEzkOhgGS-6REU/s750/kapila-theertham-sri-kapileswara-swamy-temple-tourism-location-address-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiYEB7TBbMEj5RbwGAvl67xAu0fH5iT0XxOdL5AoSANRFzgVRsO-2dG_SjV_hoED6Y59EwDrpPEEHTY3m9ZUj_qlM-OrFhz7SSHFJyIVwTGyB9F5ZjiSbEktqKH2ZTpEzkOhgGS-6REU/s16000/kapila-theertham-sri-kapileswara-swamy-temple-tourism-location-address-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><b>Sacredness of Kapila Teertham </b></p><p>Sthala Purana says that during Kartika Masa, all the sacred Teerthams of three worlds dwell in Kapila Teertham. Bhavishyottara Purana describes Kapila Teertham as the most sacred place to offer Pinda and Tarpana for departed elders. The story of Madhava, a Brahman born in Kalahasti town, narrated in Bhavishyottara Purana shows the piety of Kapila Teertham.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkvKLPonCD3mXZws0eJtry7qKQ-8q3WYKtcWxQbsoHSx8G_Pk20X7Q65nxgvXV-48F3UO4uopwKQxFDZ8Addgazz1lceEVHSgMX24L5es4HO2HREDnqwcCds1EoRRGbofUrGiXGTQz-M/s1024/Kapilatheertam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkvKLPonCD3mXZws0eJtry7qKQ-8q3WYKtcWxQbsoHSx8G_Pk20X7Q65nxgvXV-48F3UO4uopwKQxFDZ8Addgazz1lceEVHSgMX24L5es4HO2HREDnqwcCds1EoRRGbofUrGiXGTQz-M/s16000/Kapilatheertam.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Shivaratri Celebrations at Kapileswara Swami Temple </b></p><p>Shivaratri is the most auspicious occasion for every Hindu devotee. On this sacred day, devotees and seekers of divine grace can attain awakening of the Shiva Tattvam. This is marked by the Jagarana (keeping awake whole night) throughout the cold night. As Parama Shiva manifested in the form of sacred Linga and appeared before Sage Kapila who is an incarnation of Maha Vishnu, the sacredness of Shivaratri at Kapila Teertham yields double the benefit of Punya (virtue). One who visits Kapileswara Swami during this highly auspicious day, that devotee will be blessed by both Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu. While Lord Shiva destroys the ignorance, Lord Vishnu sustains it by bestowing Jnana. On this holy occasion of the Brahmotsavams let us visualize the form of Sri Kapileswara in our minds and meditate up on Him as the destroyer of evil and giver of good health and righteous living. 'Om Namah Shivaya'</p>