BHAGAVADGEETA

YukTahAra – VihArasya yukta – ceSTasya Karmasu |

Yukta – SvapnAva bodhasya yogo bhavati duHkha – hA ||
The Gita (6-17)

Lord Krishna declares that those who are moderate, restrained and
regulated are eligible to practice yoga or the science of the individual
consciousness attaining communion with the ultimate consciousness.

LORD VENKATESWARA - THE PROTECTOR

MA durithamulu vApi mammu gaachutarudhA
SridEviramanudu Srivenkatesa

Ambareeshu bikonna Apadalanniyu bApi

BembadigAche nEchE penuchakramu
AmbarAnanunna druva nagnAnamella bApe
Panchi nE chEtanundina pAnchajanyamu

Pakkana jarAsandu balamella nuGAdi

Nikkamu maduranilpe nEchE gadA
Thokki hiranyakasipu dunimi prahladu gAche
Nikki nikki merichEti nE kadgamu

vidarAvanuni jampi vibheeshanuni gAche

chidumudi padaka nEchE sArgamu
yedamEka Srivenkatesa nedu nannu gAche
badibadi nE nAma patana needidigo

(Chapter – 03, Sankeertana – 434)

Annamaiah eulogised about how Lord

Venkateswara Swamy’s five weapons protected the
devotees. He compared that, the chanting of Sri
Venkateswara Swamy’s NAmam (name) protects us
all times as Sudarsana Chakra (Discus) that
protected Ambareesha. Panchajanya (Conch) which
eradicated the Druva’s foolishness, Kaumodaki
(Mace) which killed Jarasanda, Nandakam (Sword)
which killed Hiranyakasipa, the Saargam (Bow)
which killed Ravana.
- Annamacharya

SAPTHAGIRI 3
4
4 JUNE, 2017
Jyeshtabhishekam at Tirumala
- Smt. Anusha Ramakrishna - 7
Sakshtkara Vaibhavotsavam to Srikalyana
Venkateswara Swamy, Srinivasa Mangapuram
- Smt. K. Vijaya Lakshmi - 11
Lord Venkateswara in Abhayamudra
A Rare Visual
- Smt. J.C. Gnanaprasuna - 13
Andhra Ashram in Rishikesh
- K. Vijayalakshmi - 16
Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswamy of
Narayanavanam
- Premananda Kumar - 18
Srivari Friday Abhishekam at Tirumala
- A. Ramakrishna Deekshitulu - 21
Bhagavadramanuja's Inspiring Flower - Service
- Ahana Lakshmi - 25
Nammalwar's Prapatti to Lord Srinivasa
- N. Rajagopalan - 31
Sri Tirumalanambi and Lord Srinivasa
- A. Geetha Veera Raghavan - 35
Subhadra Baladeva Sahita Jagannathaya Namaha
- K. Sailaja - 38
Lotus : Sanctity and Medical Values
- Dr. Renu Deekshit - 41
The Science of Patanjali's Astanga Yoga
- Dr. K.V. Raghupathi - 43
Life History of Swami Desika
- N. Padmanaban - 46
Mareecha Maharishi
- A.S. Aditya - 52
Puzzle
- T.S. Jagan Mohan - 53

Front Cover : Jyeshtabhishekam to Srivaru at Tirumala

Back Cover : Sri Govindarajaswamy, Tirupati
5
SAPTHAGIRI 5
 EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
A HEARTY AND WARM WELCOME TO
OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sri Anil Kumar Singhal, I.A.S., a staunch devotee of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, assumed
charge as the 25th Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati on
th
06 May, 2017. He earned name and fame as a honest, talented, disciplined, keen and capable
administrator. He belongs to 1993 I.A.S. Cadre. He worked as Sub-Collector for Gadwal
district from 24-08-1995 to 02-05-1997. Later he worked as Project Officer for Girijan
Welfare Society in West Godavari district from 09-05-1997 to 11-11-1999. Afterwards he
worked as Joint Collector for Guntur district from 15-11-1999 to 19-12-2002. Further he
worked as Joint Collector for Chittoor district from 29-12-2002 to 22-06-2003. He worked
as District Collector for Medak from 24-06-2003 to 16-05-2005.He worked as District
Collector for East Godavari from 18-05-2005 to 28-01-2006. Afterwards he was appointed
as the District Collector for Vizag from 28-01-2006 to 14-01-2008. Further he joined in
Central Government Services from 2008. He discharged his duties as Private Secretary in
Defence wing from 2009 to 2012.Later he worked as Private Secretary in Human Resources
Development wing from 2012 to 2014. Before assuming charge as the Executive Officer in
T.T.Devasthanams, he discharged his duties as the Resident Commissioner in A.P.Bhavan,
Delhi.
He told that he will provide better services to the ordinary pilgrims in the days to come.
He expressed his earnest desire that all the devotees of Lord Venkateswara shall act as
ambassadors for the propaganda of our ancient Hindu Dharma. He had observed the
comprehensive talent and expertise of the employees of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
He had further said that he will take all necessary steps to utilise them in a proper manner in
the ‘seva’ activities done to the devotees.
Moreover, He is the Honorary Editor for our Sapthagiri. It is a rare privilege to welcome
and honour such a dynamic and spiritual personality. The devotees of the Lord and the staff
of ‘Sapthagiri’ offering him a hearty and warm welcome. We fervently hope that our magazine
will thrive in new dimensions and witness new horizons in the field of spiritualism and
additional comforts will be within the reach of our numerous devotees under the able
stewardship of our new Executive Officer.

AN AFFECTIONATE WARM AND HEARTY FAREWELL

Dr.Dondapati Sambasiva Rao, I.A.S., the former Executive Officer of the Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati had been transferred to the A.P. Secretariat on promotion
as C.C.S. for Commercial Taxes, Excise and Stamps and Registrations Departments. The
devotees of the Lord and the staff of the Sapthagiri offered him a warm farewell. During his
efficient and remarkable regime, he gave priority to provide facilities to the common devotees
and achieved fame throughout the country. He initiated many marvelous reforms in the
administration and made several changes. He brought out the 'Sapthagiri' magazine (six
languages) completely in colour from January 2016 onwards. He made the Sapthagiri
Subscription through online for the benefit of online Readers. He put more effort in circulating
the magazine intime. Sapthagiri is praying Lord Srinivasa to bestow his blessings upon him
and his family.

6 JUNE, 2017
 Divine Festoons

The glory of Tirumala cannot but be Abhideyaka Abhisheka

described with a few paltry lines of prose. The
Jyeshtabhisheka or Abhideyaka abhisheka
divine hills are home to abundant wealth, both
is one such annual festival with immense
spiritual and material. It is where one can
significance attached to it. It is a ritual that is
experience inexplicable joy; it is where Lord Vishnu
performed for the sake of preserving the most
in His most attainable form resides with His
consorts. It is where each and every rock, leaf, valuable processional deity of Lord Venkateswara,
stone and pillar becomes glorified to just exist on Lord Malayappa along with the deities of
the same plane as that of Lord Srinivasa. The entire Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi. The ancient icons
hills reverberate with the chanting of “Govinda”! are made of pancha-loha (an alloy of brass, gold,
Pilgrims are in awe of the sanctity that surrounds copper, silver and lead) and are atleast 800 years
the temple. They are mesmerised by the grand old. Hence it is very important that these invaluable
festivals and celebrations held throughout the year. deities be preserved very carefully. The Vaikhanasa
The festivities are innumerable! Each festival is part text, PrakeernAdhikAra prescribes a very important
of ritualistic ceremonies that either commemorate
ritual, Abhideyaka Abhisheka. The golden armour
important events in the history of the temple or hold
that is always present on Malayappa is removed
a religious significance. The rituals are performed
very carefully on this occasion. It is the only time
according to the divine Vaikhanasa
when Malayappa can be seen in His truest form,
Bhagavacchastram, an ancient and most coveted
without the ornamental armour.
philosophy for the worship of Vishnu in iconic form.
The prescribed procedures and prayers when QUOTING FROM PRAKEERNADHIKARA
performed with utmost reverence ensures universal jyEshTEmAsitusamprAptEjyEshTAnakshatrasamyutE |
peace and nourishment to all beings. vishNOrEvaviSEshasyAtsugandhamtaIlamAharEt ||

SAPTHAGIRI 7
 According to Sage Bhrighu, the auspicious time To protect and preserve the holy icons
for the ritusalistic anointing of the sacred icon of Lord from ravages of everyday worship arising due
Vishnu with a specially formulated herbal preparation to Abhishekams, the Kavachams (holy
called ‘Visesha Sugandha Tailam’ is to be performed on armour) are to be adorned after duly
the full moon day (Purnima) during the month of Jyeshta, performing all the cleansing and purifying
in the constellation of the Jyeshta star. rituals according to Sri Vaikhanasa
pariliKhitamitimantrENakavachampariSOdhayEt | Bhagavachhastram.
jIrNEbhinnEkavachESilpinaIvasusannayEt || Significance
As part of this festival the existing gold armour Jyeshtabhishekam is essentially an
which affixed on the holy Tirumeni of the utsava icons of annual ritual performed to the holy
Lord Malayappa Swami and the consorts Sridevi and processional deities at Tirumala. It is held on
Bhudevi, are to be removed 15 days before the the full moon day of the month of “Jyeshta”,
commencement of the festival. If there are any repairs in the GreeshmaRitu, the hottest period of
to be made to this Kavacham, the services of a qualified the year. It is at the time when the moon is
traditional jeweller (Sthapati) is made for the same. nearest to the constellation of the Jyeshta
yadyadrUpamtathAdhyAyEttattadbimbEshuyOjayEt | star and it is when Sri Maha Vishnu is
tasmAtsarvaprayatnEnabimbarakshAmsamAcharEt || worshipped in the form of Trivikrama, the
conquerer of all the worlds.

Jyeshtabhisheka is also called

Abhideyaka abhisheka, since Abhideyaka
(Sanskrit) means “protective shield” for
Malayappa. The holy deity of Malayappa and
His Consorts were found, about 800 years
ago in a deep valley called Malayappa kona,
a valley in the dense forests of Seshachala
Hills, also part of the seven hills of Tirumala.
Since the icons are so ancient, they need to
be preserved with utmost care. Hence, for
this reason, every year “Jyeshtabhishekam”
is conducted. It is usually begin on the 13th
day of the month of Jyeshta and concludes
on the Purnima, the full moon day. This year,
the annual “Jyeshtabhishekam” will be
conducted on the 7th, 8th and 9th of June 2017.

Tirumanjanam

The protective golden armour that

always adorns Malayappa, Sridevi and
Bhudevi deities are ceremoniously extracted

8 JUNE, 2017
a fortnight before the actual ritual. During the Even to this day!
ceremony, all three deities are brought onto It is of some significance that a mention can be
the special dais called the made of a statement that can be found in, AhanAnUru,
‘KalyanaMandapam’, that lies within the a Tamil literary work of the latter half of 1st century A.D. It
SampangiprAkAram (the second speaks of the glorious festivals and celebrations that
circumambulatory path) of the ancient were held at the Hillshrine then known as
temple. A holy bath, comprising of 108 silver Thiruvengadam, the name that lives on even to this day.
Thus it can be easily concluded that though the
pots filled with holy contents (Kushodakam,
management of the temple changed several times in the
Ratnodakam, Haridrodakam,
history, each of the administrators contributed
Ksheerodakam, etc, 9 sets of 12 different
significantly for the ever increasing glory of Sri
dravyams) are offered amidst divine Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala. Also, the
chantings of the Panchasuktas. The divine Vaikhanasa Archakas (priests), along with the Ekangis
event is rightly termed as ‘Ashtottara Sata under the aegis of Jeeyangar of Tirumala, the
Kalasha Snapana Tirumanjanam’. In the acharyapurushas have carefully protected the sanctum
evening, the deities are adorned with a most and the decorum of the temple through centuries of
exquisite and dazzling armour called ‘Vajra dedicated service, practised to the last word, as dictated
Kavacha’ covered entirely in priceless by ancient texts even to this day!

diamonds. Thus bedecked in one of His most

precious and beautiful jewel, Malayappa,
along with His divine Consorts are taken out
in a procession along the four streets around
the temple. Thousands of devotees throng
the streets to witness the Lord in His most
dazzling attire.

Similarly, on the evening of the second

day, devotees can feast their eyes with the
Lord bedecked with a charming “Muthangi”
or an armour of pearls. And the third day
begins with a special ritual for sanctifying the
redone golden armour. It is then adorned to
the Lord in an elaborate ceremony. Once the
armour is fixated, all holy ablutions are
offered only to the feet of the deity. This
practice ensures minimal wearing of the
divine icons. Thus the ancient practices not
only protect the sanctity of the temple and
the deities but also plays a significant role in
preserving the 5000 year old shrine.

SAPTHAGIRI 9
 VAJRA KAVACHAM – A TALE OF THE ARMOUR OF DIAMONDS: A MIRACLE IN THE MODERN TIMES….

Oftentimes, in the age of Kali when did not fit. Veeranna was in utter despair and
materialism and so called scientific perspective cried out his helplessness. The priests then
rules the day, tales of divinity and miraculous thought long and hard and then advised
events become rather inconceivable. But, in Veeranna to go to the hills of Venkatachala,
truth, those beings open to the divine as the Lord of Kaliyuga was none other
vibrations of the Higher Self and than Sri Venkateswara.
those who have firm faith in Veeranna continued his
His benevolence often journey to the South and
experience miraculous apprehensively offered it
happenings that look to Lord Malayappa.
like mere Wonder of wonders,
coincidences. One the Kavachams fit
such event that is perfectly! It was as
recorded in the though they were
history of recent made to fit
times, is the story of Malayappa precisely.
Kollegala Veeranna. Veeranna and the
He was a merchant priests looked on
living near Mysore of wondrously at this
Karnataka state. He was miraculous event and
an ardent devotee of Lord the tale travelled far and
Vishnu. It is said that wide. The proof that the
Narayana once appeared in a incident actually occurred can be
dream and ordered Veeranna Setty to seen on the feet of the famous diamond
make Him a diamond studded armour and bring studded armour, on which are inscribed the
it to Him.The merchant, dutifully got one made words, “Kollegala Veeranna Setty Seve”, in
and took it to Melukote, the abode of Cheluva Kannada script!
Narayana. Alas, the armour did not fit the deity
Such is the glory of our Lord
there. The priests then asked Veeranna to go
Venkateswara and a true devotee is bound to
to Sri Rangam, the Vaishnavite hub. Veeranna
agree that not even a leaf flutters without the
took the armour and offered it to Nam Perumal,
Lord’s consent. It is by His immense grace
the processional deity of Ranganatha. Since it
alone, that our very existence continues! Thus
did not even come close to fit, they asked
when one thinks of having His divine Darsan
Veeranna to offer the precious armour to Lord
at Tirumala, it is not by our desire alone, but
Varadaraja of Kanchipuram at Tamil Nadu. The
His design too! If and only if the Lord decides
priests tried to adorn the armour to the deity
to bless us with His grace could we even get a
of Varadaraja Swamy, but to no avail. It simply
glimpse of His ever loving visage!

