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Executive Committee Jayaram Komati Raj Bhanot Publicity & Souvenier Prasad Mangina Kishan S. Registration & Website Tulasi C Tummala Ram Agarwal Religious Kota Reddy Laxmi Row Chennuri Cultural Vijaya Aasuri Prasad Duvasula & Ujwal Technology Audio & Video Veeru Vuppala Food & Prasadam Jagan Bearally Vinay Kallesh Hospitality Sagar Doddapaneni Radhika Reddy Photo Graphy & Video Srini Mangipudi Srikar Boddu Reception & Ushering Rajesh Chavali Sailaja Jagan Transportation & Security Anand Bandi Kamesh Malla Child Care Bhavani Tadisetti Parking Giri Prasad Decorations Karun Veligeti Marketing & Sponsorships Ramesh Konda Sekhar Reddy
Editorial Team Prasad Mangina Kamalnath Mannepalli Subba Row (Telugu Times) Disign by: Sampangi
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Jayaram Komati Chair - Executive committee
Srinivaasayanamaha ! Welcome to the devotees of Lord Balaji. It is a privilege for us to have the darshan of Lord Balaji in the backyards of the Bay Area. To witness the Swami himself as well as His Kalyanam is a blessing that we could have never imagined. Lord Balaji is revered and devoted in every nook and corner of India. While witnessing the Lord in our local town is a time to rejoice, it is also a time for all the local communities to come together and work towards making this event a grand success. Unity in integrity is what India is known for and hopefully we can showcase that during this Srinivasa Kalyanam event. Chanting slokas, mantras & bhajans along with the festive kalyanam itself will be a feast for the eyes and the ears and something that we all will cherish in our lifetime. I consider the opportunity to organize and co-ordinate this event to be a Bhagavat Sankalpam bestowed on me. The Srinivasa Kalyanam team made all the arrangements to make this a memorable event for all the devotees. I’d like to thank the Sunnyvale Temple management for their help & support in organizing this event. Let us all come together and seek the blessings of Lord Balaji. Sarvejana Sukhino Bhavanthu Best Regards,
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Raj Bhanot Treasurer - Sunnyvale Hindu Temple Co-Chair Executive committee
Dear Devotees, Namaskar ! On Behalf of the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple & Community center, I would like to welcome all of you. It gives us great pleasure to host Srinivasa (Balaji) Kalyanam. The response has been overwhelming and we are making all the arrangement in making it a memorable event for all of us. On Behalf of the Sunnyvale temple managemant I would like to thank Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) & Telugu Times for giving us this great opportunity. Best Wishes
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Gold plating of Srivari Nilayam in
Tirumala
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Srinivasa Kalyanam
The ambitious program of the Tirumala Tirupati Dewasthanam’s to gold plate the entire sanctorum of Srivari Temple at Tirumala has received spontaneous response during the Srivari Brahmotsavam2009. On the first day itself two kgs of gold donations were committed to the Ananda Nilaya Anant Swaramaya pathakam.
Gold offering in kgs and also grams are pouring in from industrialists, businessmen all over the country and overseas and smaller devotees are also putting more and more gold chains, gold biscuits and rings in Hundis with specific mention that it should be used for the gold plating of Sri Venkateswara’s sanctum sanctorum. “The response is overwhelming,” says the TTD executive officer I Y Krishna Rao .The chief minister K Rosaiah received the first donations of gold in cash and kind from the daughter of TTD chairman , D K Adikeshavulu Naidu . Former CM Y S Rajasekhar Reddy had launched the first phase of the scheme estimated to cost Rs.150 crore during his visit to Tirumala for the state offering of ‘Pattu Vastram’ to the deity last year . Last year within one week of Brahmotsavam 25 kgs of gold were committed . TTD authorities who have so far collected 78 kgs of gold during the year have already begun the works and hope to complete within one year . The TTD board decided to gold plate the Ananda Nilayam, the sanctum Santorum of the Tirumala temple on suggestion of agama pundits, peethadhipathis and pious devotees to further promote Hindu dharma and devotion among the pilgrims. The total scheme costing Rs.1000 crore will be met from internal revenues and gold donations from philanthropists under a special donation scheme titled Ananda Nilayam Ananta Swarnamayam pathakam. The TTD has drawn up an ambitious donation scheme to attract donors for the scheme.” The response is spontaneous and we expect that the TTD will be able to complete the work on a war footing,” says the TTD chairman Sri. D.K Adikeshavulu. The plating works on the pillars of the Jaya
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Srinivas Kalyanam Vijaya complex near the Hundi and entry to sanctum of Sri Venkateswara has almost been completed. The exercise of gold plating the Srivari Temple began way back in 1267 when the then Pandyan King Sundara Pandyan took up gold plating of the kalasham of ton the gopuram of Ananda Nilayam sanctum.Later the Saluva King Mungidevudu in 1359 and the Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishna Devaraya provided in 15th century donated over 1000 kgs of gold for the gold plating of the entire gopuram of the sanctum of the Srivari temple. In 1958 the Temple authorities got the sanctum outer wall ( frontal face of 200 sq meters ) gold plated with 12 kgs of gold donated by the devotees. The TTD chairman Sri. AdiKeshavulu Naidu says that the TTD board has taken up this unique program as per the suggestions of Agama Shastra pundits and the Peethadhipathis of the Vaikhanasa cult to enhance the divine energy of the grand idol of Lord Venkateswara . The authorities have plans to digitise the inscriptions on the outer and inner walls of the Srivari Nilayam stretching around 10,000 square feet. “Tthe gold plating will be done without damaging the inscriptions by
leaving an half inch gap between the wall and the plating “, says the Executive Officer Sri. I Y R Krishna Rao .. “The devotees who offer one kg of gold or multiples will be honored in a unique manner by the TTD- annual free VIP darshan, laddu prasadam and accommodation “ he says. The donor scheme will provide them special benefits and other concessions in darshan, accomodation, prasadam etc once a year With the gold plating of the Srivari Ananda Nilayam, the TTD will join the club of prominent Indian religious shrines like Golden Temple of Amritsar, the seat of Sikhism in the country. “The Tirumala temple will be more unique in so many ways for reputation of its legendry divine energy and for fulfilling every wish of its ardent devotees and committed followers”. TTD EO Krtishna Rao said complete list of jewellery of TTD temples is being compiled by a special task force created for the purpose and the same will be made public on placed on line soon . The jewellery wealth of the TTD is well preserved under special care of skilled experts in secure places and used only for special occasions like the Brahmotsvams etc.
