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OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI

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Garuda - The Valiant
- Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi - 7
Utsavam - A Day after Brahmotsavam in Tirumala
- Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya - 9
Brahmotsava Chakrasnanam
- Dr. Venkata Harshavardhan R.D. - 11
Light & Enlightenment
- Dr. D. Gnanasekaran - 13
Satyabhama - Generous and Courageous
- Dr. K. Kadambini - 15
The Qualities of a Resolute Person
- Dr. K. Sudhakar Rao - 17
Om Kaartheeka Daamodaraaya Namaha!
- Smt. T.S. Rajalakshmi - 18
Shami - The Kalpataru
- Dr. C.V. Sulochana - 20
Heroes of Victory
- Dr. P. Srinivasa Krishna Reddy - 22
Annamayya's Vignettes of Wisdom
- Prof. M. Rajagopalachary - 25
Oppiliappan Koil - Sri Ramesh D. Kandadai - 31
Tirumalai Ozhugu - Dr. M. Varadarajan - 34
Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Dr. A. Savithri - 37
Universal Wisdom of Vemana
- Sri K. Damodar Rao - 39
The Commander in Chief - Sri R. Kannan - 40
Book Review - Smt. Ambika Ananth - 41
A Tale of Two Cities in Kumbakonam
- Sri Girish Muralidhar - 42
The Tirumala Temple - Dr. N. Ramesan - 44
The Bond of Brother - Sister
- Smt. B. Parvathi - 48
Quiz for Children - 50
General Predictions
- Daivajna Chaturanana Rani Narasimha Murthy - 51
Picture Story - Smt. C. Sravanthi - 52
APPEAL TO READERS
Front Cover : Sri Malayappa Swami on Garuda Vahanam at Tirumala
Back Cover : Chakrasnanam at Tirumala

Chief Editor

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5
OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI
Let the Humanity 'Glow' with Prosperity

Deepavali is a festival of Lights. It is the biggest and most enjoyable festival


celebrated all over India. It is commemorated to mark delight, victory and harmony.

Deeepavali or Diwali as it is known in some parts of the country falls either during
the month of October or November as per the movement of Moon and Sun.

Deepavali has two words in it. Deepam and Avali. Deepam means Lamp; Avali
means an array. So Deepavali means Array of Lamp. On this festival day, people light
lamps and exhibit them in arrays. So, we can see an array of lighted lamps in the houses all
over.

It is told, on this day, Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of Exile in forest
to fulfill his father’s wishes. During his stay in forest, Sri RAMA fought with demons and
annihilated demons including their king Ravana. On his return to Ayodhya, people lit lamps
to welcome Sri Rama and celebrated his victory. Hence it is celebrated as the festival of
Victory of Good over Evil.

There is another story that Lord Krishna with his consort Sathyabhama, went to
Prak Jyothishapura and killed Demon Narakasura. Before his death, Naraka wished that
the day might be celebrated with bright light. To commemorate this victory, Deepavali is
being celebrated.

Whatever may be the story, it is a festival to celebrate the victory of Good forces
over the Evil forces, in other words, to instill good thoughts in us and remove bad ones. On
this day, people will lit the diyas as part of the festival. Lighted Diyas dispel the darkness of
our ignorance and spread brightness of knowledge and wisdom.

'Deepavali Asthanam' is one of the rituals performed to Lord Sri Venkateswara of


Tirumala every year on Deepavali day by the TTD. On this sacred occasion, Lord Sri
Malayappaswami, the Utsava murthi; along with His Consorts will be seated on 'Sarva
Bhupala Vahana' facing Garudalwar with Sri Viswaksena (the commander in chief) seated
adjacent to him situated before the Bangaru Vakili (the Golden threshold). Then Jeeyar
swamis will offer new sacred silk clothes to the Lord. The Asthanam fete will conclude
after special pujas including Rupee coin Harati amidst chanting of vedic hymns.

This year Deepavali falls on 24th October. Let us invoke the blessings of the Lord on
this Deepavali day and be blessed.

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6 OCTOBER
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2022 ::
:: SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI
Special Occasion

G aruda is described as Pakshiraja, the


king of Birds. All of us recognize him as the vahana
or mount of Lord Vishnu. When you enter a Vishnu
temple, there is an image or icon of Garuda at the
entrance. He is celebrated as 'Periya Thiruvadi'
just as Hanuman is known as 'Siriya Thiruvadi'.
The origin of Garuda is described in the
Adiparva of the Mahabharata. Briefly, he is the son
of Sage Kashyapa and Vinata. He is the younger
brother of Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya.

But how did Garuda become Lord Vishnu’s


vahana? The story is as follows: His mother Vinata
lost a bet with her co-sister Kadruva (who
employed a trick) resulting in Vinata becoming a
slave to Kadruva and her children, the nagas. This
was due to a curse uttered by Aruna who also
said that she would be delivered from slavery by
her son. This could be done only by getting the
amruta for the snakes that were his step-brothers
(Kadruva’s children). Valiant Garuda, the
shapeshifter (for he was a master of
ashtasiddhis), managed to obtain the amruta that
was amazingly guarded. When Garuda was in the
air with the pot of nectar, he met Lord Vishnu.
Slokas 13-16 in the 33rd Adhyaya (chapter) of the
Adi Parva in Mahabharata describe the encounter
(summarised here) :
At that time, the son of Vinata encountered Lord
Vishnu
Narayana was pleased with Garuda’s
commitment.
He called out to Garuda – ‘I would like to give you
a boon’.
Garuda the sky-roamer said, ‘Lord let me serve
on your flag’.

Garuda Seva on 01-10-2022

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OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 7
And ‘Even without a drink of the nectar, may I be lord arriving to rescue the King of Elephants riding
immortal’. his favourite mount. The third chapter of the ashtama
The Lord said to Garuda, ‘Let it be so’. skanda of Srimad Bhagavatam describes what
Now Garuda said, ‘Lord, now I proffer thee a boon.’ happened. Specifically, the 31st sloka says:
Lord Vishnu said, ‘I wish that you become my steed’. Hearing the mental prayer of the distressed elephant
And that is how the mighty Garuda became The lord of the world wielding the Sudarsana (discus)
the vahana of Lord Vishnu. Swiftly arrived on his vahana, Garuda, who is
Possessed of a speed that depends in his will.
Garuda-seva or the processional of the lord
mounted on Garuda is a wonderful spectacle in any Garuda vahana is so closely associated with
Vishnu temple. Crowds throng to worship the lord Sriman Narayana that in Narasimha Satakam,
on Garuda because it is believed that moksham can Seshappa describing lord Vishnu says
be easily got when worshipping the lord on Garuda “Garudavahana divya kaustubhalankara ravi koti
vahana. After all, did the Lord not speed to teja sa rangavadana”: On his Garuda vahana,
Gajendra’s rescue flying there mounted on Garuda? adorned with the divine Kaustubha gem, bright faced
This scene has also been captured dramatically by like the sun…” (Verse 83).
the poet Pothana in his 'Bhagavatam'. In fact, every But Garuda is much more than all that. In
single illustration of Gajendra moksha shows the Garuda Panchashat, Swami Vedanta Desika writes
that Garuda is the personification of Vedas (verse
3). He says Garuda’s eyes are the Gayatri mantra,
his name is the Yajur veda and so on. At the end of
the verse Swami Desika prays saying that the
Garuda thus extolled by the Vedas may show us
the way to freedom.
Being like Garuda, selfless, devoted and
committed to achieving the given task despite
hurdles on the way pleases the lord and helps attain
moksha.

Garuda Vahanam in Tirumala : At Tirumala, the sight of


Sri Malayappa swami mounted on the golden Garuda
vahanam during Srivari Brahmotsavam sends devotees
into ecstasy. Garuda is often adorned with precious jewels
such as the Makara kanti, Salagrama haaram and wears
a golden crown. The lord’s feet are securely placed in the
open palms of Garuda who is seen kneeling on one leg.
Lord's appearance on Garuda bestows transcendence
and salvation to the devotees. There is also a monthly
Garuda seva on the full moon night when Sri Malayappa
swamivaru tours the Mada streets on the Garuda vahana.
Devotees can watch the Garudavahanaseva live in SVBC
Channel and be blessed.

8 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


Backsavari Utsavam on 06-10-2022

th
T he two renowned Sri Vaishnava Acharyas Sri Ananthalvan to assist and continue the service
of 11 century have dedicated their whole life in the
of Pushpa Kainkaryam (flower service).
service of Lord Venkateswara. They were Acharya
Tirumalai Nambi and Sri Ananthalvan. The two great Sri Anantalvan came to Tirumala as per the

Acharyas on the orders of their mentors came to orders of Bhagavad Ramanuja and started digging
Tirumala one after the other to do Kainkaryams land to make a beautiful flower garden with all types
(sacred service) to the Lord. The first was Sri of flowers liked by Lord Srinivasa. He also dug a
Tirumalai Nambi, the first Srivaishnava to arrive at Tank called as ‘Ramanuja pushkarini’ by his own
Tirumala on the orders of Alavandar or Yamuna Muni. efforts assisted by his wife. Even though she was
Sri Tirumalai Nambi took to the service of reciting pregnant, he asked her to do the work and never
vedams, prabandham, bringing of 'Papavinasana asked any help from others not even from God.
theertham' and later on 'Akasaganga Theertham' as Every day he used to take the garland of flowers to
per the wishes of Lord Srinivasa. As the Acharya the temple and offer it to Lord Srinivasa. Both Sri
was advancing in age Sri Bhagawad Ramanuja sent Tirumala Nambi and Sri Ananthalwan, the two best

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 9


friends, dedicated their lives in the service of the
Lord, lived happily by doing their services without
any misunderstanding or jealousy between
themselves as their motive was to make the Lord
happy and spread Srivaishnavism.

Both the Acharyas were at their work and the


garden of Anantalvan became an attractive place to
all, including the Lord. Lord Srinivasa along with His
Vakshastala Lakshmi (Lakshmi in His Bosom) used
to go to the Bhag (Garden) during the night hours The Lord in the human form ran in the anti-
and used to take a stroll as Lakshmi plucked some clock direction and disappeared into the temple. The
flowers of her choice. Both of them, after some time lady was tied to the tree throughout the night and
of relaxation, used to go back to the Temple. This when Anantalwan went to the temple to offer flowers
was their routine. When the garden became fully to the Lord, Mahalakshmi was not seen on the
flowered and so many fragrant flowers were seen Bosom of the Lord. Then he realised that the Lord
by the divine couple in human form. Himself with Goddess Lakshmi had come to his
garden. Regretting his mistake, he took the Goddess
To the utter shock of Ananthalvan, he started
(the lady tied to the tree) in a basket of flowers to
noticing some fragrant flowers missing from his
the temple and placed her near the Lord. Lord
garden daily and kept a watch throughout night. At
Srinivasa on seeing the selfless devotion of
that time, he saw a couple entering the garden,
Anantalvan felt happy.
smiling, going together around the garden casually
Backsavari Utsavam at Tirumala
as they did every day. Then suddenly Anantalvan
appeared before them and tried to catch them but To commemorate the pleasing incident of His
Lord Srinivasa escaped by leaving Mahalakshmi as run in the reverse direction, a festival is celebrated
she could not run as fast as the Lord did. Then every year immediately after Salakatla (the annual)
Ananthalvan took the lady and tied her to an Aswatha Brahmotsavam. The Lord with His consorts go to
tree. the Ananthalvan garden (Bhag) and the family
members of Anantalvan receive the Lord attended
by Jeeyar Swamis and other Srivaishnavas. There
The unique festival ‘Bagh Savari’ or 'Backsavari'
will be a Prabandh ghosti, sathumorai with various
will takes place immediately after annual
Brahmotsavams every year. On this day, the kinds of food offerings by the family. Even to-day
utsava deities are taken to Anantalwar Garden the garden and pushkarini are still there and the
situated in Tirumala in anti-clock wise direction senior members of family are looking after the
and after the rituals, brought back to Srivari maintenance of the garden in Tirumala.
temple at Tirumala. The festival is eye feast to
the eyes.