Note : The scriptures of Vaikhanasa Agama (sp. Bhrigu’s Vasadhikara) dictate that the performance
of Jyeshtabhisheka at the set time and the prescribed procedure would destroy all famine, drought
and diseases as it would the sins of His devotees. It would also remove the ill effects of planets;
crops would be protected and illnesses kept in check.
Devotees can take divine darsan during Jyeshtabhishekam and receive innumerable
blessings from the Lord of Seven Hills.
NamoVenkatesaya
10 JUNE, 2017
 Mythology

Srinivasa Mangapuram is situated 12 kilometers away from Tirupati

The holy place to town. As it happens to be the place where Srinivasaswamy lived, it is
which the Supreme deity called Srinivasapuram. Later, it came to be known popularly by the people
of kaliyuga Sri as Srinivasa Mangapuram. In ancient days the devotees who wished to
Venkateswara Swamy go to Tirumala used to pass through Srivari mettu which is situated six
along with His consort Sri kilometers in the north of Srinivasamangapuram temple. In those days,
Padmavathi Devi after the devotees used to have their darshan of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara
their marriage for a stay Swamy situated in Srinivasa Mangapuram. It is also believed that Sri
of six months is Srinivasa Venkateswara Swamy himself used to pass through this place after his
Mangapuram. The deity marriage. The holy temple of Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala hills
of the temple is Sri is parallel to the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple situated at
Kalyana Venkateswara the ground level in Srinivasamangapuram.
Swamy who is known for Various Utsavas are performed by the Tirumala Tirupati
his consideration towards Devasthanams every year on different occasions to Sri Kalyana
the devotees who are in Venkateswara Swamy of Srinivasamangapuram who is treated by equally
dire need of God’s on par with Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala by devotees. Among
blessings and he is to all these utsavas, the Annual Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsavam is the most
bless all the devotees important one. These utsvas are conducted on a grand scale every year
liberally. in the month of Ashadam for three days. (This year Annual Sakshatkara
Vaibhavotsavam will be held from June 28th to 30th).

SAPTHAGIRI 11
Legend bushes in the temple premises and started
regular pujas. Sundara Rajaswamy
There is an interesting Sthala purana behind
conducted puja of Sri Kalyana
celebrations of Annual Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsavam. Sri
Venkateswara Swamy on July 11th in 1940.
Venkateswara Swamy married the daughter of Akasaraja,
That day was Ashada Sukla paksha Shashti.
Sri Padmavathi Devi in Narayanavanam and started
That day was the day on which the great
journey towards his residence at Tirumala. On the way
deity showed his blessings through His holy
he reached the Agastya Maharshi Asram which is situated
appearance before the devotees. Taking this
on the banks of Swarnamukhi River and received his
as an auspicious occasion, The Tirumala
hospitality. In those days, there was a rule that the newly
Tirupati Devasthanams started celebrating
wedded couple should not climb the hill for six months.
the “Sakshatkara Vaibhavotsavams” every
Hence, Sri Venkateswara Swamy along with His consort
year.
Sri Padmavathi Devi lived for Six months in Maharshi’s
Asram. After six months, he started his journey to Tirumala Sakshatkaram
Sri Venkateswara Swamy gracefully granted the wish of The holy appearance of the deity
Agastya Maharshi to remain himself as Sri Kalyana before the devotees is called Sakshatkaram
Venkateswara Swamy there. The place is present or Darshan. Taking this occasion of the deity
Srinivasamangapuram. holy appearance, the Festival is celebrated
Evident from the Inscription and hence, it is called Sakshatkara
Vaibhavotsavam. This festival is celebrated
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy is receiving the
for three days i.e. previous day and the
puja of devotees from the ancient days, the temple of
following day including the day on which His
Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy reached its state of
holiness appeared i.e., Ashada sudda
dilapidation. As such, the grandson of Sri Tallapaka
shasti.
Annamacharya, Chinna Tirumalacharya (Chinnanna)
renovated the temple and performed puja to Sri Kalyana Three Day Festival
Venkateswara Swamy. This fact is evident from the On the First day of these celebrations,
Inscription dated March 22nd 1510 at the entrance of the the processional deity of Sri Kalyana
temple. Later, the temple retained its glory from a number Venkateswara Swamy along with His
of years till it lost in 20th Century. In 1940, an Archaka by consorts are taken out in a procession from
name Sri Sundara Raja Swamy of Kanchi came to the temple to the kalyana mandapa.
Srinivasamangapuram. Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Tirumanjanam (Celestial Bath) is conducted
Swamy appeared in the dream to Sundara Raja Swamy between 10.00 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. In the
and ordered him to see that the temple area to be cleaned evening Unjal Seva will be performed. At
and the pujas to be continued. As such Sundara Raja night, the processional deity of Sri Kalyana
swamy took the help of the local people to clean the Venkateswara Swamy along with His
consorts is taken out in a procession on
Golden Tiruchi around four Mada streets.
Similarly, on the second day Hanumantha
Vahana Seva is celebrated. On the Third day
night, the Garuda Vahana Seva is
performed.
Taking into consideration, the holy day
on which the Lord made his appearance
before the devotees, the three day festival
of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy is
celebrated with the worshipping of the
devotees and in return the Lord blesses
them. In these Sakshatkara
Vaibhavotsavams, the Darshan of the Sri
Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy
results in the endless blessings
on the Devotees.

12 JUNE, 2017
 Brahmotsavams

Appalayagunta is a small There is a cave in Siddheswara hill. Long ago, the kings of
village in Puttur taluka, Chittoor Karveti Nagara took a hiding in that cave during invader’s attack
district. In this village there is a
since then that cave has been named as “Doralu Dagina Konda”
divine pious & precious Lord Sri
Venkateswara Temple. As per (Kings hiding cave). As per the local people’s narration, the sword
Hindu mythology, Lord present in that cave cannot be pulled out of its hole, no matter
Venkateswara married goddess how strong you try to pull it out. Till the recent times, Utsavams
Padmavathi in Narayanavanam
have been held for this intriguing sword.
and then climbed Tirumala. On
the way to Tirumala, he visited Based on the scripture evidences, we can say that the
Lord shiva temple at
Prasanna Venkateswara temple was built by the Karveti Nagara
Kailasanatha kona and blessed
the saints there. He then left for Kings. A big pond in front of the temple was also built, along with
Vemula Konda (The hill of the temple, which is still the biggest pond in this region. While
Yogis). In Vemula Konda, to fulfil constructing it, daily hundreds of coolies (servants) were called
Siddheswara muni’s wish, Sri
for work and the wages were paid to all of them at the dusk, not
Venkateswara promised the
saint that he will stay there and going into debt (Appulu) with them. Some say that, that is how
bless the devotees. this pond got its name as “Appalaya Gunta”. According to the
Siddheswara muni placed the local records it is named as “Amruta Sarovaram”. In Tamil language
lord’s idol down the hill, built a
“Amrunda” means “No Debts”. A few others say, the pond got its
temple and named the Lord
there as “Prasanna name from “Appalayya”, a local officer who supervised its
Venkateswara Swami”. construction. The village situated at the front side of the pond is
also named as “Appalaya Gunta”.

SAPTHAGIRI 13
 As the financial situation of the administrators building a big Gopuram provide evidence on the
of Karveti Nagara became seriously ill even before main entrance gate of the temple.
the completion of this pond, its construction was
After the main entrance, there is a Dhvaja
left incomplete. This pond is also called “Padma
Sthambham, Mukha Mandapam is present infront
Sarovaram”.
of it and to the east of this, a Garuda Mandapam is
Along with the Pond’s construction, the Kings
also seen. Garuda Mandapam hosts a beautiful
of Karveti nagara started the temple construction
idol of Garuda joining his hands with obedience
too. But due to the same financial constraints, the
and is seen facing the Lord’s idol.
temple construction was also not completed. But,
since they were the trustees of the temple, they One more “Prakaram” (corridor) is located

made “Annayya Gunta” or “Ayyanna Palli” village around 10 feet inside to the main prakaram. This
as the property of the temple. But over the time, is not even built to a height of 3 feet. In between
only the annayyagunta village remained and all these two Prakarams, in the east direction, “Potu”
others were exhausted. (Kitchen) is located with the idol of “Annapoorna”

The Main Temple (Vakula Mata) in it.

The temple faces to the east and there is a The main temple has two mandapams (halls
compound wall surrounding the temple built out of on it's either sides). In front of them, the south hall
bricks. Just like the pond and the temple, this wall possesses Goddess Padmavati Devi’s idol in it, and
is also incomplete. The signs of the foundation for the north hall holds Andal’s idol. It is very rare to

14 JUNE, 2017
have goddess’ idols outside of the main temple. At the center of the mandapam, we have a
This is the specialty of this temple. charpoy, Nine Vaishnava alwars sculptures are
placed on the north side of Mukha Mandapam. The
At the center of the temple, we can see
4 feet high metal lamp stands in the Mandapam,
Garbha Griha (The Main Sanctum), Antharala (The
were gifted by Sri Raja Venkata Perumal, the then
Path into the Sanctum), and a spacious Mukha
King of Karveti Nagara to the “Amrutha Sarovara
Mandapam. At the center of Garbhalayam, Lord
Nagara Swami” and the same is etched on the lamp
as Prasanna Venkateswara is spectated by the
stands. The Garbhaalaya and the Antharala are
pilgrims. This chief idol receives all the Pujas and
built on the same “adhishtanam” (platform).
the offerings. The Lord here is four armed. The
upper two arms hold Shanka and Chakra while the
The birth star of Lord Prasanna
lower hands portrays “Abhaya Mudra” and “Varada
Venkateswara is “Sravana”, and hence
Mudra”. The priests here says that this idol doesn’t in the month of “Jyeshta”, annual
have Naagaabharanas (serpent shaped jewellery). Brahmotsavam will be celebrated for 9
days. The Lord here has a palanquin
The salient feature of this temple is that chief
and other procession vehicles for His
idol with 'Abhaya Mudra' is seen only in this place
procession. In these Brahmotsavams
and such idol is not found elsewhere in and around Lord will be taken in a procession
either Tirupati and Tirumala. On the right side of around the Village.
the bosom, a triangular mark is visible and it can
imply that the lord holds the form of divine “Shakthi”. Around 100 sq. yards far from the
temple, Lord Hanuman’s mandapam is
Near to the main idol, Procession idols, and
situated hosting 5 feet tall which faces
Sudarshana Alwar idols are placed.
the Lord Prasanna Venkateswara.
There is a square shaped “Dravida Viman” People believe that he is powerful and
and above that, there is a “Kalash” located many pilgrims find resemblances

symmetrically above the Garbhalayam. There are between him and “Bedi Anjaneya” of
Tirumala! Priests here present their
eight shelves on the four sides of the “Viman”.
offerings first to Lord Venkateswara,
During the Festivals and Utsavams, these shelves
then to Lord Hanuman and later to the
host oil lamps. They are much of use in the month Bali peetham.
of “Karthika” (Krithigai).
After understanding the
Before the central temple, there is a narrow
importance of this particular Abhaya
“Antharala” with undecorated walls. The mukha
Venkateswara Swami, Tirumala Tirupati
mandapam prior to this antharala is square shaped Devasthanam took this temple under it's
and built with 16 pillars. All these pillars and the control from 23-09-1988 and is
walls don't have any kind of sculptures made on maintaining its ancient glory.
them.

SAPTHAGIRI 15
 Brahmotsavams

The Andhra Ashram in Rishikesh, nestled The then Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker
in the hill grounds of Himalayan Mountain is brought Madabhooshi Anantha Shayanam Ayyangaar, Sri
under the authority of Tirumala Tirupati Shonthi Venkata Ramamurthy, Raja of Munagala,
Devasthanam. This Ashram hosts many temples Pillari Setti Parthasarathy Naidu, Paida
in addition to Lord Sri Venkateswara temple. Ramakrishnayya, Gogineni Venkata Subbayya
Rishikesh is a famous shrine located in Uttaranchal were reputed as the trustees of the Ashram. Later,
state of India. The river Ganga reaches the hill a land with 8000 sq.ft. was bought and a few
grounds flowing through the mountain ranges is temples along with the temple of Lord Sri
around 18 miles away from Rishikesh. The other Venkateswara were planned to be built with an
holy shrines are situated very near to Rishikesh estimation of Rs. 6,00,000. For construction of
like Badarinath at a distance of 300 kilometres, temples with a great cause, Tirumala Tirupati
Gangothri at 260 kilometres, Haridwar at 24 Devasthanam donated Rs. 31,250. Sculptor
kilometres and Kedarnath at 250 kilometres. Our Chardappayya from Sivaru town of Malooru Taluka
Andhra Ashram will be of great help for pilgrims
of the then Mysore state sculptured the Lord Sri
who go on pilgrimage from south India.
Venkateswara’s idol. The idol is 59 Inches is height,
In 1930, before Indian Independence, when Bhoodevi’s idol is 49 inches is height. Panchaloha
Swami Sachidaananda Saraswati travelled from Idols were also moulded and were carried in
Southern India to Himalayas, felt a need for an Procession along with the idols for other temples.
Ashram for pilgrims travelling from south India. Initially, this Ashram was maintained only by the
He resolved to establish an ashram over there. board of trustees. All the pujas, offerings, festivals
Swami Sachidaananda Saraswati was born in Avidi and Utsavams were being organized by the Board.
village in Rajolu Taluka of East Godavari district. Subsequently, the temples along with Ashram
He became a sanyasi, travelled all over India by came under the purview of Tirumala Tirupati
foot and finally settled in Rishikesh. During his Devasthanam. Necessary arrangements have
journey, he collected Rs. 2000 in the form of been made in Rishikesh Andhra Ashram to carry
donations and built the ashram in an area of 1200 out all the utsavas and pujas similarly like that of
sq. ft. the Tirumala Temple.

