Shri Shirdi Sai speaks-27th oct/Sri Venkateshwara temple of Tirumala, AP

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As usual, click on any of the below pictures to see the larger view or to save

them to your computer. The holy hill of Tirumala is one of the most important

piligrimage centres in India,and the Venkateswara Temple here is claimed ti be

the busiest in the world. Existence in the 12th century with the founding of

Govindarajaswamy temple. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the abode of Lord

Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji in the north and Srinivasa in southern parts

of India,is one of the most famous temples in India and is located at

Tirumala,18 km. northwest of Tirupati at a height of 874 mt. above sea level

amidst the hills known as seven hills of the Eastern Ghats It is believed that

Lord Vishnu (Balaji) enchanted by the charm of the hill Seshachalam, settled

down here to meditate and in course of time his body was transformed into stone.

Also, according to the Puranas,the hills represent the body of Adisesha on which

Lord Vishnu, the protector of the

world, is said to rest. The seven hills denote the seven hoods of Adisesha on

which Venkatachalapati resides. The origin of the temple is shrouded in

antiquity and is regarded as one of the most ancient temples in India. It was

patronised by the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagara rulers and

later by the kings of Mysore The idol of Lord Venkateshwara has the attributes

of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, a happy compromise appealing at once to both

Vaishnavites and Shaivites. Sri Venkateshwara temple, the richest shrine in

India, attracts a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year eager to have a

glimpse of Lord Venkateshwara in his bejewelled glory. The main temple is a

masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its " Ananda Nilaya Vimanam " , the

granite canopy over the sanctum sanctorum, covered with gilded copper sheets.

The temple flagpost is also gold plated.

Tirumala, Sep 21 2009

Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of Pedda Sesha Vahanam

The Srivari Brahmotsavam begins with the parade of the Vishwakshena , the

commander of the forces of Lord Vishnu ( Lord Venkateswara ) .As part of the

procession Lord Venkateswara appears before his devotees on his pet vahana of

Adishesha .Legend says that Adishesha is the most beloved and obedient member of

the celestial entourage of Sri Vishnu in all his a vatars . He is identified as

Lakshmana in Ramavataram, Balram in Dwapara etc. “ Adishesha is the closest to

Lord Vishnu as he comes his vehicle, bed , throne ,an umbrella , shelter and

also foot wear .In almost eight inscriptions of the historic literature Adi

shesha is described as worthy of daily worship as -“ Sheshaya, SheshaStutya ,

Sheshadri Nilayaha, Bhogindra Bho samsthanaha “.In the Kaliyuga Adishesha is

described to have incarnated as Govindaraja, Venkatachala, Ayurveda exponent

Charaka , linguist Panini , Yoga sutra innovator Patanjali and also as Sri

Ramanuja, campaigner of Vishistha

advaita cult “ says Chief priest of Dr. A.V. Ramana Dikshitulu .The

procession of the first day of Sri Venkateswara along with his consorts is taken

on the vehicle decorated with the golden Adishesha ( serpent god ) along the

Four mada streets where lakhs of people gather to witness the diety appearing

before them in all grandeur and pay their reverence. Tirumala, Sep 22 2009

2nd Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of Chinna Sesha Vahanam

On the second day of the Srivari Brahmotsavam in his incarnation as Malayalappa

swami , Lord Venkateswara appears on a Five hooded Chinna Shesha Vahanam .

As per the puranas and mythology the Chinna Shesha Vahanam is represented as

Vasuki, the Lord Venkateswara is hailed for using him as his vehicle to convey

yet another message to the mankind.

As per the Vaishanava tradition Srivari procession on Chinna Shesha Vahanam

denoted the need for rejuvenation of seven charkas in the human body which shape

up his mental and physical abilities . The Chinna Shesha Vahanam representing

Vasuki is considered as a rejuvenator of these seven charkas .

All those who witness the procession of Lord Venkateswara on his i Chinna Sehsha

Vahana procession will thus benefit from the ‘Yoga Siddhi “effect of Srivari

divine energy .

 

The grand procession of Lord Venkateswara on the second day of Srivari

Brahmotsavam is on Hamsa Vahanam .Lord Venkateswara in his incarnation as

Malayalappaswami will give darshan to his devotees as Veenapani Saraswati atop

he Brahmas’s vehicle of Hamsa or Swan . Hamsa also represented the Surya ( sun

god ) in Indian mythology as those who had attained spiritual levels with God

are also called ‘Paramahamsa’ as well .The procession of Lord Venkateswara

on Hamsa Vahanam also denoted his incarnation as Lord Vishnu in the form of Sun

God, say saints and exponents of Mythology.