10 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


‘Chakrasnanam’ is a divine process performed Sun’s extraordinary emitting energy and power to create
during the last day of Brahmotsavams. A Brahmotsavam Trishul, Sudarshana Chakra, and Pushpak Viman. Though
cycle in Tirumala hills starts with ‘Dwajarohanam’ and this act of Sri Vishwakarma is believed to be orchestrated
completes. (The Varshika Brahmotsavam does not ‘end’, for the benefit of his daughter, this paved the way to develop
it just completes on the ninth day of Jeeva or Jeevathma. ‘bearable’ energy to develop ‘BHULOKA’ or ‘KARMA
For Brahma, the pramanas or units are different. The 4.32 BHOOMI’ (the planet earth) for living creatures to “take
billion Human or Earth years is a “day of Brahma” or one or make” their KARMA Phala.
thousand Maha yugas. Moreover, the Brahmotsavas is a
This Sudarshana Chakra during Dwapara Yuga left
continuous process in KALI YUGA and the cycle repeats
the Vaikuntam and revolved around Dwaraka to protect
every year as per human or earth-based units) (not ends)
the place and people from the enemies or deadly DANAVAS
with ‘Chakrasnanam’ on the ninth day of this spiritual
or Asuras. In Kaliyuga, the same is believed to be revolving
process which will happen for billions of times in this ‘Kali
around SAPTHAGIRI (the seven hills) as they are
Yuga’. The popular ‘Avabrutha Snanam’ is slightly different
Kaliyuga’s Vaikuntam and the station of Lord Vishnu. (The
from ‘Chakratalwar Snanam’. Avabrutha Snanam is mainly
Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is not a reincarnation of Sri
performed to cleanse the sins and mistakes of the people
Vishnu but a demonstrated ‘direct’ appearance or image of
after ‘Yagnas’. The Avabrutha Snana along with Chakra
Sri Vishnu, who visited the Bhoomatha or the Planet Earth
Snana is performed in Brahmotsavams by considering this
from Vaikuntam for Dharma Paripalana in Kali Yuga). This
celestial activity as a Yagna.
divine chakra protects Kaliyuga Vaikuntam all through the
History of Sudarshana Chakra : According to Hindu twelve months and six seasons with its powerful sixteen
scriptures, this Chakra of Lord Vishnu is believed to be spokes. Even today many devotees strongly believe that
developed by Sri Vishwakarma from the Sun God by taking this is the reason why numerous invaders from the Middle

Chakrasnanam on 05-10-2022

OCTOBER - 2022
OCTOBER :: SAPTHAGIRI
- 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 1111
East and Europe could not demolish “Moorthybava Kaliyuga the fierce force of Sudarshana Chakra as it may stop
Murthy” and loot the treasures, safeguarded and protected devotees with Swakarma or Parikrutha sins to enter the
by ‘SudarshanaChakra’. Tirumala. Hence, he “periodically” dips divine chakra in
About Pushkarini Theertham: According to ‘Puranas’, Pushkarini water. According to Bhumatha or Jeevathma it
this PUSHKARINI Theertham is the celestial water body may be once in a year but not by Thri Loka standards or
brought to Tirumala from Vaikuntam by Lord Venkateswara. units of time. (The dipping process is once in a nanosecond
Moreover, it is also believed that all the divine water bodies as per Brahma’s age calculation process or Vaikunta time
(Theerthas) in ‘Thri lokas’ (Brahma, Kailasa, and Vaikunta standards). This way the Lord gives his devotees one more
Lokas) mingled with Swami Pushkarini Theertha. Hence, opportunity to repent and perform ‘Prakshalana’ or
this water possesses immense powers to clean all Parikrutha Prayachitam’ or extend ‘Mudupus’ in Tirumala and take
Doshas (attributed sins by unknown, unconscious karmas his divine Darshana without any obstruction from the
and saparivar karmas), Swakarma Doshas (sins gained by ‘Sudarshana Chakrathalwar’. He also ordered the
own acts or Karma). It’s also believed that the Pushkarini Sudarshana Chakra to bless the devotees with his energy
has the power to shower blessings as well. and power.
The beliefs regarding Chakrasnanam: It’s difficult for Finally, the divine “Sudharshana (Su + Darshana)
‘Living Creatures of Planet Earth (Earth is one of the many Chakra” of the ‘seven hills’ could move devotee’s ‘seven
planets where human life has evolved. According to Srimad chakras’ in the human body to lead them to “Sudarsha”
Bhagavatam, there are many universes and the conditioned (Su + Darsha) and “Sukarma” process. The divine
living entities are evolving within the universe in different “Sudarshana” (Su + Darshana) Chakrasnanam will easily
planets and different species of life.) to bear the power coordinate, rejuvenates and reactivates human body chakras
and energy to directly touch the divine Sudarshana Chakra. to get into “Sudarsha” (Su + Darsha) and “Sukarma”. The
After many ‘Mantras and Slokas’ are chanted, it’s believed annotation of ‘Sudarshana’ goes with “Su” as DIVINE not
that the Sudarshan Chakra will give the DOSHA the typical English translation as “Good” and “Darshana”
RAHITHA SPARSHA AMODHA (permission to touch it as CONCENTRATED FOCUS AND VISION, not “view
without securing any sins) to the priests to take it to the or look” again as per the typical English true translation.
water body (Pushkarini) Theertham. After the priests execute For details visit to the web sites:
the divine dip of the Sudarshana Chakra in Pushkarini
Theertha, the celestial power of Chakra floats in the holy
1. https://www.google.com/search?q=one+
Swami Pushkarini. This divine water is a media that extends day+of+brahma&rlz =1C1CHZN_
the controllable access to all the ‘Jeevas’ (the earthly bodies enIN987IN987&oq=one+day+for+bramh
like human beings or animals in water) to get in touch with &aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i10i22i30j0i390l3.
12197j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
the power of Sudarshana Chakra. It’s also believed that,
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_units_of_time
though the priests take the Sudarshana Chakra out of the
Pushkarini water after a dip, still the power of it will be in
[This brief article on CHAKRA SNANAM depicts
the water for a considerable duration. So normally, priests,
the importance of ‘Maha Sudarshana Chakra Snanam
participants and pilgrims, take a dip in this Pushkarini water
during Brahmotsavams and reflects on the views, concepts,
even after the ninth day, to acquire the divine cleansing
opinions, and beliefs expressed by common devotees (not
power and blessings of Sudarshana Chakra.
based on validated frameworks in various Sastras and
There is another popular belief among devotees that, Puranas) construed from their ancestors’ beliefs.]
the Lord Venkateswara determined to reduce or cool down

12 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


A s we generally don’t want to be in the dark,

22
-20
first of all we let there be light. By the same token,

-10
let me shed some light on Light. We see the light at

24
birth and start living by the light of nature with the

on
prospect of getting a spark from above for the much

ali
sought-after enlightenment before the lights are out

av
ep
and the curtain comes down on the stage of life.

De
Light and Darkness are natural phenomena
experienced in rhythmical alternation. Though they
form a dichotomy, they complement each other, and
so both are necessary phases of the life cycle that
is altogether perceived as a harmonious totality.
Darkness guarantees the continual existence of light
by its regular renewal. Light and Darkness have
metaphorical meanings and are often equated with
the pairs of Being and Non-Being, world order and
primordial chaos. It is said that the creation began
with the emergence of light, often identified with the
Sun or an equivalent light principle, out of a primeval
darkness. Again, the end of the world is described
as a twilight or darkness of the gods, that is, the
disappearance of light in a final darkness that
engulfs all.
Light serves as a symbol of life, happiness,
prosperity, intellectual and spiritual enlightenment.
In addition, light can be a symbol of immortality.
There is an obvious connection between light and
the Sun as the source of light. When light is
personified and worshipped, it tends to become
associated with the Sun. The gods are frequently
endowed with light attributes, and so spirit and light
are practically identical. In the Indian Upanishads,
Absolute Being (brahman) as well as the mind,
through which spiritual knowledge is acquired, is
identified as light. In consonance with this thought,
the central experience of the inner self, which is
identical with Brahman, is depicted as a light
experience. In fact, as man rises to greater spiritual
heights, he is turned into light.
Light also represents Wisdom since it is
through Wisdom that things are apparent. Some
thinkers hold that it was the fire of the heavenly
bodies that begot human souls. Spiritual Illumination

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13 :: SAPTHAGIRI 13
offerings are prepared for puja, a devotional prayer
ritual. On the fifth and final day, the bond between
siblings is celebrated by brothers and sisters
exchanging gifts and performing special rituals.
In Northern India, light plays a key part in
this festival because during his return from his exile
for fourteen years, Rama was greeted with lighted
diyas, or oil lamps, by the people, welcoming him
home. Diwali, the festival of lights, was born from
marks the result of the ascent from a low, material,
this illuminated return. In Southern India, Diwali is
‘dark’ existence to a higher, spiritual, and divine level
also known as ‘Deepavali’, a Sanskrit word, meaning
of being. In due course light became a symbol of
“line of lamps.” Deepavali is slightly different, as it
divine presence and salvation. Salvation consists
is celebrated and focuses entirely on Lord Krishna’s
in leaving behind this lower world of darkness and
victory over Narakasura, the demonic evil king.
rejoining the principle of light.
Despite these differences, celebrations in both
Light over darkness regions start with the celebration of the human form
Maybe in line with the prevailing concept of (avatar) of Vishnu, the Hindu God of creation,
light down the ages, Diwali is celebrated as a festival protection and transformation. Some traditions say
of lights among us. They view the festive occasion that Lakshmi undertakes a door-to-door visit on the
as a time to celebrate the triumph of light over occasion and enters the house that is pure, clean
darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good and bright enough to please her most.
over evil. For some, Diwali is also the beginning Thus the essence of Diwali in Hindu culture
of a new year. is celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light
Diwali is generally a five-day festival of lights. over dark. So, people line up earthen oil lamps
The first day is spent exchanging food and gifts outside of their homes to symbolize the inner light
between family and friends. On the second day, that wards off dark energy and evil forces.
people place earthen oil lamps around their Light serves as a symbol of life, happiness,
doorways and balconies to celebrate the light. The prosperity, intellectual and spiritual enlightenment.
third day is regarded as the most important and is In addition, light can be a symbol of immortality.
dedicated to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of There is an obvious connection between light and
happiness and good fortune. On the fourth day, food Diwali, the festival of lights.

Deepavali Asthanam in Tirumala

The annual Deepavali Asthanam will be performed in Tirumala temple


on October 24th in connection with Deepavali festival. On this day, the
processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swami, Sridevi and Bhudevi along
with Vishwaksena will be seated opposite Garudalwar and Asthanam
will be performed. As part of this, Jeeyar Swamis will present sacred
silk clothes to Swamivaru. Then Harati and Naivedyam will be offered
to Swami.
file photo

14 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


D eepavali (Diwali), also known as the
‘festival of lights’ is celebrated all over India, on
Asvayuja Amavasya, according to Hindu lunar
calendar. Hindus in various regions of India see this
day in a different light. Some consider Diwali to be the
day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya along
with his consort Sita, brother Lakshman and his devotee
Hanuman. While some celebrate the marriage of
Lakshmi Devi and Lord Vishnu, others associate Diwali
with Kali Devi as a symbol of good over evil. Though
the story of every region to celebrate Diwali differs,
the main motto is “the victory of light over darkness.
Among the five days of festivities, the day before
Diwali is celebrated as “Narakachaturdashi” celebrating
the death of the demon Naraka who was killed by Lord
Krishna and Satyabhama.
Naraka was the king of Pragjyotishapura
(modern day Guwahati, Assam). His evil mind started
surfacing when he met Banasura, the king of
Shonitapura. Banasura was the son of Mahabali, who
was sent to Patala loka by Lord Vishnu in his vamana
(dwarf) avatara. He lured Naraka to do penance to
please Lord Brahma. Naraka performed years of tough
penance. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Brahma did live a very long life from the Satya Yuga to Dwapara
appeared before him and asked what he wanted. Yuga which is approximately more than 3,024,000 modern
Knowing that Lord Brahma doesn’t give the boon of years.
immortality, Naraka asked him to let him die only in the Gifted by the Sun God
hands of his mother Bhudevi. Brahma granted him the
Satyabhama (incarnation of Bhudevi) is the daughter
boon and Naraka became invincible. He was given
of Satrajit, the treasurer of Dwaraka and the owner of the
the title “Narakasura” in accordance with his relation
Syamantaka, the precious gem which was gifted to him by
to Banasura. He started creating chaos in all the three
the Sun god. Krishna was blamed for taking the gem as
worlds – Bhu loka, Akasa loka and Patala loka. He
Satrajit refused to give it to Ugrasena (Krishna’s
abducted 16,000 women and kept them in a jail. He
grandfather). To prove his innocence, Lord Krishna set
even snatched Aditi’s (mother of devas) earrings and
out to find the gem which went missing after Satrajit’s
tried to annihilate Lord Indra’s throne. Terrified, the
brother Prasena’s death, he encountered Jambavan, the
deities went to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu
trusted bear devotee of Lord Rama. Jambavan failed to
promised to address this issue in his 8th avataram, which
recognize his lord and fought with lord Krishna for 28 days.
is Krishna avataram. It is also believed that soon after When he recognized who he was, he gave the gem along
the birth of Naraka, Lord Vishnu promised Bhudevi with his daughter, Jambavati’s hand in marriage. Krishna
that her son would live a long and powerful life. Naraka went back to Dwaraka with Jambavati and returned the

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 15


gem to its owner who in return asked Lord Krishna to Satyabhama was not sincerely jealous of any of
marry his daughter Satyabhama and accept the them but she pretended to be jealous as she found Krishna
Syamantaka gem. Krishna accepted Satyabhama but adoring this habit of hers. She was proud that she can
refused to take the gem. please Krishna with her mischief. Her pride, jealous,
One day, when Satyabhama was resting in the anger, selfishness are all for her lord.
garden, Aditi paid a visit. She broke down showing her
As an incarnation of the most patient Bhumidevi,
bleeding ears due to the force exerted by Naraka in
she had to bear all her children’s acts. But in the case of
snatching her earrings. Furious, Satyabhama called Lord
Naraka, it was her mother’s instinct which led to her
Krishna and told him about the incident. When Lord
Krishna decided to slay the demon, Satyabhama insisted anger on Naraka for disrespecting others and creating
on going along with him. They flew on Garuda, Lord havoc among the living; but, at the same time, she pleaded
Vishnu’s vehicle to Pragjyotishapura. In the battle, her husband to bless her son and give moksha to him.
Krishna killed Naraka’s General Mura, earning the name There are many versions of the story of Narakasura
“Murari (enemy of Mura)”. Seeing his fall, Naraka got vadha, but every version ends with Satyabhama ending
infuriated and attacked them with many weapons that her son and the victory of light over darkness.
he had. But, none of them could hurt Lord Krishna.
Wished the people to celebrate
Enraged, he used the Shakti Astra that hit lord Krishna
on his chest. Krishna pretended to fall unconscious. The story of Naraka teaches us many things. How
Seeing her lord in that state, Satyabhama furiously used being in a negative company can affect our mind-set,
a fiery Astra that pierced right through Naraka’s chest. how truth always finds a way to resurface, how being
Lord Krishna wakes up and tells Satyabhama that he greedy can bring doom to one’s life, and many more. It
pretended to fall down because only she can kill Naraka. is believed that; after knowing the truth, Naraka wished
Another version states that Lord Krishna uses his that people would celebrate that day as victory of light
Sudarshana chakra to kill Narakasura upon the insistence over darkness as he realised how corrupt he was after
of Satyabhama. She blessed Narakasura after punishing
meeting Lord Krishna and his mother, Satyabhama.
him. Because of her Narakasura attained moksha.
Satyabhama is undoubtedly a role model of a
It is said that Satyabhama is always seen as proud
perfect wife and mother. She always put her husband
and arrogant. But, she is also a fearless and devout wife
before her children. In today’s society where we see
of Krishna. She is the prettiest and very open minded
woman. Though she was the daughter of Satrajit, the husband hating on his wife or the vice versa, characters
Lord married her because of her ideal behaviour, broad- like Satyabhama need to have a spotlight. She proved
mindedness along with beauty and other good qualities. that women are not only always generous and kind but
She was very proud of her husband and his powers. She also courageous and valiant. They do not tolerate any
always speaks truth, never causes any harm to anyone, mistake made by their children. At the same time, they
cares for all, and spreads love. The warrior that she was, care for their children so much. Ironic. Isn’t it? We can
she could never bear any insult to her family or her see how every mother in this world punishes her kids out
husband. She always protected him and stood for his of concern. A mother who hates her child doesn’t exist,
honour. She always made Krishna happy in her presence. even if the child was a demon. It’s such a beautiful bond
She was the strength of Lord Krishna and Krishna was which sadly, isn’t understood by many. So, let’s take a
her soul, life and everything to her. They were
moment to appreciate all the women and mothers around
inseparable.
the world like Satyabhama.