As usual, Brahmotsavams of Lord Sri Venkateswara will be performed in the month

of “Vaisakh”grandeur from 28th May to 6th June in this year too. The doors of shrines
in Badarinath and Kedarnath will be opened on Akshaya Trutiya to resume the
puja and the doors will remain opened for six months.

16 JUNE, 2017
 17

SAPTHAGIRI 17
 Brahmotsavams
playing with her friends, fell in
love with her and married her
here, and so the place came to
be called 'Narayanapuram'. As
it was Sri Narayana himself who
incarnated as a bridegroom to
marry Padmavati here, the
place is known even today as
'Narayanavaram'.

The greatness and

glorious facts about this place
is given in detail in Sri
Venkatachala Mahatmyam.
Akasaraja built this temple. The
temple which had suffered
decay was rebuilt in 1245 A.D.
by the then ruler of the area,
Veera Narasimhadeva
Yadavaraya (1205-1245). It is
said that Penugonda Veerappa
- I rebuilt the temple of Sri
Kalyana Venkateswara in
Narayanavanam in 1541-42. In
25.3.43 renovation was
undertaken and completed by
SurajmalKarva, the manager of
the principality of Alwar
(Rajasthan).

On 29th April, 1967, this

temple came under the aegis of
Narayanavaram or Narayanavanam is a sacred Tirumala - Tirupati
Narayanavanam is the
place which is at a distance of 34 Devasthanam.
sacred residence of
kilometres from the temple of Lord
Kalyana Venkateswara SRI KALYANA
Swamy and Goddess Srinivasa who is hailed as the visible
VENKATESWARA SWAMI
Padmavatidevi. This is God and lies on the Tirupati - Chennai
Here the presiding icon is
the very holy place where route, within five kilometres of Puttur.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara. He
Lord Srinivasa married The original name was Narayana
Padmavati, the daughter grants all our wishes. The Lord
Puram. When Lord Srinivasa came to
of Akasaraja. is seen facing east. Lakshmi is
the forest for hunting, saw Padmavati
seen residing on his bosom. A
18 JUNE, 2017
Dasavatara band adorns his waist. A garland of from there, you can see a huge mandapa where
salagramas adorns his shoulders as also the the twelve Alwars give darshan.
Conch and the Discus. His hand carries a hunting In front of the main temple, a huge
sword. dwajasthambha can be seen. It is completely
GODDESS PADMAVATIDEVI sheathed in brass. To its front is the balipeeta.
Close to it is the Garuda mandapam in which
When Akasaraja was tiling the earth for
Garudalwar is seen facing the sanctum of the Lord.
performing a sacrifice, he found a box. In it, there
was a girl child on a lotus. So she came to be known TEMPLE SPIRES
as Padmini and Padmavati. In the Skandha Purana The main Rajagopura of the temple was
she is known as Padmini; in Bhavishyottara built by Emperor Krishnadeva Raya. It has seven
Purana, she is called Padmavati. She is also called tiers and looks beautiful as it rises to a height of
Padmavati. Here the goddess is in a separate 150 feet. The second gopura was built by
temple. The vimana of the temple is known as Veeranarasimha Devayadavaraya. This has three
Vishnuchandravimana. The temple is located to the tiers and is topped by kalasas. The temple has
south west of the main temple. Near to the main balipeetas in all the four corners.
entrance of the temple, you get darsana of
PANCHABERA
Saraswati to your right and Kamadhenu and
Kalpavriksha on the left. Bera means an image or icon. The five
Beras are in this temple. The icons of Andalamma
Goddess Padmavati is seated on a lotus, has
four shoulders and faces east. According to (Goda Devi) and Bhaktha Anjaneya also give
VenkatachalaPurana, Vedavati was born as soulful darshan here.
Padmavati. The temple is encircled by a pathway
for circumambulation and that has another circle APPEAL TO DEVOTEES
outside for performing Mahapradakshina too. To
The 'Govinda Tirumala Tirupati
the Northwest is the temple of Andalamma (Goda
Devi). The northern gate is opened every year on Devasthanams' Mobile App was inaugurated
Vaikuntadwadasi day. by the Executive Officer, T.T.D. on the
auspicious occasion of Ugadhi on March
KODANDARAMASWAMI, ANGANATHASWAMI:
29th with the co-operation of TCS for the
This temple is located in the Northeast convenience of the devotees. They can
direction, there are icons of Sri Ranganathaswami easily and fastly utilize the sevas through
and Sri Kodandaramaswami. In the mandapa this Mobile App. At present there is facility
nearby are the icons of Vishwaksena, for advance booking for Rs.300/- Darshan
TirukkachchiNambi, TirumangaiAlwar and ticket, E-Hundi, E-Donation. TTD will
Manavala Mamunigal. improve the facilities for booking tickets for
The temple of Kalyana Venkateswaraswami various sevas in advance through this App.
faces east. When you cross two massive Devotees can download this app in Google,
thresholds and enter, one finds on both sides Apple, play store and in TTD website. T.T.D.
mandapas for keeping vahanas. On the southeast website is having 33 lakh users. So, all of
direction is the temple kitchen. If we go southwards them can Download this App.

SAPTHAGIRI 19
FESTIVALS It is a small image. Sage Agasthya named her
Ammayaakshi. ‘Ammayam’ means ‘Vedam’. ‘Akshi’
In this temple weekly, monthly and annual
means eyes. Ammayakshi means ‘One who has
festivals are being celebrated according to the
the Vedas as her eyes’. She is also called Avinasini.
Vaikhanasa Agama. They follow the solar calendar.
In course of time, Ammayakshi became
The sankalpam is also done according to the solar
Amannakshi. Her image is beautiful and gives
calendar. Daily there is Suprabhataseva for the
benign darshan. Her crown shows the flames of
Lord. In the same manner archana and Ekantaseva
Agni, in the middle of the crown is the skull of a
are performed. Abhishekam is performed on
rakshasa, the sun and moon on both sides of the
Fridays. Kalyanotsavam (Arjita), Teppotsavam,
crown, The goddess is blazingly beautiful with eight
Brahmotsavam and Pavithrotsavam are celebrated
shoulders. AdiSankara who had darshan of this
in a big way.
beautiful temple has installed Sri Chakra on
Facing the main temple is the temple for Tamrapatra here.
Anjaneya. To its south is the temple of God
OTHER TEMPLES
Parasaresvara. On the way to Chitrangi fort, we
see first the temple of God Virabhadraswami. At In front of the Narayanavaram temple we
the entrance of Chitrangi fort, we can have darshan have the temple of Anjaneyaswami. There are also
of the Sakthi Ganapati temple. temples of Virabhadraswami, Sakti Vinayaka,
Agasthyeswara and Avanakshamma
TEMPLE OF SRI AGASTHYESVARASWAMI
(Kalikadevi).
Thus is an ancient temple which is very
famous. Padmavati who met Srinivasa in the SOLUTION TO PUZZLE
pleasure garden fell in love with him. When her
1 2 3 4 5
parents enquired with fortune tellers, they said
K A R N A B S
performing abhisheka to Agasthyeswaraswami
would result in auspicious tidings. Then Akasaraja I U M A U
performed abhisheka and puja for Agasthyeswara
6 7
in this temple. This has been recorded in the N I K B A N K
Srivenkatachalamahatmyam in SkandaPurana. It
is said that this Agasthyeswaraswami was the M A R
household deity of Akasaraja. On the left bank of 8 9
Aruna river we have the important temple of B A I L B A A
Avanakshamma. She is the village deity. 10
U N S
Adiparadhakti herself has incarnated as this deity.
She gives wonderful darshan with eight shoulders. 11 12 13
D I I
She is the image of Shakti. N D R A

STHALAPURANA H Y G
B
On the command of Brahma, Kalikadevi 14 15
appeared as svayanbhu in the fort of Akasharaja. A D D I M A G E

20 JUNE, 2017
 tadAvidvanpuNya-
pApevidhUyaniranjana:
paramamsamyamupaIti ||
The fact that both puNya
and pApa are shaken off
subsequent to the contact of
the divine ‘vEmgaDam’ hill,
testifies that the devotee enters
into His abode at the end of his
life.
I floated down the countless
thoughts of ages till I drifted into
the vast, luminous silence of the
illimitable one. And the vision of the
unknown filled my soul, and my heart,
in an ecstasy, swelled into a song:- Here
is thy beloved who is the Lord of Lords. Here
is the master-poet from whose harp has sprung
forth the epic song of creation. Here is thy great
Lord Venkateswara is attributed teacher in whose bosom lie locked up all the
with the characteristic gunam of realms of knowledge, visible or invisible. Here is
extinguishing two-fold sins (namely the royal cowherd whose dream is the erring herds
puNya and pApa), relieve the devotees of
of His fold.
their further births and allow them to
reach the permanent abode of bliss Indeed yes, He is the Royal Cowherd,
‘SrIvaIkunTa’ to serve Him and enjoy His ‘gOpAlabAlaka’ – Lord Krishna, who took the form of
auspicious qualities. Punya is considered Archavatara, to bless the entire mankind in this sinful
as sin by virtue of its characteristic of Kaliyuga as Lord Venkateswara. According to the first
enchaining the devotee to the worlds Vaikhanasa Archaka of Tirumala temple,
other than His Abode as we read in “ChengalavAyiNambi” also known as Gopinatha
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1:3 Deekshitha, Lord Srinivasa is an incarnation of Lord
21
SAPTHAGIRI 21
Krishna in Archavatara form, that is the easily The implied meaning of this Sloka according to Sri
attainable physical form.When the self-manifested Ramanuja, is that if an aspirant has no capacity to
Icon of Lord Srinivasa was first discovered by perform Sadhanas like Karmayoga, Jnanayoga,
Sriman Gopinatha Deekshitulu, the first make-shift Bhaktiyoga etc., he can perform this alternative
temple was built and the Archarupam of Lord was Sadhana through Charamasloka. The first part of
consecrated as per the tenets of the holy the sloka states, “Having given up all Dharmas or
Vaikhanasa Agama. This temple falls under the rites unintentionally, surrender to the Lord alone”.
category of an EkabEraAlaya since, Lord Further, the same sloka explains the path to be
Venkateswara is offered worship uniquely. But all taken by those who seek Saranagati. The second
the upachAras which are offered to PanchaBeras part assures, “I will release you from all sins and
(five forms of the main deity) are inturn offered to give Moksha; don’t despair or grieve”. Also in the
this lone icon of Sri Venkatesa. second part of the sloka, the things that the Lord
will do for the sake of Saranagati is explained. On
Lord Venkateswara’s standalone icon gives
close observation, it is obvious that the first part of
a beautiful message to his devotees. And that is
the verse shows that the Lord only as the Upaya
why the CharamaSloka of SrimadBhagavadgita is
or the means to be adopted at times of distress
displayed to the devotees, as an AbharaNa
and the later part explains the fruits of Saranagati.
(jewel) on the lower right hand of Srivari Dhruva
It further explains that ‘Your knowledge is limited;
Bera, called ‘VaIkunTaHasta’. The sloka
your ability is insignificant, your life is short and
‘mAmEkamSaraNamvraja’ in Devanagari script is
you are also impatient of delay; therefore do not
imprinted on a rectangular gold bar studded with
go about seeking other upayas which you cannot
diamonds. Srivari Vaikunta Hasta reveals that His
(fully) understand; which you cannot easily adopt
right hand is directed downwards to His Lotus Feet
and which can bear fruit only after much delay;
while His left hand in the Katya Valambita posture
Realise that I, who am easy of access to all, who
with the palm resting on the left thigh below the
am the Saviour of all the worlds, and who am
hip indicates His protection for those who seek His
endowed with the attributes essential for a Saviour,
refuge. According to Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, am the only upaya and perform the surrender of
Prapatti or Saranagathi i.e. surrender is considered the responsibility of protecting yourself to me with
the most efficacious means for gaining the Grace its five Angas. When you have adopted this upaya,
of the Supreme Lord. In verse 66 of Chapter XVIII you will have done what you ought to do, you will
of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Sri Krishna become my ward and be extremely dear to me.
declares ‘Abandoning all duties, come to Me alone Supremely compassionate and gracious,
for refuge; I will relieve you from all sins; grieve independent and omnipotent, I will, myself, by my
not.``This verse is called by the Sri Vaishnavites mere will and without any other aid, and for the
as the CharamaSloka or the final message of the fulfilment of my own purposes, free you from the
Lord. The eternal message conveyed by the Archa manifold, endless and insurmountable groups of
form at Tirumala, is the teaching imparted by Lord obstacles without leaving any trace of them. I will
Sri Krishna in the Charamasloka of Srimad enable you to have enjoyment similar to mine own,
Bhagavad Gita. since you will enjoy myself and all that belongs to
sarvadharmAnparityajyamAmEkamSaraNamvraja l me. I will find delight in making you render all forms
ahamtvAsarva pApEbhyOmokshayishyAmi mA of service in all places, at all times and in all
SuchahAll circumstances - service which will be of the nature