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Chair
Co-Chair
Jayaram Komati (Executive Committee)
Raj Bhanot (Executive Committee)
Prasad Mangina (Publicity & Souvenier)
Kishan S. (Publicity & Souvenier)
Tulasi C Tummala (Registration & Website)
Ram Agarwal (Registration & Website)
Kota Reddy (Religious)
Laxmi Row Chennuri (Religious)
Vijaya Aasuri (Cultural)
Prasad Duvasula & Ujwal (Cultural)
Veeru Vuppala (Technology Audio & Video) Jagan Bearally (Food & Prasadam)
Vinay Kallesh (Food & Prasadam)
Sagar Doddapaneni (Hospitality)
Radhika Reddy (Hospitality)
Srini Mangipudi (Photo Graphy & Video)
Srikar Boddu (Photo Graphy & Video)
Rajesh Chavali (Reception & Ushering)
Sailaja Jagan (Reception & Ushering)
Anand Bandi (Transportation & Security)
Kamesh Malla (Transportation & Security)
Bhavani Tadisetti (Child Care)
Giri Prasad (Parking) Karun Veligeti (Decorations) Ramesh Konda (Marketing & Sponsorships)
Sekhar Reddy (Marketing & Sponsorships)
Ravi Gutala (Tabla)
Raghavan Manian (Vocal)
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Members Kota Reddy, Vinay Kallesh Kavitha, Mahima, Sekhar Reddy,Ramesh Konda, Kiran Muthyala, Avinash Srinivas Kolli, Narayana Ravavarapu, Venkat Maddipati, Sreenu Indira Reddy, Pandit Balakrishna Sarma, Pandit Srinivasa Sastry, Laxmi Moorty, Shivaji Adurthy, Vedrevu GavaRaju, Anand Bandi, Anuradha Padala, Sricharan Paladugu, Ravi Gali, Yogendra. Sirisha battula, Veena, Ravali, Vydehi, Sridevi Pasupuleti, Keerthi, Krishna Priya, Aditya, Ravi Teja, Naresh Gajula, ShravantiVihar Kuchi, Durga, Kondal, Kalyani & Hari.
Dilip Kondiparti, Prasad Gattu , Anil Annam, Arun Kadari, Yugandhar, Ramesh Ayyagari, SreeRam, Srini Damaraju, Aravindu, Anitha, Sampath, Murali Dugyala,Akshay, Surendra, Venkat, Gopi, Rama, Praveen, Shahsidhar, Santosh, Ravinder, Srikant, Veera Reddy, Vani Prasad, Mohan, Ravi, Archan, Sandeep, Sharada, Ramesh, Nutan, Lakshmi Sampath, Ravi, Sarma, Raju, Balaji. Vijaya Aasuri, Ravi ThiruVeedula, Prasad Mangina, Srilu Veligeti, Kalyan Kattamuri, Srini Mangipudi, Kamesh Malla, Bhaskar bandi Kallu, Dhiraj Puligadda.
Anil Siddam, Nagaraj Chayapati,Kalyani Gade ,Nirmala Bethamcharla,Annapurna Chavli , Archana Gali, Shanmugam Velu, Prakasa Rao Chavli, Nithya Chandramouli,Jaya Mechineni ,Poles Bethamcharla,Deepti Siddam, Madhavi Vedula, Gayathri Chayapati,Praveena Tumu,Archana Chintapalli,Nithika Vardhineni,Madhu Kambhampati,Padmalatha Vishwanatha ,S Mechineni, Sireesha Palla, Ravali Reddy ,Neeharika Andavarapu ,Shira Krishnan ,Jyotsna Bendapudi ,Shilpa moduga Swathi , Ravi Bethamcharla, Lahari, Padma Kondameedi Raj Bhanot & Yugandhar Kakarala Srinivas Mamidi, Anita SachDeva, Reetika, Sandhya Toleti, Jyothy Katam, Samatha Cherukuri, Hetal patel, Sunitha Gopi, Ramaraghu Gella, Anandhi Suresh, Madhavi Mynampati, Sudha Komerla Rajani Lankipalle, Venkatesan Kidambi, Giridharan, Asha Giridharan, Srivatsa, Sridharan, Sowgandhi, Prabha Koka, Satwik, Jaya Chandra, Sada Siva, Sirish, Sasank.
Prasad , Kishan, Dilip & Raj Gopal Gayatri Avvari, SriLaxmi Kolavennu (Vocal), Kartik GopalaRatnam (Mrudamgam), Laxmi Balasubrahmanyam (Voilin)
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History and significance of
Tirumala
Tirupati town is 704 kms from Hyderabad, 150 kms from Madras via Kalahasti and 250 kms from Bangalore. The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and spectacular places of pilgrimage in India. It is situated in the Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh. The town owes its existence to the sacred temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara situated on the Tirumala Hill adjoining it. With a history that dates back to over twelve centuries, the temple is the jewel in the crown of ancient places of worship in southern India
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.
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The Sri Venkateshwara temple atop the verdant green Tirumala Hills is one of the biggest pilgrim centers of the country. Situated at an altitude of 3200 ft. among 7 hills in the Eastern Ghats, this temple popularly known as the ‘Srivari temple’ is estimated to be over 2000 years old. The 10.33 sq. miles area of Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateswara and also his domain where there are no elections, politics and he is the over lord of all the properties etc. As mentioned in the Hindu sacred texts including the puranas, the seven peaks of Tirumala represents the glorious mythical Mount Meru. The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. In the Garba Griha, the awe-inspiring 7 ft idol of the Lord is made of granite stone standing majestically on a high lotus pedestal. The crown is 20 ft high and the Shanka and Chakra studded with diamonds on both hands dazzle the eye Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatmyams, and Alwar hymns, unequivocally declare that in the Kali Yuga one can attain Mukti only through worshipping this Venkata Nayaka or Lord Venkateswara. To illustrate that Venkatadri is unique in its sacredness, Sri Ramanuja, the great Srivaishnava Acharya, came to Tirumala on his knees as he thought it sacrilegious to climb on foot the Hills on which the Lord rested. Ample epigraphic testimony about the antiquity of the temple documented and published by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. The temple existed from very ancient times and Sri Venkateswara is referred to even in the Rig-Veda. here were countless number of legends about the Venkatachala Hill and Lord Venkateswara
in the Varaha and Bhavishyottara Puranas which describe Sri Venkateswara as the great giver of boons. Historical records show that almost every popular dynasty of southern peninsula from the Pallavas of Kancheepuram in the 9th century to the Kings of Vijayanagar dynasty in (14th - 15th Century) were ardent devotees of Lord Venkateswara and they vied with each other in endowing the temple with rich offerings and benefactions. It was during the Vijayanagar period that the glory of Tirumala reached its pinnacle. Even after the decline of the Vijayanagar dynasty, many chieftains of the region including the Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and the Britishers continued their patronage of Tirumala. There are several exquisitely-carved doorways, mandapams and shrines that you will come across inside the Sri Venkateswara Temple complex. They include Padi Kavali Maha Dwara , Sampangi Pradakshinam , Krishna Devaraya Mandapam , Ranga Mandapam, Tirumala Raya Mandapam Aina Mahal , Dhwajasthamba Mandapam , Nadimi Padi Kavili ,Vimana Pradakshinam , Sri Varadarajaswami Shrine, Potu , The Main Shrine , Sankeertana Bhandara , Bangaru Bavi , Snapana Mandapam , Ramar Meda Sayana Mandapam , Garbha Gruham , Kalyana Mandapam , Sri Ramanuja Shrine, Sri Narasimhaswami Shrine , Tirumamani Mandapam , Bangaru Vakili Mukkoti Pradakshinam , Sri Vishwaksena Temple , Sri Yoga Narasimhaswami Temple and Sri Garuda Temple.
