Saptagiri 1 2018

3
SAPTHAGIRI 3
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati
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4 JANUARY, 2018
Makara Sankranti - The Harvest Festival
- Dr. C.V. Sulochana - 7
Sapthagirisa in Sun Chariot
- Dr. G.S.R.K. Babu Rao - 11
Sri Godambika Sri Vratam Nirattotsavam &
Godakalyanam at Tirumala and Tirupati
- Prof. Rani Sadasiva Murty - 15
Aditya Hridayam - A Rainbow of Powerful Rays
- Sri P.T.S. Murthy - 18
Tiruppavai
- Smt. Radha Muralidhar - 21
Pranatosmi Divakaram...
- Sri Vamanan Nampoothiri - 24
Venkatadri - Its Physical Features
- Sri V. Rajagopala Rao - 31
Tirumala During Historical Times
- Smt. Anusha Ramakrishna - 36
Adhyayanotsavam in Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple,
Tirupati
- Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya - 39
Sri Thyagaraja - The Saint Composer
- Sri C. Bheemappa - 42
Tulasi - The Sublime Protector of Good Health
- Dr. M. Krishna Kumar - 45
Srivari Friday Abhishekam at Tirumala
- Sri A. Ramakrishna Deekshitulu - 47
Women in the Ramayana
- Smt. D.K. Ahanalakshmi - 51
Puzzle
- Sri T.S. Jagan Mohan - 53
Front Cover : Lord Venkateswara Swami

Back Cover : Sri Padmavati Devi
5
SAPTHAGIRI 5
IAL LORD SURYA: THE INFINITE WHEEL OF RADIANCE
OR
DIT Saptaswaradha marthandam prachandam kasyapatmajam
E Swetha padma dharam devam tam suryam pranamamyaham
Lord Surya radiates the world like an infinite Wheel of Light and revolves round the three
‘lokas’. He is the marvellous and direct embodiment of Trinity and Time. He controls the movements
of Planets, Subsequently represents the miraculous nature of Time being visible every moment and
creates Days, Nights, Fortnights, Months, Seasons, ‘Ayanas’ and Years.
The infinite-rayed Prabhakara is like an eye to the entire universe. By His unique illumination,
one is able to see boundless Nature and stupendous creation of God. Lord Aditya is eulogized as the
Eye of the Universe and the Eye of the Almighty. One finds the sublime standard of sheen in the Lord.
Lord Sri Krishna confirmed in Gita that Lord Surya is similar to Himself ‘Adityanam aham Vishnum
Jyothisham Raviramsuman’.
According to Mythology, there were many who worshipped the magnificent God of Glitter for
fulfilling their wishes. By worshipping Lord Surya, King Satrajit obtained ‘Syamanthakamani’ which
is capable of showering gigantic masses of gold. Kunthi Devi, the mother of Pandavas got Karna as
son shining with ‘Kavachakundalas’ by praying Lord Ravi. Pleased with the invocation of the king
Dharmaraja, Lord Surya offered ‘Akshayapatra’ to him in order to solve the crisis of food when the
Pandavas were leading a horrible life in the forest. After praying to Lord Surya, the great Sanskrit
poet Mayura’s leprosy was cured.
Renowned as ‘Ramabhaktagresara,’ ‘Chiranjeevi’ and ‘Bhavishyadbrahma,’ Lord Hanuman
became the chief disciple of Lord Surya and learned absolute knowledge from Him. Sage Yagnavalkya
created Sukla Veda and Yajur Veda because of the grace of Lord Aditya. Lord Rama won the battlefield
by worshipping Lord Prabhakara. Lord Venkateswara, the gorgeous god of “Kaliyuga Vaikunta’
prayed the Sun-God and married Goddess Lakshmi. Rathasaptami is also named as Surya Jayanthi’.
He moves his Chariot towards northern direction from this day and gives blessings to devotees.
Let us pray Lord Surya who is the direct and visible embodiment of all deities in order to fulfill
our noble desires. Lord Surya sanctions wealth, health, progeny, education and many accomplishments
to His devotees. He protects equilibrium in Nature by His movement. When He rises in the Sky, all
movable and immovable entities will be awakened every day. He acts as the witness of ‘Karma’ by
following the rule of punctuality. No one can conquer Time. Lord Surya reminds the world about the
philosophy of passing Time every moment directly.
On the day of 'Rathasapthami', let us have a holy bath after putting the ‘Jilledu (Arka)’ leaves
on our head and chant the following sloka in order to possess Lord’s benediction:
Sapta Sapta Maha Sapta Sapta Dweepa Vasundhara
Saptarka Parnamaadhayasapthami Rathasapthami
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The sun changes from one zodiac sign to In Andhra Pradesh Makara Sankranti is
another zodiac sign once in every 30 days. The celebrated for 4 days. The first day is Bhogi. The
time at which the sun changes the zodiac sign is second day is Makara Sankranti and third and
called 'Sankramanam'. The day on which fourth days are Kanuma and Mukkanuma
sankramanam occurs is called 'Sankranti'. There respectively.
are 12 Sankrantis in an year. Among them, 4
Bhogi :The last day of Danus Sankranti is
Sankrantis are very important. They are Mesha
Bhogi. People celebrate it with a great zeal and
Sankranti, Karkataka Sankranti, Dhanus Sankranti
happiness as it is the first festival in English new
and Makara Sankranti. A period of six months is
called 'Ayanam'. Two Ayanams or one year is equal year. One day before people collect derelict objects
to one day for Gods. The first six months which is like broken furniture, spoiled mats, used brooms,
called Uttarayanam is a day and remaining six used winnowers, logs and dry branches of the trees
months which is called Dakshinayanam is a night etc. On Bhogi day in early hours they put bonfires
for Gods. Uttarayanam begins with Makara in front of their houses with the collected objects.
Sankranti and ends with Karkataka Sankranti. The series of the bonfires in the streets feast our
Dakshinayanam begins with Karkataka Sankranti eyes with emitting flames and smoke. The cold
and ends with Makara Sankranti. Danus Sankranti atmosphere at that place turns warm gradually.
comes just one month before Makara Sankranti. Some people boil water in pots on these bonfires
Makara Sankranti is one among the biggest for taking oil bath with this water. In rural areas,
festivals celebrated by the Indians. Though the women combine their hands with others hands and
origin of the festival is not known exactly, it is traced go around the bonfires by singing and dancing.
back to the time of Aryans who worshipped the Every one clean their houses and take oil bath on
Sun God to save and protect them from the hot Bhogi day. Some people go to the temple as it is
sunny summer and cold winters. the last day of Dhanurmasa.
SAPTHAGIRI 7
Dhanurmasa is an auspicious month for are decorated with turmeric powder, red vermilion
because Goda devi, the incarnation of Bhudevi (the powder, flowers and with different types of grains)
mother earth) worshipped Sri Ranganatha swami in between rangoli, one in the middle and the
with her Tiruppavai pasurams during remaining around it. The middle one is treated as
Dhanurmasam and married Ranganatha swami on Krishna or Gauri devi and the remaining are treated
this Bhogi day. In almost all vaishnavite temples as gopikas. These gobemmalu are then dried and
Goda kalyanam with Ranganatha swami will be used as fuel for cooking payasam on Rathasaptami
performed on Bhogi day. The idol of Goda devi will or on Sankranti. Magha suddha saptami is
be brought to the kalyana mandapam in a Bhogi Rathasaptami, the birth day of the Sun god. The
chariot which is specially made for this occasion. other special attraction of Bhogi is Haridas.
The special attraction of Bhogi is felt with the Haridas specially dress within saffron clothes,
colourful rangoli (or muggulu) drawn in front of the applying namams on their forehead, putting a bowl
houses. It indicates the beginning of Dhanurmasa like pumpkin on their head, holding cymbols in one
and goes upto Mukkanuma. It is said that, Goda hand and thambura in another hand, fitting anklets
devi drew rangoli to invite lord Krishna to her house. to their legs. They are considered as replica of
During Danurmasa unmarried girls get up before sage Narada, a divine devotee of lord Vishnu. They
dawn and draw rangoli in front their houses. Then walk along the streets by singing sundarakanda
they worship lord Krishna to bless them with best and Bhagavatam during Dhanurmasa. They create
bridegroom. Various kinds of rangoli like flowers, a devotional atmosphere there. It is believed that
birds, animals, musical instruments, dolls, flower they should not be sent away without giving any
vase, pots and sugar cane can be drawn during alms. They accept rice, money, vegetables and
entire festival month. Some women arrange other offerings.
gobemmalu (gobemmalu are cow dung balls which
In some places an old tradition of
Bhommalakoluvu is seen. It is showcasing of dolls
for 3 days commencing with Bhogi. Women and
children arrange interestingly the dolls in aesthetic
and thematic fashion. They invite neighbours and
friends and distribute Thambulam (Betel leaves and
nuts with Bananas) as part of the tradition.
At houses pulihora (Tamarind rice), hot

pongal, bobattlu/poli/poornalu (prepared with atta/
liquid rice flour and paste of jaggery and Bengal
gram). In the evening the elders in the house pour
a mixture of flower petals, jujube berries, pieces of
sugar cane and coins (called Bhogi pallu) on the
heads of the children to protect the children from
an evil eye. They invite neighbours on this eve.
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Sankranti: The next day of Bhogi is Makara The master plays Nadaswaram and the
Sankranti. Uttarayana punyakala begins with Makara accompanying person beats dolu. It
Sankranti. It is believed that people who die during this six symbolises the upcoming good luck of the
months period will go directly to vaikuntam. This is the householders.
reason why Bhishma in Mahabharata who got voluntary
The puranas says that on this day
death as a boon from his father waited until this time to
the Sun visits the house of his son Shani
leave his body. People drop tila tarpan (dropping black
who is head of the Makararasi. This day
sesame seeds with water) to their dead ancestors to
symbolises the healthy relationship of
liberate them from their sins they committed and to let
father and son.
them continue their journey to Vaikuntam.
Kanuma: The next day of Sankranti
Sankranti is a festival in reverence to the deity surya.
is the day of Kanuma. People must take
So women wake up before dawn,clean their courtyard draw head bath on this day to get rid of Kanuma
beautiful rangoli and fill rangoli with various colours. Then peeda. Here a proverb is said as “ Even
they decorate the entrance of their house with mari gold crow take a dip in water “. Kanuma is a
festoons and the thresholds by applying turmeric and festival of animals. Sankranti is a right time
vermilion paste. After taking bath and wearing new clothes for farmers to express their gratitude to
they worship the sun god and offer payasam. This payasam their cattle which played an important role
is cooked in specially decorated earthen pots on the flame
lit with cow dung cakes (which have been preserved for it)
under the pavilion of sugar cane sticks in the presence of
Sun god.
Sankranti is an harvest festival. So Godess Lakshmi

will also be worshipped in the names of Dhanya Lakshmi
or Sankranti Lakshmi to bless the farmers with good
yieldings.
The new sons-in law are invited to their parents-in-

law for Sankranti along with their better halves for a big
feast. Garelu (made of black gram), Arisalu/attirasalu (made
of rice flour and jaggery) along with other items are served
in the meal on this day.
The big attraction of Sankranti is gangireddu.