22 JUNE, 2017
of the overflow of the full and perfect enjoyment of all living beings through jiva, manas and
(of my self) you have absolutely no cause for grief’. ahankara (soul, mind and ego) respectively. This
All these in this Kaliyuga can be achieved through form is also very difficult to worship for all of us
iconic worship. And that’s why the ancient mere mortals as it is situated outside our Universe.
Vaikhanasa viewpoint reveals that Iconic worship
3. Vibhava - Lord Vishnu is said to assume
–‘vigrahArAdhana’ is the royal road to relief from
various manifestations, from time to time, to protect
wordly bondage of misery, and emancipation.
the virtuous, punish the evil and re-establish
Five Forms Dharma –
According to the Vaishnava Agamas, Lord dharmasamsthApanAyasambhavAmiyugEyugE ||.
Vishnu has five forms (aspects or modes). They
These manifestations are called Vibhavas,
are - Para, Vyuha, Vibhava, Antaryami and
more popularly Avataras. Since these Avataras are
Archavatara. Iconic Worship is described as
manifested during a particular yuga, it is difficult to
Archavatara. A brief description of these 5 forms
worship this form also, as only those who took birth
follows:
in that time period alone can worship Lord in
1. Para - Para is the highest form of the Lord Vibhava form.
and only found in Sri Vaikuntam, along with his
4. Antaryami - Antaryami is the form in which
consort Lakshmi, (and also with Bhu Devi and
the ultimate reality of Lord Vishnu exists in a very
Niladevi) and surrounded by liberated souls like
subtle form, in the hearts of all living beings. It is
Ananta, Garuda, and a host of Muktas (liberated
stated that Narayana resides in that infinitesimal
souls). This is also called as ‘paramapadam’ in
small place below the heart of every being, shaped
Vaishnava Scriptures. This is surrounded by many
like an inverted lotus bud, and appears to His
enclosures and galaxies in the celestial worlds.
devotees in a manner and form cherished by them,
There is no Day and Night here, no sky and earth.
and with particular characteristics or qualities as
The primordial Vishnu called sarvavyApInArAyaNa
worshiped by them. As Antaryami, the Lord accepts
is seen all over. Here the Sama Veda is recited,
which is a favourite one for Vishnu manasika puja of the devotees, such as meditation,
(vEdAnAmsAmavEdOsmi – Geetha). In this form, mental offering of sacred water, fruits, food etc.
He is also known as Para Vasudeva, and is said to and mental salutations.Such worship to the
be holding a Chakra, Shanka, Gada and Padma Antaryami form can be done by anyone at any
in his four hands. It is very difficult to worship this place and at any time. Although residing in every
form as it is very far from the earth. being, the Antaryami has no relation or link with
the actions or fruits thereof undertaken by these
2. Vyuha - The Vyuhas are emanations from
beings. This form is achieved only through great
the above mentioned Para Vasudeva form, and
practices as described by Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga
are four in number, collectively called, ChaturVyuha
Sutras.
Brahman. They are Vyuha Vasudeva,
Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Here 5. Archavatara - Archavatara or Image
Lord Vishnu gives darsan to demi gods and Rishis manifestation, is very easily accessible and visible
as kshIrAbdhinAthA resting on the serpent couch to all. It is said to be the safest and surest way to
at the centre of Milky ocean. These Vyuha forms attain the goal. Faith in God is the essential
of Vishnu are said to exercise different cosmic requisite for taking this path. The devotee should
functions and principles, and control the activities offer Pooja to the icon daily and regularly

SAPTHAGIRI 23
concentrating his mind on that Icon during worship He, who is threefold, is satisfied by three
and become unconscious of what takes place things: Veda-study, srauta rituals and ascetism;
around him during that period. The material form and as the Lord of Sacrifice, He is invoked by
before him helps to concentrate the mind and Sacrifice.
steadies his faith. Or the devotee/sadhaka might Worship of Vishnu is traditionally two fold:
regularly attend worship being conducted in a without and with bodily form. Oblations into the fire
temple by a well versed Archaka. Greater the or hOma is worship without bodily form; worship
grandeur and sanctity with which theArchakaor with bodily form is performed on an image of Lord
priest conducts the rituals, greater would be the Vishnu.
positive effect on the devotee. Since we cannot
samUrtEchakshurmanasO: prIti:
worship Para, Vyuha, Vibhava and Antaryami forms
sadAsamsRutiScha
which can be only imagined or meditated upon and
since they are beyond our reach, the Archavatara tAbhyAmbhaktiSraddhEsyAtAm Sraddh
alone suits us the most. In Archa form, the Lord AbhaktiyutasyaIva sarvasamsiddhi: ||
receives prayers from devotees and grants their Worship with bodily form is pleasant to the
prayers and blesses them; Saranagati or surrender eye and mind, and its object remains always visible.
is done to the Lord in the Archa form only. Though Devotion (bhakti) and faith (sraddha) should
installed and made by human beings or sometimes accompany it. Only the man who is devoted and
existing from time immemorial(revealed by God faithful, will be successful in all respects. This
Himself), or in the self-manifested form as in worship grants the results of enjoyment in this world
Tirumala, the Image form of the Lord becomes and of release in yonder world after death; it is
divine, from the moment it is consecrated or everlasting, and of a double nature; causing
worshipped by the Archakas as per the rules laid appeasement (sAntika) and causing prosperity
down in the Agamas. (poUshTika). It causes appeasement because it
And hence all the holy scriptures of Sanatana has appeasement of all evils as its goal; It causes
Dharma reiterate that the only way which is easiest prosperity because it has prosperity in all respects
yet fruitful to begin sadhana (quest) towards as its goal.
liberation start with vigrahArAdhana. The ancient EtadaIhikAmushmikabhuktimuktiphalapradam
Vaikhanasa text ‘JnAnaKhAnDa’ composed by sarvaSAntyarthamSAntikamsarvapushTyarthampaUshTikam ||
sage Kasyapa describes that man has to worship And hence the Agamas tell us that by the
Lord Vishnu, the Lord of Gods, in a method which worship of God with sincere Bhakti and by securing
is in harmony with the Scriptures, with hymns from help and co-operation of all other forms of life in
the veda in order to reach ‘that highest abode of this universe, - the co-interference of the spiritually
Vishnu’. ‘Narayana the highest self, who is standing more advanced beings and the non-interference
in the flame of the fire which burns in the heart – of the spiritually less advanced so that no obstacles
‘which occupies only the space of a lotus corolla’ are placed in our path – we could cross this ocean
but is large, ‘has room for everything’ – He is the and enjoy the bliss in Heaven as all Muktas do. In
Highest Light, the Imperishable Brahman, thus the the next issue we shall continue exploring the
knowers of Brahman know him. interesting details of an EkaBeraAalaya and its
He, who, being based in Nature, has the relation to the Friday Abhishekam ritual.
states of sleeping, dreaming and waking as His || SrInivAsOvijayatE ||
domain, is all that has been, and that is to be’.
24 JUNE, 2017
 Selfless Service

The great Nammalwar had a great desire to remain in Tirumala all his life and do
the service of offering of flowers to Lord Venkateswara. This desire, which arose in his
mind in Alwar Tirunagari, could not be fulfilled. When Sri Ramanuja sought ways to
make the desire come true, his disciples remained silent. One disciple named
Ananthalwan decided to follow his Acharya’s wish of going to Tirumala and setting up a
garden, though it would mean being physically away from him. He expressed his
willingness to go and serve the Lord. At that time, Tirumala was a terrible forest with
fierce animals like tigers and leopards and also very poisonous serpents and other
poison-spewing creatures. The brave way in which Ananthalwan went to that terrible
place and proceeded to clear the forest and establish a garden elicited the admiration
of Ramanuja who thought of his disciple as a hero-warrior.

Flowers have a way of raising one’s onwards. They blossom at dawn. Flowers like
consciousness to noble levels. Their growth is jasmine indicate purity.The five petals of the
closely related to the rising light from dawn champaka denote five good qualities. They are

SAPTHAGIRI 25
truth, faith, aspiration, devotion and the importance of flowers. The great yogis who are jnan is have
surrender. Through their sweet scent, noted the special significance of the petals of the red lotus. They
Mother nature chases away the have a special place as symbols in spreading the Sri Vaishnava
tiredness and unhappiness that strike Siddhanta. Residing on the lotus petal, Sri Mahalakshmi has
humans and gives them a sense of gained the pancha-samskara from Sriman Narayana in
fulfilment. Vishnuloka. Residing on the thousand-petalled lotus, she has
gained by steady steps Visadhikarana. The lotus that grows in
Sri Andal as Chudikudutha
muddy water, and blossoms as a pure flower has become a
Nachiyar of Srivilliputtur proclaims
symbol of cleanliness.

Temple Culture in South India

By fostering gardens for flowers which are very important

for worship in temples, it becomes possible to get fresh flowers
for puja. In performing flower-service to the Lord, Perialwar and
TondaradippodiAlwar gained ever-lasting fame. By growing herbs
along with flowers, nandavanas also help in curing people of
their sicknesses by applying herbal medicine. A standing witness
to this is the garden in the temple at Srirangam where
Garudavahana Panditha raised the temple to Dhanvantari.

Taking a Step Forward

Now-a-days nandavanas are not cared for in big and small

temples. Since devotees are not taking interest, they have
become thick with thorny bushes and have become useless. In
this thousandth year of Sri Ramanuja’s incarnation, by reviving
the nandavanas in the DivyaDesas, we will be able to get fresh
flowers for worship.

The vibrations created by reciting the Vedic hymns help

the plants grow up healthy without being affected by pests. The
flowers, fruits and seeds are better than those grown with the
help of pesticides and give yields of bigger size too. Better than
pesticides and fertilizers, the ashes from agnihotra, and

Anantalwan did flower service panchagavya are good for plants to yield healthy produce which
(Kainkaryam) to Lord also give the power to the body to resist illnesses.
Venkateswara

26 JUNE, 2017
 Selfless Service

Nammalwar’s
Prapatti to
LORD
SRINIVASA
- N.Rajagopalan

Swami Nammalwar is the most

illustrious of the Alwars, the Sri
Vaishnava saints of South India, and
hailed in tradition as the ‘kulapathi’ or
head of the Sri Vaishnavas, and
‘Prapanna-jana- Kutastha’ or chief
among all devotees who follow the
path of ‘Prapatti’ or ‘Saranagathi’. His
special place in the Sampradaya, is
evident from the fact that the Feet of
the Divine Lord inscribed on the
‘kritam’ or head gear that is placed on
the heads of devotees in all
Vaishnava shrines, is called ‘Satari’
which is named after the Alwar’s other raised an angry ‘humkara’ against the ‘sata’ when he was born
name of Satakopa. The term ‘Sata’ which drove away the possible ill-effects of the ‘sata’ thereby
refers to the ‘sata-vayu’ of the outside retaining in tact, his ‘Brahma-drishti’ or God-vision, like the
world which engulfs a new-born child Prahlada and Vamadeva of the Puranas. To him everything that
covering it with ‘avidya’ or ignorance. was seen or heard or otherwise perceived by the senses was
It is stated that saint Nammalwar God. It was mental actualization, seeing the divine in everything

SAPTHAGIRI 31
or state of mystico-religious-super-consciousness shrine. Their first meeting was the cause of the
tempered by God-love, that Alwar calls as ‘mathi- Alwar coming out of his ‘samadhi’ to break out in
nalam’ in the very first verse of Tiruvaimozhi, which song giving to the world his 1296 verses of
Sri Ramanuja translates as ‘semushee-bhakthi- exquisite poetry in four Prabhandams, Tiruviruttam,
rupa’ in his first invocatory verse to the Sri Tiruvasiriyam, Tiruvaimozhi and Peria
Bhashyam. Tiruvandhadhi which are equated, in their essence,
to Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana Vedas
Sri Nammalwar was born under the
respectively.
constellation ‘Vaikasi poornima’ in the Tamil month
of Vaikasi. It is the, however, the star ‘visakam’ and Though all the four thousand hymns of the
not the full moon, that determines the birth Divya Prabhandam are generally given the status
anniversary of the Alwar. Sri Nammalwar’s first of the Veda, the Tiruvaimozhi of Nammalwar is
instinct about ‘samsara’ or human life in this world, singled out for special mention and reverence as
was one of deep compassion, pity, and sympathy ‘Bhagavad-vishayam’. Sri Nathamunigal, who was
towards all men wallowing in sin and suffering. the first and foremost Acharya to recognize the
Alwar turned to God straight for redemption of the greatness of the Divya Prabhandam, describes the
human condition. In the very opening verse of his Tiruvaimozhi as ‘Dravida Veda-sagara’ or the ocean
first Prabhandam ‘Tiruviruttam’, he appeals to God of Tamil Veda, and the Alwar as ‘Vedam tamil seida
never to let the humans suffer from ‘false Maran Satakopan’. Sri Vedanta Desikan gives it
knowledge, impure conduct, and filthy body’. But the title of ‘Dramidopanishad’, and wrote two
Alwar’s effulgence explanatory works in
shone as a bright star Sanskrit on it. The Alwar
in the firmament as far himself claimed his
as in Kashi in the hymns as the music of
north, while in physical God singing through
form the fledgling saint him. His disciple Sri
was seated in Madhurakavi Alwar said

meditation in Alwar in his short and only

Tirunagari in the Prabhandam ‘Kanninun

Siruttambu’, dedicated
southern tip of the
wholly to Swami
country, without any
Nammalwar, that the
food or drink ever after
essence or purport of the
birth. This caught the
Vedas was taught to him
attention of a Sri
by his Acharya.
Vaishnava scholar Sri
Madhurakavi in Kashi, Vedanta which
dragging him down all refers to the Upanishads
the way to the and the ‘darsana’ or
presence of the saint school of thought
at Alwar Tirunagari developed on the basis

32 JUNE, 2017
thereof, as encapsulated in the Vedanta ‘Sutras’ to the commentaries of this Prabhandam, from the
of Badarayana, is primarily devoted to the study of earliest vyakhyana of Pillan called ‘Bhagavad-
the nature of ultimate Reality, (para-tattva), means vishayam’, the Idu vyakhyana of Nampillai, the
of attaining it, (sadhana) and the supreme goal of vyakhyana of Swami Sri Periavaccan Pillai etc,
life, (parama-purushartha). The Vedanta sutras each centum of the Tiruvaimozhi of 1102 verses
address these aspects , the first one viz. ‘tattva’ in deals with a specific aspect of Vedanta. Thus Sri
the first two ‘adhyayas,’ the third and fourth Periavaccan Pillai points out that the first two
centums cover the nature of the Ultimate Reality,
‘adhyayas’ the other two aspects respectively.
(parasvarupa); the third and fourth with the nature
Sri Bhashyam of the individual (pratyagatma svarupa); the fifth
Sri Ramanuja in his monumental thesis on and sixth refer to the means of attainment (upaya);
the Vedanta sutras called ‘Sri Bhashyam’, the seventh and eighth deal with the removal of
systematized the philosophy of the Visishtadvaita obstacles in the way of attaining the goal, (prapti-
philosophy based on the central doctrine that virodhi-nivritti); and the last two with the attainment
Brahman as the Saririn or the universal soul is of the goal (phala-siddhi). The Alwars, had, in their
hymns, underscored the fact that Sriman
organically related to the universe of cit (sentient
Narayana, or ‘Sriyahpati’ or Consort of Sri is ‘Sarva-
souls) and acit (non-sentient) matter in the same
Seshin’ viz. absolute Master with over-arching
way as the soul is related to the physical body.
rulership over the universe, manifest and
This is known as the ‘sariratma-sambhanda’. The
unmanifest, and the celestial world (‘lila- vibhuti’
main scriptural authority for this is the ‘Antaryami-
and ‘nitya-vibhuti’), that He is the ‘upeya’ or goal
Brahmana’ of the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad which
as well the ‘upaya’ or means of reaching Him. The
mentions specifically that the five elements and
‘parama purushartha’ to us, as ‘sesha-bhutas’ or
other entities in the universe including the soul are dependents, is a life of service at His sacred
the ‘sarira’ of body of Brahman as the ‘antaryamin’. feet.These truths are enshrined in the three
This was clearly stated by the Alwar in his very first ‘rahasya mantras’ or esoteric doctrines viz. the
Tiruvaimozhi, especially in the line, ‘Ashtakshara’, ‘Dvayam’, and ‘Caramasloka’ which
‘udalmisaiuyirenakarandhengum parandhulan’. are to be learned by every Sri Vaishnava through
In light of the above and other similar proper initiation by a qualified Acharya. Essentially,
they encompass two fundamental truths of our
‘pramanas’ or validating texts, Sri Ramanuja was
inseparable relationship to the Supreme Being,
able to conclusively establish that the all-pervading
supreme Being is ‘Vishnu reclining on the primordial i. ‘ananyaseshatvam’ or being the servant only
sea, who is pure and infinite, in whom abound of Sriman Narayana, and
blissful perfections’, “Seshasayine nirmalananda ii. ‘ananyasaranyatvam’, seeking refuge only with
kalyananidhaye Vishnave” - (Invocation to Him.
Vedartha sangraha).
The entire Divya Prabhandam works of the
In Swami Desikan’s view, Tiruvaimozhi Alwars are considered as the expositions of one
substantively enunciates the gist of the Vedanta- or the other of the three ‘rahasya mantras’.
sutras, (sariraka-artha-krama) in the first twenty and ‘Tiruvaimozhi’ is considered to be a detailed
the concluding twenty verses thereof. According exposition of the ‘Dvaya mahamantra’, viz.