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Brahmotsva at Tirumala – Salakatla Brahmotsavam
Brahmotsava of Lord Venkateswara is once a year festival heralding the advent of Lord Vishnu 170 million years ago in the avatar of Lord Venkateswara . According to the Indian mythology and legends Adi Vishnu had enshrined himself
in the physical form as Lord Venkateswara to become more accessible to
Srinivasa Organizing committee
Kalyanam - Chairs & Volunteers
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Srinivas Kalyanam devotees and pious people who could not conduct rigorous penance and sadhana to get his darshan in meta-physical forms . The nine day festival is termed as Brahmotsavam as Vishnu’s incarnation as Lord Venkateswara is said to be as per wishes of Lord Brahma to become more accessible to common man in idol form ( Archakavataram) and bless the pious among the human beings . As the chief archaka of Tirumala Dr.A.V.Ramana Dikshitulu puts it Brahmotsavam is an occasion for the poor, sick and weak in the society to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara outside the Srivari Temple on high vehicle “ Many devotees are unable to come inside the temple for his darshan and hence Lord Venkateswara who retains a long standing bond with the devotees prefers to come out and give them darshan in various forms during the Brahmotsavam” he says. On all the nine days Lord Venkateswara will ride a chariot of his choice- Garuda ( Eagle), Gaja( elephant), Ashwa (Horse),Hanumantha,Hamsa (Swan) and Simha ( Loin) . He is also taken around in his golden chariot along with of his consorts- Bhudevi and Sridevi . Inscriptions on Srivari Temple and historical records speak of Brahmotsvams being conducted in Tirumala temple by the yester year kings and emperors as part of their own their birthdays or that of their Queens and beloved ones. In 614 BC a Pallava queen Samuvaya ( Perindevi ) donated a silver idol of Srinivasamurthy to
Tirumala temple in memoru of her birth day celebrations . Later in 1254 BC Telugu Pallava Raju Vijayaganda Gopaladevudu , Tribuvana Chakravarti Tiruvenkatanath Yadav Rayulu (Aadi Thirunallu) in 1328 BC, Veerapratapa Devarayulu in 1429 BC , Harihara Rayulu ( Masi Tirunallu) in 1530 Achyuta rayulu ( Achyutaraya Brahmotsavam) were held making the festival a more or less a monthly affair to facilitate the emperors and their queens . There are records to show that the elite of those days performed Srivari Brahmotsavam almost every month ( 11 times in a year) in celebration of birthdays of their beloved ones and for Lok Kalyana ( common good) as an auspicious event to promote prosperity, health and rains etc.” Now a days Srivari Brahmotsavam is observed at Tirumala once a year ( Salakatti) and an additional Brahmotsavam is celebrated in Navaratri in a cycle of three years ( adhika masam)” says Sri. Ramana Dikshitulu , As the kings and their kingdoms vanished into thin air in the journey of
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On the occasion of Lord Srinivasa’s visit to U.S.A to bring peace and prosperity
Ohm Namo Venkatesaya Dr. Indupuru Indira Redd Dr. Indupuru Kota Reddy
Dr. Sireesha Indupuru Reddy M.D. Dr. Venkataramana K. Reddy M.D.
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Srinivas Kalyanam put it “ It is nothing but Garbhalaya Shuddi“. The ritual which dated back to 1535 BC , is held four times in a year by the at the Srivari temple as a maha –yagna and a holy event in which over 500 persons including pilgrims and devotees who pay a special fee for participation . It is observed on the first Tuesdays before the beginning of any major festival in Tirumala – be it Ugadi, Anivari Asthanam ( temple ritual) ,Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadasi .
history what has finally remained in the temple history of the country was the Brahmotsavam of Tirumala , performed annually as an event generated by overlord of the universe , Brahma . In recognition of this fact, a Brahma Ratha( an idoil less ratham , as Brahma has no visible identity ) is drawn a round the temple’s Four mada street every day in the morning and evening. The entire nine day event is telecast live by the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel . Koil Alwar Thiru Manjanam :
The TTD makes special seating arrangements along the four mada streets to enable thousands of devotees to sit around the temple and witness the procession which lasted several hours in the evenings of Brahmotsavam every day. The event is broadcast by the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti channel which has set up live coverage of the event with its state of art equipment to give a glimpse of the Brahmotsavam event to lakh of devotees all over the world.
First Day Pedashesha Vananam
The Preparations for the Brahmotsavam begins with the Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam is one ritual in the legendry history of the Religious shrine of Lord Venkateswara from bygone days performed to cleanse the sanctum sanctorum with traditional herbs and Agama approved cleaning agents.
The Srivari Brahmotsavam begins with the parade of the Vishwakshena , the commander of the forces of Lord Vishnu ( Lord Venkateswara ) .As part of the procession Lord Venkateswara appears before his devotees on his pet vahana of Adishesha .
As the chief of temple ‘Sannidhi’ and in charge of ‘Bokkasam’ ( treasure of Lord Venkateswara’s jewelry Swamy Sheshadri
Legend says that Adishesha is the most beloved and obedient member of the celestial entourage of Sri Vishnu in all his a
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Srinivas Kalyanam vatars . He is identified as Lakshmana in Ramavataram, Balram in Dwapara etc. “ Adishesha is the closest to Lord Vishnu as he comes his vehicle, bed , throne ,an umbrella , shelter and also foot wear . The procession of the first day of Sri Venkateswara along with his consorts is taken on the vehicle decorated with the golden Adishesha ( serpent god ) along the Four mada streets where lakhs of people gather to witness the diety appearing before them in all grandeur and pay their reverence.
Day one – Chinna Sesha Vahanam The second vahanam procession on the inaugural day is of the Srivari Brahmotsavam in his incarnation as Malayalappa Swami , Lord Venkateswara appears on a Five hooded Chinna Shesha Vahanam . As per the Vaishanava tradition Srivari procession on Chinna Shesha Vahanam denoted the need for rejuvenation of seven charkas in the human body which shape up his mental and physical abilities. The Chinna Shesha Vahanam representing Vasuki is considered as a rejuvenator of these seven charkas . All those who witness the procession of Lord Venkateswara on his i Chinna Sehsha Vahana procession will thus benefit from the ‘Yoga Siddhi “effect of Srivari divine energy.
Day Two - Hamsa Vahanam Lord Venkateswara in his incarnation as Malayalappaswami will give darshan to his devotees as Veenapani Saraswati
atop he Brahmas’s vehicle of Hamsa or Swan . Hamsa also represented the Surya ( sun god ) in Indian mythology as those who had attained spiritual levels with God are also called ‘Paramahamsa’ as well . The procession of Lord Venkateswara on Hamsa Vahanam also denoted his incarnation as Lord Vishnu in the form of Sun God, say saints and exponents of Mythology. Swan or Hamsa also stands out for its capabilities to weed out the good from the bad .This is considered a divine blessing of Lord Venkateswara to weed out the bad qualities in a human being and retain only the good virtues . As saint –poet Annamacharya put it “Hamsa-cheti palu neeru-natlaye batuku” . Srivari Hamsa Vahanam denotes the significance attached towards selfless service of everyone towards mankind and that ego and personal pride would distance them from Lord Venkateswara and his divine blessings “ says Chief Priest Dr. A .V. Ramana Dikshitulu .
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Day three – Simha Vahanam On the third day of the Srivari Brahmotsavam , Lord Venkateswara will give darshan outside his temple on his vehicle of Simha ( Lion ) . The incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the Mrugendrudu ( most ferocious and strong among the animals ) is an indication of Lord Venkateswara as a powerful entity born to punish the evil forces on the universe and protect the righteous, poor and the weaker sections in the society . Being a Simha , is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as ‘Narasimha’ whom the puranas and legends speak in volumes of his drive against ‘Dushta’ ( wrong doers) and protection of the weak, poor and the god fearing persons. The statues of Lions in the Ananda Nilayam in the Srivari temple complex displayed the affection of Lord Venkateswara for Lions. The idols of Narasimha in Yoga mudra in the temple and also the idol of Lakshmi Narasimha on the way to Tirumala exhibit the significance of Lion in the celestial entourage of Lord Venkateswara.
Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam
pandal. The 26th chapter of Padmapuranam refers to an umbrella made of pearls giving shade to Lord Vishnu and several contemporary poets of the bygone days had described the hood of Adisesha giving cool shade of Pearl umbrella to the celestial deity.
Day four Kalpa Vruksha Vahanam On the fourth day of Srivari Brahmotsavam, Lord Venkateswara adorns the role of Kalpa Vruksha to bless his devotees with their sought after desires for which they vow to serve and worship him . Legend says that Kalpa Vruksha was one of the elements what erupted when the Adisesha placed his vice grip on the Mandara Mountain where the Deva- Asuras tried to steal the Amrutam (celestial liquid). All those who took shelter under Kalpa vruksha did not have problems of starvation and poverty, says the classic literature of Srimad Bhagavatham The Kalpa Vruksha vahanam along with Kamadhenu and Chintamani denotes the importance given to environment, greenery and promotion of forests and cleans and pollution free atmosphere even in the days of Vedas and mythology.” Many mythological literature also hail Lord Venkateswara as a ‘Kalpa Vruksha” as he blessed every devotee with boons sought by them “ says Ramana Dikshitulu.
In the evening Lord Venkateswara appears before his devotees on a vehicle decorated with prices less and resplendent white pearls which denoted peace and persistence and patience of the mighty .
Sarvabhupala Vahanam
Lord Venkateswara hailed as “ Alankara priyudu” sits proudly along with his consorts sat in a vahanam decked up with milk white pearls in the shape of a
The Srivari Brahmotsavam the Malayalappa swami alias Lord Venkateswara presents himself as the king of kings on the Sarva bhupala Vahanam.
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Srinivas Kalyanam Sarva bhupala means the Devas in charge of the earth, water and air become the pall bearers of his vehicle . Along with the Sarva Bhupalas, the Asta Dikpala’s ( eight commanders of directions )of EastWest and South-North etc also join in his service and ensure that the people benefited and prospered with timely rains , winter, summer and springs followed in set course .
Day-Five –Mohini Avataram On the fifth day Lord Venkateswara stuns his devotees by appearing as a dazzling Mohini and alives up to his reputation as an “alankara priyudu ( well dressed and be-jewelled handsome personality). In the same vahanam he also appears as a child Srikrishna on a pallaki ( palanquin) made of Ivory and Rose wood presented to the Temple by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore 75 years ago . As legends put it as bejeweled Mohini Lord Venkateswara puts the Asura’s in confusion and wins the celestial battle for the Devatas . The devout say that by appearing as Mohini the Lord had sent a message that the entire universe was a creation of his Maya and those who do not worship him were also hypnotized under the spell of his Mohini avatar to become his followers .
Day Six –Garuda Vahanam The Garuda Vahanam on the sixth day is considered the most significant of all events in the Brahmotsavam festival .
Garuda or the Eagle is the main and daily vehicle of Lord Vishnu . Besides being the daily transport , Garuda also said to sit atop the Dwajam on the day of Dwajarohanam ( inauguration of Brahmotsavam ) and herald the event and invited the Devatas to come down to earth to witness the festival. On the day of Garudotsavam , the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh presented the official honors to Lord Venkateswara. Similarly traditional gifts of Tulasi garlands from Puttur temple and the decorated umbrellas from Chenna patnam were also presented to the deity on that day . Garuda seva is prominent in 108 countries around the globe including the Asian and South Asian countries . Large crowds from Tirupathi and other towns of the district besides the far off towns and distant cities and also overseas land up in Tirumala for the distinct Garudaseva event . “ The darshan of Lord Venkateswara on Garuda vahanam is very auspicious and fulfill all desires of the devotees “ says Dr.A.V.Ramana Dikshitulu , chief preist of Tirupati .
Hanuman Vahanam On the morning of the sixth day of Srivari Brahmotsavam , Lord Venkateswara gives his darshan to his devout followers on the Hanuman Vahanam. Hanuman is considered one of the top devotees of Lord Vishnu and as an embodiment of Wisdom, Muscle power,Victory, Braveness, health, over active, fearless and common sense . One of the hillocks on the Tirumala hill range is also named as Anjanadri.
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Srinivas Kalyanam The appearance of both Lord Rama and Hanuman is said to inspire the pundits for an extensive exploration of Vedic scriptures and promote righteous life style “ says Dr. A.V . Ramana Dikshitulu.
Surya Prabha Vahanam
Day- seven Swarna Rathotsavam
The Chariot of Surya Prabha for Lord Venkateswara is specially designed and flower arrangement is done by a special 20 member team of florists from Coimbatore. “The entire Surya Prabha design is made of jasmine flowers and laced with red and orange colored Kanakambara or Roses “ says S. Srinivasulu, superintendent of Gardens Department .
On the same day atop the Swarna Ratham ( Golden chariot) , the favorite vehicle of Lord Venkateswara as Malayalappa gives darshan to devotees in grand style along with the Shunya ratham of Brahma and other chariots dragged by Elephant , Ashwa and Vrushaba . As part of established tradition, the barbers of Kalyana katta-tonsuring centre of Tirumala offer a golden umbrella to the deity of Lord Venkateswara . Mythology says that the golden chariot of Lord Venkateswara is driven by four horses names as Sugriva, Shaibya, Meghapuspha and Valahaka with Daraka as his sarathi .
Gaja Vahanam Lord Venkateswara enthralls the devotees on the Gaja Vahanam. Elephant as a vehicle is a symbol of wealth of not only the rich but also of the deities of prominent temples in the country .The wealth of Lord Venkateswara Tirumala is wellknown as he is said to be the Kanchana brahma . Gaja is representing Iravata- the four ivory teethed elephant which was one of the products of the Mandira parvatam mathanam by Adishesha, says Dr.A.V.Ramana Dikshitulu ,the chief priest of Tirumala temple .
The Surya prabha vahanam indicated the dominance of Lord Venkateswaraon the key elements of the universe humans, animals and plants .
Chandra Prabha Vahanam Lord Venkateswara rides atop a Chandra Prabha Vahanam after the morning round of Surya Prabha Vahanam and in the evening he is placed atop the Chandra Prabha vahanam. As per the scripts in the Purushottam Prapti Yagam Chandra is described as a Lord Vishnu becomes an invisible architect creating medicine for the well being of the society . “ The Chandra Prabha Vahanam is an indication of the significance and concern attached in those days for traditional school of herbal and ayurvedic medicine “, says Dr. A.V.Ramana Dikshitulu. The florists from Coimbatore who are specially brought for making garlands for all the festivals of Brahmotsavam make a special 18 feet garland and a arch made of white jasmine colours as per the agama shastras and enriched the divine energy of the idols on display .
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Day eight –Rathotsavam Rathotsavam is held io n the penultimate day of Srivari Brahmotsavam the Malayalappaswami is seated on a high pedestal throne and taken ina procession .The Rathotsavam festival is a highly emotional event known for the flow of bhakti sangeet , keertans , bhajans and full pitched service rendered by the devotees who drag the ratham manually around the four mada streets at Tirumala . . The Rathotsavam has a special spiritual message as well as embedded in the Kathopanishad which compared it to blending of the soul with the body .