Tirumala, Sep 22 2009

2nd day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of Hamsa Vahanam

Swan or Hamsa also stands out for its capabilities to weed out the good from the

bad . In other words the celestial bird is known for its in-born virtues to

segregate the milk from water in a pot of mixed liquid. This is considered a

divine blessing of Lord Venkateswara to weed out the bad qualities in a human

being and retain only the good virtues .

Tirumala, Sep 23 2009

3rd Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of Simha Vahanam

On the third day of the Srivari Brahmotsavam , Lord Venkateswara will give

darshan outside his temple to lakhs devotees who come from all over the world on

his vehicle of Simha ( Lion ) .

The incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the Mrugendrudu ( most ferocious and strong

among the animals ) is an indication of Lord Venkateswara as a powerful entity

born to punish the erring anti social elements on the universe for protection of

the righteous, poor and the weaker sections in the society .

Being a Simha , is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as

‘Narasimha’ whom the puranas and legends speak in volumes of his drive

against ‘Dushta’ ( wrong doers) and protection of the weak, poor and the god

fearing persons.

 

Tirumala, Sep 23 2009

3rd Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam

Lord Venkateswara appears before his devotees on the third day of the Srivari

Brahmotsavam on a vehicle decorated with prices less and resplendent white

pearls which denoted peace and patience .

Legend says that pearls , a produce of sea, is formed when the dew and rain

drops into pearl chip in the ocean . Even Sri Krishna wore pearl nose rings and

necklaces and Lord Venkateswara hailed as “ Alankara priyudu†On the fourth

day of Srivari Brahmotsavam, Lord Venkateswara adorns the role of Kalpa Vruksha

to bless his devotees with their sought after desires for which they vow to

serve and worship him .

He rides on the Kalpa Vruksha vahanam and goes around the four mada streets

around the temple giving darshan to thousands of people who come for witnessing

the Srivari Brahmotsavam.

Legend says that Kalpa Vruksha was one of the elements what erupted when the

Adisesha placed his vice grip on the Mandara Mountain where the Deva- Asuras

tried to steal the Amrutam (celestial liquid). All those who took shelter under

Kalpa vruksha did not have problems of starvation and poverty, says the classic

literature of Srimad Bhagavatham

Tirumala, Sep 24 2009

4th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of KALPA VRUKSHA VAHANAM

Tirumala, Sep 24 2009

4th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of SARVABHOOPALA VAHANAM

The Srivari Brahmotsavam the Malayalappa swami alias Lord Venkateswara presents

himself as the king of kings to his devotees who throng Tirumala on the Sarva

bhoopala Vahanam.

Sarva bhoopala means the Devas in charge of the earth, water and air become the

pall bearers of his vehicle . Along with the Sarva Bhupalas, the Dikpala’s of

East-West and South-North etc also join in his service .

“The objective is to display that all the Dikpalas of the universe were not

just under the control of Lord venkateswara but also that there was no chance

for misuse of office by them under his diligent vigilance and directions “

says Dr.A.V.Ramana Dikshitulu , chief priest of Tirumala Temple .

 

On the fifth day of Srivari Brahmotsavam Lord Venkateswara stuns his devotees

by appearing as a dazzling Mohini and alives up to his reputation as an

“alankara priyudu ( well dressed and be-jewelled handsome personality ).

At the same Lord Venkateswara appears as a child Srikrishna before his countless

devotees on a pallaki ( palanquin ) made of Ivory and Rose wood presented to the

Temple by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore .

The devout say that by appearing as Mohini during the Srivari Brahmotsavam the

Lord had sent a message that the entire universe was a creation of his Maya and

those who do not worship him were also hypnotized under the spell of his Mohini

avatar to become his followers .

The Garuda Vahanam on the fifth day of the Srivari Brahmotsavam is considered

the most significant of all events in the festival .

Garuda or the Eagle is the main and daily vehicle of Lord Vishnu . Besides being

the daily transport , Garuda also said to sit atop the Dwajam on the day of

Dwajarohanam ( inauguration of Brahmotsavam ) and heralded the event and invited

all the Devatas for the event on earth .