Gangireddu is a sacred bull which is considered as a form
of Nandhiswara, a divine vehicle of Lord Siva. They are
decorated with various clothes and with ringing bells around
their neck and led by their master. The master goes house
to house along with the bull and an accompanying person.
9
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 9
in the harvest. Hence pomp. Some betting is done on cattle. Rangoli competitions are conducted
farmers wake up early in for women. Children play with kites. Kite flying also has a symbolic meaning.
the morning and clean It is said that the higher your kite goes, the higher you will rise in future.
their oxen. They paint
Sankranti Across Country
their horns and decorate
Makara Sankranti is celebrated across the country in different names
them with Marigold
and with different regional significances. It is called 'Pedda panduga' in
flowers. Then they feed
Andhra and Telangana, Pongal inTamilnadu, Suggi Habba in Karnataka,
them and give harati. 'Go
Makara Sankranti in Keral & Maharastra, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Maghi in
puja' is also performed at
Punjab, Bhogili Bhihu is Assam, Magha saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Kicheri
the temples. Some
in Uttara Pradesh, Poush Parbon in West Bengal and Til sankrant in Bihar
farmers go to their fields,
etc. Kite flyings and Bon fires are common in all states.
sacrifice a goat or sheep
and sprinkle the blood in The another prominence of Makara Sankranti in North India is
their field. Some farmers Govardhan pooja. It is performed on the second day of Makara Sankranti.
take cooked rice and milk According to some Puranas on this day Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan hill
to the cattle shed offer to protect the people of Gokulam. Once lord Krishna asked the people of
some of it to the cattle and Gokulam to worship the Govardhana hill which blocked the clouds and
the remaining to their provided rain. This made lord Indra angry. To avenge this insult Indra created
fields and scatter it there. thunder storms and rain. It flooded Gokulam. To protect people, cows and
They believe that this other animals lord Krishna lifted Govardana hill. People found shelter under
offering keeps the ghosts the hill. Soon Indra realized his folly and took refuge from Krishna.
away from their crops. On However the significance and sentiment attached to the festival vary
this day blessings are from region to region, it symbolises the Indian culture. Moreover Sankranti
taken from the elders. is a festival that brings social harmony, bio unity in addition to happiness,
Especially married prosperity and good luck for all.
women bless each other
with turmeric paste for
Sowbhagyam.
Mukkanuma: The
concluding day of a four
day festival is
mukkanuma, a joyful
day.Cock fights, bull fights
and ram fights etc. are
organized with joy and
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Divine Festoons
Surya Bhagawan, the only visible
God to mankind, is so kind hearted that
anyone who prays to him chanting “Tam
Suryam Pranamamyaham” is blessed by
him with health, life span. He is worshipped
with several names – Jagatrakshak (the
protector of the Universe), Lok Bandhav
(friend to the world), Padma Bhandhav
(friend to lotuses), Aditya (son of Aditi),
Martanda (Successful person), Bhaskara
(Light maker) Bhanu (Bright one).
Lord Krishna made it clear that Surya

is no different from him. He stated that
"Adityaanaa Aham Vishnu", Lord Vishnu
further made it clear that Jyotisham Ravi
Ramsuman which means of the
Paramjyotis that are brightly lighting up the
world, he is the sun.
Surya Bhagawan, the embodiment

of light, is not different from
are significant. From the time the Sun enters Capricornus
Srimannarayana (Lord Vishnu). Radha
[Makara] zone, the period of six months, is called
Sapthami is celebrated on the seventh day
Uttarayana. From the time the Sun enters Cancer
of Magha (Magha Shukla Sapthami), the
[Karkataka] zone, the next six months, is called
day Lord Surya was born as a son to
Dakshinayana. Even though the Sun’s chariot moves
Kasyapa Prajapati. It is also called Surya
northwards from Makara Sankramana day, the wheels of
Jayanti. People worship him this day.
the chariot turns northward fully only from Ratha Sapthami
Surya Bhagawan Controls the Nine festival onwards.
Grahas [planets]
It is believed auspicious to worship Lord Sun who is
It is Surya Bhagawan who controls the bestower of health, from this festival onwards.
the nine Grahas (planets) all through and
On Ratha Sapthami day people keep White
ensures that the kalachakra moves on with
Gigantea leaves, or at least Gigantea [jilledu in Telugu] in
perfect precision.
the morning — one on the head, two on each shoulder,
The sun stays in one rashi a month one on the neck, another on the throat, one on the heart
across the twelve rashis, which are called and one on the navel – in all, seven leaves, and take bath
Zodiac signs. Of these, Makara while praying to Lord Surya. If Gigantea leaves are not
Sankramana [entering Capricornus] and available, the next best is Badari [BerHindi, ReguTelugu]
Karkataka Sankramana [entering Cancer] leaves.
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 11 11
Syamtank Mani Shukla Yajurved
In DwaparYug, a king called Satrajit worshipped Lord Once Sage
Surya in the mornings. Pleased with his worship, Lord Surya Yagnavalka, a disciple of
blessed him with a diamond, Syamantak Mani, which used to Sage Jaimini had a serious
yield tons of gold every day. Satyabhama, one of the wives of tiff with his guru in a matter
Lord Krishna, was the daughter of Satrajit. He married his relating to King Janaka. Both
daughter to Lord Krishna and also gifted the invaluable diamond of them were unyielding and
along.
heated arguments ensued.
The infuriated guru, Jaimini
Further, the cow dung dumplings that were placed in front of ordered his disciple to
the houses amidst colourful rangolis and dried subsequently in the abdicate all the knowledge
form of cakes, are lighted in traditional charcoal stoves. Cow milk that he had imparted.
is boiled in a vessel on this and payas is prepared in sunlight, and Immediately, Yagnavalka
then offered to Lord Sun along with prayer rituals. This is called obeyed it and vomited all the
knowledge that had gained
Sapthami Vrat.
from his guru. Then he
Saptha Sapthami Swapan Vrat prayed to the Sun Lord and
assumed him as his guru.
There are people who undertook Saptha Sapthami Swapan
Because of his new guru, he
Vrat and worshipped Lord Surya and got children. could study the Vedas. That’s
Long ago, there lived an emperor Kritaveerya for the empire what has emerged as Shukla
of Saptha Dweepa Mandala [seven island area]. His wife was Yajurveda. Since then, the
pundits of Shukla Yajurveda
Sheeladharadevi. After they have ruled the kingdom for a long time,
are called Yaagnavalkas. In
their one hundred sons died due to a curse given by Sage Chyavan.
the Sukla Yajurveda imparted
On the advice of Brihaspati, they did upasana to Lord Surya for an by Surya Bhagawan, the
heir. Surya bhagawan gave darshan and asked him to perform worship of Sun and the
Saptha Sapthami Swapan Vrat as it would ward off all the sins and worship of Sri Sudarshan are
bestows them progeny. Thereon, Kritaveerya performed the vrat prominent.
and got Kartaveeryarjuna as son, who according to Datta Purana,
is an incarnation of Sri Sudarshana Bhagawan.
Mayur Sataka
There are people who worshipped Lord Surya and got rid off
dreadful afflictions and gained full health.
Once a person by name Mayura was afflicted white leprosy.

Because of this, no one let him anywhere near them and were
averse even to talk with him. Under this pitiable condition, someone
suggested to Mayura to worship Surya Bhagawan. He prayed to
Lord Surya with 100 poems. His disease disappeared promptly.
That set of 100 poems gained prominence as Mayura Sataka and
is being chanted by several people.
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Saptha Girisha on Surya Chariot his five weapons – konch [shell],
The festival of Ratha Sapthami is traditionally celebrated in Sri disc, mace, sword and the bow.
Venkatachala Kshetra, the Vaikunt of Kaliyug. Further, he will be adorned with

glittering diamond-studded
On the day of Ratha Sapthami, the celebrations of Surya Jayanti
jewels, nine-gem necklaces and
are celebrated by Lord Tirumalesh tumultuously with thousands of
a dazzling crown, which will
devotees. That day from dawn to dusk the Lord of Seven Hills goes
reflect the first sun rays from the
in a procession in seven different vahans [vehicles].
crown to the feet. He will be in a
First, exactly at dawn, the Lord will be ready in the North-West glorious mien. Such a glory
corner for going in a clock wise pradaksh in procession on the golden
should be seen and
sun chariot which is drawn by seven horses. He will be armed with all
experienced, but cannot be
described in words. This
Lord Hanuman was the disciple of Lord Surya
memorable scene can be
When Hanuman was a boy, he looked at the red glowing round witnessed only in the morning
Sun and thought it was a fruit and leaped up and tried to swallow it. of Ratha Sapthami.
Lord Indra came to the rescue of the Sun and hit Hanuman with his
deadly diamond weapon, Vajrayudh. Hanuma was hit on his jaws It’s an indelible
and had a dent there. That is why he is called Hanumantha. Then, experiences to witness the Lord
Hanuma requested Lord Surya to impart education to him. who is worshipped with the rays
To this Surya said, “I won’t stay in one place. Even if I halt of Lord Sun and also with aarati
briefly, the rotation of time gets affected. How can you learn from and dhoop. All our wishes would
me?” Responding to this Anjaneya increased his size to such an be fulfilled in addition to giving
extent that he put one of his feet on the ‘dawn mountain’ and the immense and inexplicable
other on ‘dusk mountain’. Delighted with this Surya assumed the delight. Then the Lord reaches
role of guru to Hanuma and educated him. Thus Anjaneya learnt
vahan mandap in Suryaprabha
music and nine grammars [navya vyakaranas].
vahan.
The celebrations of Ratha

Sapthami which begin with
Surya Prabha chariot, are done
on Chinna Sesha Vahan,
Garuda Vahan, Hanuma
Vahan. Also, the sacred disc is
immersed in the Lord’s tank and
then He goes on in a procession
on Kalpa Vriksha Vahan,
SarvaBhoopala Vahan and
finally in the night, on
Chandraprabha Vahan.
13
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 13
In all, Lord Srinivasa goes in a procession in
seven chariots round the temple town on this
occasion of Surya Jayanti which is called One day
Brahmotsav or Ardha Brahmotsav.
Lord of Seven Hills and Surya Bhagawan,

who rides a chariot of seven horses are one and
the same. Even then, Sri Venkateswara ingrained
Surya Bhagawan and worshipped him. When did
this happen? Where and why did this happen?
About 5,000 years ago, Srinivasa, in order

to appease Sri Mahalaxmi dug a lotus pond in
Tiruchanoor kshetra. He planted lotus plants and
to keep them always in a blossomed state, he
ingrained Lord Surya idol there and worshipped
him. Sri Laxmi Devi who emerged from that lake
got the name Padmavathi or Alamelmanga.
Also, it is auspicious to visit the Padma