Ashwa Vahanam Lord Venkateswara rides his horse chariot as the Brahmotsavam festival reaches a crescendo and heads towards conclusion. The Horse procession denotes one of his most popular and well received avatars as Kalki – a good Samaritan who fights the evil and protects the righteous and good things in the Kaliyuga. Dr. A V. Ramana Dikshitulu , chief priest of Tirumala temple says that as a knight riding a horse, Lord Venkateswara displays his in born Kshyatriya origins as a fighter and a brave soldier always around to fight the evil and protect the poor, weak and righteous.
Chakasnanam & Dwajavarohanam The Srivari Brahmotsavam comes to a conclusion on the Ninth day with the Chakrasnanam event at the Swami Puskarini near the Tirumala Temple.
During the Chaakrasnanm the deity is taken in a Pallaki utsavam in the early hours on the four mada streets. The Utsava deities and the Sri Chakrathalwar are offered Panchamrutha snapana Thirumanjanam at the Sri Varahaswamy temple . Later the utsava idols are given bath in the Pushkarini and the opportunity to bathe with their beloved deity is exploited by thousands of devotees to share the sacred waters and be-get his blessings . A special offering of pujas and rituals is made to the Utsava deities at the Ranganayakula mantapam in evening before the preparations for the Dwajavarohanam, heralding the close of Brahmotsavam. Late at night the Dwajavarohana function is held near the Bangaru Vakili at the Sravana Asthanam where special jewels are offered to the Utsava deities.
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Srinivas Kalyanam
Hindu Dharma prachara Parishad
a mission of the TTD
The Tirumala Tirupati Dewasthanams (TTD) is perhaps the only religious institution in the country which operated on a global canvass to promote Hindu dharma and also popularize the Srivari Temple of Lord Venkateswara and Tirumala which has been described as the Kaliyiga Vaikuntham - heaven on earth ‘ . Last March Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad hosted a unique international Vedic seminar wherein it also sponsored a spectacular Sri Saraswati Yagam at the Sri Maha Vishnu Yagashala in which thousands participated in the invocation of goddess Saraswati for the betterment of then students appearing for the annual exams. In the month of April the HDPP took up the novel program of Lok Kalyan Rath Yatra in remote districts of Andhra Pradesh to take the God – Lord Venkateswara to the people and ensure that all those who wanted his blessings were not denied of the same .’ We went to tribal towns of East
Govadari district where devotees participated in various events in large number ‘said Dr.R. Kavita Prasad. And in the month of May the Parishad is reaching across the seas to the United States to benefit the devotees of Lord Venkateswara with his blessings and an opportunity to all those who can come regularly to Tirumala to witness the daily services -Arjita Sevas – and also the celestial wedding – Srinivasa Kalyanam. The TTD has taken up the ambitious mission of popularizing and propagating the Hindu dharma through promoting religious activities in various forms .
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To protect the sanctity of the Tirumala and Tirupati, the Andhra Pradesh Government has already declared the entire area of Tirumala as a Hindu religious shrine and banned propagation and practice of other religions in the area . The Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad (DPP) was established to propagate the Hindu dharma, conduct religious programmes and inculcate spiritual awareness among the people. It has 20 centers in Andhra Pradesh and 3 centres in the neighbouring states. Under the Veda Parayana Scheme, nearly 500 Vedic pandits render Veda Parayanam
in temples and receive Sambhavana as per the qualifications - ghanapati, kramapati and old pandits. The Kumara Adhyapaka Scheme encourages students to learn the Vedas, by paying them a stipend during the period of study. Dharma Prachara Parishad maintains two Veda Patasalas, one at Dharmagiri in Tirumala and the other at Keesaragutta in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh. The students are paid a stipend for the entire course, besides free boarding and lodging.Financial assistance is provided to organisations to develop Veda Pathasalas, conduct Veda Sammelanas, Yajnams, etc. DPP also maintains a Pouranika Training Centre at Tirupati to preserve the tradition of Purana Pravachanam. Regular programmes like Harikathas, musical concerts and discourses are conducted at Asthana Mandapam in Tirumala, Annamacharya Kala Mandiram, Tirupati and surrounding places like Narayanavanam and Nagalapuram. DPP organises Yajnams, Bhajan melas and Geeta Yajnams in selected towns like Mumbai, Calcutta, Kolhapur, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam and Guntur with the cooperation of local organisations. The field staff organise religious programmes in remote villages. It distributed selected reading materials and conducts an Epics Study examination for school-going children throughout Andhra Pradesh, and presents awards to the top-rankers. Under this scheme more than 2 Lakhs children are trained. It also conducts special religious programmes during fairs and festivals, like Brahmotstava, Pushkaraotsava and at celebrations conducted by other religious institutions. It also promoted disbursement of popular religious materials like Stotras in handy book format for benefit of
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Srinivas Kalyanam devotees . It also conducted Dalit Govindams and Bhaja Govindams to continue the flavour of Religious spirit and practice . Supply of Equipment to Other Temples at Subsidized Rates TTD supplies stone and panchaloha vigrahams (statues) at subsidised rates to other temples. For temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, TTD supplies stone vigrahams of Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, according to the height specifications (the height of the vigrahams should not exceed five feet). These vigrahams are supplied free of cost, on production of certificates and recommendations from the officials (of the rank of Assistant Commissioner and above) of the Endowments Department. Stone and panchaloha vigrahams of other deities are supplied by TTD at a subsidy of 50%. TTD also supplies microphone sets and temple umbrellas at a subsidy of 50%. The microphone set includes an amplifier, two speakers, a tape recorder and cable with some audio cassettes. Umbrellas include two six-span umbrellas.Seshavasthram is a silk saree that has been used once in temples of Sri Venkateswara, Tirumala and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple, Tiruchanoor. These seshavasthrams are also supplied to temples. Lok Kalyan Rath Yatra The HDPP promoted the bhajan mandali’s, religious discourses, Hari kathas , and competitions among women devotees - singing and rangloli . For youth and children it also conducted elocution and essay writing competitions. The objective is to keep the spirit of Hindu Dharma and the message of peace, love, righteousness within the Hindu community. Dr. Kavita Prasad said the TTD had launched the Lok Kalyan Rath Yatra in East
Godavari district to provide poor and common devotees an opportunity to seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara in their own villages and towns and saved of the hard ship of traveling to Tirumala .The 21 day long campaign will provide an opportunity to the large number of devotes of Lord Venkateswara in the district to have darshan and also participate in the significant rituals performed for the deity at Tirumala. Sri . I Y R Krishna Rao, Executive Officer of the TTD four more such Lok Kalyan Raths will be designed by the Ashok Leyland for the campaign to be launched in other other states as well .A 50 member team of TTD officials including Archakas accompanied the Ratham . He said the aim was to involve the Tribals trained as Archakas in the exercise so that they take up propagation of Hindu dharma thereafter ‘. One another mission of the Yatra and the TTD is to divert the attention of the innocent people from violence and to become religious minded in thought and action as well. The TTD also utilized the opportunity to spread its socal welfare initiatives like Ayurveda and Allopath medical camps with the medical specialists from the BIRRDS, SVIMS and Sravanam Hospitals of Tirupati to provide free consultation and medication to the needy and poor persons. Conclusion : The HDPP conducted periodical and special programs to inculcate religious discipline and moral values among youth and also to instill faith in the Hindu religion and its basic tenets. By networking with scores of Bhajan mandals, philanthropic organizations and also welfare associations the HDPP strived for rejuvenation of faith in Hindu religion and also its propagation.