16 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


Bhartruhari Subhashitam

'Dheera' in Sanskrit means a


person who has lot of courage. He
won’t be carried away by the
troubles. He would remain calm
during the time of catastrophies.
Poet Bhartruhari in his
Neetishatakam describes the
qualities of a dheera or resolute
person in a lucid manner.

‘Nindantu neetinipunaah yadi vaa


stuvantu Lakshmeeh samaavishatu
gatchatu vaa yathestam Adyaiva
vaa maranamastu yugaantare vaa
Nyaayaatpathah pravichalanti
padam na dheeraah’. Vikaarahetou sati vikriyante yeshaam na chetaansi ta yeva
dheeraah.
It means ‘No matter the
moralists may hate or praise, the One who doesn’t succumb to the temptations even in an
goddess of wealth may come or go adverse circumstance, he is called a dheera. A resolute person
as she pleases, and death may chooses the path of righteousness. He will not deviate inspite of
come either today or after a long gap several hardships like poverty, discomfort, bitter criticism etc.
of several eras, resolute persons So, youth should become dheeras in their life. They should
can never deviate a step from the
select the path of peace, tranquillity, morality. They should have a
path of righteousness’. What is the
life of higher moral values. They should preserve humanitarian
message of this verse? Let us
values in the society. They should remain ideal persons so that
discuss.
other people may follow them. Nowadays the atmosphere is not
It means when we are going good. Society is not much bothered about values. Misuse of Power
on a right path several people will is always dangerous. Hence, youth should become dheeras in
criticise. They will force us to deviate their day to day life. It will lead to amelioration of society.
from the path. Some people may
When Arjuna became feeble-minded and abandoned all his
tempt you by giving some bribe
arms, Lord convinced him to remove the weakness from his heart.
which will force you to some favour.
It may drag you into legal Kshudram hrudaya dourbalyam tyaktvottishtha Parantapa.
complications. A weak person will be “Oh! great warrior! remove the weakness from your heart”.
tempted to do wrong things. Later
Later on Arjuna resumed the war and was able to kill all the
on he will be in trouble. In Kumara
enemies. One should do the same thing in their life.
Sambhava, Kalidasa gives this
message.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 17


Occasional Arghya (Offering water in the two
palms held together). This is a
salutation to Lord Vishnu.
Sage Narada: Holy rivers like
the Ganga, Alakananda, Kaveri,
Godavari, Yamuna, Saraswati,
Krishna, Tamiraparani, Gomati,
Sarayu and many rivers are also
considered to be special.
Lord Brahma: That is correct.

Sage Narada: If one cannot take


bath on all the days in the river, then
how can one get the merits?

O
Lord Brahma: Then, last three
days in the month – Shukla
nce Sage Narada visited Lord Brahma. As usual, he
Trayodashi, Chaturdashi and Purnima,
had many questions related to the rituals. Though Sage Narada
knows everything, for the benefit of the worldly beings, he queries you can take a holy dip. If not possible,
Lord Brahma. at least, at home, one need to think of
Lord Damodara, recite the Mantra,
Sage Narada: Can you please tell me, which is the best
trust, that the water available is from
month of the year, the best Deity to worship and holy Tirtha to
one of the holy rivers. The belief will
visit?
give the merits.
Lord Brahma: For all the three together, 'Karthika' is the
best month, 'Damodara' is the deity to worship and 'Badari Sage Narada: Great! so,
Kshetra' is the Tirtha to visit according to Skanda Purana. “Karthika Snanam” not only purifies the
body but also the mind and soul.
Sage Narada: It is pleasure to hear. Can I know any other
activities to be performed in Karthika month to make it Lord Brahma: Well-said!
auspicious? Sage Narada: Glad to hear that.
Lord Brahma: “Snanam-Holy Bath, “Daanam-Charity”, How about the Vrata?
“Vratham-Fasting”, “Tapas-austerity”, “Homam-Sacrifice”,
Lord Brahma: Vrata is one of the
“Bhajans-Singing Divine”, “Puja-Prayers”, “Parayanam-reciting
important rituals to follow. Avoid using
or chanting divine texts etc. are a few activities to be performed
oil for the body as well as in food.
in this month.
Sage Narada: So, Sattvic foods
Sage Narada: I am curious to know more about that. Can
are allowed.
you please detail these? “Snanam” when should we start, is there
any timeline? How do we perform, how is it different from the Lord Brahma: That is right. It is
usual bath? recommended to have one meal a day
Lord Brahma: Rise at dawn, go to nearby river, take or fasting on Kartika Somavaaram
Sankalpa (Resolution). Then, take a dip in the holy water and do (Monday).

18 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


Why Sattvic? Sattvic food gives us positivity Sage Narada: Any specific mythical
and energy to the body. It will have all the contents anecdotes in Karthika Month?
in moderate. It maintains the body and keeps
Lord Brahma: Lord Vishnu wakes up on
healthy. This will enhance good personality. This
Karthika Suddha Ekadasi, Lord Shiva killed
promotes longevity, virtue, strength, health,
Tripurasura on Karthika Pournami day, Goddess
happiness, helps us to think right. These are
nutritious. It will not have heavy smell, not oily, not Ganga enters all the water bodies and makes it holy.
spicy, not salty, not much sour, or too sugary. They Sage Narada: What all can be given as
are always fresh and not leftovers. They are Dhanas – Charity during this month?
prepared in slow cooking manner.
Lord Brahma: Annadanam (Food) to the
To avoid? Foods to avoid in Karthik month poor, Vastra (clothing or blankets), Lamps, Tulasi
are Sesame oil, Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic, Maala etc., Most important is lighting lamps during
Cheese, alcohol, opium, stale food, tea, coffee, and
this month. It indicates driving away the darkness
all non-vegetarian foods.
from the world and ignorance from the mind to get
Why Fasting? Fasting helps to clean our purified.
body, mind, and soul. The whole body rejuvenates
Sage Narada: It is known that one gets
after every fasting day. It gives not only rest to our
“Gnana-Divine Wisdom” by lighting the lamps.
organs but also to our mind. It controls blood
pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol, cleanses the Lord Brahma: Singing Bhajans, Reciting
digestive tracts, improves the immune system and Vishnu Sahasranamam, Bhagavad Gita,
fights inflammation in our body by self-healing Damodarashtakam, reading Gajendra Moksha
techniques. The brain becomes energetic which Story, to get rid of diseases, discontent, and
promotes better neuro functions which help in brain difficulties in life.
functioning. Apart from that, promotes weight loss
and boosts metabolism. The hormone secretion is Sage Narada: Oh Father! You have
controlled, and muscle strength is increased. All the enlightened me with the details about the
above leads to longevity and keeps one young significance of Karthika Month. The observances
always. mentioned in Karthika month are for the benefit of
the world. I am sure that, if one follows, one will
Some types of
lead contented and peaceful life in this world and
fasting is like fasting while
taking water, fasting and will attain salvation.
taking juice some times, Lord Brahma: Undoubtedly, my son. Let the
partial fasting and full world drive away the darkness by lighting Karthika
fasting during auspicious Deepam and shine in happiness!
days. These can be
May there be Well-Being in All
done based on one’s
May there be Peace in All
capacity to endure.
May there be Fulfilment in All
Lord Krishna in May there be Auspiciousness in All
Bhagavad Gita – Chapter Om Shaanti Shaanti Shaantihi
17, Verse 8 talks about the
benefits of Sattvic food

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 19


Ayurveda
Shami tree is also worshipped with the name of
'Goddess Aparajitha Devi'. Goddess Aparajitha Devi is
one among the numerous forms of Goddess Durga Devi.
It is also said in the Ramayana that Lord Rama
worshipped Shami tree as Goddess Aparajitha Devi for

A
his victory before declaring war on Lanka (the kingdom
of Ravana).
ll most all species
of plants and trees are highly Because of this reason Shami tree is revered by
revered by our Indians. Some us especially on Vijaya dasami day during Navaratri
of them are considered festival.
sacred and divine. Moreover, in some places of our country there is
One among such is a tradition of giving shami leaves to friends and relatives

Shami vriksham (tree). Its in the name of gold on Vijayadasami day, as it brings
victory and prosperity.
botanical name is Prosopis
cineraria and in Telugu it is Shami leaves are also offered to Lord Ganesha in
called 'Jammi chettu'. The the 21 patra pooja. “Om Ibhavaktraya namaha”, "Shami
prominence of Shami tree is patram samarpayami”. Recite the sloka after offering
found in the epics Ramayana the leaves.
and Mahabharata in the Shami wood is used as Aarani in all most all Vedic
following contexts. rituals. Generally, for performing any yajna, fire is needed.
This fire is produced by churning of two pieces of wood
In the Mahabharata,
which are called 'Aarani'. The friction of these two is
when the Pandavas had to
said to produce the fire which is used for offering oblation
spend one year incognito as
to gods.
a part of their 13 years of exile
they hid their weapons in the
branches of Shami tree. After
one year when Arjuna, the
middle one of the Pandavas
came to the tree he found
their weapons intact.

Then he worshipped
the tree and took his
Gandivam (his bow) from the
tree and defeated Kauravas
in his real identity in the battle
of 'Uttara Gograhanam'.

20
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SAPTHAGIRI
In Ayurveda
It is believed that those who worship the Shami tree
Shami is an important on Vijayadasami day are blessed with victory and
medicinal plant in Ayurveda also. prosperity.
Different parts of this plant are used
for different medicinal purposes. FLOWER :
BARK : Its flowers when mixed with sugar and eaten by
1. Its ground bark decoction is used a pregnant woman is said to prevent
as gargle to relieve sore throat and miscarriage.
toothache. PODS (a case containing seeds) :
2. The bark extract of this tree is used in
1. Its pods are used in the treatment of
symptomatic treatment of scorpion and
urino-genital diseases.
snake bite.
2. Its pods are used in the preparation of food and
3. Its dried bark powder is applied for healing of
also as fodder for cattle. It is very nutritious food.
ulcers.
Some other uses :
4. The astringent bark is used to treat leprosy and
bronchial asthma. 1. It fixes the nitrogen in the soil. By this the fertility
of the soil increases.
LEAVES :
1. The extract of its leaves is used to kill parasitic 2. The roots of shami tree can absorb water
worms in the intestine. quickly and enhance ground water level. Also it
helps in controlling floods.
2. Its leaf decoction is used for itching skin
diseases. Shami tree is revered not only for mythological
significance but also for its benefits to the mankind
3. An infusion of the tender leaves is used as an
in all aspects. Hence it is considered as ‘Kalpataru’.
astringent and remedy for diarrhoea and
dysentery.

Visit ... Tiruchanur...