Sarovar in Tiruchanoor [Alamer Mangapuram],
Lord Surya enthralled by Srinivasa himself and
Akshay Patra above all Sri Padmavati, who came out in the Lotus
The Pandavas had a divine vessel, Lake. Such darshan would cause good results and
Akshay Patra with them during their exile that shower riches, besides good health.
ensured that there is no paucity of food for them Aditya Hridayam
during their difficult days. That vessel is used to
All of us are aware of Rama-Ravana battle,
give them any food they wished unlimitedly.
which lasted for several days. During that time,
They were able to provide a full-fledged feast
Sage Agastya visited Rama. Ramachandra
to their guests, irrespective of their numbers,
requested him to suggest a technique to win the
even in dense forest. They got that vessel by
the grace of Lord Surya when Yudhishter prayed war. Thereon, Agastya gave him a stotra called
to him to grant a boon ensuring food for them “Aditya Hridayam” and asked Rama to recite it
and their guests. Lord Surya who was pleased with devotion and worship Surya for victory in the
with him gifted Akshay Patra and said that it battle. Thus, the stotra “Aditya Hridayam”
would give any quantity of food. However, once bestowed victory to Rama. Even now, people recite
Draupati finishes her meal, it would not work for Aditya Hridayam for success in any
the day. venture and good health.
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Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal as popular and worried badly. He observed fasting for the
in Tamil Vaishnava Tradition are the names of the mistake done. Then he had a dream in which Sri
same great person. Godambika was the only Ranganatha Swami (an aspect of Lord Vishnu)
female of Vaishnava Dharma among the 12 alwars asked him to offer the garlands to Him everyday
or azhwars. She was praised as the human only after Godambika bedecks them first. It became
incarnation of Goddess Bhudevi as a little baby a practice in the Temple ever since to offer the
found in the Tulasi Garden at Sri Villiputtur having garlands in that manner only. Then onwards she
not been born from any mother ’s womb. was called Amuktamalyada in Sanskrit and
Vishnuchitta or Periyalwar while collecting Tulasi Cudikodutta nacchiyar in Tamil. Godambika’s
leaves for preparing garlands to Lord Vishnu’s devotion and love for Lord Vishnu were growing
worship found this female baby in the Tulasi stronger and stronger. She had a strong desire to
Garden brought home and started nourishing. Thus be the spouse of Sri Mahavishnu (Vatapatra Sayi)
she was brought up as the daughter of of Sri Villiputtur. Hence she decided to perform a
Vishnuchitta. Since her childhood she had been a one-month length austerity worshipping Lord
staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. She took Vishnu just as the Gopikas performed Katyayani
worshipping Lord Vishnu as the only prime duty of Vrata in the Dvapara Yuga to procure Sri Krishna
her life. While she was growing she used to bedeck as their husband. The day she began the austerity,
her hair with the garlands to be offered to the God. was the first day of Dhanurmasa. Thus during those
Vishnuchitta who had no knowledge of this used 30 days she wrote 30 Pasurams in praise of Sri
to offer those garlands to the God Vishnu. One Maha Vishnu. At the end of the 30 th day Sri
day he saw the hair of his daughter on a garland Ranganatha graced and accepted her hand in
15
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 15
marriage. Thus she became the spouse of Sri Nirattotsavam is an annual festival performed
Ranganatha Swami. The thirty pasurams wrote by for seven days before to the annual BHOGI festival.
her occupied a very prominent place among the
The NIRATTAM means ABHISHEKA or
four thousand PASURAMS written by all the 12 Sacred bath to the Goddess. The sequence of the
Alwars. daily events in the seven day festival is performed
TIRUPPAVAI VRATAM at TIRUMALA in the following manner. After the early morning
Dhanurmasa Puja at the Govindarajaswami
Since that day in all the Vaishnava Temples,
Temple, the idol of Godambika is brought out in a
a festival has been celebrated for Thirty Days in
beautifully decorated Palanquin to the banks of the
the entire Dhanurmasa by name TIRUPPAVAI
Ramachandra Pushkarini through the holy streets
which means “The Austerity of the Divine
surrounding the Govindaraja Swamy temple. There
Goddess”. As in all the other traditional Vaishnava
on an elevated platform of Niratta Mandapa,
temples in the Tirumala Temple also this
Goddess Godambika is seated to be visible to all
TIRUPPAVAI is grandly celebrated. As a part of
the devotees and start the performance of Nirattam
these celebrations at Tirumala the early morning,
(Abhishekam) with sacred waters, cow milk and
instead of Suprabhata the recitation of the
other panchaamritam reciting various Suktams like
Tiruppavai Pasurams of Sri Godambika is done in
Sri Sukta, Bhu Sukta, Nila Sukta etc. After Nirattam
the Sanctum Sanctorum. On the bosom of Sri
or Abhisheka the priests offer Naivedyam or Sacred
Venkateswara Swami just by the side of the small
Food to the Goddess. Then Sattumora prayers are
idol of Sridevi a golden parrot is decorated in all
recited followed by the Divine Assembly called
the thirty days of Dhanurmasa.
'Asthanam'. This process goes till the evening. In
NIRATTOTSAVAM AT TIRUPATI SRI GOVINDA the evening, Goddess Godambika is well
RAJASWAMI TEMPLE decorated with flower garlands and seated in the
While Dhanurmasa is celebrated on the Tirucchi vahanam. A procession starts from the
Tirumala hill in this manner the Nirattotsavam is Ramachandra Pushkarini through the holy streets
celebrated as a part of Dhanurmasa festival at Sri and the Goddess is brought back to the temple of
Govindarajaswami Temple at Tirupati. Sri Govindarajaswami while the Vedic scholars
chant Vedic hymns and the musicians play on
various instruments throughout the procession. In
this manner this NIRATTOTSAVAM is celebrated
for seven days.
BHOGI TERU on 14-01-2018
On the eighth day i.e., BHOGI which is the

previous day to Makara Sankranti the BHOGI
TERU festival is performed with festive fervour. As
a part of this festival the well ornamented idols of
Sri Godambika and Sri Krishna Swami are seated
16
16 JANUARY, 2018
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Sri Chakrattalwar in Alwar Tank at Kapila Tirtham.
In the evening a procession of the deities Sri
Godambika and Sri Krishna Swami is led in the
holy streets of Sri Govindarajaswami temple.
KALYANAM
The grand celebration of the Divine

Kalyanam of Sri Godambika with Sri Krishna Swami
is performed on the day of KANUMA, the next day
to Makara Sankranti in the Kumbha Harati
Mandapam following the scriptural instructions of
Agamas. During that Kalyanam event, the Purana
recitation of Sri Goda Kalyanam also goes on as
a customary part.
Thus the grand series of Godambika Festival

with various month-long events is celebrated with
great devotion, dedication to the God and Goddess
and with an unparallel festive zeal.
in a beautifully decorated Chariot and a procession
is led around the sacred streets around the Holy
SOLUTION TO PUZZLE
Temple of Sri Govindarajaswami.
1 2 3 4 5
The Nirattotsavam and Bhogi Teru together
K A N W A M V
is a nine day festival in all the Vaishnava Divya
I A N U R
Desams. But in the Govindarajaswami temple of
Tirupati, this is celebrated for eight days of which 6 7
D I M G E M U
in the first seven days the Nirattotsavam is
celebrated and on the eighth day Bhogi Teru is U A K
celebrated.
8 9
M U C H O D A
With the advent of Makara Sankramanam the
10
holy Dhanurmasa comes to an end and the A H I
Makaramasa begins.
11 12 13
N I N A L W A
CHAKRA SNANAM AND PROCESSION OF THE
DEITIES D D A D
In the morning hours of MAKARA 14 15
SANKRANTI day, the Sacredbath is performed to A D D I N D R I
17
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 17
Lord Rama was the incarnation of Lord taking birth for three times as his enemies in
Vishnu. Of all the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, different yugas. They took birth as 'Hiranyakashipu'
Rama’s avatar was personification of all virtues. and 'Hiranyaksha' in the Krutayuga and in their
He was embodiment of dharma and stood tall in second birth in Tretayuga, they took the form of
glorification of true values that, one should cultivate 'Ravana' and 'Kumbhakarna'. In Dwaparayuga they
as human being. At times, he had to expound his were born as 'Shishupala' and 'Dantavakra'.
virtuous role and in obscure, he needed an advice
God always protects his devotees. The story
from a guru when he had encountered a critical
of Ambareesha is an example to the traits of the
situation between dharma and adharma. His guru,
God. Rama being an incarnation of virtues and
Vishwamitra counselled him the role of a king when
protector of Dharma needed clarification from a
he was in doubt to kill Thataki, a woman demon.
guru whether he could kill his own devotee.Sage
Similar situation was faced by Rama when Agastya visited Rama along with other devatas and
he was to kill Ravana, because this time it was to rishis when Rama was fatigued after fighting and
demolish his own devotee. Jaya and Vijaya, two killing several demons during the war with Ravana.
demigods were the dwarapalakas (gate keepers) Sage Agastya was a powerful and revered sage.
of the abode of Lord Vishnu. These protectors of When Rama, Sita and Laxmana visited his ashram
Vaikunta opposed the entry of four Kumaras when he bestowed Rama with a powerful bow and many
Lord Vishnu was resting. The saints cursed them arrows. Agastya's enormous abilities were
to lose their divine stature and take birth as human described in Ramayana, Mahabharata. He had
beings on the earth. They pleaded Lord Vishnu to powers to drink all the oceans in one gulp and dried
spare them from the wrath of the saints as they them to bring out demons hiding under the oceans.
can not bear the separation from Vishnu. Lord In order to nip the ego of Vindhya mountain the
Vishnu said that he can not negate the curse, but saint ordered him to bend down till he returned
can given them an option to regain their status after from south. He never went back.
Yadyajanmakrutam paapam Mayaa Sapthaya Janmasu