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GENERAL FACILITIES AT TIRUMALA Free Meals: Wholesome free meals will be provided to the devotees in the TTDs Annadanam Complex from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. ontinuously Free Milk, Food packets are also provided to the waiting pilgrims at Vaikuntam ‘Q’ Complex II. A new Annadnam complex is also being constructed to faciltatate the non stop feeding facility to pilgrims who come to Tirumala through out the day and night . Free Medical Aid : Pilgrims are given free medicine aid at Aswini Hospital and Vaikuntam ‘Q’ complex I & II. In case of emergency, the patients will be rushed to the Ruia Hospital, SVIMS or BIRRD for treatment. Blood Bank: Pilgrims can donate their blood in Srivari Blood Bank at Aswini Hospital, Tirumala. The blood will be utilised for the poor patients... Ambulance: The services of 104 and 108 EMRI services are thrown open to pilgrims both on the foot walking and also on the road path besides at Tirumala and Tirupati
Free Bus: Free buses are operated at Tirumala for the benefit of pilgrims. It covers cottages, choultries, temple and other places. Free Tonsure: Pilgrims can fulfil their vow of tonsure at Kalyanakatta, PAC I and II at free of cost. Sale of Publications: All religious publications and Video and Audio CDs and Cassettes brought out by the TTDs are sold through TTD bookstall at old kalyanakatta complex (opp. Annadanam). Free Accomodtion : Free accommodation is also provided to pilgrims in countries . Such free accommodations also provided at Tirupati also. Free transport of luggage is provided pilgrims who come by walking to the Tirumala Devotional Bhajans and discourses at Asthana Mandapam. TTD also offers free hearing aids to deaf and dumb, artificial limbs to physically handicapped , spectacles to visually affected etc.,
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Annadanam – Over one lakh devotees to be fed daily Tirupati It is delightful sight at the Nittya Annadanam complex Tirumala. A week ahed of Brahmotsavam, the TTD has been feeding nearly one lakh visitors to Tirumala freely .TheAnnadanam complex started working from morning eight am to facilitate the thousands of pllgrims who had waited in queue for over 24 hours from the beginning of the annual festival at Tirumala. “We appeal to all devotees to be patient as we are making all arrangements to provide free food, and laddu prasadam and sarva darshan for all “ says the Executive Officer of TTD, Sri. I Y R Krishna Rao . In spite of recession and hike in costs of transport services etc the rush of pilgrims is every increasing day by day and the TTD and the state government officials are gearing up on a war footing to ensure that everyone got the benefits of all the welfare initiatives of Lord Venkateswara like free meals, free prasadam, free darshan and also free accommodation . . India is a country known for its hospitality and charity to poor disabled and destitutes .Since Centuries the religious
shrines had become the institutions to deliver such social justice for the have not’s aimed at providing them food and social security. The shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Dewasthanams (TTD) has set another innovative and epoch making initiative to reaffirm the country’s continued faith in traditional values and its unstinted practice . For the Brahmotsavcam of 2009, it proposes to provide free meals every day for all nine days to a mimum of one to two lakh devotees per day . “ We are not limiting the numbers .Every hungry devotee will get food any time of the day or night during Brahmotsavam ‘ says Krishna Rao.
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The popular pilgrim town has set a record of sorts by offering two free meals on 24x7 basis to its visitors irrespective of caste or creed and also without questioning them as to whether they visited the temple and had darshan or not .The meal, though simple is appreciated by visitors including foreigners, tycoons and first timers as not only hygiene but also tasty . “Every oneboth rich and poor want to partake meals at the huge Annadam complex as prasadam of the deity” say the authorities. Humble Origins What began as a scheme launched by a devout donors’ penance to feed poor at Tirumala in memory of his beloved elders on April 6th, 1985 had today grown into
an institution with a corpus as huge as over Rs. 175 crore and a budget equivalent of that of several union territories in the country . What began as a poor feeding for just 2000 persons 23 years ago has today catapulted into massive Nitya Annadanam program for every pilgrim who visited the country’s most revered religious shrine at Tirumala which is perhaps the only such institution which had laid out an multipronged approach towards protection and preservation of Hindu Dharma not only as an spiritual and religious issue but also as a service to the society . “Sri Venkateswara Nithya Annadanam Trust.
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Srinivas Kalyanam The “Sri Venkateswara Nithya Annadanam Trust “ founded on April 1st, 1994 had developed potential and wherewith-all to provide decent, hygienic and wholesome meals twice a day for all pilgrims who set their foot on Tirumala irrespective of whether they had darahsn of the presiding deity Lord Venkateswara or not . “What is important to us in the TTD is that everyone who comes to this holy place , by walk or by any other transport need not suffer out of exhaustion or hunger and could have darshan of deity at their convenience “ says I Y R Krishna Rao Executive Officer of TTD. The scheme launched with a small donation of a philanthropist for about 2000 poor and needy pilgrims had today grown into a huge organization with capability and infrastructure to feed a minimum of 35,000 week days, and around 40,000 on week-ends and holidays. The Trust with a corpus of Rs.175 crore is one of the most popular schemes of the TTD as it touched the basic need of the pilgrim- for cheap, safe food and yet served with dignity and humility by scores of Srivari Seva volunteers Corpus & popularity keeps ever growing. Smt T. Chenchu Lakshmi , who is in charge of the Annadanam scheme says that right now there were nearly 500 donors who had contributed to the kitty of the Trust which has undertaken several programs including Nitya annadanam . But every passing day donations are pouring in for the corpus from devotees for the corpus . “Earlier we had donors for building guest rooms, Now we have more offering funds for Annadanam”. She says that the dining halls of the annadanam complex are full anytime of the day with pilgrims. The rich and poor partake free meals as they consider it as prasadam of
Lord Venkateswara in view of Its hygienic preparation and cleanliness in delivery . Every day each devotee enjoyed a six course lunch /dinner to their tummy’s fill . The menu included – Sweet pongal ( prasadam), vegetable curry , Chatni , Sambar , Rasam and Rice . However from August 1st, the TTD administration added Dal and ghee to balance the food nutritiously on advise of specialists from National Institute of Nutrition . The donors for the scheme had special benefits in accommodation, laddu prasadam and also darshan of the presiding deity once in a year. Donations could range from any multiplies of Rs.1000. New Annadanam Complex A donor from West Godavari district has come forward to construct a state of the art complex to set up hygienic and modern kitchen and dining hall for the Annadanam Trust at Tirumala at a cost of Rs. Twenty crore . With the new complex the TTD authorities say that they could feed nearly 4000 pilgrims in one single batch .The ultra modern kitchen will also have capacity to cook rice, dal, sambar and others faster to facilitate the huge crowds anticipated in the coming years. L & T has been chosen to build the ultra-modern complex including its kitchen and the dining hall for which designs were prepared by global experts. By the normal standards in the present kitchen 12 huge vessels are steamed to produce rice at the rate of five persons for
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one kg rice. “But we are geared to cook rice for one to two lakh persons during the Srivari Brahmotsavam at the rate of 400 bags of rice per day” Free supply in ‘Q’ complex’s. Smt. Lakshmi says that besides Annadanam, the TTD undertook to provide sumptuous feed of upma, milk, curd rice , butter milk and sambar rice on a two hours cycle to the thousands of devotees who waited in the Vaikuntam que complex for hours . “ We gave them some food items from early morning hours of 3.30 AM to midnight to ensure that none of the pilgrims who waited in the serpentine ‘Q’ complexes ( 30 compartments in Vaikuntam ) suffered of hunger or thirst as they waited in hot sun, rain and in unearthly hours for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara “ . On the occasion of the ensuing Srivari Brahmotsavam fromSeptember 21st , the TTD plans to provide more amenities like food packets, water and butter milk packets to devotees waiting in Vaikuntam complex’s as they anticipate much larger crowds . “We are ready to take on any number of devotees as this if the second year of our free meal program and we made all arrangements to ensure that the pilgrims did not suffer during the ten days of the Srivari Brahmotsavam “ says the Executive Officer Rao . The scheme has already attracted donors in kind and cash . Vegetable growers of Madanapalli, Chittoor, Bangalore and Chennai are sending vegetables free to the Annadanam trust daily. “We used to spend
nearly Rs.50 lakhs on just the vegetables in the past “says Chencu Lakshmi . But the TTd spends hardlt Rs. 15 lakhs rest are all by donation . As part of Annadanam scheme food packets are also prepared for distribution for the pilgrims who come by foot in the middle of their journey both at the Padala Mantapam or Gali Gopuram .They are also provided water and other basic amenities. Food packets are also prepared and delivered by volunteers for all those in the temple, hospitals, administration, security and transport wings. “We supply nearly 5000 packets on week days and 10,000 days on week-ends “, she says. Clean water: The TTD has also set in motion a process to provide clean and pure water to pilgrims. It has now permitted some philanthropists to provide mineral water plants in Tirumala at a cost of Rs. Five crore. “The plant will have capacity to provide pure and hygienic drinking water at the rate of one lakh liters per day and the pilgrims will have to just pay Rs. One per liter”. The TTD has attached great importance and priority to –provide clean and safe drinking water to prevent spread of diseases and hardships to pilgrims who come with a divine hope and blessing. Particularly in view of the growing menace of Swine Flu and Dengue fever the TTD has also banned use of plastics bottles on Tirumala . Special arrangements were made for setting up water kiosks and clean drinking outlets all over Tirumala during the current Srivari Brahmotsavam. The TTD has also constructed a new complex for Nitya Annadanam where at a time over 5000 people can be fed and food also be cooked for one lakh persons with cost effective facilities.