Between 20-11-2022 and 28-11-2022
On the occasion of Annual Brahmotsavams
of Goddess Padmavathi Devi and have Her divine blessings.
Tiruchanur, also known as Alamelumangapuram, located about 5 kms
from Tirupati is also an ancient sacred place. The Temple of Sri
Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara is situated in this
place. It is said that the visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after a visit to
Sri Padmavathi Devi Temple at Tiruchanur. Therefore, after visiting the
temples at Tirumala and Tirupati, the pilgrims proceed to Tiruchanur
to worship Goddess Padmavathi Devi. The sacred tank adjoining the
Padmavathi Devi Temple is called 'Padma Sarovar'. The legend is that
the Goddess revealed Herself on a lotus in this sacred tank.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 21


On the Occasion of Vijayadasami on 05-10-2022

'Vijayadasami' is one of the major festivals in India. It is celebrated on the


tenth day of Suklapaksa (bright fortnight) of Asvayuja-masa of the Indian lunar
calendar. (Generally, it falls in September/October month of the Gregorian
calendar.)
The word ‘Vijaya’ means victory. Indians celebrate this festival in memory
of the victories of two magnanimous heroes of their land. 1) Victory of SriRama
over Ravanasura. 2) Victory of Arjuna over the group of Kauravas at the end of
Ajnatavasa. They are the famous heroes in the Indian Itihasas namely the
'Ramayana' and the 'Mahabharata'. These victories are not simply considered
as their personal ones but considered as the victories of good over evil. That is
the reason for Indians to celebrate this festival successively from many
generations with great pomp and joy for as many as ten days every year.
Victory does not simply mean vanquishing the enemies. It is winning the
love of the people and overcoming various problems that occur in one’s life as
well. These Indian heroes of Vijayadasami are known for their numerous victories
of various kinds, throughout their life.
Let us know how SriRama became a Hero of Victory : SriRama is the son of
Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya. SriRama stood up to the expectations of his
father. SriRama was loved by his parents, by his brothers, by his teachers, by
the people of Ayodhya and by his friends and enemies as well. It means that he
had won all their hearts. How could he do that?
Dasaratha once proudly revealed that secret – “SriRama, the hero wins
the worlds (or the love of the people) by his virtue of Truth. He wins ardour of the
deprived by his virtue of generosity. He wins the faith of his teachers by his
virtue of ‘Susrusa’ (service). He wins his enemies by his bow (weapon).”
Sent by his father Dasaratha, SriRama followed sage Visvamitra with a
mission to save his yajna from the disturbances caused by the Raksasas. He
was very curious to know about everything that was not known to him and
continued to ask Visvamitra many questions about the Ashramas, rivers, forests

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SAPTHAGIRI
and various human habitats etc., that were seen on their way. SriRama’s inquisitiveness besides his
devoted services pleased Visvamitra. He answered all his questions and blessed him by instructing
the procedure of launching and withdrawing various divine weapons. Such sincerity towards his
teacher made SriRama a Hero of Victory.
The citizens of Ayodhya praised SriRama that they were compelled to love him by the following
qualities of his – He makes people feel happy by his very appearance like the Moon, His patience
equals the patience of the Earth, He consoles the miserable, He is gentle by nature, He remembers
the favours done by others and responds back with bounty of favours, He converses tenderly with all,
irrespective of one’s age, gender and status, He enquires about the wellbeing of the people as if they
were his kinsmen, He feels the pain when the people are in distress. All these true (natural) qualities
of SriRama made him the people’s favourite choice to be enthroned as their prince. In this way,
winning the hearts and faith of the people made SriRama a Hero of Victory.
Approach towards truth made him a Hero : The sages in Dandaka forest pleaded him to save
them from the tortures of the Raksasas. SriRama promised to protect them by killing those Raksasas.
Later, Sita Devi questioned SriRama whether it would be really fair to kill the Raksasas though he
had no personal enmity against them. Then, SriRama replied her – “O Sita! I always like the Truth. I
am rather ready to sacrifice my life and even you, along with Lakshmana but I cannot break my
promise once made”. This kind of approach towards truth made SriRama a Hero of Victory.
Efficiency made him a Hero : SriRama was kind enough that he could offer ‘the state of no worry’
to his friends and even to his enemies. He consoled Sugriva not to worry anymore from his brother
Valin. Eventually he eliminated Valin and secured Sugriva the kingdom of Vanaras. Many of SriRama’s
counsellors advised him not to trust Vibhisana as he was a brother of his enemy Ravana. Then, the
declaration made by SriRama is very famous – I offer security to all the beings if they seek refuge
with me, claiming ‘I am yours’. He said that he would forgive Ravana also, if protection was sought by
him. Even Hanuman appreciated the greatness of SriRama in the very court of Ravana –Renowned
Rama is capable of wiping out all the worlds along all the mobile and immobile beings and to re-erect
them. This kind of efficiency made SriRama a Hero of Victory.

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SAPTHAGIRI
23
23
A Gallantry made him a Hero : Earlier, SriRama stood alone against the mighty armies of the
Raksasas called Dusana, Trisira and Khara and destroyed all of them. Later, he invaded Lanka to
get back Sita Devi. In the war against the Raksasas, he killed many giants like Kumbhakarna,
Makaraksa and finally Ravana. All the Gods in the Heaven thanked him for securing peace to the
universe by killing them. This kind of gallantry made SriRama a Hero of Victory.
A Gratitude made him a Hero : Indra, the king of heaven asked SriRama to choose a boon for
doing him a great favour by killing Ravana. SriRama requested him to restore the life of all the dead
Vanaras who fought for him in the war against the Raksasas. He requested Indra to see that delicious
roots, fruits and rivers with pure water be available there, where Vanaras do live. Indra was pleased
to fulfill the request of SriRama. Later, SriRama was coronated as the King at Ayodhya and he
honoured everyone in a proper manner. He had a special love for Hanuman. He said to him - “O
Hanuman! I may offer you many of my lives for the favours you have done for me. Yet, I remain
indebted to you. May all your favours be digested in me. I do not want to do any favour back to you.
If I wish to do some favour to you, it means that you should fall in some trouble. I never wish something
like that happen to you.” This kind of gratitude made SriRama a Hero of Victory.
Good qualities of Arjuna made him a Hero : In the Mahabharata, it is said that Pandavas had
hidden their divine weapons on the branches of Sami tree before the commencement of their
Ajnatavasa (life in hiding). Later, at the end of their Ajnatavasa, on the day of Asvayuja-Sukla-Dasami,
Arjuna took his divine bow ‘Gandiva’ from the lot and fought a lone battle against the mighty army of
Kauravas and conquered it single-handedly with great ease. Thus, the title ‘Vijaya’ (The Victorious)
became synonymous to Arjuna. What made Arjuna such a great Hero? Our ancestors revealed the
secret of his success –Arjuna had two strong resolutions – One – Never crumble under depression.
Two – Never abscond from where you are supposed to stay. Of course, numerous other qualities of
Arjuna made him a Hero of Victory.
On the day of Vijayadasami, people do offer puja to the Shami tree. In the evening, the younger
people bow at the feet of elders. Then the elders bless them – Vijayeebhava – means – Be Victorious.
It means, they bless the young ones to possess the qualities and resolutions possessed by the
ideal Heroes of Victory of our Bharata DeSa. May our country flourish with such ideals and idols.
Vijayeebhava

24 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


24 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI
Sankirthana with message

Sankirtana: Where is the scope for


HInAdhikamu linka—nEDa nunnavO kAni discrimination of high and
Anina dAsyamu pottu—andariki nokaTe. low here?

nAnAvarNamulavAru—narahari dalacETi There is only one mantra of


AnAmamantrajapa—madi yokaTE, His name to chant
pUni yAtani golici—bhuvi nEjAtainAnu
For people of all classes
mOnamuna bondETi—mOkShamU nokaTE.
and castes.
Of whatever caste they may be on this earth
venakaku mundariki—viShNu kinkarula kella
The redemption they attain through the vow of silence
panivaDi kaikoneTi—bhakti yokkaTe,
vuniki nA dEvuDu—vokaDE antaryAmi is the same.
maneDi vaiShNavakula—mata mellA nokaTE.
Devotion to be sought necessarily is the same
bhEdAbhEdamu lEdu—pekku maragulu lEvu For all servants of Vishnu both in the past and the
Adi nantyamulanu muktAtmalokkaTE, future.
srI dEvuDainaTTi—srI vEnkaTEshwaruni All Vaishnavites who believe in God
yAdarAna bondu sharaNAgatiyu nokaTE. As the indweller of all beings belong to the same
religion.
Glossary: hInAdhikamulu = takkuva, yekkuvalu;
high and low; pottu = snEhamu, sahavAsamu; There are neither differences nor any attachments
friendship, partnership, holding in common; among them.
mOnamuna = mounamutO; silently; kaikoneTi The liberated souls are all alike
= grahinceTi, pUnukoneTi; to Either before or after their existence in the world.
undertake, to take, receive; Self-surrender is the only means to reach
antaryAmi = God, the in-dweller; Lord Venkateswara, Laxmi’s Consort with love.
maragu = snEhamu, wishes,
desires; attachments; Commentary: This composition reveals the
muktAtma = muktini pondina egalitarianism and social consciousness of
Atma kalavADu; liberated Annamayya. It stresses the importance of Naama
soul; sankirtana, chanting the name of the Lord. There are
no differences of caste or class in this religious
Translation: practice and also in the means of self-surrender to
No Discrimination reach God. There is no discrimination of high and low
among the devotees of the Lord as far as the devotion
Between God and His and redemption are concerned. Devotion is the same
for all the servants of Lord Vishnu. There are no
servants
differences of caste among the liberated souls. Self-
The relationship
surrender is the only means of reaching the Lord.
remains the same
for all.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 25


For Details Contact :
Call centre Nos. 0877-22633333, 0877-22677777

26 OCTOBER - 2022
26 OCTOBER - 2022 :: ::SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI
108 Divya Desams

13

T hiruvinnagar, more popularly known as Mahalakshmi is to Him. The Lord told her that
Oppiliappan koil is an unusual temple. On the Mahalakshmi will be born under a tulasi bush. He
southern bank of the Kaveri River, it is also very also promised Tulasi that garlands made of her
well connected by all forms of road transport. This flowers and leaves would always remain special to
was constructed during the mid chola period in the
Him. When Mahalakshmi was found under the
th
8 century with additions by Nayaks later. The exact
Tulasi bush, she was raised as the daughter of
date of origin of the temple is not known.
Markandeya Maharishi as Bhumi Devi. Once she
Location : Kumbakonam is about 83 km due east reached the age for marriage, during the month of
of Srirangam between Kaveri and Nattar rivers. Panguni on Thiruvonnam star on Ekadashi thithi,
Thiruvinnagar or Oppiliappan temple is seven km Lord Narayana decided to test Markandeya further
further east of Kumbakonam. and came up to him in the disguise of a very old
Sthalapuranam : It is said Tulasi once prayed to man and asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
Lord Narayana to be as close to Him as Not realizing what was happening, Markandeya said

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 31


OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 31
nature of the Lord. In Tamil Oppilla means ‘without equal’.
The Lord Narayana is considered a father without equal
or Oppilla-appan. (Please see Nammalwar ’ s
mangalasasanam below).

Special Features : As mentioned earlier, all prasad in


this temple is salt-free. It is considered a sin to bring
salted food in to temple from outside. This is the only
temple where this restriction is honoured totally.

The Moolavar (main deity) and Utsavar


(processional deity) both carry the same names. The
Lord is Oppiliappan or Srinivasan. The mother of the
universe is Bhumi devi. The moolavar (main deity) is seen
in standing posture with Bhumi devi seated in front on
you are old, my daughter is young and so this his right along with Markandeya Maharishi seated on His
is not proper to ask. The old man replied that left in the sanctum in Kalyana Thirukkolam. The vimana
he is old only in appearance and that he is is Suthananda vimana – one that always gives happiness.
young at heart. He also sat down and refused The temple tank is called 'Ahoratra Pushkarani' as one
to move unless Markandeya agreed to give his can bathe in it round the clock, even at night.
daughter in marriage. Markandeya said she is
This place is considered the equivalent to Tirupati.
inexperienced. She may serve you food
Lord Oppiliappan is considered the elder brother of
mistakenly cooked without salt. You will get
Tirupati Lord Srinivasan. This sthalam is considered the
angry with her as a result. The old man said
equivalent of Sri Vaikunta and referred to as Akasanagari.
your daughter’s salt-less food is what is best
The Lords of various temples went to Alwar
food for me. I will not move till you agree.
Thirunagari to give Archa-rupa darshan to Nammalwar
Panicking, Markandeya prayed to the so that he may sing about them. Lord Oppilliappan gave
Lord for guidance on the issue. The Lord darshan in five forms – Ponnappan, Maniyappan,
appeared before his mind’s eye. When he Muthappan, Ennappan and Thiruvinnagarappan.
opened his eyes, the same Lord was in front
Mangalasasanam : In Thiruvaimozhi, Nammalwar
of him. Markandeya realized that the old man
dedicates 11 pasurams (3249 to3259) on seeing the Lord
is Lord Narayana. He married off his daughter
in Thiruvinnagar. He joyously claims to have seen the
to the Lord and made the Lord his son-in-law.
Lord at Thiruvinnagar as the Lord came to him and
Thus, the place is called after the Lord who
claimed Nammalwar as his very own. In these eleven
eats only salt free food 'Uppiliappan'.
pasurams he goes on to point out that the Lord showed
Another interpretation of the name him five forms – Ponnappan, Maniappan, Muthappan,
derives from the aneesa or the incomparable Thiruvinnagarappan and finally Ennappan or my father! It

32 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


is the Lord who gave him salvation in shade of His divine
feet. As the decad ends he says those who worship the Answers for the
Lord at Thiruvannagar and have read and understood these
QUIZ
Published in the Month of
eleven pasurams by Satagopa will surely reach the status August 2022
of Nitya-suris in the eternal service to Him.