Tavya Roogancha Soocancha Samastham Hamthu Sapthamee
On Rathasapthami day one should reciete this Sloka while taking headbath.
Every one must put Arka (Jilledu) leaves and Jujube fruits to get rid of sins.
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When Sage Agastya visited Rama he was in a He is one God who possessed the
perplexed situation. To arm with powers par excellence mighty powers of all Gods and is only one
and clear the doubts which were in the mind of Rama, with such a stature. This was the reason why
Agastya recited Aditya Hridayam to him. It is the heart Agastya advised Lord Rama to pray Lord
of Lord Surya which contains 31 slokas in Yuddhakanda Surya (Sun God).
of Valmiki Ramayana.
Further describing the powers of Lord
Sage Agastya addressed Rama as the mighty Surya, Agastya said to Rama that, Lord Surya
armed elegant Rama and advised him to listen to the shines with brilliant light having infinite rays
eternal secret that would allow him to win over all his that dispel darkness, gives happiness,
enemies in the battle. He said that the supreme prayer prosperity. He is the mitigator of the sufferings
is for Lord Surya who is a visual God, destroyer of all and represents the form of omnipresence. He
enemies and who brings victory and perennial is the ruler of the sky and the master of all
happiness.Agastya further said that this supreme prayer vedas (religious scriptures).
attributed to Lord Surya destroys all sins, clears all
In the sloka 15, he was attributed as
doubts and alleviates worry and sorrow, anxiety, anguish.
lord of the constellations, stars, planets and
It increases the longevity of life. Lord Surya is a remover
originator of all things in the universe.
of all diseases and mental block in virtual thinking. He is
(Nakshtragrahataranamadhipoviswabhavanah,
embodiment of all gods. Agastya said,
kavirvishvomahatejaraktahsarvabhvodbhava).
“Yesha Brahma cha Vishunu cha
The Day starts and ends with him. He provides
ShivahSkandahPrajapatihi |
light, life and happiness to human beings. All
MahendroDhanadahkalo
planets revolve around him, shine on his
YamahSomoHyapampatihi ||
mercy. He is devourer of all sins and he
Lord represents the trinity, Brahma, Vishnu,
possesses the powers of Lord Shiva. All
Maheshwar. And also has powers of Skanda, Indra,
seasons are centred around his movements.
Kubera, Kala (time), Yama (the Lord of Death), Moon
and Varuna. Lord Surya is the primordial being
manifesting as Trinity. He is the remover of
intellectual obstructions. He is omniscient
protecting the universe and all the actions of
humans. Further elaborating the powers of
Lord Surya and his immense potential in
destroying the enemies, Agastya said :
Vedashchakratavashchaivakratunamphalameva cha |
Yanikrityanilokeshusarvaesharavihprabhuh ||
Lord Surya is the origin and protector
of all vedas. He dictates the universal path of
the humans. He is the Lord of all actions. He
prescribes the fruits of success in relations to
their actions. He is embodiment of rich
attributes of the Vedas.
19
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 19
After describing the powers of Lord Surya, Dharma Raja with Akshaya Patra. The great
Agastya assures Lord Rama that by reciting the Hanuman had learnt all vedas from Lord Surya.
Aditya Hridayam thrice, he would triumph over
Prayers to him are simple. One must offer
Ravana. Rama became brave and energetic and
oblations in the early morning standing opposite
free from all worries and found a direction from his
Guru. All his fears were dispelled. to him (facing towards east) in a pond of water or
flowing river and offer argyam (water flowing
Rama then performed the adoration to Lord
through the palm of the hands) three times and he
Surya, recited Aditya Hridayam thrice and
is pleased. He provides bountiful boons to his
armoured with huge powers lifted his bow to fight
Ravana to death. devotees. He blesses his devotees with great
health, wealth and prosperity.
Lord Surya with all the Gods surrounding him,
appeared and blessed Rama with great mental and In phalashruti, Agastya said :
physical well being and ordered him to kill Ravana. Enamapatsukrichchhreshukantareshubhayeshu cha |
Kirtayanpurushahkashchinnavasidatiraghava ||
The Aditya Hridayam concludes with the
following stanza affirming that who ever had faith Oh Raghava, one who chants this prayer of
in the divine grace of Lord Surya will always be Lord Surya in any critical situation, such as
victorious in their efforts because the doubts will physical, mental and / or spiritual, he will overcome
be blown out like breeze scatters cotton and great of them successfully and he will always be blessed
strength is attained.
by the Lord.
“Aadharaviravadanneerashyaramammuditha
Lord Sun is considered volatile, radiant and
manahaparamamp rahushyamaanah |
Nisicharapathisamshyamvidetvasuragana emitor of heat. He represents vitality, courage, will
Madhya gathovachastvareti || power, authority. He is powerful and all pervading.
BENEFITS OF RECITING ADITYA HRIDAYAM Salutations to Sun (Surya Namaskara) is a form of
Lord Rama through the words of Agastya yogic practices for better health. Suryopasana
provided to us the great nourishing powers of Lord (worship of Lord Surya) is done by reciting Aditya
Surya. Simple recitation of the Aditya Hridayam will Hridayam to drive away fear, obtain success, fame
please the Lord as he is only visual God of all Gods. and power.
He directs and dictates the lives of the people by
One can obtain graceful blessings of Lord
controlling the placement of all planets. He provides
Surya by reciting Aditya Hridayam.
great health, vitality and aura to the devotees. His
accomplishments are fast, powerful and his prayers “Namahpoorvayagirayepaschimayadrayenamah |
yield immediate results. Jyothirgananampatayedinadhipatayenamah ||
Jayatujayatusuryamsaptalokaikadipam |
There are several stories in the vedic texts
Kiranasamita papa klesakhasyanasam ||
and puranas about how he blessed people by mere
prayers presented to him. Satrajit has been "I pray to the Sun God who is emperor of all
presented with Syamanthakamani which produced Seven Worlds and who destroys sins,
Gold everyday, Kunti with a mighty Son, Karna, pain, anguish."
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20 JANUARY, 2018
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The sacred Dhanur–Margali month is
associated inextricably with Goda Devi (Andal)
and her garland of thirty verses which are
chanted in all temples and homes in the early
hours before dawn. Andal is the most famous
southern tip of a vast country and could not think
among the Alwar saints and occupies a special
of to go to the land that witnessed the leelas of
status among the Alwars. Her ‘Tiruppavai’ is
Krishna’s childhood in the extreme north, a
perhaps the most well known work among the
thousand miles away from her place. But her
Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. Acharyas
dwelling on the esoteric substance of the Divya romantic, poetic imagination was free and
Prabhandham have all unanimously said that unfettered enabling her to assume the identity of
the core essence of all the works is the a damsel in Brindavan. The local temple of
worshipful adoration of the Archa form of the Vatapathrasayee became the mansion of Nanda
Lord in temples. This article is an attempt to and Yashoda, the temple-tank the holy Yamuna
study Andal’s Tiruppavai from this point of view. and all her friends became young Gopikas who
would join her to perform the “Pavai Nombu”.
Andal in her second work called the
‘Naachiyar Thirumozhi’ consisting of one Going back to the initial theory that the focus
hundred and forty three verses has sung about of all the hymns of the Alwars is the Archa form as
many kshetras like Thirumaaliruncholai, seen in temples, let us delve into Tiruppavai to
Tiruvengadam, Srirangam, Srivilliputtur, Madura, understand what are the Divya deshas that were
Brindavan, Dwaraka, Thirukudandai, in Andal’s mind when she sang this. The kshetras
Thirukkannapuram, Paramapadam and that find a definite mention are “Thiruparkadal”- the
Thirupparkadal. But her Tiruppavai is a milky ocean in Verse-2 and “Vada Madurai” the
composition of a distinct genre where Andal birthplace of Krishna in Verse-5. The other kshetra,
travels back in time to the magical era of the the name of which is explicitly stated is, “Ani
Dwapara Yuga when the Lord incarnated as puduvai” in the last verse wherein Andal speaks of
Krishna. She imagines herself to be a Gopika herself as “Ani puduvai painkamala thandariyal
in the pastoral community of chieftain Nanda. bhattarpiran kodhai”, this divyadesha has a distinct
The legendary bhakti of the Gopikas has been claim to fame as it is the birth place of the father –
described at length in Srimad Bhagavatam and daughter duo. Both of them lived here, served the
Andal herself spoke of them with gushing words Lord and adored him with floral garlands and
of admiration as “Needuninra niraipughazh garlands of verses. The kshetra has been sung by
aaychiyar”. Their fame was not limited to their both them in one verse each, though Periyalwar
village or region but was spread wide, all over unfailingly spoke of himself with great pride as
the nation. It has also triumphed over time which “Villiputtur Vishnuchittan” and his daughter echoing
usually casts a sepia effect and fades out the his feeling calling herself “Veyar pughazh
spectacular lives of the most rich and powerful. Villiputturkon kodai” remembering both her father
Fascinated by the devotion of the Gopikas which and their native place. All acharyas dwelling on the
won them the love of Krishna, Andal chose to theme of Tiruppavai have held that the entire
follow their footsteps to attain the Lord’s grace. Paavai nombu is set in Srivilliputtur and it was to
She was a young girl living in Srivilliputtur at the the Lord of this kshetra that Andal offered her
SAPTHAGIRI 21 21
SAPTHAGIRI
“Soodikoduththa Malai” and her “Paamalai” too! this charithra (history) in mind the invocatory verse
The benedictory verse on Andal chanted after (Taniyan) to Tiruppavai composed by
Tiruppavai “Kodai piranda oor” brings out this Uyyakkondar,
association. The presence of this temple town “Annavayal puduvai andal arangarkku
decorates the face of the world like a lustrous pannu thirruppavai pal padiyam innisayaal
jewel. It is indeed “Ani Puduvai” as described by padikkoduthal narpaamalai poomalai
Andal. The deity of Andal is enshrined in every soodikkoduthalai chollu”
Vaishnava temple and her Avatara utsavam on
dedicated Andal’s hymn to Lord
Thiruvadi Pooram, Margazhi Tiruppavai utsavam
Ranganatha. This marks Lord Ranganatha’s
are celebrated with great spiritual fervor. But the
special grace and Andal’s passion for the Lord
zeal that is seen in Srivilliputtur particularly during
that is condensed in her verses.
the ‘Neerata’ utsavam is unparalleled as Andal
Uyyakkondar’s second Taniyan,
is accorded a primary position here and the Lord
“Soodikkodutha sudarkodiye!- thol paavai
himself gladly assumes a secondary status.
padi arula valla palvalayai!- nadi nee
Srivilliputtur like Thirunarayoor, Tiruchanoor is a
vengadavarkku ennai vidhi enra immatram
kshetra where the Devi reigns supreme.
naangadavaa vanname nalgu”
Andal completed her penance in the month
Recalls her exquisitely sweet decad of
of Margali and continued to pour out soulful
Naachiyar Thirumozhi wherein she sends the dark
verses of bridal mysticism in her Naachiyar
rain bearing clouds as messengers to the Lord of
Thirumozhi. Finally as the culmination of her
Tiruvengadam.
yearning, the Peria Perumal appeared in
Periyalwar’s dream and asked for her hand in A careful study of Tiruppavai reveals that
marriage. Acknowledging the divine status of this the name “Govinda” was Andal’s favourite among
girl, the Lord sent all temple honours through the thousand names which describe Lord Vishnu’s
his priests to receive her. Andal who was brought auspicious attributes, leelas and his divine form.
to the presence of Sri Ranganatha garlanded Andal lovingly invokes the name thrice in her
him and merged with his divine form. Keeping Tiruppavai in verses 27, 28 and 29. The next
Andal’s Divine love for the Lord

of the hills is remembered till
date on the occasion of the
Garuda Seva during Srivari
Brahmotsavam when her floral
offering is brought with great
pomp and piety from
Srivilliputtur and presented in
a grand ceremony to Lord
Srinivasa in Tirumala.
2222 JANUARY, 2018

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question would be about which Archa deity is who was raised in the hamlet of cow herds.
called by this name? Cutting across all linguistic Tiruppavai paints a beautiful verbal depiction of
barriers, all pilgrims the scholars and the humble the sights and sounds of the Gokul where
folk will declare that it is Lord Srinivasa whose Krishna grew up. As a seven year old boy
abode resounds with the chanting of the Krishna lifted the Govardhana Giri to protect his
Govinda Namavali “Srinivasa Govinda, clan from the wrath of Devendra who let loose a
Srivenkatesa Govinda, Sheshadrinilaya hailstorm to threaten them. The young child
Govinda, Venkataramana Govinda”. Andal effortlessly stood steady for seven days as the
herself answers our query in her Naachiyar entire population, their livestock huddled in the
Thirumozhi by saying “Kulir aruvi vengadathu cover of the mighty umbrella held aloft by the
en Govindan gunam padi”, “Govindan ennum universal protector. Andal’s glowing tribute
perezhudi vithagan vengada vaannan ennum “Kunru kudayai eduththai gunam potri” eulogizes
vilakkinil puga ennai vidikkitriye”. The invocatory the Saulabhyam of the Krishnaavataram. A day’s
verse to Tiruppavai links Andal’s special downpour generally brings life in many big cities
attachment to the Govinda namam and the Lord to a standstill but Krishna’s grace sheltered the
of Tiruvengadam. cowherds. Indra could not sustain the onslaught.
The discussion begs the next question as Acknowledging his defeat Devendra begged for
to why Andal was particularly fond of this name? forgiveness and crowned Krishna as the
In the Vedic tradition any ritual is undertaken “Govinda” the savior of the cows. The word “Go”
with a Sankalpam wherein the person means cow here. The Govardhana Giri which
performing the rite says “Asya Sri Govinda was lifted by the seven year old Krishna for seven
Govinda Govinda” chanting this name thrice. days wanted to serve the Lord and became the
Any religious discourse on Srimad Ramayanam, Seven Hills to carry him in the Kali yuga.
Srimad Bhagavatham, Sri Vishnu Puranam is Nammalwar too in his decad on Tiruvengadam
started with the speaker saying “Sarvatra said “Kunramendi kulir mazhai kaththavan …..
Govinda nama sankeertanam” at the outset and paran senru ser Tiruvengada Maamalai” showing
the audience joining enthusiastically repeating us that the Lord of Tiruvengadam is indeed
“Govinda! Govinda!”. This practice has come Govinda!
down since the ancient times and is attributed
Chanting Tiruppavai with the invocatory
to the derivation of the substance of this word
Tanians and the benedictory verses enables
in Sanskrit. The word can be split to represent
us to peep into the sacred heart of Andal and
all the ten incarnations of Sriman Narayana. To
the Acharyas who reveled in her words. The
illustrate ‘Gaavah’ means the Vedas that are
towering Rajagopuram of Srivilliputtur, the
recited sonorously which are in the form of
lush environs of Srirangam the spiritual
sound. The Lord in the Matsyaavatara assumed
capital, the cloud decked peaks of
the form of a giant fish to restore the Vedas to
Tiruvengadam and the magical land that
Brahma. “Gaavah brahmanaam vindayati iti-
witnessed the divine leelas of little Krishna
Govindah”.
race through the mind without fail every time
Though the name can denote all the we chant this enchanting
Avataras it is specifically used to refer to Krishna Prabhandham.
23
SAPTHAGIRI 23
SAPTHAGIRI
Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in his form as Lord used for ceremonial and other processions and
Surya Narayana is worshipped on this sacred day 'Sapthami' the 'Thithi' in a lunar month falling on
named RathaSapthami also known as Magha the seventh day of both Shukla and Krishna
Sapthami or MahaSapthami. This festival falls paksha. In the process of divisions of the
every year on the Seventh Day (Sapthami) in the constellations, each day or Thithi is attributed to
bright half (Shukla Paksha) of MaaghaMasam one Deity / God. Sapthami thithi was allotted to
(January / February). Lord Aditya and hence it is his favourite day.
It marks the seventh day following the Lord’s For the sake of and joy of the devotee, the
celestial northern movement (Uttarayana) of vernal Supreme Lord manifests in that very form chosen
equinox starting from Capricorn (Makara). It is by the devotee for contemplation upon Him. A
symbolically represented in the form of Lord Surya divine incarnation is the descent of God to earth,
Narayana, (the Sun God) turning His Ratha
for protecting the good, destroying the evil and
(Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing
establishing His dharma among people. All the
seven colours) and charioteered by Anurudu,
sacred names in the “Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama
towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-east
Stotram” are full of abundant significance in that
direction. It is also celebrated as Surya Jayanti (the
they refer to one particular Guna (quality,
Lord’s birthday). RathaSapthami is symbolic of the
characteristic or attribute) of the Paramatma.
change of season to spring and the start of the
season of harvesting. For most Indian farmers, it There is a light that shines beyond all things
is an auspicious beginning of the New Year. The on earth, beyond us all, beyond the heavens,
RathaSapthami festival seeks the benevolent beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This
cosmic spread of energy and light from Lord Surya is the light that shines in our heart too. (‘Chandogya
Narayana. Upanishad’ 3.13.7 (1).)
The term “RathaSapthami” is formed by the PurushaSukta also describes the Sun as
addition of two words-Ratha denoting a 'Chariot' born from the eyes of Lord Sriman Narayana
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“Japaakusumasankaasham
“Obeisance to Divakara (Sun), who shines like the japaa
Kaashyapeyammahaadyutim
flower, the descendent of Kaashyapa who destroys all sins,
Tamorimsarvapaapagnam
the foe of darkness and the one with great radiance”
PranatosmiDivaakaram”
(Chaksho! SuryoAjayatha). Purushasukta known as Surya Jayanti and in several parts of India this
is a hymn of the Rigveda, dedicated to day is observed as Surya Jayanti.
the Purusha, the “Cosmic Being” - the seer
Rathasapthami - The beginning of Uttaraayanam
of this verse is Rishi Narayana and this
sukta can evoke God-experience in the The Sun is not just an object which lights and gives
seeker. life to our solar system but the only visible God whom we
see every day of our life and depend upon for our existence.
The Sun is ever old and absolutely
The Sun travels in the north and south directions in a year.
new every day. That which remains fresh
These are called 'Uttarayanam' the first half of the year,
despite the ravage of time and ever
'Uttara' means 'North' and 'Ayanam' means 'Movement', and
freshening our spirit is always new.
Dakshinaayanam the second half of the year-'Dakshina'
Incarnation means 'South'. Ratha Sapthami festival marks the beginning
Lord Surya Narayana (an of Uttarayanam. RathaSapthami is the seventh day of
incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu) is Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month ‘Magh’.
believed to have taken birth as the son of Lord Surya is called NamaskaraPriya. He blesses the
Sage Kashyapa and Maa Aditi Devi, the devotees who offer him a simple namaskara with all sincerity
dharma patni of Sage Kashyapa on this and devotion. One of the reasons for the Surya Namaskara
special day. It is said that Lord Surya (a yogic prakriya related to the Sun) to have become very
started enlightening the whole world on popular is this belief. The Gayatri Mantra japa – the sacred
Ratha Sapthami day, considered as Vedic chants to Savitr (Sun God) – is recited by the Hindus
birthday of the Lord. Hence this day is also every day with great reverence.
Reverential worshipping of Lord Aditya is reported