25th sept 2009-5th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - Procession of GARUDA

VAHANAM

On the sixth day of Srivari Brahmotsavam , the presiding deity of Tirumala

gives his darshan to his devout followers on the Hanuman Vahanam.

Hanuman is considered one of the top devotees of Lord Vishnu in one of his

avatars as Lord Rama . He is also hailed as a exponent of all four vedas, Nava

vyakarana pundit and destroyer of Lanka.

Hanuman is considered as an embodiment of Wisdom, Muscle power,Victory,

Braveness, health, over active, fearless and common sense . One of the hillocks

on the Tirumala hill range is also named as Anjanadri . Known as a vara putra of

Anjana born out of power of ‘tapas’, Hanuman.

Hanuman is also described as Bhavishyat Brahma for his blessings and acts denote

a special and spiritual path for everyone to abide to lead a peaceful and

prosperous livelihood

The sixth day of Srivari Brahmotsavam at Tirumala heralds a distinct and unique

celebration popularly known Swarna Rathotsavam (the festival of the Golden

chariot).

Legends say that the golden chariot is considered to be faourite vehicle of Lord

Venkateswara. Malayalappa gives darshan to his scores of devotees in grand style

as his vehicle is preceeded by Shunya ratham of Brahma and other chariots

dragged by Elephant , Ashwa and Vrushaba .

As part of established tradition, the barbers of Kalyana katta-tonsuring centre

of Tirumala where thousands offer their hair to the deity to redeem their vows

– offer a golden umbrella to the deity of Lord Venkateswara .

Mythology says that the golden chariot of Lord Venkateswara is driven by four

horses names as Sugriva, Shaibya, Meghapuspha and Valahaka with Daraka as his

sarathi .

The darshan of Lord Venkateswara on his golden chariot is an memorable

experience to all devout Hindus. Many pious Hindus consider it an once in a life

time experience to witness the golden chariot festival as part of Brahmotsavam

of Lord Venkateswara. It is comparable only to the colorful and picturesque

Ratha yatra of Lord Krishna in Dwaraka .

Tirumala, Sep 26 2009

6th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - GAJA VAHANAM

In the evening of the sixth day of Srivari Brahmotsavam at tirumala, Lord

Venkateswara enthralls the devotees on the Gaja Vahanam. Elephant as been a

vehicle of the Tirumala deity from time immemorial .

Elephant as a vehicle is a symbol of wealth of not only the rich but also of the

deities of prominent temples in the country .The wealth of Lord Venkateswara

Tirumala is wellknown as he is said to be the Kanchana brahma , the one who

heard the tinkling of coins trickling into his Hundi every day in thousands and

lakhs .

Gaja is representing Iravata- he four ivory teethed elephant which was one of

the products of the Mandira parvatam mathanam by Adishesha

The procession of Lord Venkateswara well decorated with jewellery of pearls,

diamonds and other precious stones atop the Elephant chariot is a celestial

sight for all of his devotees though the presence of the elephant corps of the

Temple behind the chariots on all days of the Brahmotsavam is well known .

The mythological lore of Gajendra Moksha of how Lord Vishnu descended to rescue

the Gajendra whose feet was caught by the crocodiles. Thus Gajendra concept

occupies a dominant position in the realm of ones surrendering to Lord

Venkateswara and seeking his blessing as part of repentance.

As contemporary Vedic exponent Geetacharya says “Sava Dharmana Parityajya Ma

mekam Sharanam Vraja†, is the message of repentance for devotees to surrender

themselves in service of Lord Venkateswara .

The procession of Lord Venkateswara on the seventh day of Srivari Brahmotsavam

is atop the Surya prabha vahanam. The Tirumala diety rides atop a vehicle

adorned by Surya , the sun god , who was the key architect of lie of both

humans, animals and plants .Legends and mythological scripts identify Surya as

the element that brought activity among all living things .All devout hindus

offer prayers to Sunday god every morning and the Gayatri Mantram triggers a

divine energy among all living beings.Surya, the sun god was always rode in a

chariot driven by seven horses .He spread light and health in the world and also

threw away darkness which symbolized poverty, illiteracy and ignorance.