In Peria Thirumozhi, Thirumangaialwar (1448 to 1477) 1. Lord Krishna


questions the Lord why He has abandoned him in samsaara 2. Duryodhana
just to experience archa rupa in various sthalams. He says 3. Vakulamatha
4. Lord Jagannatha
“To save Indra and devas, you went abegging. Then you
5. Subadhra
also churned the ocean so that they will consume nectar
6. Lord Siva &
and live forever. You solved Rudra’s problem by cleansing
Goddess Parvathi
him so he could acquire fame. I don’t need any of these. All 7. Lord Varaha
I ask is salvation to Paramapadham. You are capable of 8. Suprabhatam
putting together things that cannot be put together. With that 9. Hayagreeva
ability why are you not helping me? You alone have that right 10. Lord Ganesha
as all of creation resides in You.” Like this, Alwar poses 11. Lord Varaha
arguments on why the Lord should grant him salvation and 12. Balarama
how such an act by the Lord is justified based on other 13. 18 (Eighteen Parvas)
14. Yudhishthira
actions of the Lord. This interchange is carried on in thirty-
15. Sri Krishna Janmashtami
four pasurams. He ends by compelling the Lord and the
16. Devaki & Vasudeva
Divine Mother (at Thiruvinnagar) that they need to tell him
17. Rakshabandan
the time at which they will grant him his salvation. 18. Kamsa
Further in Thirunedunthandagam (2080), Thirumangai 19. Mooshika (Rat)
alwar calls Thiruvinnagar as the place where the Lord 20. Mathsya Avatar
resides. He identifies the Lord as the one who churned the
ocean of milk, who damned the salty sea and who won over WINNERS
Nappinnai in Krishna avataar. For the Month of August 2022

Peyalwar in Moonraam Thiruanthathi (2342) refers to


Thiruvinnagar as one of the great locations where the Lord 1. Gopika Varma V.R.
appeared eternally young to make his bhakta his very own. Subscription No. S-2910202076
In the very next pasuram he refers to many sthalams and Kerala.
2. C.S. Anushya
lists Thiruvinnagar amongst them as the place where
Subscription No. LE1658
Thiruvikrama who accepted water from Mahabali’s Pune.
kamandalu (to make all that was Mahabali’s his very own), 3. Vishal Chandrakanth
stood. Subscription No.LE3161
Chennai.
Om Namo Narayanaya

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 33


Serial

Part - 17

Tirumalai Ozhugu
History of Rituals and Customs in Tirumala
Original in Tamil by- Sri K. Balasundar Nayakar
Excerpts Translated into English by- Dr. M. Varadarajan

(Contd. from the August issue) Like Nammalwar’s


“Ulagamunda Peruvaya”
Principle in the recitation of (Tiruvoymozhi 6.10.1) and
Alwars’ hymns Tirumangai Alwar’s “Taye Thandai
Apart from Iyarpa, there are Enrum” (Periya Tirumozhi 1.9.1)
certain hymns recited twice in the (which speaks about
Prabhandhams where Tiruvenkatamudayan), Nammalwar’s
Tiruvenkatamudayan is referred. The Tiruviruttam hymn 60 is also very
reason for not reciting twice the much imbibed as Nammalwar in
hymns in Iyarpa is as follows: disguise of Nayaki always tells the
name Tiruvenkatam. Hence, this
Sri Ramanuja is well-known
hymn 60 is being recited twice.
that in the sampradaya of Sriman
Likewise, in Tiruviruttam “Yadanum
Nathamunigal and others noted that
Orr Akkaiyil…” hymn 95, is being
three Alwars - Mudal Alwars
recited twice as Acharya Tirukkottiyur
Prabandhams speak about
Nambi very much impressed in the
Tiruvenkatamudayan. Further, there is
matter.
a common meaning of Tirumantra
where from the fourth case ending Since the two places Tirumala
added to the letter “a” in Pranava and Tirupati are considered as a
(Om), which states that the soul is single Divyadesa, as established by
subservient to Lord, who is explained Sri Ramanuja, till the end of
in Iyarpa of Mudal Alwars. That Lord Adhyayana Utsavam in Tirupati
is Tiruvenkatamudayan. Hence, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, there is
Ramanuja decided and ordered to no recitation of Alwars hymns in Sri
recite Iyarpa during Adhyayana Vaishnava houses.
Utsavam first in Tirumala and Tirupati.
In the Nalayira Divya
Since Iyarpa speaks about Prabandham, Tiruvoymozhi and
Tiruvenkatamudayan only there is no other Prabandhams are supreme,
twice recitation of hymns in Iyarpa, the reason for beginning Iyarpa
which speaks about Tirumala as during Adhyayana Utsavam is as
decided by earlier Acharyas. follows:

34 OCTOBER - 2022
OCTOBER :: SAPTHAGIRI
- 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI
34
This is stated in Kaliyan Arulappadu by In Tiruvoymozhi Noorththandadhi, all the
Periyavachchan Pillai as orderd by Sri Ramanuja. hymns pertaining to Koil Tiruvoymozhi must be
In Tirumala and Tirupati temples, the hymns in the rendered twice.
following Prabandhams are being recited twice in Upadesaratnamala – 3, 15, 22, 28, 38, 44, 50, 53,
the order – Iyarpa, Mudalayiram, Tirumozhi, and 61.
Tirukkurundandakam, Tirunedunthandakam,
Though Tirukkurunthandakam is a separate
Tiruvoymozhi, Noorththandadis, Upadesartnamalai.
Prabandham, Tirumangai Alwar rendered this
(1) The following hymns (given hymn numbers only) Prabandham along with Tirunedunthandakam
in Iyarpa – simultaneously when he was in disgust with
Tiruviruttam hymn 60 and 95. samsara. Hence there is no separate rendering of
Ciriya Tirumadal -50, 69 and 71; this Prabandham. Further, in the end there is no
Periya Tirumadal – 74, 118 and 124-5; sattumurai hymn for this Prabandham. However,
the 19th hymn “Pindiyar” is being recited twice due
(2) The following hymns (given hymn no. only) in
to respect for its meaning. This is similar to ritual of
Mudalayiram reciting Tiruppalliezhuchchi and Tiruppavai together
Periyalwar Tirumozhi – 1-4-3, 1-5-8, 1-5-10, 1-8-8, and the last hymn of Tiruppalliezhuchchi qualified
2-2-6, 2-6-8, 2-6-9, 2-7-3, 2-9-4, 3-2-4, 4-7-10, 4-9- to be recited twice before starting Tiruppavai.
2, 5-2-8, 5-2-9, and 5-3-7.
The special respect accorded to Andal is the
(Note – 1-4-3 means 1 – first centum, 4 – fourth reason for the practice of reciting in this order.
decad and 3 – third hymn. Likewise in other places). Nammalwar ’s Tiruvasiriyam is a separate
Tiruppavai – 3, 16, 18, 23, 24, and 27. Prabandham with ten hymns and occasionally
Nachchiyar Tirumozhi =- 1-3, 4-2, 5-2, 5-5, 8-7, 8- sattumurai will be held. Hence, the last hymn is to
9, 9-6, 10-5, 10-8, 11-3 and 14-5. be recited twice.
Perumal Tirumozhi - 1-2, 1-10, 4-9, 8-10, and 10-7. In Ramanuja Noorththandadhi, the hymn
Tiruchchanda Viruttam – 21, 60, 61, 62, 81, 90, 101, “Iruppidam” (106) is recited twice due to respect
111, and 115. for its meaning. During Sattumurai, Tiruvoymozhi
Tirumalai – 2, 19, and 38. and other Prabandham hymns is recited twice. In
Amalanadhipiran - 3 Upadesa ratnamala “Mannuyirkal” hymn, which is
not the hymn of Manavala Mamunigal, is placed
(3) The following hymns (given hymn no. only) in outside hymn of Upadesaratnamala and Acharya
Periya Tirumozhi Kidambi Appullan wrote this hymn on Mamunigal,
1-1-6, 1-1-9, 1-8-9, 1-10-9, 2-1-9, 2-7-7, 2-8-2, 3- at the end of Sattumurai, this is recited only one
2-8, 3-3-6, 3-3-9, 3-7-6, 4-3-8, 4-7-5, 4-9-2, 5-3-4, time as per Sampradaya.
5-6-7, 5-8-9, 6-9-8, 7-3-5, 7-9-7, 7-10-3, 8-1-2, 8-2- During Brahmotsavam in Tirumala, the three
2, 8-2-3, 8-2-7, 8-9-4, 8-10-3, 9-2-8, 9-7-4, 9-9-2, thousand hymns rendered during procession of deity
9-9-9, 10-1-2, 10-10-5, 10-10-8, 11-1-9, 11-7-9, 11- in the streets and for Ramanuja Noorththandadhi,
8-6, and 11-8-7. Iyal Chattu (ending hymns) will be held before the
Sannidhi of Sri Ramanuja in Tirumala. During
Tirunedunthandakam – 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 21,
Sattumurai, in Tiruvoymozhi and other
(4) The following hymns (given hymn no. only) in Prabandhams the last hymn is recited twice, but
Tiruvoymozhi – for Tiruppallandu, the last two hymns is being recited
twice due to respect for Bhagavathas, which is
1-8-3, 1-10-9, 2-6-9, 2-7-11, 3-3-6, 3-3-8, 3-5-8, 4-
superior to bhagavat vishaya. Vendri Malaiyittan
10-5, 5-7-6, 5-7-10, 6-10-10, 7-2-9, 9-3-8, 10-4-4,
Tirumandapam. Vendri Malaiyittan is a name for
10-5-6, 10-7-8, 10-8-10, and 10-10-7. Lord Krishna, who conquered Sisupala and
Iramanusa Noorththandadhi – 2, 7, 16, 31, 76, and garlanded Rukmini Piratti in Krishnavatara. Hence
98. this name. Vendru Malai Yitta Peruman is the name
for Sri Krishna Sharma and Ramanujadasan,

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 35


brother of Balarama, which is famous in South India. Hence, he is called “Sri Vrushachailamasthitha
There is another story – In early years, a Brahmin, vipu:”
by name Vendru Malaiyitta Perumal, a wealthy
From Tirukkarthikai in Karthikai month until
person, constructed Mandapa for
the beginning of Tiruvadhyayana Tirunal, only
Tiruvenkatamudayan. Elders say that this is called
Taniyans of Mudalayiram, Tirumozhi, Tiruvoymozhi,
in his name Vendru Malaiyittan Mandapam. (Note
Iyarpa and Ramanuja Noorththandadhi is to be
– this is now know as Garuda Mandapam or
rendered and Iyal Chattu is to be done. In case
Tirumamani Mandapam, where Garuda and
procession is there, Upadesartnamala is to be
Dwarapalakas are placed).
recited. In some places the Taniyans of
Malai Kuniya Nindra Perumal Tiruppallandu, Kanninum Chiruttambu,
Tiruvoymozhi and Tiruviruttam are being recited.
Malai – Tirumala, kuniya – full of, nindra –
standing. Alwar says “Nilayara Nindran” which
means that Tiruvenkatamudayan is fully occupied.
(to be continued)

PUZZLE
1 2 3 4 5 6 01. Mahisasura Mardani is also called (9)
02. Father of Ashtavakra (7)
03. Son of Sun God (4) (Jumbled)
04. Husband of Anasooya (5)
7 8
05. Wife of Manmadha (5) (From Down to Up)
06. Lift Up (5)
10. Another Name of Parvathi (4)
11. Gandhari's Sister (5)

DOWN
9 10 11 12
12. Sakuntala's Foster Father (5)
16. Unhappy (3)
17. 24 Hours (3)

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456
14 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456

CLUES FOR PUZZLE


13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456
1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456
1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456
1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456
1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456
1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456

01. Festival of Lights (9)


ACROSS
15 16 17 07. Be Prepared (5)
08. Son of Swayambhuvu Manu (5)
09. Open a Little Way Only (4)
10. Hanuma's Father (Jumbled) (6)
18 19 13. 12 Months (Jumbled) (4)
14. Anaranya's Father (4)
15. Mother of Nahusha (5) (Jumbled)
Presented by 16. A mix of Uncooked Vegetables (5)
Sri T.S. Jagan Mohan 18. Father of Aja (5)
19. Famous Sanskrit Writer (5)

36 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


(Continued from the August issue)
“vaasaamsi jeeraananiyadhaavihaya
navaani gruhlaathinaroopraani!
Thatha sareeraani vihaaya geeraananyani
samyaathi navaani deihi”
What do many think of the above?
The new body is celebrated as birth
and the end of the old is considered as the
death. Is it right to think so?
“vaasaamsi geeraananiyadhaavihaya”
means “Wearing new clothes leaving the
clothes that have become old”.
“navaani gruhlaathinaroopraani!”
Generally, all humans do the same. They
leave the clothes that have become old and
wear new clothes.