from time immemorial. Worshipping the Lord on Sunday is
supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers.
Suryaastakam, Aditya Hridayam, Gayathri, Surya
Sahasranama, Surya namaskaram etc. are some of the
most commonly chanted and useful prayers related to the
Lord.
Phalastuthi of Sun-related sthothras say that Sun's

worship is Navagrahadeepapariharam, bestows progeny for
the childless, helps in geting out of poverty, cures illness
and gets rid of health problems haunting for the past seven
births. Like Lord Sriman Narayana is the giver of moksha,
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SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 25
The Chariot of the Lord represents the 12 Signs (each of 30 degrees) of the Zodiac (360
degrees) and constituting a full year, named Samvatsara. The seven horses are said to represent
the Seven Days of a Week starting with Sunday, the day of Lord Surya. The seven horses are
also said to represent the Seven Colours of the Rainbow. It is also believed and said that the
chariot of the Sun has only one wheel that represents Kaala-Chakra and the seven horses
represent seven colours of light (VIBGYOR). The entire Kaala-Chakra or wheel of time, is
established on the wheel of the Sun-God’s chariot. This wheel is known as Samvatsara. He is
the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. He stays for one month in each Raasi and takes 365 days or 12
months to complete a round of 12 Raasis (Signs).
the Sun-God is said to be the giver of Health. popular and dedicated to the Sun-God. There is a
(Arogyam Bhaskaraddhicheth). temple for Lord Aditya at Adityapuram in Kottayam
district of Kerala. Here Lord Aditya is in a posture
Lord Surya Temples....
of meditation and faces the west. Red sandalwood
There is a famous Aditya temple at Konark
paste is the main prasadam. Diseases of the eyes
(in Odisha state).It is also called “ArkaKshetra”.
and skin are believed to be cured by offering pujas
Konark is a confluence of two words - Kona and
to Lord Aditya along with submission of red sandal
Arka = Konarka. Kona means angle and Arka
wood pieces. For eye diseases/afflictions, a special
means Sun-God. Thus Konark means corner
paste made out of the ghee from the lamp inside
dedicated to the Sun-God. Additionally it is reported
the temple with other lighting material is given as a
that Arka plant has very good medicinal value in
medicine.
the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is said that
Arka is used in curing skin diseases, leprosy, “May Sri Surya Narayana Swami, bestow on
tumours, joint pains, wounds etc. It is also called a all of us with good health, peace and
“healing herb” like the Sun-God as a healer. Arka prosperity”.
leaf is also used in the worship of Lord Maha
Ganapathi (Arka Maha Ganapathi) and Lord Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati.
Hanuman. There is an age old tradition that AN APPEAL TO THE DEVOTEES!!
devotees take special bath on this day with seven
T.T.D. is conducting
Arka leaves [commonly called as Jilledu in Telugu, ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’
Ekka in Kannada, Erukku in Tamil and Calotrope in the 9th Hindu Spiritual Service Fair.
(bowstring hemp) in English], by keeping one on Srinivasa Kalyanam will be performed on
29.01.2018 at Gurunanak College,
the head, two on the shoulders, two on the knees
Velacherry Main Road,
and two on the feet. near Phoenix Market City,
Velacherry in Chennai
Special celebrations are held in the Sun
PIN: 600 042.
temples on this occasion at Konark (Odisha) and
Arasavelli (Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh). ‘All are Invited’
SuryanarKoil near Kumbhakonam is also very - Executive Officer
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26JANUARY, 2018
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It is a well known belief that Aadisesha – the prime serpent is bearing the weight of the
earth. In the Andhra Mahabharatam – Udankopakhyanam, Nannaya Bhattu, the poet made
Udanka praise Aadisesha (Ananta) and his bearing the weight of the earth in a beautiful
verse.
“May Ananta, the lord of serpents and the annihilator of the wicked – who on his thousand
hoods bears without respite the great weight of the earth that includes multitude of forests,
trees, Oceans, prime mountains, waterfilled lakes and rivers and who is the unflinching couch
to the unbearable figure and recliner on the ocean (Vishnu), be graceful towards us!” (Adi
parva, 1-104).
But the scene described above, is not visible to our eyes. As if to show us this picture to
us, Aadisesha assumed the form of a mountain called 'Seshadri' near the river Suvarnamukhi
according to the desire of Sriman Narayana. Varaha purana described Seshachala in the
following manner.
“The sport hill of Sriman Narayana – The mountains that were formed in the
Narayanagiri is three yojanas in width and thirty Erramala – Nallamala forests from Chittoor district
yojanas in length. (The name Narayanagiri is a to Kurnool district appear serpent shaped to bird’s
synonym of Vishnu’s sport hill, Venkata mountain). eye view. Therefore this range of mountains
That Narayanagiri has the shape of Aadisesha and became famous with the meaningful name of
is under the control of Srihari himself. It is adorable Seshachala mountains. In Sanskrit “Parvatha”
to all living beings. The mountain has a divine (mountain) has a synonym “Bhudhara” which is
shape and is capable of granting many holy and quite meaningful. Bhudhara means the bearer of
auspicious things. (Varaha, 34-17, 18 slokas) the earth. The mountain above the earth bears the
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SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 31
earth beneath it. It bears the weight of the earth. tail end region has become famous by the name
Thus Aadisesha is both beneath and above the Srisailam (2-18,19).
earth, bears the earth and supports the earth. Like
A Thought of Sanctity
the seven hoods of Sesha there are seven hills.
(During the annual Brahmotsavas celebrated for Because of the inseperable relationship
Sri Venkateswara Swami the Lord rides on the big between Srimannarayana and Sesha,
Sesha vahanam on the first day night. This golden Seshachalam is said to be very sacred.
Seshavahanam has seven hoods). On the head Brahmanda puranam (2-41) described its sanctity
of the Seshachala mountain range, Sri in the following manner.
Venkateswaraswami, in the centre Ahobila
“Because Aadisesha, who is in the form of
Nrusimha Swami and at the tail end Srisaila
this mountain is the alter body of Srimannarayana
Mallikarjuna Swami have manifested themselves.
one should not trample Seshadri (Venkatadri). Has
Brahmanda Purana described this sequence in the
not Aadisesha himself who is born in the direct line
following manner.
of Narayana, taken the from of this mountain?
The very place which is shining with the
The same Brahmanda puranam further described
sapphires on the hood of Aadisesha is Venkatadri.
(2-42)
It has other names such as Seshadri, Vrishabhadri,
and Narayanadri and so on. (2-38) Ahobila Kshetra, “The grass, bushes, creepers and all other
the dwelling place of the all bestowing Nrisimha is such non moving living beings that grow on this
verily in the centre part of Sesha (2-34). The part mountain Seshadri are to be regarded as
north to Venkatadri is the tail of Aadisesha. The Yogipungavas (great saints) in static form”.
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For the same reason, Skanda puranam opposites became equanimous in pleasure and
advises in the following manner that one should sorrow and saints who have their Karma burnt in
pray to that king of the mountains, Venkatadri which the fire of wisdom.
is sacred and punya increasing, before one steps
The mountain contains the Thirthas that
on it to by walk.
annihilate all the sins and the Asramas of the holy
“You are the mountain of gold. You cause men that are very peaceful. It slopes shine with
great punya. You are adorned by all the angels. beams of light from the precious stones. The places
Brahma and other deities worship you with where younglings of deer and tigers sleep having
devotion. On you I am going to set my foot. Forgive left their natural enemity and listening to the songs
the sin. To me, the sinner, show Srimannarayana of the celestial maidens, make the onlookers not
who dwells on your peak’ (Skanda, 2-1-19-11,12,13 conscious of their hunger and at the same time
Slokas) making them happy without causing any vexation.
In this manner, one should pray to the great The mountains of sins of those who look at
mountain Venkatadri and then walk in soft and slow Venkatadri will vanish. Going near the mountain
steps to reach the abode of the Lord. certainly gives Mukti. Such approach will destroy
our mission. Therefore without going near, you
Tamil Literature
Salute Venkatadri from a distance, praise it and
In Kamba Ramayana, which is very famous proceed” Kambha Ramayanam Kishkinda Kanda
in the literature of Tamil language, the poet Kambar (10) Anveshana preshana Patalam (P. 475).
(A.D.12 th century) describes the location of
But in the context of Sugreeva’s description
Tiruvengadam and praises its divineness.
of lands on the South in Valmiki Ramayana,
(Kishkinda kanda, Nadavitta pataiam, 26-28 verses
Kishkinda Kanda 41st Sarga there is no description
of the same book). The description occurs in the
of Venkatadri. It indicates devout bhakti of the poet
context of Sugreeva, the Vanara king briefing and
Kambar for Tiruvengadam, the abode of Lord
advising Hanuman and others who were ordered
Vishnu.
to search for Sita in the lands that lie on southern
side. Skanda purana explained the location of
Venkatadri in Bharata Desa in the following
The said Kamba Ramayana was rendered
manner.
into Telugu by Sri Putalapattu Sree Ramulu Reddy
with the same title. The description of the above “South to the river Ganga at 200 yojanas
context is given here under. distance. West to the Eastern Ocean at 5 yojanas
“The boundary between the Northern distance and at 400 bow lengths to the bank of the
Samskrita and the Southern Dravidian languages, river Suvarnamukhi lies the mountain called
the place where the supreme essence that can Venkatadri. It is adorned by all the worlds.” (Skanda
explain all Vedantas dwells, the ultimate limit to 2-1-28-77,78 slokas)
Dharmas and it being extraordinary, shines like the In the map of Bharata Desa, Venkatadri
subtle body of fame, the repository of great sages (Tirumala) is at the Northern latitude of 13 deg –
and divinities, is the mountain that is famous by 41 mts. and Eastern longitude of 79 deg 21 mts.
the name of Venkatachalam. On the mountain live The Seshachala mountain ranges are called
the sages who having thrownoff the pairs of ‘Veligondalu (outer hills). In Tamil they were called
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SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 33
“Velkadam’. The word changed to 'Vengadam' image of Bhoga Sreenivasa murthi
gradually in time (Vel kadam > Vengadam). With a (Manavalapperumal) in Tirumala and making
prefix of reverence, Tiru (Sri) it became provision for Brahmotsavas (Annual festivities).
Tiruvengadam. This name only is seen in the These inscriptions are incised on the northern wall
ancient Tamil literature and in Nalayira Divya of Vaikuntapradakshina margam (clock wise route)
Prabandham. Vishnudeva who had manifested in the first enclosure of the Lord’s temple. In
Himself on that Tiruvengadam was praised as inscription 1-9, He is called ‘Tiruvenkatathu
Tiruvengadamudian (Tiruvengadanatha). The Elundaruli Ninra Perumanadigal’ (The Lord who
name Tiruvengada Kottam was in vogue to this having manifested himself is standing on the
region during the rule of Pallavas. mountain Sri Venkatadri).
Tiruvengada Kottam remained as a part in The name ‘Tiru Venkata Devar’ is seen in
Tondamandalam. There were four Nadus in inscriptions 1-14, 1-19. The inscription 1-14
Tiruvengada Kottam viz., 1. Kuduvuru nadu which belongs to the year A.D. 1001, the 13th year of the
included Tirupati and its surroundings 2. reign of the Chola king Koveera Raja Rajendra
Vaikundavala nadu which included Chandragiri and Ponnar. The inscription 1-19 belongs to the 7th day
its surroundings 3. Thuyya nadu which included of the initial days of the rule of Rajendra Choladeva.
Chittoor and its surroundings 4. Atturu nadu / He was also known as Koppatra Kesari (1012 A.D.).
Tondama Nadu which included Srikalahasti and its In it the subject dealt is about the enquiries into
surroundings. Tondamandalam in which the affairs of the temple at Tirumala vide Appendix
Tiruvengada Kottam was a part got the name of – 4.
Jaya Konda Cholamandalam during the rule of
From the subject matter of the enquiry it may
Cholas. The reason is that Rajendra Chola – 1
be discerned that the human nature is the same
(1014-1041 A.D.) had the title “Jaya Konda”. Jaya
through out from the past till today in respect of
Konda Cholamandalam, after being referred as
actions related to Dharma and Adharma (Just and
Rajendra Chola mandalam for some time, was
Unjust actions).
referred again only as Jayakonda Chola mandalam
in inscriptions. The name “Tiruvenkata mudian (Sri
Venkatadrinatha) is seen in the inscriptions 1-16,
Inscriptional Sources
1-67. The inscription 1-67 belongs to the period of
In the very first inscription obtained by T.T.D. rule (A.D. 1250 – 1285) of the Telugu Chola king
the name Tiruvenkatathu Emperumanadigal (Sri Vijaya Ganda Gopala (the ruler of Nellore region).
Venkata Natha) is found. This inscription belongs In 1-68 inscription Lord Venkateswara was
to the period of rule of Pallava king Kovijaya danti mentioned as ‘Ucchail Ninra Narayanan’ meaning
Vikrama (A.D. 830). (Vol.1 No.1 inscription T.T.D. ‘Narayana standing on the peak of the mountain’.
inscriptions, 1998). The name “Tiruvengadanatha This inscription also was issued during the period
is seen in Vol. 1-4 inscription also. The name of the rule of Vijaya Ganda Gopala. In
Tiruvenkata Kottam is seen in T.T.D. inscriptions Silappadikaram (A.D. Second century) Lord
1-2, 1-8, 1-9 and 1-12. Among these, the Venkateswara was described as ‘Vengada
inscriptions bearing 1-8,9 numbers are the stone mennum, onguar, malai Yattuchimeemisai” which
inscriptions issued by the Pallava queen Samavai means 'the Lord who is standing on the lofty
Perumdevi on A.D. 8-6-966 after consecrating the mountain Venkatadri'.
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34 JANUARY, 2018
JANUARY, 2018
Venkatachalapati is the self manifested Tirumala and with that gold got the Ananda nilaya
image. In ancient times the Tamilian devotees had Vimana gold plated. Inscription 1-191 mentioned
the opinion that Tiruvengada natha was standing the event describing that Veera Narasimha deva
on the peak of the mountain Venkatadri. They used turned Venkatagiri completely golden and made it
to call the Lord as “Ucchail ninran" (The Lord on shine equally with the mountain of angels (Meru
the top of the hill). Till the middle of the thirteenth mountain). Veera Narasimha deva Raya was the
century the measure of offerings to the Lord was one who got Ananda nilaya Vimana gold plated
called, Ucchail-ninran-kaal. for the first time. Jatavarma Sundara Pandya got
a Suvarnakalasa installed on Ananda nilaya
Where there are high mountains on the four
Vimana. These two divine works might have been
sides the temple of Lord Venkateswara lies in the
executed around the year A.D. 1260.
middle on level ground at 2820 ft M.S.L on
Tirumala. The mountains in East to the temple are Among the inscriptions obtained by the
2750 ft, in South 2920 ft, in West 3622 ft. and in T.T.D., the inscription 1-179 is the first inscription
North is 3426ft. high. As the knowledge of in Telugu. This inscription lies below the Northern
topography improved, the wisdom that the temple side (Interior side of the silver threshold) in the
of the Lord is at a deeper place than the mountains tower of the second enclosure of the Lord's temple.
surrounding on all the four sides dawned. The This Telugu inscription though small in size, is
measured heights of the hills surrounding, make it complete in details. In the inscription, the Lord is
clean how much deeper the temple of the Lord is. mentioned as Tirumala Devara. This inscription
These facts show how deserving the Lord is to have reports that Saluva Mangi Deva, the Commander-
the name “Malai kiniyaninran’ (the Lord who is In-Chief of Kumara Bukka Raya who was the son
standing in the mountains valley). of the Vijayanagara emperor Bukka Raya installed
golden Sikhara (vase) on the tower of the sanctum
In the inscription of the year A.D. 1354 issued
sanctorum of Tirumala Devara on 6-7-1359 A.D.
during the reign of Tribhuvana Chakravarthi Sri
vide Appendix -3.
Ranganatha Yadava Raja, the name
Malaikinianinra perumal (The Lord standing in the The sport hill of Srimannarayana in
mountain valley) is seen. The name of the measure Vaikuntam, called Venkataparvata became famous
of offerings to the Lord was also changed to as Venkatadri near the river Suvarnamukhi. Tamil
‘Malaikinia ninrakaal’. The processional idol of the devotees used to mention it by name
Lord found around the year A.D. 1339 was also Tiruvengadam. There are many other names to
named Malaikinia ninran. The valley where the Venkatadri. Because of the presence of the Lord
processional idol was found is called ‘Malayappa of Lakshmi; Sreenivasa, Venkatadri earned fame
kona”. The processional idol is popular as as Srisailam. Tamil devotees called Srisailam as
“Malayappa swami”. Till then Ugra Sreenivasa Tirumala (In Tamil Tiru = Sri; malai = mountain).
murthi (Venkatathuraiver) used to be the Among the many names Venkatadri has, the one
processional idol. Mentioning the Lord as Malaikinia Tirumala (Srisailam) is preferred by the people and
ninra perumal is seen in the inscriptions 1-184 Dt. it became popular. Instead of the names Tirumala
13-1-1380 and 1-87 DT. 8-12-1390. Veera Devara and Tiruvengadanatha, the
Narasimha deva Yadava Raya (A.D. 1209 – 1262) Lord is renowned by the name
weighed himself against equal quantity of gold in 'Venkateswara'.
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SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 35
The ancient shrine of Tirumala stands tall and design. Several historical incidents prove the same,
proud since times immemorial. As Lord Balaji gazes though it has to be accepted as confirmed by many
benevolently upon those who seek His blessings, administrators themselves. They agree that it has
and the world around changes continuously, the been only by true Divine intervention have they
Lord and His battalion of servants and devotees been able to overcome the obstacles and
continue to serve Him nonchalantly. The temple destructive situations at all times!
has always drawn immense crowds from all parts The East India Company tried with all its
of the country, day-in and day-out, during times of might to take over the Temple administration from
war and peace, in fair and foul weathers, during the hands of the Maratha rulers. British troops
famine and distress, regardless of distance and arrived to Tirupati from Madras. Though the army
discomfort of travel, so huge is the emotional was huge, the officers ordered that only Hindu
appeal of the ancient shrine. The nature and the soldiers be allowed to ascend the treacherous
role of the administrator becomes only peremptory, Hillside (In accordance with the Crown’s promise
be it the invading rulers or the much dreaded to Indian rulers that they shall not interfere in
Western Imperialists. The power and prestige religious issues). Those soldiers who did manage
assumed by the rulers of the time is simply a mirage to reach Tirumala were beaten black and blue by
conceded by the Lord. One should never forget the Maratha soldiers and the British army made a
that He wills everything according to His own divine hasty retreat!
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36 JANUARY, 2018
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After the fall of the Hindu empires, the temple managed the Tirumala temple under the well-
of Tirumala came under the reign of The Nawab of defined rules in the Bruce Code drawn up in 1821
Arcot in 1800 A.D. The income of the temple during on the basis of previous usages and customs and
those times was around rupees two lakh per did not interfere in its day to day affairs.
annum. None of the invaders, including the The temple administration was then passed
Mughals, French or British tried to destroy such a on into the hands of the Hathiramji Mutt in the year
lucrative temple. However, they tried often enough 1843. The affairs of the temple and its revenue
with all their might to take over the control of the continued to be handled by the Mutt for a period of
temple at some point during their reign in Southern 90 years. It was then a special administrative body
India. The local priests convinced the invaders that exclusively formed for the purpose of managing
their purse would be better off with such a temple the temple. It constitutes a board of trustees and
as that of Tirumala being a rich source of income is headed by the Executive Officer who is an IAS
and that simply destroying it would be of no use to Officer appointed by the government. Thus the
them. They also tried to convince the same rulers prestigious and immensely responsible task of
by stressing that the shrine was only for the Varaha protecting, preserving and promoting the sacred
(the much hated wild boar) and hence successfully shrine is now on the shoulders of all
kept them at bay for a few decades! members of TTD administration!
Thus the temple began to pay an annual