SAPTHAGIRI 33
‘Sriman Narayana Caranou caranam prapadye I munikkanangal virumbum Tiruvenkatattane!, pugal
Srimathe Narayanayanamah:II’ onrila adiyen Unnadikkeezh amarndu
This mantra is called ‘Dvayam’ connoting that pugundhene.”
it is in two parts; the first part predicates the ‘upaya’ ‘O Lord, ever united with the inseparable
or means and the latter part the ‘upeya’ or goal. lotus-seated Dame ensconced on Thy chest ! O
Alwars taught us that the easiest way to reach the my Master of matchless fame, ruling the three
Divine Lord is through love and devotion, and worlds,! O Lord of Tiruvenkata, desired by sages
through absolute self-surrender or ‘Prapatti’. They and celesials.! Falling at Thy feet, this refugeless
had immense love for the Divine in all forms, self has found his niche underneath.’ This states
especially His ‘vibhava’ manifestation as Sri Rama, the ‘upaya’ or means covered in the first part of
Krishna etc. and ‘arca’ form in ‘divya-desams’. the ‘dvaya’ mantra. The ‘upeya’ or goal is expressly

Swami Nammalwar has been hailed as the stated by the Alwar in pasuram 3.3.1 of
Tiruvaimozhi thus, “Ozhivil kalamellam udanai
embodiment of the feeling of thirst for Sri Krishna.
manni vazhvila adimai seyya vendum nam, thezhi
Sri Parasara Bhattar described him as
kural aruvi Tiruvenkatattu, ezhil kol sodhi endai
‘Krishna-trishnaa-tatvam’. He was deeply touched tandai tandaikke”, ‘‘at all times and forever by His
by Sri Krishna’s ‘soulabhya’, His felicity of access. side, we must be performing stintless service, to
He has among other things lovingly portrayed the the radiant Lord of Venkatam, the mountain with
Lord as ‘prapadhana-sulabhan’, so ‘felicitously rustling streams, who is my Father’s Father’. That
simple to seek and attain’. It is said that the Alwar is the ‘parama-purushartha’ the Alwar seeks here
went into a trance thinking of how easily Krishna in Tiruvenkatam and in Vaikuntam. Sri Ramanuja
submitted himself to be caught and bound to the followed the same model in performing
mortar, pleading for stealing butter from the milk ‘saranagathi’ to the Lord Sri Ranganatha in his

maid’s churning pail, “matturu kadai vennai kalavinil ‘Saranagathi Gadyam’. Legend has it that when

uralidaiyappundu ettiram uralinodu he was discoursing on this Tiruvaimozhi in which

there is a reference in the next verse to the floral
inaindirrundengiya elive” (Tiruvaimozhi-1.3.1).
abundance of Tiruvenkatam in the phrase, ‘sindu
Nammalwar - Lord of Seven Hills poo magizhum Tiruvenkatam’. Sri Ramanuja asked
In a classic model of ‘Prapatti’, Alwar if there was anyone in the audience who could offer
performs ‘prapatti’ to Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala in to go there and render floral service to Lord

conformity with the tenor and spirit of the ‘Dvaya’ Srinivasa. His disciple Sri Ananthalwan rose and

mantra invoking the Divine Mother’s intercession offered to undertake the task, if permitted by the
Acharya, which he accorded praising him as the
first in pasuram 6.10.10 of Tiruvamozhi, which
only ‘male’ in the assembly. Alwan’s ‘kainkaryam’
reads as follows. - “Akalakillen iraiyummenru
to the Lord there is now an intrinsic
alarmel mangai uraimarbha,! Nigaril pugazhai
part of the annals of history of
ulagumoonrudaiyai ennai Alvane!, Nigaril
Tiruvenkatam.
34 JUNE, 2017
 Devotion

Almost 5000 years ago Alwars, the contended that when we love somebody very deeply we
great Srivaishnavaite saints incarnated cannot control ourselves without doing some loving
in the southern part of our country.
service or other to them.
They were dived deep in the mercy of
God, Sriman Narayana, the abode of all Nammalwar
auspicious qualities (Kalyana
Nammalwar, the most prominent among them used
gunakara). These Alwars were totally
dissociated from this material world. to be one with the Lord always mentally (manasika
They were enjoying the divine anubhava). Once he longed to have the Lord before his
communion with the Lord. Lord gave eyes and desired physical communion with the Lord. He
them all divine experiences and out of
begged Lord to give him His physical communion here
that ecstasy unable to control
itself and if that is not possible to take him to Sri Vaikuntam
themselves they sang the glory of
Sriman Narayana with rupture of immediately as it has become impossible for him to live
devotion and excitement in their divine without Lord’s physical communion. Then Paramatman,
Hymns, known as Divya Prabandham. Sriman Narayana consoled him and told him why do you
worry? You need not come to Sri Vaikuntam to see me. I
Alwars worshipped the Lord at all the am very much present in Vada Tirupati (Tirumala). Even
108 Srivaishnava shrines and surrendered Nithya Suris like Anantha, Garuda, Vishvaksena etc come
themselves at the lotus feet of the Archa Tirumala to worship me.
svaroopi (presiding deities) and prayed God Alwar realised that Lord Narayana as Srinivasa is
for the Nitya Kainkaryam (the eternal loving ever present in Tirumala to facilitate both the residents
service) of the Lord. Alwars have rightly of Heaven and Earth to reach Him easily. He is like a

SAPTHAGIRI 35
mother of twin kids. Alwar out extreme happiness asked for water. Immediately he decided to stay in
and excitement anxious to tell the whole world this Tirumala and to do Theertha Kainkarya (that is the
truth started singing “Ozhivil Kalamellam Adimai service of providing sacred water for Lord’s
shaiyyavendum nam Thiruvengandamudiyanukku” Abhishekam and puja). Tirumala Nambi lived in a
(without wasting a single second of our life we small hut in Tirumala. The loving service he
should render our sincere and loving service to Lord rendered to his beloved Lord is of a very high order
Venkateswara), and Alwar surrendered at the lotus and highly unimaginable. He was a great Religious
feet of the Lord Srinivasa. This Self surrender and Vedic Scholar who dedicated his entire life for
(sharanagati) and loving dedicated Service to “Theertha Kainkarya” of Lord Venkateswara
Sriman Narayana (kainkaryam) is the life blood of (providing sacred water for Lord’s puja).
Srivaishnavaites. Acharyas have longed for it and
Every day early in the morning after his bath
loved it.
in Swamy Pushkarani, Tirumala Nambi Swamy
Tirumala Nambi would go to Papanasanam which is 8 km away
One such Acharya who is a great devotee is from Tirumala to bring Holy water for Lord’s
Sri Tirumala Nambi. He lived during 11th century. Abhishekam and Puja. He was old but never
His name is SriSaila Purna, Peria Tirumala Nambi bothered about his age. He would do the
or Tirumala Nambi and he is Lord Srinivasa’s dear Kainkaryam with all dedication and enthusiasm.
“Thatha”. So he is also known as “Thathacharya”. One day Nambi Swamy was bringing water
He is the grand-son of Yamuna Muni (Alavandar)
from Papanasanam for God’s Puja. He had pot
and the Bhagavan Ramanuja’s maternal uncle. He
full of water in his hand. He had almost reached
is one of the five great Acharyas of Ramanuja
the temple. He was very near to the Temple. Then
through whom the complete knowledge of
an young handsome Hunter boy appeared before
Yamunacharya flew to Vishvacharya Ramanuja’s
him. He addressed Nambi Swamy as “Thatha” and
Jnana Nidhi. Tirumala Nambi taught Ramanuja the
requested him to give him some water to drink as
inner secrets of Ramayana and Nammalwar’s Sree
he was very thirsty. Nambi Swamy politely rejected
Suktis.
telling him that Holy Water is being carried for God’s
Sacred water for Puja Abhishekam and Puja it should not be polluted by

Once Tirumala Nambi came to Tirumala to drinking and started walking further. Suddenly that

worship the Lord. When he was praying before the boy threw a stone to the pot and pierced a hole in

Lord with great devotion, from somewhere the pot and drank the water that oozed out of that
somebody called him “Thatha! I am very thirsty, hole. Nambi Swamy became very sad as he could
please get me water”. Tirumala Nambi was taken not fulfil that day’s service in time. He told the boy
aback. He looked all around but nobody was to be “Look, what you have done now I have to go
seen. Suddenly he understood that it was Lord who again to Papanasanam to bring water.

36 JUNE, 2017
 I am old and in this old age I have to walk did not want Nambi Swamy to walk 8 Kms in his
another 8 kms to fetch holy water. old age on the hard rocky forest to fetch Holy water.
More than that my Lord has to wait till I come He graced Nambi Swamy by opening Akasa Ganga
back. at a nearer place and blessed His dear Thatha for
Should we not do His Abhishekam and puja in his loving service.
time and give Him some prasadam. This Tirumala Nambi Swamy also is said to
You should not have done this”. have done this theertha kainkarya (Fetching holy
Suddenly the hunter boy said “Don’t worry water for Lord’s pooja) till his last days and even
Thatha! I will show you a place which is nearby today in honour of Nambi Swamy, God has granted
to collect water for Puja”. that Kainkaryam to Nambi’s legal heirs and
He had many arrows in his hand and saying progeny. Even today the thathachar family is doing
so he took out an arrow and discharged it to the that Kainkaryam in the temple.
Hillock nearby in the sky. To the greatest surprise Lord’s affectionate address of ‘Tatha’ to
of Nambi Swamy water gushed from the place hit Tirumala Nambi Swamy has been affectionately
by arrow and the boy commanded the Nambi maintained by their progeny of Nambi Swamy have
Swamy to collect the holy water from that place for “Thathachar” as their family surname.
Abhishekam and Puja.
Once while climbing the Tirumala Hill for Lord
Nambi Swamy went to collect water and Srinivasa’s Darshan, Ramanuja started climbing
looked all over the boy has disappeared. That water the Hill on his knees as he did not want to keep his
fountain is called “Akasa Ganga” Tirumala Nambi leg on this sacred hill. Many devotees were
Swamy collected Holy water for that day’s puja from surrounding Ramanuja Muni. Tirumala Nambi came
Akasa Ganga and without making the Lord wait know about this, he came running to Sheshachala
for a long time Puja was carried on. And from then and told Bhagavan Ramanuja to stand on his feet
till this day Holy water for Lord’s Puja is collected as the ‘Adishesha of Sheshachala will be happy to
from Akasa Ganga. have the contact of Ramanuja’s feet (Bhagavata
pada sparsha) and it will help other devotees also
Great Devotion
to reach the temple fast. Suddenly Ramanuja said
Tirumala Nambi Swamy very soon realised to give this information why did Swamy came
that the boy was none other than Lord running all the way in this old age. You could have
Venkateswara and folded his hands in great sent somebody younger. Suddenly the most
devotion to the Lord and from then did his Theertha humble Tirumala Nambi Swamy replied Yes, I
Kainkarya from Akasaganga. God’s ways are wanted to send I searched all over but a person
Mysterious. Lord loves His devotees more than smaller than me was not be seen anywhere. So I
anything. Lord Srinivasa loved the Holy water came. Such are the ways of great
fetched by his great devotee at the same time and people.

SAPTHAGIRI 37
 Kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina sangitaka-ravo
Mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupah
Rama-sambhu-brahmamara pati-ganesarcita-pado
Jagannatha swami nayana-patha-gami-bhavathu me//
(Sri Jagannatha Astakam -1)

(Sometimes in great delight Lord Jagannatha with His flute, makes a loud concert in
the groves on the banks of the Yamuna. Like a bumble-bee, He blissfully tastes the beautiful
lotus-like faces of the gopis of Vraja and His lotus feet are worshipped by great divine
personalities like goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shiva, Lord Balarama, Lord Indra and Lord
Ganesh. May that Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision!)