Just because a person has worn new


clothes, he is not separated from the old body.
The person who wears new clothes doesn’t
become a new person, does he? There is we can find something new from those words. We all agree
no situation to assume that the person with what Paramathma said keeping in view the likes of us that
old clothes is different from the person with body and soul are different. Still, we love our body. Not
new clothes. merely our body, we are attached to all those bodies which
In same way imagine the body in the are related to us. That’s why, we grieve when the loved
place of clothes. person leaves his body and when the time comes for us to
leave the body, we get scared and worried.
“Thatha sareeraani vihaaya
geeraananyani samyaathi”. Just as we leave It is not that we don’t accept what the Lord has said.
We do agree that body is different from soul but we love
the old clothes and wear new clothes, the
the body. Do we have love for anyone more than this body?
soul leaves the old and decaying body and
Not at all. So, this question came out of personal experience.
moves to the other new body. “navaanideihi”
means – new bodies are being born replacing For such a question, Paramathma (Lord) asks us
the old ones. The soul leaves the old and “On how many bodies have you developed love? On one?
accepts the new body. From this, it is very Two? Is this your only body? Won’t you be getting another
clear that the changes affect the body and body in future? It is ok if you love one body But, do you
not the soul. “Nithya” defines that the soul is know how many bodies you have lost? How many you are
immortal. The body appears and exits but going to get in future? Why do you love this is one which is
the self i.e. the soul is indestructible is being an in-between one? This love is of no use as you have left
reiterated. Though, the words are repeated, many such bodies earlier.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 37


A child wears a new dress on “Vaasaamsi jeernaniyadhavihaya …… anyaani
the day of festival with eagerness. He samyaathinavanideihi”
likes to wear the same dress daily.
Just as leaving the old clothes and wearing the new ones is
After a few days, he says it is torn
common, it is common for the soul to move from old body to the
and wants a new dress. The one who
new body. We cannot say how long we wear new clothes but the
loved that dress till yesterday now
soul moves from old to new one until it receives the knowledge of
says he wants a new one. Does he
existence, truth and eternity (i.e metaphysics). Once it receives
love the dress or not? Love is not
the knowledge it requires, there is no question of moving from
permanent. It is transient. We can’t
one to another body. So, it is unnecessary to keep affection on
say for how long his love lasts on this
body. Instead keep loving the soul and gain the knowledge of its
and then later on another.
existence.
So, the wearer doesn’t love
the dress. He loves himself only. If we Paramatma declares that love on unnecessary things is a

replace the wearer with bodies, how waste.


many bodies did we wear? And (to be contd...)
relinquished? We have not loved the
bodies. We have loved ourselves.
SOLUTION TO PUZZLE
But we are not sure what that love is.
1 2 3 4 5 6
In confusion you are speaking like
D E E P A V A L I R
this. Such love exists not only for the
bodies but on things which are U K M T H A
convenient and favourable for us. We
7 8
haven’t enquired how things are with R E A D Y H E T H I
other beings.
G P A R A S
We respond with love to those
which are favourable to us and 9 10 11 12
A J A R A I S R K E
without love for those who are against
us. As long as the body is convenient R
D D U A
to us, we like it and want to have it.
14
Once we feel it is inconvenient, we 13
E R A Y Y B A N A
stop loving it. We do not even know
how many such bodies we had in past V A H W
and in future how many we are going
15 16 17
to have. So do not think that what we
I T H R A S A L A D
have for body is love. We have true
love only for our soul. This you haven’t
A A
realized. What you have to
18 19
understand is this: R A G H U D A N D Y

38 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


Vemana Poem with message

M any thinkers, philosophers and Universal Wisdom of


VEMANA - 11
sages have stressed the importance of
benevolence as a chief attribute of a good
human being. They, in fact, treated the trait of
philanthropy, of giving help to the needy expecting - Sri K. Damodar Rao
nothing in return, as being one of the requisites In translation:
to attain salvation. Social reformers, statesmen,
The hard-headed miser is attached to his wealth
and great teachers have similarly emphasized
Thinking it was his forever hides it in the earth
the act of offering succour and solace to the
He leaves alone, not even a coin will accompany at the
poor and the destitute in whatever manner
end!
possible.
Listen Vema, the one endeared to the Creator!
Vemana too repeatedly expressed this The miser stubbornly holds fast to his riches
idea in a number of verses. He is adept at without offering anything to others. Vemana scorns such
shifting of tones in his sayings: Subtle and gentle an attitude when he describes the miser as saying “This
sometimes, straightforward and satirical at other is mine.” Vemana exposes the ignorance of such selfish
times, as has been noted. He conveys a moral people. The miser finds ways of hiding the wealth in
repeatedly with different examples, stress and his house. But when he dies not even one coin will
approach. On the one hand he lauds the virtue accompany him in his grave. By commenting on the
of charity and at another level derides those with negatives in a pungent manner Vemana underscores
selfish streak. For instance: the obvious positives. What will be remembered after
Intiloni dhanamu “idi naadi” yanuchunu his death are a person’s goodwill and acts of
Manti lona daachu manku jeevi! benevolence. In another poem, he says:
Konchabodu venta gulla kasunu raadu Thanadu bhrathalella daanambu seyanga
Vishwadabhirama vinura Vema! Thanaku galadatanchu managa raadu;
(Poem 148. Page 22. Vemana Padyalu, Thanadu kalu goya thana thammu dedchuna
C.P. Brown Collection, 1839. Ed. Bandi Gopala Vishwadabhirama vinura Vema!
Reddy {Bangore}. Published by TTD, Tirupathi: (Poem 76. Page 73. Vemana Padyalu, Part II.
1992.) C.P. Brown Collection, 1839. Ed. Bandi Gopala Reddy
{Bangore}. Published by TTD, Tirupathi: 1992.)
As his brothers give donations
He could not claim credit for it
When his leg is injured, will his brothers wail?
Listen Vema, the one endeared to the Creator!
Vemana implies that for every act of an individual,
he alone is responsible, not others including his kin.
He carries the burden of all his actions. These will
decide his personality and fate. Vemana in his
inimitable style offers a suitable example when he says
that if a person’s brothers are generous and offer
donations, they will reap the fruits of such good deeds.
The person concerned cannot claim the benefits of their
genial nature. If he wants to generate goodwill for
himself, here and after, he needs to empathise with
others, be cognizant of their needs.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 39


THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF Vishvaksena otherwise known as Senainathan/

- Sri R. Kannan Senamudaliar is considered to be the commander-in-


chief of all the worlds ruled by the Lord. In fact, the
Lord has entrusted the controlling of both His Vibhutis
T here are three categories of Jivatmas (individual
souls). They are Baddhas, Muktas and Nityas. The Baddhas
(Nitya Vibhuti-known as Sri Vaikuntam and Leela
Vibhuti-called the material world) to Vishvaksena. This
are the souls living in this material world, taking birth again
is indicated by Sri Bhashyakara (Sri Ramanuja) in his
and again as per their earlier Karmas (actions either good
Vaikunta Gadhya.
or bad), enjoying the fruits of their deeds. The Muktas are
those who were once Badhhas but attained Moksha from In our Acharya parampara (the lineage of
this material world by performing either Bhakti yoga or preceptors), the First Acharya is Sriman Narayana.
Prapatti- (self-surrender at the feet of Sriman Narayana Next comes Sri Mahalakshmi, the Divine Consort of
through an Acharya). The Nityas are the permanent
the Lord. After Sri Mahalakshmi, Vishvaksena is
residents of Moksa, who were never born in this material
considered to be the next Acharya. He is then
world. Among the Nityas, there are three notable persons.
succeeded by Nammalwar, Sriman Nathamuni and so
They are Ananta (Aadi sesha), Garuda (the vehicle of Lord
Vishnu) and Vishvaksena (the commander in chief) . They on.
have different duties to please the Lord. Ananta is the holy 'Sutravati' is the name of the wife of Vishvaksena
bed and seat for the Lord; Garuda is his vahana, carrying
and she is also propitiated along with Vishvaksena,
Him wherever He desires. Vishvaksena is His Commander-
whenever any worship is made to him. Swami Desikan
in-chief and Chief Administrator. In this article we may go
worships Vishvaksena as follows, in his Yatiraja Saptati.
through some aspects of Vishvaksena.
In our Sampradaaya (tradition), we invoke the ‘Vande Vaikunta Senaanyam devam Sutrvatisakham’
blessings of Vishvaksena, before the commencement of any The Tirunakshatram of Vishvaksena falls in the
Karma (rites). We entreat him to help us to complete the Tamil month of Ayippasi-Pooraadam (October-
sacred rites without any hindrance whatsoever.
November).
Here, after entreating the Lord Himself, we request
Let us invoke the blessings of Sri Vishvaksena
Vishvaksena to ward off any evils or hindrances that may
crop up during the karma that has been initiated. on his Tirunakshatram.

PROCESSION OF SRI VISHVAKSENA AT TIRUMALA

According to Agamas, Vishvaksena being the Supreme commander


supervises all the arrangements for the Lord’s mega rituals inTirumala.
Vishvaksena occupies an important place in the Vaikhanasa Agama of Sri
Vaishnavism. Any ritual will begins with the worship of Vishvaksena .He is
believed to protect the ritual from obstacles and evil powers. So he takes a
ride, supervising the arrangements before the commencement of any festival.
In every annual Brahmotsavam, the commander-in-chief of Lord
Venkateswara, Sri Vishvaksena has been taken around the four mada streets
in a grand procession. The celestial warrior will invite all the three crore deities
to take part in the nine-day mega religious event of the Lord.

40 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


Book Review Rao to continue with his research and concomitant travel
to places like Sriramgam, Mathura, Tanjavur etc. It is
TALLAPAKA SANKIRTANALU heartening to note that Gandham Shankara Rao declared
- Smt. Ambika Ananth himself as ‘ Annamayya padadasa” and is doing great
service in propagating Annamacharya sankirtanas and
helping find hitherto undiscovered Tallapaka poets’
A t the very outset, the scholars responsible for
this worthy book must be heartily congratulated - Dr.
literary contribution.
This book creates a space, a meeting ground,
Veturi Anandamurthy, Padmabhushan Dr. K.I where one gets to understand the importance and
Varaprasada Reddy, Gandham Basava Shankar Rao - significance of research and spirit of enquiry and the
whose intent and commitment, dedication and diligence need for documentation. This work will set in motion a
vivified the preciousness of this book titled “Tallapaka revelatory process of the ever- existent treasure of
Sankirtanalu”. Bhakthi literature has been a big catalyst Tallapaka literature and Sankirtanas that is still to be
retrieved, revered and enjoyed.
in holding together our culture and values. The beautiful
mosaic created by Tallapaka poets is showcased in this The important points that will come to light through
book. this book are - Tallapaka poets are not just three, but the
fourth one is Tallapaka Chinnanna who apparently is the
The book carries very pithy introductory essays composer of 15 sankirtanas with Srikrishna mudra as
by Dr. K.I. Varaprasada Reddy, Dr. Veturi Anandamurthy, also 21 more sankirthanas that were found in the paper
Dr. Tadepalli Patanjali, Sri Gandham Basava Shankar manuscript preserved in Tanjavur Library support the
Rao, that throw light on the contents and the humongous above point. The book carries the sankirtanas that were
efforts that went into writing this book. Sankirtanas that clarified and explained by Dr. Veturi Anandamurthy after
are not found in copper plates, a few that are available in careful study and scrutiny. The glossary carried at the
copper plates and “ Sri Venkateswara prabhatha end giving the numbers of all the 284 Sankiratanas as in
sthavamu’ the hymn composed by Pedda the original written copy along with starting Pallavi, mudra,
Thirumalacharya in couplet form - the book carries all raga, thalam is very significant. The tabulation of
these. The invaluable content and rare photographs add Tallapaka sankirtanas ragas will be a beacon light to
richness to the volume. This book is based on the future Researchers. The scholarly explanation and
manuscript of Tallapaka Venkata Seshacharya, who interpretation by Dr.Veturi Anandamurthy and Shankar
Rao read as expert guidelines.
having been inspired by Sri Veturi Prabhakara Sastri had
submitted it to Sri Venkateswara Oriental Research The philosophical and spiritual, social and historical
Institute. perspectives come across beautifully. Though the process
is intellectualized and research based, the book doesn’t
Dr. Veturi Anandamurthy, who has edited and fine- read dry, but enlivens one’s mind. Hope TTD publishes
tuned the whole work, is a scholar par excellence. With more and more books of this kind - with great content,
a great scholarly lineage of being the son of Sri Veturi good paper quality and presentation. The then EO of
Prabhakara Sastri, his erudition and contribution to this TTD, Sri Jawahar Reddy IAS aptly called this book - “
yagna like research is inestimable. He is assiduously Akshara prasadam” - let us all partake joyously and be
continuing the great work started by Sri Veturi Prabhakara blessed.
Sastri and Sri Rallapalli Ananthakrishna Sarma. Two
highly extensive and enlightening essays by Dr Veturi Available at :
Anandamurthy give authentic information with regard to TTD Saleswing of Publications
Price : Rs.140/-
this seminal work - the immense potentiality of
for copies : D.D. should be
Annamacharya and other Tallapaka poets and their drawn in favour of the
contribution and historicity that has to be captured still - Executive Officer, T.T.D.
how humongous a task that is which needs continued Tirupati and must send to the
research and support by academia. He penned in great Special Officer (Saleswing of
detail the colossal work done till now. Publications), TTD Press
Compound, K.T. Road,
The role of Dr. K.I. Varaprasada Reddy of Shantha Tirupati - 517 507 with a
Vasantha Biotech is laudable in extending his help finding covering letter mentioning your
full details i.e. Name, Address,
the unavailable quiescent sankirtanas of Tallapaka poets, Cell No. etc.
in encouraging and helping Gandham Basava Shankar Note : Postal charges extra.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 41


Kottaiyur stay till you become a log
(death); In Tamil it is said as 'Kottaiyurir
Seitha Paavam Kattaiyoda'. Also in
this city, the Navagrahas are seen with
their mounts, and the temple Teertha
is also known as Kodi Teertha. It was
here that Heranda Siddhar resided

I n a thicket filled with castor trees, a Muni by the name


praying within the Kottaiyur temple,
quietly and steadily accumulating crore
Atri/Heranda/Iranda was praying to a Linga there. It was unique
fold merits for a special and particular
as it appeared as though there were drops of water/castor seeds
task which he was destined to do.
on the Lingam. Pleased with the Muni’s devotion, Lord Shiva
There was another city not too
and his family appeared in front of the Muni in not just one form
far away where Heranda’s destiny
but crores of them all within the same thicket.
would call him to. Here, Devi Parvati
For the reason of a crore appearances, and the presence would visit this forest to worship a
of the castor tree thicket, Shiva came to be known as Swayambhulinga in a place known as
'Kodeeshwarar' (Lord of the crore denomination), or 'Shaktivanam', and she had
Kotteeshwarar (Lord of the castor seed). The place where this worshipped him whose hair is in the
happened received the name of 'Thirukottaiyur', or the sacred form of a Jatha. Shiva is thus known
city of the castor seeds. There are two truisms associated with as 'Jatha-Mudi Naathar, or
this city – That within the boundaries of Kottaiyur are Shivalingas Kapardeeshwarar' (Kapardin is
below the soil, and also that the dead are not cremated here but another name for Shiva). At a much
in a town neighboring it. To place one’s foot in this city itself is later epoch, when the Devas and
said to be equivalent to committing a sin. Asuras were churning the ocean,
Vasuki had begun to spit unending
Not to discourage devotees who come to see Lord Shiva,
poison from his mouth.
Maa Parvathi takes a very special form. In Tamil, she is referred
to as Pandhaadu Nayaki, or she who is the over-lady of kicking While Indra was wondering
the ball, and in Sanskrit is referred to as Kanthuka Kreedambika. aloud why such poison was coming
She is known as the patron of sportspersons. As Ambal takes out of Vasuki, Shiva pointed out that
the form of Kanthuka Kreedambal, the Tattva of Shaivism comes they began their effort without
to the fore - That if Shiva is too frightful to approach, going via his remembering Ganapati. To appease
wife is a guarantee of his boundless grace as she crumples all him, Indra collected the pure foam of
our worries into a ball and kicks them away. the sea, made a Ganapati out of it and
rushed with it towards the main land,
However, entry into the city still comes with a warning that
intent on establishing and praying to
here, good deeds as well as sins get amplified a crore times. A
it. While searching for a place, he
good deed done here becomes a crore times greater as does a
reached Shaktivanam and Ganesha
sin committed here. The inability to shake off any sin committed
himself in the form of a little boy told
here is best located in the Tamil saying – Sins committed in
him to place it there and pray to him.