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati
tribute of two lakh rupees to the then ruler, The
Nawab of Arcot. It was then that the administration
TO FACILITATE DEVOTEES...
of the temple came into the hands of Sri The existing current booking / registration of
Sankhumitta Cottage (SMC) area Marriage
Vaishnavites under the aegis of the Jeer Swamy!
Cottages at Tirumala are dispensed here after
Eventually due to wars between the Nawab of Arcot with effect from the date on which the Online
and the ruler of Tiruchirapalli, Chanda Saheb and system come into force.
The details of the Marriage Cottages are
his son Raja Saheb, the Nawab ran into huge debts hereunder for the devotees :
to the British East India Company for assistance
Sl.No. Area & Cottage No. Tariff
received during wars and administrative purposes. 01 SMC-226-A Rs.200/-
Unable to pay back his debts, the Nawab gave 02 SMC-226-B Rs.200/-
03 SMC-237-A Rs.200/-
away some of his districts and also his hold over
04 SMC-237-B Rs.200/-
the Tirumala temple to the waiting reins of the 05 SMC-248-A Rs.200/-
British rulers. The French too tried unsuccessfully 06 SMC-248-B Rs.200/-
to take over the temple and its revenues from the Note : The above Marriage Cottages at Tirumala
British. The Mackenzie manuscripts (Vol.XVI, page will be allotted to the marriage parties from 3.00
p.m. to next day 3.00 p.m.
476 c) have recorded the boundaries of the seven
Dy. Exe. Officer (R-III)
hills, spread over as 250 sqkms. The company
37
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 37
ADHYAYANOTSAVAM IN
SRI GOVINDARAJA SWAMI TEMPLE, TIRUPATI
- Sri T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya
The very name of Tirupati compels us to remember the sacred Temple of Lord Sri
Venkateswara at Tirumala. He is the presiding Deity to bless us to reach our final destinate
in to His abode in Srivaikuntam. Among the twelve Alwars of mystitism, ten of them
have sung in praise of Him. Tirupati means in Tamil language “Divya Desam” or sacred
place sung by Alwars. There are 108 Divya Desams visited by Alwars (except Sri
Nammalwar). Among the Divya Desams, Tirumala, Kanchi and Sri Rangam are the most
important sacred places.
Lord Govindarajaswami Vari Temple at religious fervour during January / February month
Tirupati is a Abhimana Kshetram (the most dear) after the completion of Adhyayanotsavam at Srivari
of Bhagavad Ramanujacharya as he brought Lord Temple, Tirumala. All Festivals are celebrated in
Govindaraja idol from Chidambaram and got the Lord Govindarajaswami Temple immediately after
idol consecrated at Tirupati during his period. He the completion of major Festivals at Tirumala.
wanted the temple of Lord Govindaraja to enjoy
This year the Adhyayanotsavam in Lord
equal status along with Lord Venkateswara with
Govindarajaswami Temple starts in the month of
regards all festivals and other rituals.
January on 17th, 2018 the Amavasya Day night.
Adhyayanotsavam is a common festival in
After Tomalaseva and Bell (small) Govindaraja
all south Indian Temples or Sri Vaishnava temples
swami will be taken to the Kalyana mandapam.
of our country celebrated according to the local
There the Lord will be seated in the central
conditions of each place.
mandapam along with His Consorts to His left and
The twelve Alwars have sung in praise of right side. To His left side below in the Mandapam,
different Gods in different places (which were Viswaksena will be seated.
unsurmountable) to reach, took pains and sung
Hyms or songs in praise of the Lord there Architectures of the Vijayanagara Rules
spontaneously. The mystic songs compiled This central Kalyana Mandapam is very well
together by the great personalities are called 'Divya constructed by Vijayanagara rulers. The
Prabandham or Nalayira Divya Prabandham'. architectures with the black granite pillars on all
These Prabandha Pasurams or poems sung by the four sides with a canopy black granite along
the Alwars are sung in all the Sri Vaishnava with the top of a slope on all the four sides. This
Temples during January month before Sukla mandapam is carved with excellent dance of
Paksha Ekadasi Amavasya day.
damsels in different postures. This is a special
In Lord Govindarajaswami Temple at feature of Vijayanagara rulers in most of the
Tirupati, Adhyayanotsavam is celebrated with all temples of their domain.
38 JANUARY, 2018
38 JANUARY, 2018
To the right side of Lord Govindaraja Swami On 18.1.2018
below His Mandapam, All the Alwars are seated Mor. Iyarpa will be recited fully
as per their seniority (1) Poygai Alwar (2) Eve. Tiruppalandu, Vannamadugal 20 songs
Boothathalwar (3) Peyalwar (4) Nammalwar (5) On 19.1.2018
Thirumangai Alwar (6) Periyalwar (7) Mor. Periyalwar Tirumozhi 200 pasurams will be
Ramanujacharya and attention paid to him in the recited.
order of priority of seniority (8) Koorathalwar (9) Eve. Senniyonga (10 pasurams will be recited)
20.1.2018
Tondaradippodi alwar (10) Tirumalisai Alwar (11)
Mor. Periyalwar Tirumoli 240 pasurams wil be
Kulasekhara Alwar. Andal is not added in this
recited
sequence as she is considered as an incarnation
Eve. Nachiyar Tirumoli – Vinneeramolappu
of Bhoo Devi as said in Her Pasurams are a part
Pasurams will be recited.
of Divya Prabandham. The Divya Prabandham or
In the above said ways all the pasurams of
sacred Hymns of the Alwars are systematically
Nacchiyar, Perumal Tirumoli, Tiruchandi viruttam
divided into different parts so as to recite it on all
Tirumalai, Tiruppali eluchi and Amalanadipiran will
the days.
be fully recited along with all the pasuram of the
Recitations twelve alwars till the 11th day. On the eleventh day
On the First day i.e., on 17.1.2018 night – the recitation comes to an end with Pagal pattu.
Iyarpa todakkam, Mudal Tiruvandadi to Then on the 13th Day morning and thence
Nanmugan Tiruvandadi – Tiruvirutham will be every day Vedaparayanam will be recited before
recited. Lord Govindaraja Swami and His Consorts in
39
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 39
the Kalyanamandapam and the vedam recitation There was a custom followed that the
will be recited daily and all the Vedaparayanadars Naivedyam is donated by various people working
belonging to Rigveda, Yajurveda, sukla yajur veda in the temple and they voluntarily offer so as to do
and Samaveda will participate in the recitation and service to the Lord and pay their gratitude to Him.
complete their portions before twenty first day of In ancient days all the donors brought the raw food
valedictory function. materials to the temple potu or kitchen for
preparation. They have to pay money also to the
In the same way on 13th day (Rapattu) night
TTD called Singamora (Rs.16/-) for each offering.
session the pasurams from Rendam pattu to Tenth Among the donors were Kummari (Pot makers),
pattu will be recited by the Adhyapakdars or Dasari, Archakas, Kaikalreddy (Vahanam bearers)
Prabanda Gayakas. On 21st day night valedictory Besta (Fishermen), TTD employees, Tatacharyas,
function will be held. Chinna Jeeayar, Paravastu Pattabhiran, Veeravali
The Adhyayanotsavam at Sri and Prativadi Bhayamkaram. Avilala Reddys,
Govindarajaswami Temple will be held in an Komati varu (Merchants), Ekangi, TTD Peddajeer,
impressive manner attracting all the Srivaishnavas Chinna Jeer, Ahobila Mutt, Sri Tolappacharlu.
to participate in the prabandha recitation on all the The galaxy of Alwars (some of them) will be
days. The night session of Adhyayanotsavam of taken one by one to the main temple of Sri
Prabandha goshti will be very nice to attend. The Govindarajaswami. There the alwars offer prayers
Kalyana mandapam will be decorated with new big called Mangalasasanams. It means that the Alwars
umbrellas kept open in the Kalyana mandapam pray for the auspiciousness and evil eyes to be
giving an impression that a grand festival is going away from the Lord. Bhagawat Ramanuja also
on in Sri Govindarajaswami temple. offers prayers to the Moolavarlu and receives all
honours before Jayavijaya mandapam. The
The Alwars will be seated on a long platform Adhyayanotsavam is done for 21 days but
to the right hand side of Lord Govindaraja Swami. Kannanin sirutambu, Ramanuja Nutrandadi will be
The idols look shining with gorgeous dress recited on 22 nd and 23 rd day. Similarly the
according to their status. The Prabandham reciters Vedaparayanam will be held on the 13th day (Sukla
sit on the ground to the left and right of the Lord in Paksha Ekadasi) with all the Veda Parayanadars
a disciplined manner. Reciting the Prabandhams and a member of Tolappachari family inaugurating
will be a feast to the ears. The whole mandapam it in the presence of Lord Govindarajaswami and
will look like the Koluvu or darbar of the Lord His Consorts with Vishwaksena in the Kalyana
Narayana hearing to the recitations. Mandapam.
The prabandha goshti will be headed by His The Vedaparayana Adhyayanotsavam will be
Holiness Sri Pedda Jeer Swami, Chinna Jeer held from 13th day to 21st day both morning and
Swami, Acharya Purushas and Adhyapakdars. evening. The Satumurai will be held on the 21st
day morning with Tolappachari receiving honors.
Lord's Naivedyam
Naivedyam will be offered to the Lord as Ubhayam
On the night of the Adhyayanotsavam Lord by Tolappachari family members on rotation. The
is offered Naivedyam and later is distributed. 21st day morning will be allotted for Satumurai or
40
JANUARY,
40 20182018
JANUARY,
valedictory function. On that day a member of the taken around the main temple and later he enters
Tolappachari family will start the Vedasatumurai by the temple. At the Dwarapalaka entrance,
reciting “Hariom” and then others will follow his Nammalwar offers prayers and gets harathi and
recitation. The member will be tied with a piece of Satari Honours.
cloth 'Parivattam' on his Head. He will be standing On the 24th day all the Alwars will be taken to
on that same Pedestal along with Archakaswami. Alwar Theertham (Kapilatheertham) along with
The last chapters from each vedam will be recited Lord Govindarajaswami and His Consorts and
and conclude with Harathi – and honours to the Andal. There will be Snapana Tirumanjanam to all.
Tolappachari member followed by Prasadam The Alwars and Gods return to the Temple later
Distribution. The official on duty (TTD) will also on. Meanwhile the Thaneer Amudu festival is
receive honour after Tolappachari. Similarly on the celebrated. The Jeeyars and Adhyapakdars will go
day of Chinna Satumurai and Periya Satumurai round the temple reciting Tirumozhi.
H.H. Pedda Jeer Swami presides over the Ekangiswami seated on an elephant with
Adhyapaka goshti and recites the extracts from silver vessel filled with water follow Jeers and the
Divya Prabandham. He receives the Parivattam Adhyapakdars Finally all reach Sri
honour and other honours as he is the Chief of the Govindarajaswami Temple and with this
Adhyayanotsavam. Adhyayanotsavam ends in Sri Govindarajaswami
temple, Tirupati.
On the evening of 21st day Pedda Satumurai
the Lord along with His Consorts and Nammalwar In Brief
will be taken in procession around the Mada streets. Adhyayanotsavam is a grand Festival to pay
At the center of west mada street, Lord Govinda sincere prayers to the Lord of different Divya
Rajaswami and His Consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi Desams, through the nectarine outpourings of the
will stand back and Nammalwar will proceed to the saints or Alwars through their recitations.
road leading to the Hills. There at a place called Nammalwar through his mental Telapathy and
'Chitrala Chavadi' Swami Nammalwar will stop and Television (Divyadrusti) has seen the Lord of
Venkatachala (Tirumala) from his Tamarind Tree
offer Mangalasasanam to Lord Srinivasa. His
Bush in Kattummannar kovil. He is the first alwar
famous pasurams will be recited by Jeer Swamis
to be adored by the Srivaishnavas.
and other Srivaishnavas. There Satari Honour will
be given to Swami Nammalwar. After removing the The Four Vedams are the outpourings of
Parivattam, Harathi will be given and both Lord great sages of time immemorial.
Govindarajaswami with His Consorts will proceed They are called Dhrushtaraha. The Vedams
to the temple there in the Kalyana Mandapam, are otherwise called Apaurusheya (Notwritten or
Nammalwar will be kept at the feet of Lord Govinda said at a particular time but speaks of the eternity).
Raja Swami, with fully covered by the sacred Tulasi The sages saw the supreme effulgent appearance
leaves. This connotes that swami Nammalwar of the Lord.
reached Sri Vaikuntam. After honour and other Thus both Prabandham and
ritual at the Mandapam Swami Nammalwar will be Vedams are the two eyes of the Lord.
41
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 41
Sri Thyagaraja with whom most of us are 24,000 kritis and also a devotional song
familiar beams like a star in the firmament of Indian (keerthana) on the divine couple 'Seethamma
music. He is, in fact, remembered even to this day Mayamma'.
for his outstanding and unforgettable contribution to The four immortal Vedas Rigveda
divine and classical carnatic music and also for Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharva veda which
conveying his deep spiritual love to all the people of are considered to be treasures of spiritual
our motherland irrespective of caste, creed and knowledge, music and bhakti had left an indelible
region like Annamacharya and Purandaradasa who impression on him. When his brother made fun
also spread their message of love through music and of him for his Rama-bhakti, he gave him an apt
devotion. reply through his keerthana 'Nidhi chala
Sri Thyagaraja was born on May 4, 1767 in sukhama'.
Tanjavur in a middle class family to Ramabrahmam He sang his first keerthana when he was
and Seethamma. He was named after the local fourteen. He also composed songs like 'Namo
presiding deity-Thyagaraja. His father was not only Namo Raghavaya' and 'Tavadasoham' even at
a reputed Sanskrit scholar but also a highly devoted a very young age after his early education from
personality. He inherited this interest in music from his father with the help of a little Sanskrit
his beloved and pious mother and also from his knowledge. Meanwhile, the great Veena vidwan
ancestors who were great musicians and scholars. called 'Sarthi Venkataramanaiah' became his
He also developed devotion towards Lord Rama and music teacher. He keenly followed the rendering
Sita devi, at a very tender age. He has composed of the Ramayana by his scholarly father. Later, it
42
42 JANUARY, 2018
JANUARY, 2018
enabled him to compile his own keerthanas in Later on, Thyagaraja visited temples at
praise of Rama. He was innovative that he could Kanchi and Tirupati and made several music lovers
evolve new Raagaas and tune the songs with happy with his divine music. He is stated to have
precise definiteness and clarity. Men of letters and been aware of the vices like ego haste that were
musicians though born in a middle class or noble there in him. He also compiled the philosophical
families, did not bother about any type of social song entitled ‘Tera Teeyaga Raadaa’. As he
status because of their sincere and total
concluded the song, the curtain in front of the Deity
commitment to art. For instance, Thygaraja used
went up and he happened to sing some more
to remark humbly, “My greatest treasure is Rama,
devotional songs in rapture. In his visit to Puttur,
what is wealth compared to singing his praise”.
another temple town, he could bring back to life a
As a true devotee, he reflected that he was pilgrim called Seshayya with the help of 'Bilhari
a sort of instrument in the hands of Lord Rama to raagaa' through his song “Na Jeevaadhara”. He
spread the message of love through divine music.
also went to Sholingar and Madras and compiled
He also fed and sheltered several men despite his
many Keerthanas.
meagre income. He is stated to have chanted
Rama Nama ninety six crore times. Narada, the Become Disciples
divine musician, in the form of a sanyasi presented Another memorable incident was that
him two musical volumes entitled ‘Swararnavam’ Sundara Mudaliar, his host had kept secretly a bag
and 'Naradeeyam'.
of thousand gold coins in his palanquin to be spent
As Tribhuvana Swaminatha Iyer, a celebrated on any devotional activity as a token of reverence.
musician entreated, he eliminated the ‘Ananda One day the saint was attacked by some dacoits.
Bhairavi’ raga from the list of his compositions. He When he heard something about the secret
revealed his true love for his student Valajipet through the palanquin carriers, he drove them away
Venkataramanaiah in his sincere supplication to by singing the song of "Mundu venuka neeva"
Lord Rama to make him a profound musician. He devotedly and made them become his disciples.
also exhibited his broadmindedness embracing
He also chanced to prove music as the path of
another student Veena Kuppayyer when the latter
salvation. Rama Bhakti stood throughout his life
happened to play on Veena. Reputed scholars and
as the foundation of his spiritual compositions.
musicians like Tumu Narasimhadas—a Telugu and
Music is in fact intelligible and palatable to any one
Sanskrit musician, Gopinath Bhattacharya—a
and it triumphs over any literature. It was he who
Hindusthani musician and Gopala Krishna
showed the significance of time for the word
Bharathi— the author of “Nandunara charitam’ paid
component of a song. Like a scientist in a
their due respects to this devotional composer.
Being enchanted by his devotional and inspiring laboratory, he experimented in different
keerthanas, Swati Tirunal of Tiruvananthapur combinations of distinct Raagaas and created new
asked Vadivelu of Tanjore to convince Thyagaraja Raagaas. It was Thyagaraja who could bring the
to come to his court. But he never bothered about message of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata
such court honours. Govinda Marar impressed this to the reach of man in the street. His songs
saint-musician with the song “Endaro (Keerthanas) referring to Bhakti, Jnana and Karma
Mahanubhavulu” by his disciples as a sign of his yogas of our profound Indian epic the
musical skill at some Tiruvayyur function. Bhagavadgita are united into one aspect.
43
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 43
A New Orientation He had a fore thought of his demise because
of his spiritual and devotional power. When his
He opened a new chapter in the history of
beloved spouse passed away in 1845, he led an
Bhajan cult which was in practice in South India.
ascetic life under the influence of Paramahamsa
In those days the Bhajan cult was very popular.
Brahmanandrendra Swami. While his sishyas
Bringing the Naamasmarana into the framework gathered on the day of his Mahasamadhi to recite
of Laya (Beat), Sruthi (Tune) and Svara (Cadence), the name of the Lord as per his words, his soul
Thyagaraja gave this Bhajan cult a new orientation rest in eternal peace. Even this day, his utsava is
and vigour. It could influence the human mind and being celebrated especially in January on a grand
direct it to greater spiritual heights. This sort of scale under the name of “Thyagaraja
reunion was, indeed, one of his most notable Aaraadhanotsavam" which attracts a number of
achievements and an exemplary contribution to musicians from distinct corners of the country. The
divine music. He is said to have compiled several distinguished gathering will really be feasted greatly
with his pleasant and melodious keertanas.
songs of universal significance. His motive was to
bring the different institutions of Hindu philosophy Even now his music reverberates in different
to a universal stage. He endeavoured to guide the parts and shrines of South India. He is regarded
mental aspect of men from the terrestrial level to as the founder of the Bhakti-cult in South India.
Thyagaraja the man is relatively greater than
the celestial one. He realised his life’s ambition
Thyagaraja the musician. He is unmistakably taken
without leaving his native home. The messages of
as a real god in the universal shrine of Indian music.
love, self-respect and piety etc., spread far and
His every song is, in fact, a kind of synonym of
wide. He is, in fact, deemed to be the profound
wisdom. We are immensely indebted
master and unrivalled exponent of carnatic music. to him for his contribution to music.
In and Around Temples and their Distance
Distance of the Temple From