On the seventh day evening of the Srivari Brahmotsavam at Tirumala the

presiding deity Lord Venkateswara rides atop a Chandra Prabha Vahanam to the

delight of thousands of who devotees who gather around the four mada streets to

witness the divine event .

In the morning Lord Venkateswara was taken around in a Surya Prabha Vahanam and

in the evening he is placed atop the Chandra Prabha vahanam.

While Surya stands for energy in its basic form and enlivens the living things

in the world ,Chandra stands for promoting medicinal values among living beings

including plants .

As per the scripts in the Purushottam Prapti Yagam Chandra is described as a

Lord Vishnu becomes an invisible architect creating of medicine for the well

being of the society . The Saint exponent Geeta Charya also refers to

“Nakshatrana Aham Shashi†( I am a spot on he moon) indicating the presence

of moon as an integral part of the celestial system .

The procession of Lord Venkateswara on the Chandra Prabha Chariot is a

delightful sight for all the devouts and pious people who throng Tirumala for

the Brahmotsavam festival .

“ The Chandra Prabha Vahanam is an indication of the significance and concern

attached in those days for traditional school of herbal and ayurvedic medicine

“, says Dr. A.V.Ramana Dikshitulu, chief priest of Tirumala temple.

The florists from Coimbatore who are specially brought for making garlands for

all the festivals of Brahmotsavam make a special 18 feet garland and a arch made

of White jasmine colours as per the agama shastras and enriched the divine

energy of the idols on display .

Tirumala, Sep 27 2009

7th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - CHANDRA PRABHA VAHANAM

On the penultimate day of Srivari Brahmotsavam , on the eigth day, the

Malayalappaswami is seated on a high pedestal throne and taken ina procession

around the four mada streets around Tirumala for the benefit of devotees who

throng the temple town for a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara in various vahanams

and in forms .

Tirumala, Sep 28 2009

8th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - RATHOTSAVAM

Tirumala, Sep 29 2009

9th Day of Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam - CHAKRASNANAM

The Srivari Brahmotsavam comes to a conclusion on the Ninth day with the

Chakrasnanam event at the Swami Puskarini near the Tirumala Temple.

The chakrasnanm significies the close of the nine day celebrations and the

festivities. The deity is taken in a Pallaki utsavam in the early hours on the

four mada streets before preparations are made for the Chakrasnanam. The Utsava

deities and the Sri Chakrathalwar are offered Panchamrutha snapana Thirumanjanam

at the Sri Varahaswamy temple .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

" Not less than seven magnificent crowns make up for the jewellery kitty of Lord

Venkateswara, including 11 tonnes of gold, ornaments and other precious jewels.

But, what is bothering the priests and Vedic pundits is the overweight of the

offerings, particularly the crowns.A temple priest said the 8-ft Moola Viraat

(the principal idol of the Lord) is adorned by not less than 60-70 kg of gold

ornaments on any given day. "

Mr.Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy, Member Of Parliament has donated Rs 3.70 crore

worth golden Peethamburam (golden vesture) to the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple

at Tirumala on Thursday evening. This Golden Peethamburam (a gold cover to place

over the bottom of the deity from the waist) Mr.Reddy has handed over the golden

vesture, weighing 21 kgs to the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams(TTD) Executive

officer IYR Krishna Rao inside the temple.

Sri Pratap.C. Reddy of Apollo Hospital, Chennai has donated Rs. 80 lakhs worth

Golden KATI, VAIKUNTA HASTHAMS weighing approx 5.6kgs to the Lord of Seven

Hills. He has handed the gift to the TTD Spl Officer Sri A.V.Dharma Reddy inside

Sri Vari Temple, Tirumala on Thursday night. [nov 2008]

Sri Pratap Reddy of Penna Cement, Hyderabad is seen donating Rs. 5 crores worth

Diamond studded Golden KATI, VAIKUNTA HASTHAMS to the Lord of Seven Hills. TTD

Chairman Sri B.Karunakara Reddy is also seen.

 

Sri Venkateshwara or Balaji, is a form of the Lord Vishnu only. Sri Krishna is

also an Avatar of Lord Vishnu. So Sri Krishna, Lord Vishnu or Sri Venkateshwara

or Balaji are one & the same God. As per the Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu, out

of love towards his devotees, incarnated as Sri Venkateshwara and appeared for

the salvation and upliftment of humanity in this Kali Yuga (dark age) and is

considered the supreme form of Vishnu in this age. Meaning of Lord Venkateshwara

is the one Supreme Lord who destroys sins.