42 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


with full honors to welcome her into Tamilakkam.
Having done so, Indra asked the little boy to look
While going around this temple and the Shivalingam,
after the foam idol, and left to complete the task at
at the North-West corner, Kaveri went into a Bila-
hand.
Dwara (tunnel connecting to the nether world), and
Having triumphed in the ordeal, Indra returned vanished. The king prayed for a solution and he
to Shaktivanam attempting to take the Ganapati idol heard a formless voice echo in the firmament, that
with him to Devaloka but could not do so. An ethereal only a sage or a king with a Jatha who was ready to
voice told him that the Ganapati would not move no sacrifice his life could enter the Bila Dwara and bring
matter what he did or tried, and Indra was instead back the Kaveri.
advised to come and pray to it every Ganesh
This voice was heard by the king and also by
Chaturthi. Indra resigned himself to his fate, and
Heranda Siddhar who was at Kottaiyur. Heranda
the ocean foam Ganapati continues to exist there
Siddhar entered the temple and stopped the king
to this day, worshipped with only finely powdered
from entering the Bila-Dwara. By reminding the king
Borneo camphor.
of his Raja Dharma, the sage took the king’s place
Prayed for a Solution and entered the Bila Dwara. By virtue of his prayers
Eons later, a monarch by name 'Haridhwajan' and Tapas he forfeited his life inside the Biladwara
was informed of the holy river Kaveri traversing and caused the Kaveri to rise once again, who does
through his kingdom for the first time, and he went a 180 degree turn around the temple area and
continues her journey to the sea. At the same time,
almost as though in tribute to Heranda Siddhar, the
Kaveri arose at the Melakaveri pond too, not too far
from Kottaiyur.

The Bila-Dwara is still there, with some


claiming Adisesha traverses through it every
Shivaratri to worship Kapardeeshwarar. Lord Shani
and Lord Surya in the rarest of combinations face
each other in the Navagraha area (as they do not
do so typically). Those fathers and sons who clash
continuously are asked to pray to Surya and Shani
upon which all clashes/disagreements are said to
come to an end. Ganesha was later married to
Riddhi and Siddhi here, and the Kali and Bhairava
are said to be so powerful in their idol forms, that
imperfections were deliberately made to mitigate
the Shakti emanating from them. Given the form of
Shiva, even the Teertha in this temple is known as
Jatha Teertham. Today, we know this city as
Valanchuzhi, or the twisting of the way
in Tamil.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 43


(Continued from the August issue) (learned Brahmanas) of Siddhakuttai alias

Vedaparayanam Srinivasapuram were engaged for chanting the


Vedas in the presence of Sri Venkateswara. The
The recitation of the Vedas forms a
king approved of the arrangement and was pleased
component part of the functions connected with
to grant the half-share belonging to the Raja-
the temple so much so that its absence would
Bhandaram (king’s treasury) in the village of
be considered to portend evil and would therefore
Siddhakuttai alias Srinivasapuram in Kottala-
be viewed with dismay and alarm. Such a state
sthalam situated in Vaikunda-valanadu, as
existed temporarily in the life-history of the
shrotriyam, for the purpose. The grant of half the
temple at Tirumala, sometime during the earlier
village secured by Alagappiranar
half of the 15th century, but measures were
Tirukkalikanridasar was made over to the twenty-
adopted for its rehabilitation during the reign of
Devaraya II of the First Vijayanagara dynasty. It four Brahmanas. But these Brahmanas, feeling
is stated in his epigraph that grandeur existed in that this half share was insufficient to maintain
all services rendered for Sri Venkateswara except them, petitioned the Sthanattar for the grant of the
in the case of the Vedaparayanam which service other half also of the village which was owned by
ceased to be performed for sometime and that the Sri-Bhandaram (temple-treasury). The temple
this defect was taken to the notice of the royal authorities could not alienate their half-share, it
officer Devanna Udaiyar by Alagappiranar alias being probably an endowment to the temple for a
Tirukkalikanridasar with the request that it might specific purpose, and they therefore devised a plan
be revived and continued for the merit of by which, while the temple could account for the
Devaraya Maharayar. Twenty-four Mahajanam produce from its half-share of the village and
maintain the trust for whose conduct its managers
were made responsible, the services of the twenty-
four Brahmanas engaged for the Vedaparayanam
might be firmly and permanently secured by
allowing them a full living. Here again this device
was effected by Tirukkalikanridasar.

44 44 OCTOBER - 2022
OCTOBER :: SAPTHAGIRI
- 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI
It appears that the annual yield from the village from the half village. This was only preliminary to
of Srinivasapuram for the share of the temple was the final stage of complete alienation and prior to
200 panam and, if this share of the temple in the obtaining the consent of the villagers.
village had to be parted with, this 200 panam had
There are references to Vedaparayanam at a
somehow to be made good. The villagers of all the
later date, i.e., during the time of the Second
full devadana villages belonging to the temple situated
Vijayanagara dynasty, and we may take it that, after
in the Tirukkudavur-nadu and Vaikunda-valanadu
Saka 1355 when it was revived by Devaraya II, there
were called upon to contribute their mite so that the
has not been any break in its continuity down to this
full sum of 200 panam could be made up. The
day, and that it has added, as it was expected to do,
villagers agreed to this contribution, solemnly vowing
to the glory and sanctity of the temple which is stated
with libations of gold and water on the Utthanadvadasi
to have enjoyed all other Vaibhogamgal.
day in the cyclic year Pramadicha corresponding to
Saka 1355 to pay their share collectively for each Besides Vedaparayanam, we meet with
village into the temple-treasury commencing from arrangements for the reading of Puranams also on
the same year, towards the conduct of the certain sacred days. In a record of the 16th century
Vedaparayanam. On the strength of this agreement (No. 3- G.T.) we note that on the day of kaisika-
executed by the villagers represented by the dvadasi (i.e., the 12th day of the bright half of the
Periyanattu-velan and the Ur-kanakku or the velan Telugu month of Kartikam) Ananta-vrata-puranam
of each individual tiruvidaiyattam village, the was read, perhaps in Sri Govindaraja’s temple at
Sthanattar of the temple were emboldened, their Tirupati. Similarly an inscription (No. 253-T.T.), dated
scruples and restraints being set at rest, to grant in Saka 1413, records an arrangement made for
the half-share of the temple in the village of the reading of Tiruvenkata-mahatmyam by Pasindi
Srinivasapuram to the twenty-four Maha- Venkatatturaivanjiyar Ramanujayyan, the donor in
Brahmanas reciting the Vedas and thus gain a the above record, on a day in the month of Margali.
double object. No doubt the technical flaw arising Abhishekam
from their alienation of property endowed for
A few records mention a daily Tirumanjanam
maintaining the original charity was sought to be
or abhishekam for Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala and
obviated through these devices, but whatever kind
for Sri Govindaraja at Tirupati. The earliest reference
of compensation might have been effected, the
occurs in No. 4-T.T. dated in Saka 1386, when
alienation must have been a breach of trust. But
Kandadai Ramanujayyangar arranged, as his serive
perhaps it weighed lightly against the heavy pressure
(Kainkaryam) for the Alagappiranar-tirumanjanam
of the necessity and urgency for the renewal of the
conducted daily for Sri Venkateswara for the supply
Vedaparayanam service in the temple.
of perfumery to the temple through his Ekaki (i.e.,
Prior to the execution of the above agreement unmarried) disciples of the Sattada Srivaishnava
by the villagers, it appears that a temporary interim etc. The perfumery consisted of
device was also adopted, It was to lease out the meditta...sattuppadi or chandanam (sandal-paste),
half-share of the village on Srotriya-Kuttakai to manjal-kappu (turmeric), melli-kappu (musk) and
Tirukkalikanri-dasar who on the one hand paid the karpura-kappu or pachchakarpuram (refined
lease amount into the temple-treasury and on the camphor); and along with these a small cloth and
other permitted the Brahmanas to reap the benefit betel-leaves and nuts were supplied by them.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 45


This Alagappiranar-tirumanjanam comes to together with sandal-paste (meditta-sattuppadi) and
notice also in No. 163-T.T. dated in Saka 1406, camphor for waving a light (alatti or arati).
wherein Kandadai Ramanujayyangar is again the This is the first mention we get of pulugu-
donor. This epigraph, besides furnishing the above kappu and here it is stated that it was arranged to
information regarding the holy bath for Sri be done every-day for six months. The next reference
Venkateswara daily, records a further provision for to it occurs in No. 336-T.T. dated in Saka 1418,
a daily bath for Sri Govindaraja at Tirupati known as wherein Kandadai Appachchiyar-Anna provided on
Tirumagaludanvaruvar-tirumanjanam and for food- the Friday occurring once in 15 days which
offerings known as Sri Kulasekhara-perumal happened to be the day of pulugu-kappu murai for
tiruvaradhanam· Camphor for waving before the Sri Venkateswara, for the recitation of the Ula, a
deities is the additional article of supply required to species of poem, in praise of Kandadai
be made for the two temples at the time of bath, Ramanujayyangar and for the offering of two
while for Sri Govindaraja’s temple was to be issued atirasappadi for the deity at the time of anointment
a parivattam (cloth) also. The significance of this with pulugukappu. The expressions of the record
inscription consists in the mention of the village indicate that the pulugukappu function had been
Gundi-pundi which was granted by Saluva carried on for some time past and that men had
Narasimha for the support of the Ramanuja-kutam, become familiarised to it by that time.
and in the authorisation of the utilisation of a part of
There is a function, extant in the temple routine
its income for the expenses of the tirumanjanam,
on Fridays, which is denominated punugukapu
whereas in the earlier one (No. 4-T.T.) no mention is
during which the Tirumeni, the holy body of the idol
made of the village and the articles of perfumery
including the face, is smeared with civet-oil and then
were only required to be supplied from the
the Tiruman-kappu, the vertical white Vaishnavaite
Ramanuja-kutam.
mark in two thick patches, is formed with fine dust
Through the other record (No. 187-T.T.) of refined camphor, together with an intermediate
Tirukkalikanridasar Alagappiranar provided for the black one of musk. Further, in the present-day
supply of meditta pulugu-kappu for the deity’s face vocabulary of the temple, punugukapu includes not
(tirumukha-mandalam) each day for six months, only the civet-oil and camphor but also musk and

AVOID PLASTIC

Devotees are requested to avoid plastic materials


like covers, water bottles and other plastic based
material at Tirumala to safeguard the environment.
Devotees walking along footpath routes, moving
on ghat roads are requested not to carry plastic
bottles.
They should not throw plastic covers and other
related items in the ghat roads.
Keep Tirumala clean and tidy to safeguard
ourselves.