Name of the temple
jjj Tirupati Railway Station
1. Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Tirupati Near Railway Station
2. Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Tirupati Near Railway Station
3. Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Tirupati 03 Kms.
4. Sri Kalyanavenkateswaraswami Temple, Srinivasamangapuram 12 Kms.
5. Sri Padmavatidevi Temple, Tiruchanur 05 Kms.
6. Sri Kalyanavenkateswaraswami Temple, Narayanavanam 22 Kms.
7. Sri Vedanarayanaswami Temple, Nagalapuram 65 Kms.
8. Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswami Temple, Appalayagunta 15 Kms.
9. Sri Venugopalaswami Temple, Karvetinagaram 58 Kms.
10. Sri Pattabhiramaswami Temple (Valmikipuram), Vayalpadu 100 Kms.
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44 JANUARY, 2018
JANUARY, 2018
Health is Wealth!
Humans must be very
healthy to pursue their
duties or to spend time
in spiritual activities.
Ayurveda has many
features in protecting
the health. Hereafter
we will be publishing
articles about many
valuable Medicinal
Plants, Details of
Medicines for the
Readers of Sapthagiri.
Tulasi has been referred to many names in water and 50 ml should be taken in one session of
Vedic literature and Ayurvedic medicine. They are a day as medicine for curing cough, cold and fever.
Sulabha, Bahumanjari Vishnuvallabha, Pavani, Epilepsy, hysteria, nervous weakness,
and Sulagni. Sulabha means that Tulasi is be defects in brain and mental disorders like illusions
available very easily. Bahumanjari means Tulasi and delusions will be cured and mental peace will
has bunch of flowers. Vishnuvallabha means be restored if the patient takes the dose of medicine
Tulasi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Pavani means made from the leaves of tulasi. The ingredients for
that Tulasi can make one and one’s environment preparing the medicine are: 1. Two dried copras of
holy and auspicious. Sulagni means Tulasi can basil leaves. 2. Two copras of old jaggery powder.
relieve one’s pain very easily. 3. The two copras of pure cow ghee.
Let us know how
Tulasi will work as a
To every Hindu, it is highly traditional
medicinal plant
and sublime to treat and worship the
The decoction
Tulasi plant as most auspicious
or ‘Kashaayam’ by
embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi in
preparing a handful of
his way of life. It is believed that Tulasi
basil leaves in 200ml
is a symbol of wealth and prosperity
water mixed with one
along with her graceful looks of
teaspoonful of sugar
benediction which transmit on one’s
and it is to be boiled
on a light flame and is physical, mental and spiritual health
to be filtered by in view of their protection.
remaining 100ml
SAPTHAGIRI
SAPTHAGIRI 45
45
The Process of Preparing the Medicine
The two copras are to be chopped into small
pieces and mixed with basil leaves, old jaggery
powder with pure cow ghee and it should be taken
in a quantity held with three fingers in the early
hours every day.
Tulasi leaves are to be dried up in
shade and made them into powder by
filtering from a thin cloth and the powder
should be taken along with required honey
1 to 2 grams two times a day. The dry
powder can also be used as snuff to relieve of the
discomfort caused by the nose block, migraine, If recently delivered mothers take the
cold, sneezing, and sinusitis. decoction once a day comprising 100ml water with
The decoction or ‘Kashaayam’ is to be 10 tulasi leaves mixed with ½ teaspoon of
prepared by mixing 10 basil leaves in 200ml water ‘Athimadhura Choornam’ and ½ teaspoon palm
mixed with the powder of 10 pepper seeds and sugar candy along with 100 ml boiled milk when it
the very small bits of ginger weighing 2grams. It is is cool after boiling and filtering. It increases the
to be boiled on a light flame until water becomes production of milk in mothers. ‘Athimadhura
100 ml. It is to be filtered and should be taken with choornam’ is available in all Ayurvedic dispensaries.
tolerable heat along with one teaspoonful of honey
If one applies the tulasi liquid to one’s head
or small pieces of sugar candy as medicine for
at night once in a week and takes the oil bath in
curing cough, cold and irritation in the throat early
the morning, there will be no more problem of lice.
in the morning every day.
If we find the same problem in children, ½ or If one takes 20 ml essence of tulasi with 5 ml
1 small pea-size tablets comprising the powder of honey two times a day the stones in kidneys in the
10 peppercorns and the powder of 20 basil leaves urinal system and stones in gall bladder will get
with the juice of ginger mixed with honey or away in the liquid form.
mother’s milk or water should be given to them as During the time of the construction of the
medicine at night depending on their age.
Victoria Gardens in Bombay and the Albert
If one takes the preparation of 200 ml water Museum by the British, the workers suffered from
with 20 tulasi leaves and 20 ‘pudina’ (mint) leaves malaria. In history it was noted that an Indian coolie
with a small piece of ginger, ¼ spoon of ‘jeelakarra,’ suggested that the eradication of the mosquitoes
‘vaamu,’ coriander powder after boiling and filtering was possible when the environment was full of
until water remains 100 ml, with a small quantity of tulasi plants. As a result, malaria was driven out.
lemon juice mixed with one spoonful of honey,
eczema and the patches of swelling on the skin After mixing 10 tulasi leaves and 1 gram of
will be cured. The power of digestion will be ‘Elachi’ powder in 10ml of boiling water, the
improved. Infections in the stomach will be cured. decoction should be filtered when it is lukewarm
Morning sickness will be cured. Bad breath in the and it should be taken with honey. If
mouth will also be cured and blood pressure will one takes the medicine two times a
also be under control. day, one gets mental peace.
46
JANUARY,
46 JANUARY, 2018
2018
- Sri A. Ramakrishna Deekshitulu
cross the ocean of worldly life; the