Lord Venkateshwara is famous for being the most-visited shrine in the world and

its prime deity for being the richest God in the world. This temple is in the

town of Chittor District of Andhra Pradesh in India & is located in the foot

hills of Tirumala. It is around 140 km from Chennai and 740 km from Hyderabad

city in India.

In the temple the black idol of Lord Balaji is covered in gold, jewellery and

precious ornaments and its height is 2 meters.The sacred shrine is visited by

millions of devotees from far and wide and has been worshipped consistently

since the past thirteen years. Every year more than 12 million people visit this

temple from within India and the world. Every year the temple receives around

Indian Rs 10 Billion ( More than 200 Million US$) in offerings from the devotees

 

Divya Mangala Swarupam

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh

peak, Venkatadri Hills on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini & because

of this reason only Lord Balaji has been named Venkateswara. The Greatness &

opulence of Lord Balaji, the Preserver of the Whole Universe, is reflected in

his richly ornamented life-size idol in the Tirumala Tirupati temple.

Lord During Bramhostavam

Malayappaswami is the utsava murthi of Lord Sri Venkateswara.His ubhaya

nacchiyars (twoconsorts) are Sri Devi and Bhu Devi

Tirumala Rama idol is one of the idols in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple,

Andhra Pradesh. While the temple is dedicated to worship of lord Vishnu as

Venkateswara, it contains the idols of some of Vishnu's other avatars - Rama and

Krishna. The idol is usually accompanied by his consort Sita and his brother

Lakshman

Idols of Lord Rama (center) with his wife Sita (left) and brother Lakshmana

(right) in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple as seen during Vasanthotsavam

festival

Hanuman idol in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple as seen during Vasanthotsavam

festival. The idol of Hanuman is usually kept sideways on to the right side of

Lord Rama. The idol stands on a pedestral and has Rama's favorite disciple in a

wide eyed expression indicating his ever-present enthusiasm to serve his Lord.

In addition, the right hand is bent at the elbow and touches the mouth in a

posture than conveys Hanuman's mark of respect for Rama. The left hand is in the

Katyavalambita pose (left palm closed and resting on the waist and the outer

side of the palm is seen to the onlookers)

Lord Krishna with Rukmini during the Vasanthotsavam festival in Tirumala

Venkateswara Temple.

My heartfelt pranams to all the Gods and Godessess in the Venakateshwara temple

in Tirumala.

Below are the links for some never before seen videos of Sri Venkateshwara

temple of Tirumala

Rare video footage recorded by the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam 50 years ago as

a promotional video for the Tirupati Balaji temple. You can see the abhishekam

of the moola vigraha without any ornamentation, followed by the deity in full

gold and diamond dress. This is the only authentic video of Tirupati Balaji ever

recorded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDKRHerBDhk & feature=player_embedded

Real video of venkateshwara swamy at tirupati. This Video was Recorded in 1950's

in the temple of Tirumala Tirupati.

Lord Venkateshwara video -1962

Tirumala 60 years before

 

Message from Shri Shirdi Sai baba's teachings for 27th October

Even if Heavens fall downnever lose Faith in Baba People with undeviating

devotion will never deflect their minds from the thought of God and will never

forget Him even when they face troubled times or losses. Those who seek God for

mere fulfillment of physical desires and wealth will lose confidence the moment

the tide turns against them. As long as we have plenty of money, people flock us

and pose as intimate well-wishers. In trying times, no one would come to our

rescue. In such bad times, even our health might get deteriorated as if the God

is testing us. Unmindful of these set-backs, if one prays with firm faith to

Baba, the troubles will melt away, much like the mist melting away in the rays

of the rising Sun. When difficulties engulf you, you should not feel frightened

and dejected. Fill your heart with faith in God and pray to Him. At that hour,

Baba showers His Grace on you like the beams of light to dispel darkness. Here,

your duty is to wait

patiently. Let us not lose hope or get disheartened that Baba did not help us

at the hour of crisis. Let us sincerely believe that Baba will remove all the

troubles which are a result of our past deeds and the All-Merciful Baba paves a

golden path for our bright future. This strong faith alone drives away all our

fears. Therefore, never lose faith in Baba even if the Heavens fall on you.

 

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