46 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


saffron, the former being used for putting on the The secondary or auxiliary types of festivals
middle mark Kasturi-tilakam on the forehead, and are individual festivals connected with some incident
the latter for making up the sandal-paste besides in the traditional legends about the particular idol in
being one of the articles of perfumery for the worship in that temple, or they may be connected
abhishekam. It is therefore probable that the two with some divine incidents about the avatara or
terms pulugu-kappu and punugu-kappu are mere incarnation of God etc. Such a festival at Tirumala
variants and that the former comprised of the same would be the ‘Tirupallieluchchi’ that is the
four articles as the latter now does, namely punugu Dhanurmasa festival. Similar would be the festivals
(civet) pachcha-karpuram (refined camphor), kasturi that are conducted on the days which coincide with
(musk) and kumkumapuvvu or kesari (saffron). the Nakshatra or birth asterisms of many of the
FESTIVALS IN TIRUMALA TEMPLE deities. This subsidiary festivals generally would
The Tirumala temple is famous from earliest have been instituted by wealthy patrons or by royalty
times for the festivals conducted on the hill. Those to seek divine grace or to obtain religious merit.
festivals continue with increasing popularity even up Endowments were usually made by them with
to the present day. specific provisos that the proceed of the endowments
should be used for conducting the festivals on the
In ancient days under royal patronage the
days specified by them. These days generally would
temple had received gifts and endowments primarily
be the nakshatra days of the person making the
for the worship of the Lord and secondarily for
endowment or that of his religious guru or King, or
augmenting the grandeur and attraction of the temple
any other relation or some friend.
and increasing its popularity by means of elaborate
festivals and profuse food offerings. Even the In Tirumala temple also the above type of
construction of spacious and artistic mantapams festivals are also celebrated.
and imposing prakarams and gopurams were
(to be continued)
intended only for this purpose.
The festivals in the temples may be classified
into two broad divisions, namely, the basic festivals
Festivals and Rituals
connected with the ritual of temple worship and in November 2022
which are enjoined by the Sastras and agamas, and
auxiliary or secondary festivals according to the 01 Tirumala Srivari Pushpayagam
nature of this establishment, endowment by 05 Kaisika Dwadasi
devotees etc. The basic festivals are compulsorily 14 Children’s Day
being enjoined by the Agamas and the Sastras to 20-28 Tiruchanur Sri Padmavati
be observed at fixed times of the Calendar to Ammavari Brahmotsavams
coincide with some astronomical data and the 21 Sri Dhanvantari Jayanti
omission of which would be considered to be most 24 Tiruchanur Sri Padmavathi
inauspicious. In fact in many of temples, restitution Ammavari Gajavahanaseva
of these festivals once suspended would call for 28 Panchami Theertham
special Suddhi rites. The most popular festival of 29 Tiruchanur Sri Padmavathi
Tirumala which is known as ‘Brahmotsavam’ Ammavari Pushpayagam,
Sri Subramanya Sashti
belongs to this category of basic festivals.

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 47


Moral Story
assured that
those who
found favour
with his sister

K
would not be
artika masam is a season of unduly touched by him. It is also said that those who take
religious fervor and month-long worship of a dip in the river Yamuna would be assured full tenure of
Lord Shiva. It is also the month at the life and spared untimely death. Since a holy dip in the
beginning of which occurs a one-day special river Yamuna may not be possible for all, remembering
celebration. The second day in the month of this story of the brother–sister bond and observing this
Karteekam is also marked in our Telugu tradition would assure a long protected life to brothers.
calendars as Yama Dwiteeya or the day of This is also the kind of festival that renews the
Bhagini hasta bhojanam, the day of a sister’s affectionate bond that ties siblings more. All of our festivals
wishes for the wellbeing and long life of her and celebrations, whether classical or folk, are intended
brother. 'Bhagini' means Sister, 'Hasta' as one to continue the best practices in our culture. To know them
knows is hand, and 'Bhojanam' is Meal —the is to understand their significance and to practice them is
meal served by the hand of a sister to her to assure healthy family relationships.
brother. The sister applies tilakam on Children, respect your siblings and follow the
brother’s forehead, serves a sumptuous lunch traditIons. By following our culture and traditions leads to
and offers harati. It is an occasion which good harmony in the society.
comes in the wake of the twin festivals of
Naraka Chaturdasi and Deepavali and
precedes Nagula Chavithi, an important day
of worship of snake gods for Telugu people. It
is called Bhai Dhooj or Bhau Beej in
Maharashtra, Gujarat and other North Indian
states and as Bhai Phonta in Bengal, Assam
and as Bhai Tika in Nepal. It has spread to
the south in the recent years. It is believed
that this practice of Bhagini hasta bhojanam
has come from folk tradition.

The background story goes like this: Yama


is the fierce god of death. Yamuna is his
sister. Yama who had great affection for his
sister did not visit his married sister for a long
time. Finally, he went to her house once and
pleased by her attention, affection and the food
she prepared and so lovingly served, he

48
48 OCTOBER
OCTOBER - 2022
- 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI
:: SAPTHAGIRI
DRAWING
Colour the Picture Draw the Picture as given
DO YOU
KNOW?

MATCH THE WORDS RIDDLE


In Column A with the Column B: Name the Vahanam using the Clues given below:
A B 1. He is depicted as the mount of Lord
Vishnu.
(1) Sathyabhama (a) Deepavali
2. He is the son of sage Kashyapa and
(2) Navarathri (b) Narakasura Vinata.
(3) Kedaragouri Vratham (c) Brahmotsavam
3. He is described as the King of the Birds.
(4) Chakrasnanam (d) Vijayadasami
(5) Garudaseva (e) Varahaswami Temple 4. Aruna the charioteer of the Sun God is
the brother of him.
Answers : (1) b (2) d (3) a (4) e (5) c Answer : The mighty Garuda

PROVERB
A DROWNING MAN
WILL CLUTCH
A STRAW
Deepo Me Hara Tu Paapam
Sandhya Deepa Namostute
Deepajyothi Parabrahma
Deepajyothi Janardhana

Find
RECITE

out the
Differences

1. Clouds (Sky blue) 4. Bird


2. Sparkling Crakers 5. Rangoli
Clues 6. Trees
3. Clouds (Dark blue)
7. Pillars

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 49


Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
SPIRITUAL SAPTHAGIRI MAGAZINE 'Sapthagiri' introduced QUIZ for Children. Read the entire Magazine and
find out the answers for the Quiz and fill in the blanks with the answers
QUIZ for Children - 3 following the Rules and Regulations given below.
1. Name the two jewels that adorned Garuda on Garuda Seva during Brahmotsavam in Tirumala?
..................................................................................................................................................................
2. Vishvaksena is otherwise known as ……………………………........................................................................
3. The other name of Backsavari Utsavam is …………………………..................................................................
4. Oppiliappan Koil is also known as ..............................................................................................................
5. Name the two characters mentioned in 'Om Kaartheeka Daamodaraya Namah' article ....................................
6. Chakrasnanam is on ……………................................................................................................................
7. Name the Asthanam which will be performed on Deepavali day in Tirumala ……………....................................
8. To which tree do people offer puja on Vijayadasami day ...............................................................................
9. Thanadu bhrathallella ...............................…………………… Seyanga.
10. Synonym of ‘Unhappy’ is ....................................................................
11. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Gaja Vahana Seva is on .................................
12. Light serves as a symbol of ..................................................................
13. Who killed Narakasura? .........................................................................
14. Name the God who is mentioned in the general predictions of Aries...............................................................
15. Name the title of article related to Annamaiah Sankeerthana ........................................................................
16. Name the bow of Arjuna. ...........................................................................................................................
17. Name the proverb mentioned in the magazine. ............................................................................................
18. Name the brother and sister mentioned in the moral story. ...........................................................................
19. Name the Panchagavya product related to Sambrani cups ...........................................................................
20. Tirumala Srivari Pushpayagam is on ...........................................................................................................
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50 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


GENERAL PREDICTIONS
FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2022
OCTOBER
- Daivajna Chaturanana Rani Narasimha Murthy

Aries (Mesha) : Speech is silver silence is golden. Libra (Tula) : Librans are highly balanced. But
Better to talk straight. Better not to go for emotions are to be very controlled. Better not to be
controversies. Students are supposed to be very confused and should not involve in controversial
careful in adopting the same without having any issues. Better to postpone the matters in the court
doubts. Administrative officers are better to postpone the of law. Amicable settlements is observed. Postponement is the
issues to a later date. Lawyers also should follow the same better choice. Decisions may differ according to the situations.
path. But women are advised to take advice in their works. Worshipping Lord Venkateswara or Goddess Durga will
Praying Lord Venkateswara will change the situations. change the colours.
Taurus (Vrishabha) : Health issues should be taken Scorpio (Virshchika) : Sports persons are on the
up immediately, particularly regarding to the viral way to establish new records. Records are rewritten.
fevers, headache etc. There is a chance for the Middle and top management in the business circles
young couple to be having promotion as parents are having an easy song to ring effortlessly.
by a birth of a child. All people will enjoy the festive Promotions are awaiting. Job change is for betterment. New
mood. Health of the old people in the house is more important. assignments are fresh and very interesting. Artists, Singers,
Business houses should move very economically by persons of creativity will have a good time to prove. Women
minimising the expenses. Praying Lord Vishnu is the only key folk are hale and healthy. Young lads are ready for wedlock.
for safety and peace. Praying Lord Siva will have a good experience.
Gemini (Mithuna) : Very active and restless in their Sagittarius (Dhanu) : Overpowering the enemies
day to day affairs. Additional responsibilities will is an easy game. Millitary paramilitary and police,
give you much pain still you will be finding to have persons are very busy in their natural course of
decent ways to solve the problems in a better and actions. In the business circles, people will get
challenging way. Sportsmen will find a silver line. Students highly emotional. But steadiness is required.
should not spend the time without production. Future is Children are very active. Students are very busy in their
schedules. Great artists will become greater. Upcoming artists
brighter. Hope is the key for successful committed efforts. will be on the silver screen. Praying Lord Subrahmanya will
Praying Goddess Durga or Mahalakshmi will lead in a right lead to easy success.
path.
Cancer (Karkataka) : Enemies are there but Capricorn (Makara) : Time is to be turned steadily
success is on the cards. Scientists, inventors will and favourable conditions are ahead. Better not to
have right time to be in lime light. Great honours think of disgrace but move swiftly in a positive
will shower on for their committed efforts. Abroad direction. Health is wealth. Old people in the house
tours may except. Women are very happy for their skilful must be taken care of as well as small kids too. Enjoyments
displays which are rewarded suitably. Top management in the should be reduced. There may be a journey which may help
houses will have an easy song to get recognised. Worshipping to ease the situations. Praying Goddess Lakshmi will shower
Lord Subrahmanya will give immense pleasure. everything.

Leo (Simha) : There is a possibility for procuring Aquarius (Kumbha) : Aquarians are in the still
the things. Their thought process is faster and the waters to swim across very comfortably to reach
implementation becomes slower. Students are very their goals and hit the targets. Poets, people of
enthusiastic to fly over to foreign lands. They will creativity are exposed to light. Even software
become successful in their mission. But a bit expensive. personnel will just dictate terms. Students will have a very
Becomes late in implementation process. Action should be good time. But personnel health care is more important.
quicker. Worshipping Lord Siva will give excellent results. Fastness should be avoided. Praying Lord Narayana will work
very impressively.

Virgo (Kanya) : Jupiter is very strong and success Pisces (Meena) : Long pending agreement issues
is on the cards. Public relations are excellent to build will have a better outcome. Better to settle the matter
up for a long time. New assignments are open to than keep on pending. Success is on the cards. There
complete in a systematic manner. They will be in the will be a great success in almost all the matters related to the
lime light. There may be sudden promotions which real estate. Issues between brothers also will settle peacefully.
may be beyond expectation. Awards of honour may be Better settlements will be there. Every one will have good luck
declared. Their songs are very attractive and highly audible.
But time is more important for success. Praying Lord Siva and and better life. By enchanting the stotras of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess will turn the direction to easy success. will bring luck and prosperity in life.

Subham Subham Subham

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 51


Original Story in Telugu by :
Listen This Tale to This Dr. Kampalle Ravichandran
Pictures by : Sri Thumbali Sivaji
‘VIJAYADASAMI’ Translated by :
Smt. C. Sravanthi
PICTURE STORY
Uttara Kumara! The Kauravas have captured our cows, six
thousand of them! Go vanquish the Kaurava forces and save
our cattle!

Prince! Brihannala is good! He was


I can easily restore our cows to
once Arjuna’s charioteer and earned
safety. But it’s a pity I don’t have a
his praise. He is a worthy candidate.
capable charioteer.

Uttara Kumara is frightened


Brother! Defeat the at the sight of the Kaurava
Kauravas and bring us their army.
tufts of the crowns so that we
can play with them.

Sairandhri! Do not insult me so, it Brihannala! I’m no match for


is intolerable! Brihannala the the Kaurava forces. It doesn’t
charioteer for a valiant hero like me matter if I lose face, I must
… ridiculous! However, as it’s your Sister, that’s
escape to survive. Turn back and
recommendation, I will … child’s play!
I will. save me! Please!

Prince! Fear not. Fight! You made Uttara Kumara did not pay any heed. Saying he just could
not do it, he got off the chariot and took to his heels.
such tall claims at the palace to the Brihannala ran after him. Realising that Brihannala who
women. You must fight at least for was attired in women’s clothes was none other than
that! Arjuna, the Kaurava forces burst into laughter.

52

52 OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI


Prince! Let me take up the Uttara Kumara! Lower the bundle you see on
fight and free the cows! You this tree. Arjuna’s bow Gandiva is in there.
be my charioteer. Without it we cannot face our enemies.

Prince! Those are the Pandavas’


weapons. They’ve been disguised to look
Acharya, that’s like a corpse so that others cannot get at
a corpse! them. Hand over the Gandiva to me,
please.

Uttara Kumar opened the parcel. The weapons shone with a Arjuna took his conch Devadatta
magical gleam. He was dumbstruck by the bow that glittered and his bow Gandiva. Uttara took
like a golden python. Only when Arjuna recounted his various charge of the chariot and both
made their way towards the
names and explained how he acquired those names did Uttara battlefield.
believe that Brihannala and Arjuna were one and the same.

Suyodhana! That’s Arjuna, Pitamaha! If that’s indeed


without doubt. Arjuna, then the Pandavas’
game is up. They will have
to do another 12 years of
living incognito
(Agnyatavasam). Arjuna rampaged through the enemy
ranks. The Kaurava forces fled and
the cows were rescued. Those who
listen to this story on Vijayadasami
day will be blessed.

Considering that Gandeevi himself has


appeared, we have to think intelligently. As
per my reckoning, by Vijaya Dasami, the
Pandavas’ exile has ended smoothly. It is
definitely Phalguna! Winning over him isn’t
53 going to be easy. THE END

OCTOBER - 2022 :: SAPTHAGIRI 53


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