Situated in Puri in Orissa, the temple of Lord king Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th
Jagannatha is one of the most sacred and century during the era of the Eastern Ganga
renowned temples in India. The names of the three dynasty. Jagadguru AdiShankaracharya, Sri
deities in the temple are Lord Jagannatha, Ramananda and Sri Ramanuja were associated
Balarama and Subhadra. A majestic procession is with the temple. Innumerable devotees from all over
carried out with the three statues in three gigantic the world visit the temple to seek the blessings of
chariots every year. The procession is called Lord Jagannath. According to the records of the
‘Jagannatha Ratha Yatra’. It is one of the most temple, king Indradyumna requested Lord Brahma
famous festivals of the Hindus. The Chariot Festival to prescribe the proper worship to Lord Jagannatha
of Lord Jagannath is being celebrated annually on i.e., seva, puja and niti which included twelve
the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month annual yatras after he had installed the deities in
of Ashadha. The ‘yatra’ is very popular among the temple. The Ratha Yatra is the chief one among
Hindu devotees and tourists due to its religious them.The three huge chariots are pulled by
significance. The temple in Puri was built by the devotees from Janakpur to the temple. The chariot

38 JUNE, 2017
of Lord Jagannath is named as Nandighosha or work for constructing the three chariots in a period
Garudadhwaja or Kapiladhwaja. The Lord is of two months. A local cloth-mill provides nearly
accompanied by Madan Mohan.The chariot of Lord two thousand meters of cloth each year, and the
Balabhadra is named as Taladhwaja or chariots are charmingly and radiantly draped in
Langaladhwaja. The Lord is accompanied by colour. Very strong fiber ropes of coconut are used
Ramakrishna.The chariot of Subhadra is named by the devotees to pull the chariots during the
as Darpadalana or Devadalana or Padmadhwaja. procession. The nails, brackets and fixtures are all
The goddess is accompanied by Sudarshana. made locally and the craftsmen work for a month
on them. The main structure of the ‘ratha’ contains
Festival of Chariot
eighteen pillars and roofs. Each chariot holds nine
In Oriya, the word ‘yatra’ means journey. The ‘parswadevatas’ i.e., subsidiary deities, two
means of transport for Lord Jagannatha, Balarama ‘dwarapalakas’ one Sarathi i.e., the charioteer and
and Subhardra is by ‘chariot’. Lord Jagannatha the other is a presiding deity of the crest banner
travels out to bless His devotees for a period of i.e., dhwajadevata and all are made of wood. The
fifteen days once in a year. It is believed that those sweeping with water is a significant ritual
who have the good fortune of having the associated with the RathaYatra. During the ritual,
‘darshan’of the three deities or who pull the chariots the Gajapati King wears the outfit of a sweeper
by their ropes are blessed by the Lord during the and sweeps all around the deities and chariots.
procession of the ‘yatra’. According to legends, He cleans the road in front of the chariots with
Rathayatra is a celebration when Sri Krishna a gold-handled broom and sprinkles
attended a religious function in Kurukshetra five sandalwood water and powder. As per the custom,
thousand years ago, travelling from Dwaraka in a although the Gajapati King has been considered
big chariot along with His sister Subhadra and His the most exalted person in the kingdom of Kalinga,
brother Balarama. As a recollection of the event, he still renders the menial and humble service to
the Festival of Chariot takes place in Puri. Lord Jagannatha. This ritual signifies that there is
For the ‘yatra’, three gigantic chariots are no distinction between the powerful sovereign and
being built anew for Lord Jagannatha, Balarama the humblest devotee under the lordship of
and Subhadra every year. Over one thousand logs Jagannatha.
are brought from the forests of Dasapalla and If any chariot cannot reach the Gundicha
Ranpur and more than one hundred carpenters Ghar on the first day, it will be dragged on the next

SAPTHAGIRI 39
day. On the ninth day of its return, the deities are Legends
brought to the Singhadwar area of the temple of
A few legendary stories related to the origin
Lord Jagannath. An important ritual performed, on
of the ‘RathYatra’ reflect the socio-religious thinking
the fifth day which is known as ‘Hera Panchami’,
and beliefs of the devotees of the region. King
when goddess Lakshmi proceeds to Gundicha
Kamsa invited Lord Krishna and Balarama to
Ghar to see Lord Jagannath. In the evening of the
Mathura in order to kill them. He sent Akrur with a
tenth day, the deities are adorned with gold
chariot to Gokul. As per the request of Akrur, Lord
ornaments and dressed gorgeously in their
Krishna and Balarama sat on the chariot. The
respective chariots parked in the Simhadwar area.
devotees celebrate the day of their departure
On the same day another ritual called ‘Hari Sayan
symbolically in organizing ‘RathYatra’. They
Ekadasi’ is performed. On the following day i.e.
celebrate the day when Lord Krishna, after
the twelfth day of the bright fortnight, important
ceremony known as 'Adharapana Bhog' is defeating the evil Kamsa, gave them ‘darshan’ in
performed. A sweet drink is offered to the deities. Mathura in a chariot with his brother, Balaram.
In the evening of the following day, the deities are Devotees in Dwaraka celebrated the day when
taken to the temple in a traditional procession Lord Krishna, accompanied by Balaram, took
amidst the gathering of innumerable devotees. Subhadra — his sister, for a ride on a chariot to
show the city’s splendour.
The foreign and Indian historians have been
trying to unveil the mystery of the three deities It was believed that when Lord Krishna was
namely, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and being cremated in Dwaraka, Balaram, out of
the goddess Subhadra worshipped in the temple depression, decided to drown himself into ocean
for more than a century past. The antiquity of Lord with Lord Krishna’s partially cremated body. He was
Jagannatha was much concealed in mystery that followed by Subhadra. At the same time, King
it might take many years for scholars to arrive at a Indradyumna of Puri dreamt that the Lord Krishna’s
definite conclusion. There were a number of old body would float up to the shores of Puri. He should
works in Sanskrit which sing the glories of Orissa build a massive statue in the city and sanctify the
in general and of Puri in particular. It was believed wooden statues of Lord Krishna, Balaram and
that the history of Lord Jagannatha belonged to Subhadra. The bones of Lord Krishna’s body
the age of the Rig Veda itself. should be put in the hollow in the statue’s back.
The prominent Puranas present elaborate The dream came true. The king found the splinters
accounts pertaining to the origin of Lord of the bones and took them. It is believed that the
Jagannatha in an aura of mystery and divine architect of gods namely Vishwakarma arrived at
inspiration. the place as an old carpenter. He made it clear
that while carving the statues nobody should
Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and
disturb him otherwise he would vanish leaving the
Subhadra constitute the basic and fundamental
work unfinished. Some months passed. The
Trinity and are considered to be the forms and
impatient Indradyumna opened the door of
manifestations of the Omni-present, the Omni-
Vishwakarma’s room. Vishwakarma disappeared
potent and the Omniscient. Lord Sudarsan who is
immediately. The statues remained unfinished
supposed to be the fourth significant divine
without arms and feet. The king sanctified them
manifestation is also being worshipped with the
celebrated Trio and these four are known as the placing Lord Krishna’s holy cinders in the hollow
Chaturdha murti or the four-fold divine images.Lord of the statue and installed them in the temple. May
Madhava, a replica of Lord Jagannatha, Sridevi Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and
and Bhudevi were also installed in the sanctum Subhadra shower mercy and eternal
sanctorum for worship. bliss on Their devout devotees!

40 JUNE, 2017
 Medicinal Core

AL
LOTUS : SANCTITY AND MEDICAL VVALUES
ALUES
- Dr. Renu Deekshit

We worship lotus with the Lotus – Goddess Lakshmi

divinities Vishnu and Lakshmi often portrayed on
Godess lakshmi the wife of lord Vishnu likes
a pink lotus in iconography. In the representation
and stays on lotus. It has another name called
of Vishnu as Padmanabha (Lotus navel), a lotus
'Indivara' which means Godess Lakshmi devi who
issues from his navel with Brahma on it.
Goddess Sarasvati is portrayed on a white-colored does dharana of Aishwarya.
lotus. Often used as an example of divine beauty, Lotus - Ayurveda
Vishnu is often described as the “Lotus-Eyed One”.
The botanical name of lotus is Nelumbo
Its unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the
nucifera with family nelumbonaceae. It is an aquatic
soul. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud
of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise. herb bearing the famous red lotus flowers. It is
In Hindu iconography, other deities, found in fresh water ponds and lakes in India.
like Ganga and Ganesha are often depicted with Flower is beautiful, fragrant having numerous
lotus flowers as their seats. stamens and petals with profuse nectar. It is also
used as nutrient particularly the seed part.
The lotus plant is cited extensively
within Puranic and Vedic literature, for example: Lotus is extensively described and used in
One, who performs his duty without attachment, samhitas. They have delineated about Kamalam.
surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, It is famous for its cooling effect and anti-bleeding
is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus is property.
untouched by water.
Three varieties of Kamala are described in
— Bhagavad Gita 5.10 the texts. The white variety of lotus is considered
In the classical written and oral literature of to be “Pundaria”. Similarly the red variety is known
many cultures the lotus is present in figurative form, as “Kokanada” and blue variety as “Indivara”.
representing elegance, beauty,
perfection, purity and grace, being often
used in poems and songs as
an allegory for ideal feminine
attributes. These names of lotus are
often used to name girls, and to a lesser
extent boys.
PADMASAROVAR
Goddess Padmavati Devi
emerged from Padmasarovar. In
Dravidian language she is called
‘Alarmelmanga’ – the mother Goddess
seated on the elevated Lotus. Goddess
Mahalakshmi’s incarnation as
Padmavati Devi has turned out to be a
boon to all the devotees.
May Lord Sri Venkateswara with
His consort Goddess Padmavati Devi
bless us all with blissful blessings.

SAPTHAGIRI 41
 The part used for medicinal purpose in this Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams,Tirupati.
plant is flowers, seeds, stamens and tuber.
“Aravindasava” is an amazing Ayurvedic syrup VISHNUNIVASAM
preparation which is mainly used in child disorders (Piligrims Amenities Complex)
and it gives promising results.
With All Modern Facilities

In dental caries, root of lotus plant is chewed

and it gives relief. If loose motions caused in child,
Stamens of lotus are mixed with rice water and
intake of it along with sugar candy juice reduces it.
In bleeding piles, Regular use of butter mixed with
sugar and lotus stamens or destroys bleeding piles.
The “Vishnunivasam” is the accommodation complex
One who takes tender leaves of lotus plant with all modern facilities at Tirupati for the Piligrims
mixed with sugar does not suffer from prolapse of coming for Srivari darshan.
rectum. One should use powder of lotus seeds
01) This is located opposite Tirupati Railway Station.
mixed with honey. It provides relief immediately on 02) The Construction of the Complex with 408 Rooms
cough. was completed by the own funds of T.T.D. and
the same was inaugurated on 21-09-2011. These
In case of adverse effects caused due to bad
were provided to the Piligrims on Rental basis.
habits, one should take lotus stalk, lotus stem mixed
The tariff-list is given below:
with honey subsides it Lotus root cooked in oil
mixed with cows urine should be used in retention No. Type of Rooms Tariff/Rent Total Rooms
(each Room)
of urine associated with severe pain.
1. Non –A.C Rooms Rs. 300/- 196
Paste of lotus root mixed with cow’s ghee 2. Non-A.C Suites Rs. 500/- 08
shall be taken in morning hours, it relieves varaha 3. A.C Cottages Rs. 800/- 196
damshtra and fever caused by the same. Cow’s 4. A.C Suites Rs.1,300/- 08
milk alone cooked with lotus used as eye drops Total 408
03) T.T.D Trust Board had decided to collect an amount
removes redness, bleeding and pain in case of eye
of Rs. 10 lakhs per each room from the donors (A.C
diseases. In abortion, leaves of lotus mixed with and non-A.C Cottages) under the Cottage
honey, sugar and taken with milk are useful in Construction Scheme
miscarriage and abortion. 04) Rs. 18 lakhs will be collected from the donors for
each suite (A.C and non-A.C Suites) as donation
One famous Ayurvedic medicinal preparation under Cottage Construction Scheme.
i.e. Ghee processed with the paste of stalk, stem, The donors are being provided with facilities in
stamens, leaves and seeds of lotus along with V ishnunivasam as adopted for Srinivasam PAC as
follows:
piece of gold and milk is known as ‘Pancharavinda’ a) Accommodation in Vishnunivasam for 15 days in a
(having 5 parts of lotus). It promotes strength, virility year one time only
and intellect. b) Accommodation in Tirumala for 15 days in a year as
per the categories mentioned below:
These are some of the remedies that should 1) Cottage donors @Rs.500/- rented accommodation
be follow by every one to yield good 2) Suite donors @Rs.1000/- rented accommodation
results in your daily lives. —Dy. Executive Officer (V.N.M.)

42 JUNE, 2017
 Yoga Sutras

THE SCIENCE OF PATANJALI’S ASTANGA YOGA

- Dr.K.V.Raghupathi

Ever since man became conscious of himself considered as the reincarnation of Lord Siva,
in human history, he was completely dumbfounded treated as Adi Guru of Yoga, has clearly expounded
by the powers of Nature of which he was not pretty his system in 196 sutras, compiled in a book form
sure what actually constituted the creation of called Patanajali’s Yoga Sutras. Yoga developed
universe. This wonder has prompted him to probe by Patanjali is known as Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga)
into the nature of mystery of creation. Thus the which completely aims at mastering body-mind
pursuit of inquiry has begun - the inquiry into the complex and transcending its limitations in order
nature of things and objects. This inquiry has taken
to attain union with the entire Cosmos. This is the
two different directions in human history. In the
Highest form of Yoga. Patanjali says that one has
West the inquiry went outside of himself, thus
to achieve it first at body mind complex level. This
leading to the development of science. The same
is Lower Yoga. But Patanjali emphatically affirms
man in the East has instead of inquiring into the
that in order to attain the Higher, the Lower has to
outer world, started looking into himself, holding
be mastered. Thus we have the Higher Yoga and
him as the subject, the potential cause of inquiry.
the Lower Yoga. These two forms of Yoga have
He has raised a fundamental question as to who
this man is inquiring. If this inquirer is not there been clearly postulated in his Astanga Yoga,

what shall happen to the nature of inquiring. This comprising eight steps or limbs. These include:
sort of inquiry has taken a different direction, it was Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara,
totally inside. This has yielded a different kind of Dharani, Dhyana and Samadhi. The first four limbs
knowledge, known as knowledge of the self. Thus belong to the Lower Yoga and the latter four limbs
we have two streams of knowledge, knowledge of to the Higher Yoga. The first four limbs achieve
the West and knowledge of the East. Knowledge union at the lower level. We have two forms of
of the West has led to the development of Science. union, between body and mind, between body-
Thus we have all scientific discoveries and mind complex and the outer (Cosmos). Patanjali
inventions having come from the West. On the has given this in a scientific way. According to him
other, we have knowledge of the self that has come that one cannot reach the higher without
from the East. This knowledge of the self has materializing it at the lower. Exceptions are for
resulted in pure wisdom. We need both in order to parama purushas who achieve the higher directly
lead a harmonious life on the Earth. Striking according to their prarabdha Karmas. Such
balance between the two streams is what is known
enlightened souls are very few and they may
as Yoga, the one meaning as given by the sages
include Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami
of this land.
Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Ramana Maharshi
Astanga Yoga and Nisargadatta Maharaj. Hence, Patanjali has
Yoga as propounded by Patanjali over 2500 prescribed his Astanaga Yoga scientifically for all
years ago is known as Astanga Yoga; and Patanjali, people who are living at mundane level.