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Srivari Kalyanotsavam is performed to the utsava murti of the Lord Sri Malayappa swami and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in the marriage hall in the Sampangi Pradakshinam. Reference to this Seva conducted on special occasions are found in the inscriptions of the 15th century. The wedding ceremony is held amidst recitation of the Vedic mantras and pronouncing the family pedigree of the brides and bridegroom. The idols of the Lord and his brides face each other with a screen in between. They are allowed to see each other only at the appropriate auspicious moment when the screen is removed. The priests perform homas. A purohit conducts the marriage and an archaka is consecrated to perform other rituals on behalf of the bridegroom. This seva is not performed on important festivals like Srivari Brahmotsavam. Pavitrotsavam, Pushpayagam etc. and on the days of solar and lunar eclipses. The grihasthas who participate in the seva are given prasadams and clothes. The duration of the seva is about one hour.
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The Story of
Srinivasa Kalyanam
The rishis headed by Kasyapa began to perform a sacrifice on the banks of the Ganges. Sage Narada visited them and asked them why they were performing the sacrifice and who would be pleased by it. Not being able to answer the question, the rishis approached Sage Bhrigu. To reach a
solution after a direct ascertainment of reality, Sage Bhrigu first went to Satyaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. At Kailasa, Bhrigu found Lord Siva spending his time pleasantly with Parvati and not noticing his presence. Parvati drew the attention of Siva to the presence of the
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Srinivas Kalyanam sage. Lord Siva was furious at Bhrigu's intrusion and tried to destroy him. The sage cursed Lord Siva and left for Vaikuntam. At Vaikuntam, Lord Vishnu (also called Srimannarayana) was reposing on Adisesha with Sri Mahalakshmi in service at His feet. Finding that Srimannarayana also did not notice him, the sage was infuriated and he kicked the Lord on His chest, the place where Mahalakshmi resides. At once, Lord Vishnu hastened to apologize to the angry sage and pressed his feet to allay the pain caused to Bhrigu's leg. In doing so the Lord removed the eye in the foot of the sage, which gave Bhrigu power as to defy the Devas. Thereupon, the sage decided that Lord Vishnu was the most supreme of the trimurthis and told the rishis the same. Thereupon, they decided that Lord Vishnu was the fruit of the yaga.
Sri Mahalakshmi was angered by the action of her Lord in apologizing to Bhrigu who committed an offence. She, therefore, left Vaikuntam without heeding the entreaties of the Lord. At the commencement of the current Sveta Varaha Kalpa, the whole universe was filled with water and the Earth was immersed in it. Lord Vishnu assumed the
form of a white boar (Sri Varaha) and dived into the water to lift the Earth. He slew the demon Hiranyaksha who was obstructing Him and rescued the Earth. Brahma and the other Devas praised Sri Varaha for saving the Earth by chanting the Vedas and showering flowers on Him. Lord Vishnu decided to stay on Earth in the form of Sri Varaha for some time, to punish the wicked and protect the virtuous. The place then came to be known as Varaha Kshetra and the vVaraha Kalpa commenced. After the departure of Mahalakshmi, a forlorn Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntam and took abode in an ant-hill under a tamarind tree, beside a pushkarini on the Venkata Hill.
Taking pity on Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwara decided to assume the forms of a cow and its calf to serve Him. Surya, the Sun God informed Mahalakshmi of this and requested her to assume the form of a cowherdess and sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country.
The king of the Chola country bought the cow and its calf and sent them to graze on the Venkata Hill along with his herd of
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cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu on the anthill, the cow provided its milk, and thus fed the Lord. Meanwhile, at the palace, the cow was not yielding any milk, for which the Chola Queen chastised the cowherd severely.
To find out the cause of lack of milk, the cowherd followed the cow, hid himself behind a bush and discovered the cow emptying her udder over the ant-hill. Incensed over the conduct of the cow, the cowherd aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. However, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill to receive the blow and save the cow.
When the cowherd saw the Lord bleed at the blow of his axe, he fell down and died of shock. On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned, bellowing in fright and with blood stains all over her body, to the Chola King. To find out the cause of the cow’s terror, the
King followed her to the scene of the incident. The King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground near the ant-hill. While he stood wondering how it had happened, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill and cursed the King saying that he would become an asura because of the fault of his servant. The King pleaded innocence, and the Lord blessed him by saying that the curse would end when the Lord was adorned with a kireetam presented by Akasa Raja at the time of His marriage with Sri Padmavati. Thereafter, Lord Vishnu or Srinivasa(Balaji), decided to stay in Varaha Kshetra, and requested Sri Varahaswami to grant Him a site for His stay. His request being readily granted, Srinivasa ordained that a pilgrimage to His shrine would not be complete unless it is preceded by a bath in the Pushkarini and darshan of Sri Varahaswami, and that puja and naivedyam should be offered to Sri Varahaswami first.
Yasoda brought up Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki, in his early years. However, Yasoda was not blessed to witness the marriage of Sri Krishna with Rukmini and she felt very sad. Sri Krishna promised to fulfill her desire in her next birth as Vakuladevi in his next avatara as Srinivasa(Balaji). In Rukmini’s next birth as Vakuladevi, she was serving Lord Varahaswami when He sent her to serve Srinivasa. Sometime later, a King named Akasa Raja who belonged to the Lunar race was ruling
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Srinivas Kalyanam over Thondamandalam. He had a brother named Thondaman. Akasa Raja had no heirs, and therefore, he wanted to perform a sacrifice. As part of the sacrifice, he was ploughing the fields when his plough turned up a lotus in the ground. On examining the lotus, the King found a female child in it.