SAPTHAGIRI 43
Patanjali's Yoga has acquired greater significance and values than
the other Hatha Yoga texts that came later almost
Patanjali’s yoga is much older than all other
after one thousand and five hundred years. His is
systems of Yoga that came later in the sixteenth,
the most suitable book for deep and systematic
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. These
study of Yoga not only because it gives all the
systems of Yoga include Hatha Yoga Pradipika,
essential information about Yoga in a masterly
propounded by an Indian Yogi named
manner but also because it is recognized as a
Svatamarama in the fifteenth century, Gheranda
masterpiece in the literature of Yoga and has stood
Samhita by Gheranda, a Vaishnavite Bengalee and
the test of time and experience. By pronouncing
Siva Samhita by Goraksa. Svatmarama’s Yoga is
this verdict the intention is not to denigrate the other
called Chaturanga Yoga, Gheranda’s Satanga
Hatha Yoga texts, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Siva
Yoga, Goraksa’s as Sadanga Yoga, and Patanjali’s
Samhita and Gheranda Samhita. Unlike these
Yoga as Astanga Yoga. The first three texts are
texts, Patanjali has dealt with as a science, an art
treated as authoritative on Hatha Yoga. The Yoga
and a religion by itself.
in practice now in the entire world may be called
“Fitness Yoga” which is not completely “Hatha Way of Practice
Yoga” because it aims at more specifically When practiced through Yama, Niyama,
stretching and balancing. By and large, this Asana and Pranayama, the sadhaka is lifted from
approach of Yoga is only a physical fitness training. being tamasic to the level of rajasic and through
Yoga given by the sages of this land is much more Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana from being
than these postures, and its real power lies in rajasic to sattvic and finally to become a Gunatitan
transforming the mind and rediscovering (free from all trigunas) in Samadhi. By this
one’s own true nature. The deeper side graded practice, the sadhaka is
of it is concerned with spiritual elevated to the Higher. Hence,
transformation or our spiritual Kriya Yoga envelopes all the
destiny. The traditional Yoga aspects of Astanga Yoga each
(classical Yoga) practised by the complementing (puraka) and
sages before Patanjali was supplementing (posaka) the
deeper, but unorganized. It was others. When sadhana
Patanjali who organized and becomes subtle and fine, then
systematized in a scientific way. tapas, svadyauya and
Apart from these four Isvarapranidhana, work in unison
authoritative systems, there are with the eight petals of Astanaga
about forty types of Hindu Yoga as Yoga, and the sadhaka’s mind
recorded by Georg Feurestein (manas), intelligence (buddhi) and
(36-8). ‘I’ ness or ‘minness’
On account of its (ahamkara) are sublimated.
comprehensive and Only then does he become
systematic treatment of the a Yogi. In him all virtues flow
subject Patanajali’s Yoga Sutras like river and merge with

44 JUNE, 2017
Cosmic Ocean and live in beatitude (divya ananda). His Yoga is a philosophy of Philosophies since it
This is the way of the practice (sadhana) as does not expound speculatively or theorize life but
explained by Patanjali that lifts a sadhaka from in a more practical way. His Yoga is art of arts as it
tamasic to the Highest that is divine. primarily deals with the art of living holistically, the
Unfortunately, the West which has borrowed entire life, and not in segments as other arts, true
the whole idea from India has reduced it to a mere to its spirit without reducing it a mere fakirism or a
mockery of physical fitness exercise; and it is a therapeutic medicine or drug. Let me end this
shame and tragedy that Yoga has been included essay, written to commemorate the International
in physical Education curriculum. Yoga as given Yoga Day falling on June 21, with this humble
by Patanjali and practiced by many in our land is a prayer to the Great Sage:
purely spiritual science and not to be confused or Yogena cittasya padena vacam
mixed with physical exercise. Malam sarirasya ca vaidyakena
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, acclaimed as Yopakarottam pravaram muninam
one of the most profound and enlightening studies Patanjali pranjalirantosmi
of human nature and the search for spiritual Abahu purusakaram
liberation, is undoubtedly the base text. To practice Sanka cakrasi dharinam
Yoga without the profound and panoramic inner Sahasra sirasam svetam
cartography of the Yoga Sutras is to be adrift in a Pranamami patanjalim
difficult and potentially dangerous ocean.” BKS Let us bow before the noblest of sages,
Iyengar writes: “If God is considered the seed of Patanjali, who gave yoga for serenity and sanctity
all knowledge (sarvajna bhijam), Patanjali is all
of mind, grammar for clarity and purity of speech,
knower all wise (sarvajnam), of all knowledge” (xiii).
and medicine for perfection of health.
His knowledge is catholic, speaking as an
enormous range of subjects – art, dance, Let us prostrate before Patanjali, an
mathematics, astronomy, astrology, physics, incarnation of Adisesa, whose upper body has a
chemistry, psychology, biology, neurology, human form, whose arms hold a conch and disc,
telepathy, education, time and gravitational theory and who is crowned by a thousand-headed cobra.
– with a divine spiritual knowledge. He was a (Iyengar, Light on the Yoga
perfect of master of cosmic energy, treated the Sutras, vi)
whole body-mind complex with a secular fabric and
in so doing he was able to skillfully present the
wisdom of both the material and the spiritual world, T.T.D. CALL CENTER
blending them as a universal culture. He fills each Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams arranged
sutra with his experiential intelligence, philosophy, call center round the clock for the benefit of
psychology and science. It offers as a practical devotees. They can get the information round
philosophy for aspirants and seekers. His Yoga is the clock from this call center regarding any
a science of sciences, as it deals with human body T.T.D. information like Arjitha Sevas,
and psyche, and their complex function in a Accommodation, Trusts & Schemes etc.
scientific way, freed from all beliefs and
superstitions. His Yoga is a religion of all religions, For any information Contact :
as it fundamentally touches the core of all religions 0877-2233333, 0877-2277777
and explains as to how to attain the spiritual unity.

SAPTHAGIRI 45
 Great Acharya
SRI VEDANTHA DESIKAN—LIFE HISTORY OF SWAMI DESIKA

- N.Padmanaban

Desika is a Sanskrit word which means today there is no bell in the perumal sannidhi.Only
“Acharya”. In our Srivaishnava sampradayam there the huge bell suspended in the front hall is used
are numerous acharyas starting from Nammalwar while doing thiruvaradanam (offering Prasadam).
to present day acharyas, it is only Swami desika is
Birth and Younger days
addressed respectfully as “Desika”. This is like
calling srirangam perumal as Nam perumal (in After some time Sri Desika was born. He was
English Our Perumal) and addressing shatakopan named as Venkatanatha by his maternal uncle Sri
as Nammalwar. Appullar. Sri Appullar is his acharya too. When Sri
Desika was a small boy of five years old he was
Sri Desika’s original name was
taken to Kanchi Varadaraja Temple where one
Venkatanatha. His parents have choosen this name
acharya was giving lecture on Ramanuja’s Sri
since Desika was born on a sravanam day, which
Bhashyam. Sri Appullar and the young boy desika
is the birth star of Tirupati perumal, Lord Srinivasa.
went and prostrated to this scholar and he has
Sri Desika was born in the year 1268 CE stopped the lecture and blessed them. Sri Appullar
(Common Era) about 130 years after Bhagavad and desika was about to leave and the acharya
Ramanuja attained Parama padam. His parents wanted to continue his lecture but he forgot where
were Sri Ananthasuri and Thothaaramba. He was he has stopped. Although desika was mere a boy
born in a place called Thoopul near Kanchi of 5 years he reminded Sri Nadadhur Ammal the
puram.Swami desika’s parents were childless for Vaishnava scholar who was giving lecture and
long time and one day Lord Srinivasa of Seven every one assembled there and astonished at the
Hills, has ordered them to go for a pilgrimage to brilliance of Desika at this tender age. Sri Nadadhur
Tirupati. ammal blessed Sri Desika and he told every one
that Sri Desika will be a great scholar who will firmly
In those days there were no buses or trains
establish the supremecy of our sampradayam
to travel. Sri Anatasuri and his wife walked from
following the footstep of Bhagavad Ramanuja. He
Kanchipuram to Tirupati and climbed the Hills and
also instructed Sri Appullar to teach desika all
had the darshan of the Perumal.That night they
vedas, divya prabandham and other sastras. Even
were resting in a Mandapam near temple. Lord
today we can see a painting in the Varadaraja
Srinivasa appeared in their dream as a small
temple reminding us this incident.
Vaishnava boy and gave Thothaaramba a golden
bell and she swallowed the bell in the dream. Next At the age of 7, after upanayanam Sri
day the archakas did not find the bell in the perumal Appullar started teaching the Vedas, Sastras, Sri
sannidhi and they were worried and started bhashya and divya prabandham. He was surprised
searching for it. Perumal told in a heavenly voice at the brilliance of Swami Desika as he has grasped
that the bell has been given to Thothaaramba and in no time what ever taught to him.The elders were
she will deliver a son who will be a great scholar wondering whether Sri Desika is the combined re-
like Bhagavad Ramanuja, who will firmly re- incarnation of earlier acharyas like Ramanuja,
establish the supremacy of our Srivaishnava Nathamuni and Alavandar. At the age of 20, Sri
sampradayam. To remind us this incident, even Desika has mastered all the sastras and became

46 JUNE, 2017
a scholar. At the age of 21, Sri Desika was married Desika in Kanchipuram
to a beautiful girl called Thirumangai or Kanaka
Sri Desika came back to Kanchipuram and
valli. Sri Appullar taught Desika the sacred Garuda
composed various stotras explaining the concept
mantra. Sri Desika has started his family life as
of prapatti or surrender.The stotras are Nyasa
ordered in the Sastras. He was strictly performing
vimshati, Nyasa dashakam and Nyasa tilakam in
all the duties required by a Srivaishnava.
sanskrit and Adaikkalappathu and artha
Desika in Thiruvahendra puram panchakam in Tamil.
After the death Sri Appullar Swami Desika
Swami desika was mesmorised at the beauty
wanted to chant the garuda mantra taught to him
of Varadaraja perumal of Kanchi and composed
for many days without food and sleep to receive
fifty slokas on hm. He also wrote stotras of various
the blessings of the divine bird Garuda on which
perumals visiting the temples in and around
Sriman Narayana travels. It is said in Scriptures
that the Garuda is Veda Swaroopi. Desika went to Kanchipuram.
Thiruvahendra puram and climbed the small hill In the Year 1317CE, in the Tamil month of
there and started chanting the mantra. Garuda was Avani, Sri Varadharaja perumal blessed Swami
pleased with the devotion of Desika and blessed Desika with a son named as Varadhacharya. His
him with Hayagreeva mantra and instructed him to birth star was rohini which is the same as that of
chant the Hayagreeva mantra continously to
Lord Krishna.His son followed the footsteps of
receive the blessings of Haygreeva. Then Lord
Swami desika and shined as his father.
Hayagreeva appeared before desika and blessed
him with the nectar Sri Desika in Srirangam
flowing from his mouth. All the
Lord Hayagreeva took
Srivaishnava acharyas
the seat of Swami
have special affection
Desika’s tip of the
to Srirangam lord Sri
tounge as prayed by
Ranganatha. Sri
desika. Also
Ramanuja stayed here
Hayagreeva gave an
idol of himself for for long years. Swami
desika’s daily worship. desika was asked to
This idol is still being come to Sri rangam by
preserved in the other acharyas, for a
Devanatha temple in debate to prove the
Thiruvahendra puram. correctness of our
Swami desika sampradayam which is
composed famous strictly in accrodance
Haygreeva stotram, with the scriptures.
D e v a n a y a k a Swami desika came to
panchashat in sanskrit Srirangam and on the
and achchutha
way he halted at Sri
shatakam in Prakrut
Perumbudhur the birth
and Mummanikkovai
place of Bhagavad
and Nava mani maalai
Ramanuja and
in Tamil.
SAPTHAGIRI 47
composed a stotra on Sri ramanuja to seek his and here the vigraham of Swami desika is unique
blessings to win in the debate. This slokam is called as he is in standing posture as if he was on his
Yatiraja Saptati, which glorifies all our acharyas and toes ever ready to travel back to Srirangam.
Sri Ramanuja in particular. After 12 years when the muslims were thrown
In Sri rangam the debate with schloars of out of Srirangam Swami Desika came back to
other sampradayam went for 7 days and finally Sri Srirangam.
Desika demolished every argument of the Back at Srirangam
opponents. The scolars who have debated with Sri
Desika have accepted the defeat and become his Swami came to Srirangam and it was time
disciples. This discussion has been compiled as for yearly utsavams when the entire divya
Satha dhudhani. prabandham will be recited in 20 days. The first
ten days the utsavam is in the day and the next 10
Lord Ranganatha was pleased with their days in the night. Since this utsavam was stopped
beloved child Sri Desika’s intelligence and for many years due to Muslim invasion, the
conferred him the title of “VEDANTHACHARYA” orthodox people objected to recitation of Divya
Sri Ranga naayaki thaayaar conferred the title of “ prabandham since it is in Tamil and only Sanskrit
Sarva tantra swatantrar” which means that he is vedas should be recited. They also objected to
master of all arts, crafts. The other acharyas install vigrahas of Azhvars because they were just
assembled there were pleased with this and human beings and many of them were not even
declared that Sri desika is indeed deserved of this Brahmins. Swami Desika argued with them at
honorory titles. length proving that the divya prabandham is
Swami’s visit to Melkote, Karnataka nothing but the essence of Vedas and Upanishads
and the Alwars are great devotees of Sriman
In the year 1327, Srirangam city was invaded
Narayana and they are fit to be worshipped inside
by Muslims. Malik kafur the General of Allauddin,
the temple. Finally the orthodox devotees agreed
Sultan of Delhi came to Srirangam to rob the temple
with Sri Desika and the utsavam has been
and kill the satvic devotees. Fear gripped in the
celebrated in a grand manner. Swami was pained
minds of every one and they afraid how to preserve
to see the objections and to make sure no such
the glory of the temple. It was decided that, Swami
problems in the future he has got the details of the
desika will travel to Karnataka along with the
utsavam written in a stone and installed in the
manuscripts of Sri Bhashya commentry along with
temple. Sri Ranganatha was pleased with this and
the sons of Sri Sudarshana bhattar, a great acharya
commended that the Thaniyan glorifying swami
who wrote commentry for Sri Bashya. Other
desika “Ramanuja daya patram..” should be recited
acharyas left to Tirupati with the idol of Ranganatha.
every day in the temple before starting the
The temple was closed and many bhagavathas
prabandham recitation.
were killed by the brutal invaders and even Swami
desika has to hide among the corpses (dead While at Srirangam swami has composed the
bodies) for one night before travelling to Karnataka. famous Bhagavad dyana sopanam glorifying the
beauty of the Sriranganatha from the feet to the
Swami desika while at Karnataka composed
head. This stotra is like Amalanaadhi piran of
a stotra called “Abhithi sthava” praying to Sri
Tirupanalwar.
Ranganatha to restore the glory of Srirangam.
Swami was crying for the death of many acharyas Some vidhwans (Elite) challenged that
and bhagavathas by the ruthless invaders. We can whether swami desika can compose 1000 hymns
even see the place where he stayed in Karnataka in praise of Lord Ranganatha in one day. Swami

48 JUNE, 2017
has accepted the challenge and he prayed to sent in a message asking desika to come to the
Ranganatha to bless him to compose 1000 stotras Kingdom to receive gifts from the king. Swami
and the Lord has commended that sri Desika desika has refused to this request and sent him
should compose the stotra on the Divine Sandals the reply in a poem called Vairagya panchakam.
(padhukas). Swami did not write anything in the
Swami’s bhakthi
day as he was busy in teaching etc and in the night
also he slept till 4 O’clock in the morning. Then he Once a young boy wanted some money for
started writing down the stotras and in less than 3 his marriage and approched the wealthy people in
hours he has composed 1008 stotras on the Kanchipuram.They were jealous of Sri desika’s
padhukas. Even a fast recital of the entire stotras simplicity and not seeking any financial help from
will take more than 6 hours and swami has them. Just to embaras our swami they have told
composed them in such a short time since he was that only desika can give lots of money because
“Kavitarkika simham” which means lion among the he is rich.The boy did not know the evil intention of
poets. the jealous people and went to swami desika for
financial help. We all know that desika is not having
Swami at Srivilliputtur
any money but he took the young boy to the Thayar
Swami Desika went on a pilgrimage to South sannidhi and started reciting Sri Stuthi.
and visited many divya desams in Kerala and
It has started raining and rain of gold coins
Madurai and while he was at Srivilliputtur he has
from the sky. Swami desika thanked the thayar for
composed the famous Goda stuthi. Swami had
her mercy and told the boy to take as much he
special bhakthi to Andal and this stotram glorifies
wants and he did not take any coin for himself.
Andal.She has commended that this stotra should
The jealous people were shocked at this incident
be recited during her utsavam along with divya
and came running to seek the pardon of swami
prabandham.
desika.
Swami’s Vairagyam
Once a snake charmer came and challenged
Some of the local people in Kachipuram felt desika that whether he can control his poisonous
bad that a great master like Sri Desika is doing snakes and sri desika drew a chalk line on the
uncha vrutti i.e. (begging for grains). They thought ground and recited some mantra. None of the
of mixing gold coins along with rice and offered snake could cross over the line drawn by swami
him since Desika won’t accept money or Gold if but one ferocious snake crossed over to harm
given separately. Sri Desika did not notice this trick swami. Sri Desika recited the Garuda mantra and
and came home and gave the rice to his wife for instantly Garuda came and took away all the
making prasadam. She is also a simple maiden snakes. The Snake Charmer begged to swami
and never seen gold coins in her life. She called desika to give back his snakes since it is the only
Desika and asked what the glittering coins are. lively hood of him. Swami desika again prayed to
Swami desika was suprised at this and told her Garuda and it brought the snakes again.
that they are vermins and separated them by a
One magician confronted with swami and
dharba (grass), as he did not even want to touch
drank the water from the pond. With his magic he
the gold coins.
made swami’s stomach to bulge as the magician
One of Swami desika’s friend (Vidyaranya) drank water from the pond. Swami was feeling
during their school days became the minister of extreme pain and understood the reason quickly.
Vijayanagara kingdom. He heard about the poverty Desika just scratched the pillar near by with his
of Sri Desika and wanted to help him. So he has fingernails and the water flowed out of the pillar.

SAPTHAGIRI 49
The magician was astonished with the super magic dharshanam. In the year 1369 he kept his head in
of Desika and begged his pardon. the lap of his son Kumara varadhachariar and left
his mortal coil while listening to the chanting of
Swami Desika as Sarva tantra (Master of all arts,
thiruvaymozhi and Upanishads.
crafts)
Later Sri Ranganayaki thayar ordered that a
There are many incidents in Swami desika’s
sannidhi should be made for Swami desika close
life which prove that he is not just an acharya or
to her sannidhi inside the temple. Also it is believed
poet.He was well versed with many other crafts
that she ordered that no other acharya sannidhi
and the following three incidents prove this point.
will be made hereafter inside the temple as a mark
Once a mason challenged swami desika of respect to this great acharya, which is being
whether he can construct a well with the bricks followed to this day.One can see the desikan
supplied by him. Swami desika accepted the sannidhi in front of the thaayaar sannidhi in
challenge and the mason gave broken and irregular Srirangam.
shaped bricks to swami but he nicely arranged
Thaniyans on Swami desika
them and finished the well construction. This well
is still existing in Thiruvahendrapuram. A number of ‘Thanians ‘ (laudatory dedication
verses) were dedicated to him.
Once a sculptor challenged swami whether
he can make an idol of himself and fitted in the (1) His son Kumara Varadacharya has
pedastal that was made by the sculptor. Swami composed a thaniyan on swami desika. We are
made an idol and the sculptor tried to fix it in the reciting this thaniyan before reciting any sanskrit
pedastal and could not do so.He thought that the stotra of swami desikan.
idol was wrong and tried to chisel some part of the “Sriman Venkata Natharyah Kavitarkika Kesari |
idol to fix it. Blood flowed out of desika’s
Vedantacharya Varyo Mey Sannidhattam Sadaa
corresponding part of the body where he chiseled
Hridhi ||”
out. The sculptor accepted that the pedastal is of
wrong size and then swami desika corrected the The meaning of this verse is” “the great lion
pedastal and installed the idol on it. This image is of poets and the great preceptor of Vedanta (that
even today available in Thiruvahendara puram. Swami Venkatanatha was) should reside in his
heart always.”
Once a shoe maker challenged that whether
desika can mend his sandal and swami accepted (2) Another one was by his disciple Brahma
this challenge and to every one’s surprise he made Tantra Swatantra which says:-
the sandal quickly as if he was a original shoe “Ramanuja Daya Patram Gnana Vairaghya
maker.People are astonished at swami desika’s Bushanam |
knowledge in various crafts.
Srimad Venkata Natharyam Vande Vedanta
Swami’s last days Desikam ||”
Swami desika lived 101 years and he felt the We recite this taniyan before starting divya
time has come for him to go the spritual abode of prabandham.The meaning of this taniyan is “I
Narayana. He went to Sriranganatha and took his salute the great Venkata Natha also called Vedanta
permission. His disciples and his son were feeling Acharya and Lion among poets and logicians and
the pain of his separation and cried. Swami desika who was well adorned by both Knowledge and
consoled them and instructed them to continue discretion and who well deserved the grace of
their divine works and follow the ramanuja Srimad Ramanuja”:

50 JUNE, 2017
 (3) There is another taniyan on Swami Desika Swami desika was a poet, philosopher,
which is recited before reciting any of the desika logician and he took the task of upholding the
prabandham concepts preached by Sri Ramanuja. It is because
of him the Ramanuja darsanam is being
“Seeronru Tooppul Thiruvenkata mudaiyan recogonised by the world. Even the critics of Swami
par onra chonna pazhamozhiyul- OronRu desika have suprised at his knowledge and logical
reasoning and praise him for his masterey in every
thane amaiyadhO Dharaniyil Vazhvorkku
form of work be it drama, poetry or commentry in
Vanerap PomaLavum Vazhvu ||” either Tamil, Sanskrit and Mani pravala.It is told
that he was proficient in 8 languages.
The meaning of this taniyan is “ For a person
who desires to ascend up to the Heavens, even a No acharya among the followers of Sri
single statement of the great Acharya, Tooppul Ramanuja fought for the rightful place for Divya
Tiuvenkadamudaiyan (Vedanta Desika) uttered by prabandham as did swami desika. It was he who
re established the recitation of divya prabandam
him for the benefit of humanity would be sufficient
in Srirangam and other temples.
to lift him up to his desired goal.

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FACILITIES TO THE FOOT PATH PEDES
PA TRI
PEDESTRIANS
TRIA
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Way to Alipiri F
O
Way to Srivarimettu
O
T
P
A
T
H

♣ Many pilgrims take a vow to go on foot from Alipiri to Tirumala and Srivarimettu through foot
path. Pilgrims can use free facilities and bath at Pilgrim Amenities Hall at Srinivasam Complex,
Opp. to RTC Complex, Tirupati, 2nd Choultry near Railway Station, Tirupati and another complex
near Alipiri Bus Station.

♣ TTD runs free buses from Railway Station, Tirupati to Alipiri and Srivarimettu.
♣ Pilgrims are requested to keep their luggage in a box or bag with lock and key facility. They can
deposit their luggage at the Alipiri foot path luggage centre, Srivarimettu and obtain a receipt
from there. They can collect their luggage after submitting the receipt at luggage collection
centre, Tirumala. Their luggage is transported PRECAUTION
at free of cost.
Pilgrims suffering from chronic ill-ness like
♣ Drinking Water and Toilets are available on the BP, Heart and Lung diseases are advised
foot path. Pilgrims are advised to go in groups. not to climb up the hills on foot.

SAPTHAGIRI 51
 Children's Corner

MAREECHA MAHARISHI
We are lucky to live in a great land where really, can do worship for his people who were
great sages and saints once lived. One among the doing worship to God went to the temple next
Sapta Rishis is Mareecha Maharishi (Great Saint), morning, but they were not able to open the main
the greatest creation of Lord Brahma. He is also door of the God! The king came hurriedly and
called an avatar of Lord Vishnu. informed to call the small boy. They request the
small boy to do something to open the door. The
Once sages and saints were very much
small boy who was a great devotee of Lord Sri
confused in the matter of worshipping the right god.
Hari started changing the mantras and rituals. What
But Maricha Rishi said that “All Gods are created
a wonder! The door opened immediately and
by Hari Narayana. He is the beginning and the end,
everyone was surprised. Whoever does worship
all others are inside him.” ‘Sarvam Vishnu Mayam’.
to God with good thoughts, God will definitely
Whoever does Hari pooja in a clean place with
accept his prayers. This is what said by Maricha
clean body and thoughts will be definitely accepted
Maharshi.
by Lord Hari. In this Kaliyuga, ‘Hari Nama
Smarana’, is equal to doing all yagas and mantras. If we believe in God and if we are truthful in
our thoughts and deeds, God will always be with
Here I am narrating a small story for our
us.
friends.
Om Namo Narayanaya.
Once there lived a small boy whose father
was a priest. After his father’s death, the boy and
the mother wished him to be the priest. But some
T.T.Devasthanams
bad people informed the king that he is a small Guest House
boy and cannot do that correctly. The king also Reception Wing
accepted this and rejected the boy’s wish. Tirumala
That night Lord Sri Hari appeared in the king’s
dream and informed that ‘whoever thinks God As per the Orders of the Executive Officer,
T.T.D., the rents of Suites no.1 to 6 in
“SWARNA REST HOUSE” located in Sri
A.S. Aditya Padmavathi Nagar, Tirumala is enhanced
7th Class from Rs.2000/- to Rs.3000/-. This Rate is
S.V.C.H. School applicable for 24 hrs. and part thereof.
Tirupati
- Dy. Executive Officer(R-1), F.A.C.

52 JUNE, 2017
 PUZZLE ACROSS
1 2 3 4 5

1. Intimate friend of Duryodhana (5)

6. A Type of liquid used for writing (Jumbled)
6 7
(3)
7. Forbid (3)

8 9
8. Father of Banasura (Jumbled) (4)
9. Noise made by a sheep (3)
10
11. Husband of Sachi (5)
11 12 13
14. Increase (3)
15. Picture of sombody or something (5)

14 15

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Presented by 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212

T.S. Jagan Mohan

CLUES FOR PUZZLE
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T.T.Devasthanams DOWN
Guest House
Reception Wing 1. Family relations (3)
Tirumala 2. Consort of Srikrishna (7)
3. Beloved of King Salva (4)
As per the Orders of the Executive Officer,
4. Seize (down to up) (3)
T.T.D., Tirumala, the newly constructed
‘Jindal’ (OMSNS) Rest House Suites no.1 to 5. Demon's Guru (5)
8 located in Sri Padmavathi Nagar, Tirumala 8. Son of Chandra (5)
is enhanced from Rs.1500/- and Rs.2500/-
10. Son of Madhavi (4).
to Rs.3000/-. This Rate is applicable for 24
12. 24 hours (Jumbled) (3).
hrs. and part thereof.
13. Some period in History (3).
- Dy. Executive Officer (R-1), F.A.C.

SAPTHAGIRI 53
 Please cut here

TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS

SAPTHAGIRI

Please cut here

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Edited and Published on behalf of T.T.Devasthanams by Dr. K. Radharamana, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., Chief Editor, TTD and Printed at TTD Press
by Dr. T. Ravi, M.A., Ph.D., P.R.O. & Dy. E.O., (Publications & Press) F.A.C., T.T. Devasthanams, Press, Tirupati - 517 507.

54 JUNE, 2017