Akasa Raja was happy to find the child. He carried it to his palace and gave it to his Queen. At that time he heard a voice from above which said, “Oh! King, tend to it as your child and fortune will befall you.� As the child was found in a lotus, the king named her Padmavati. In course of time, Princess Padmavati grew up into a beautiful maiden and was attended to by a host of maids. One day, while she was spending her time in a garden picking flowers with her maids, Sage Narada approached her. Assuring her that he was her well-wisher, he asked her to show him her palm to read her future. He foretold that she was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu himself.
At this time, Lord Srinivasa(Balaji), who was hunting, chased a wild elephant in the forests surrounding the hills. In the elephant’s pursuit, the Lord was led into a
garden, where Princess Padmavati and her maids were picking flowers. The sight of the elephant frightened the Princess and her maids. But the elephant immediately turned around, saluted the Lord and disappeared into the forest.
Lord Srinivasa(Balaji), who was following on horse back, and saw the frightened maidens, who accosted Him with queries. Lord Srinivasa gave the maids details about his birth and parentage. He, in turn, enquired after their princess, her birth and parentage. When the maids informed Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) that the princess was Padmavati, foster daughter of Akasa Raja, He expressed his interest in her. However, He was repulsed with stones thrown at Him by the maids. He returned to the hills in haste, leaving His horse behind.
When Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) returned, Vakuladevi brought him his usual dinner comprising various delicacies. However, she found him lying on his bed, pining for his love. When she enquired about the cause, the Lord informed her that unless he married Princess Padmavati, he would never be well again. Vakuladevi then asked Him to tell her
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all about the Princess. The Lord then narrated the story of her (Padmavati’s) previous birth and his promise to wed her. In olden times, Lakshmi, in the form of Vedavati, was staying in an ashram in the forests. At that time, Ravana, the lord of Lanka tried to tempt her. In anger, Vedavati cursed him saying that she would bring about his death.
To show how true her words were, Vedavati walked into the fire, but Agni, the Fire God rescued her. He took Vedavati to his house and entrusted her to his wife’s care. When Ravana was about to carry away Sita from Panchavati, in the absence of Rama and Lakshmana, Agni appeared and offered Vedavati to Ravana as the real Sita who was kept with him by Rama to evade Ravana. Ravana was tricked into thinking that Vedavati was the real Sita.
Ravana took Vedavati to Lanka thinking she was the real Sita, while Agni took Sita to his house and asked his wife Swahadevi to look after her. After the destruction of Ravana, Vedavati entered the fire when rejected by Rama. Then, Agni, offered the real Sita to Rama. Rama then questioned her as to who the other lady by her side was.
Sita informed Rama that the lady was Vedavati who endured Ravana’s torture for ten months in Lanka for her sake. Sita requested Rama to accept Vedavati also as his spouse. But Rama declined her request saying that he believed in having only one wife during his life time. However, He promised to wed her in her next birth as Padmavati, born as the daughter of Akasa Raja, when Rama himself would take the form of Srinivasa(Balaji). After listening to Srinivasa’s story of how he had promised to marry Vedavati in her next birth as Padmavati, Vakuladevi realised that Srinivasa would not be happy unless he married Padmavati. She offered to go to Akasa Raja and his Queen and arrange for the marriage. On the way she met the maidservants of Padmavati returning from a Siva Temple. She learnt from them that Padmavati was also pining for Srinivasa(Balaji). Vakuladevi went along with the maidservants to the Queen.
Meanwhile, Akasa Raja and his queen Dharanidevi were anxious about the health of their daughter, Padmavathi. They learnt about Padmavathi’s love for Srinivasa(Balaji) of Venkata Hill. Akasa Raja
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Srinivas Kalyanam consulted Brihaspati about the propriety of the marriage and was informed that the marriage was in the best interest of both the parties. After the departure of Vakuladevi, Srinivasa(Balaji) could not rest in peace. He doubted if she would succeed in her mission. He, therefore, assumed the form of a lady fortune-teller and entered the streets of the capital telling fortunes. Padmavathi’s maids saw her and invited her to the presence of their Queen.
The maid-servants informed Queen Dharanidevi that the fortune-teller was hesitating to enter the palace without the Queen’s invitation. The Queen came out herself and invited the fortune-teller into the palace.The fortune- teller was taken to the presence of Princess Padmavati.
The fortune-teller read the palm of the Princess and told the Queen about the cause of Padmavati’s indisposition. She advised the Queen to give Padmavati in marriage to Lord Srinivasa(Balaji). She also told the Queen that a lady would approach her shortly on behalf of Lord Srinivasa, to formally request Padmavati’s hand in marriage.
After the departure of the fortune-teller, Vakuladevi arrived at the palace, and was taken by the maidservants to the Queen. She informed the Queen that she had come on behalf Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) to request the hand of Padmavati in marriage.
Having consulted Brihaspati and heard from his Queen about the prediction of the fortune-teller and the arrival of the messenger from Srinivasa(Balaji), Akasa Raja decided to hand his daughter in marriage to Srinivasa. He asked the palace purohits to fix a muhurtam for the marriage. Akasa Raja informed his ministers and other officials of his plans. Immediately, a letter was drafted requesting Srinivasa (Balaji) to come and marry the Princess.
Akasa Raja entrusted the delivery of the letter to Sukamahamunin. Suka went to the Venkata Hill with Vakuladevi. He presented the patrika to Lord Srinivasa(Balaji), who was very happy. The Lord sent his garland for Padmavati through Suka. Immediately, Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) called for a conference of the Gods to win their consent for His marriage to Princess Padmavati.
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Kubera lent money to Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) to meet the expenses of the marriage. Lord Srinivasa(Balaji), along with his
consorts and Lord Brahma and Lord Siva started the journey to the residence of Akasa Raja with his vehicle Garuda. At the palace entrance, Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) was received by Akasa Raja with full honours and taken in procession on a mounted elephant to the palace for the marriage. In the presence of all the Devas, Lord Srinivasa(Balaji) wed Princess Padmavati, thus blessing Akasa Raja.
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Sri Venkateshwara Swamy “Koti Namarchana” & “Koti Deeparchana” With Divine blessing from Lord Venkateshwara Sri, Vadrevu GavaRaju garu started “Venkateshwara Bhakti Prachara Peetam” in 1984. A function was organized in Feb 2010 to celebrate the “Koti Namarchana” & “Koti Deeparchana”. Andhra Pradesh Chief election officer I.V.Subba Rao presided over this event. Since 1984 Vadrevu garu, collected more than 1000 experiences of the devotee’s. And through his Prachara Peetam publicized it throughout A.P. Vadrevu garu collected more than 84 lakhs towards Srivari “Gho Sala”. And he also donated more than 300 plaques with “Vishnu Sahasra Naama” & “Venkateshwara Astottara Satha Naama Strotram”. One of the most important achievements is, from 1987 untill now he made more than 300,000 devotees to write “Sri Srinivasa Aishwarya Maha Mantram”.
One of his close friends Padma Bhushan Dr.Mangalam Palli BalaMurali Krishna garu dedicated an audio recording “Sri Venkateshwara Sahasra Naama Strotram” and presented to him on his 76th birthday. Vadrevu garu recently released a book “Bibi Nachari Charitra” and he is working with Telugu Times to launch “Venkateshwara Bhakti Prachara Peetam” website.