One whose glory is explained by the
Upanishads; the one who is to be
enjoyed by worshippers; O Lord of
Venkata Hills, your auspicious
morning is here!
It is indeed true that, Lord
Srinivasa at Tirumala temple,
along with Goddess Lakshmi
enjoys many ritualistic services
beginning with the Suprabhatam
seva, which is also called as
‘pratyUshakAla’ kainkaryam
according to Vaikhanasa Agama.
At Tirumala Hill Shrine, all these
important sevas including Friday
Abhishekam is offered to Lord
Srinivasa along with His Consort
Goddess Lakshmi, behind which the
philosophy of Sri Lakshmi
Visishtadvaitam is imbibed. We have been
discussing several aspects of Lakshmi
Visishtadvaita, which is one of the inherent
reasons behind performing the sacred bath to
Contd. from the previous issue... Sri Venkateswara every Friday at Tirumala
lakshmInivAsaniravadyaguNaIkasindhO
Lakshmi Visishtadvaita Bhashya has thus
samsarasAgarasamuttaraNaikasEto |
many novel ideas to contribute to the general
vEdAntavEdyanijavaIbhavabhaktabhOgya
Vedantic thought. It provides valuable insights
SrIvEmkaTAchalapatEtavasuprabhAtam ||
into Siddhanta and Sampradaya, in sharp
(Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam, Sloka – 28)
contrast to many other bhashyas. It strongly
Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam beautifully insists on iconic worship and temple culture on
describes Lord Srinivasa’s many auspicious a sound theoretical foundation. The main thesis
qualities: of this work may now be summarized below:
Oh, Lord! The abode of Lakshmi; ocean of
1. Tattva (tasyabhAvahtattvam) primarily refers
singular unbounded qualities; the only bridge to
to the supreme Brahman (also called as
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SAPTHAGIRI 47
SAPTHAGIRI
Narayana) as the cause of all the universe paramAtmana:
(sarvajagatkAraNa). This is always associated with chidAchidrUpaSarIraviSishTatvam ||
Lakshmi as power and compassion; and it is only
7. The Brahman is eternal, immutable, all-powerful
thus that Godhead must be approached:
and the veritable abode of all endless and
lakshmIviSishTaEvaIka: prapattavyaihOdita: ||
unsurpassed auspicious attributes.
2. The idea of both Lakshmi and Narayana being
nityaniratiSayantakalyANagu
a singular entity in itself is the instrumental cause
NAkaratvampratyapAdi ||
(nimitta-kAraNa) as well as the material cause
(upadana-kAraNa) of the universe. 8. Knowledge (Jnana) of Brahman does not end
jagadupAdAnatvamnimittatvam with understanding the scriptural import; it must
cha EkasyaEvAvagamyatE || flower into devotion (Bhakti) and only then the
nescience (Avidya) which is the source of
jagatsisukshObrahmaNa: upAdAnatvAt ||
phenomenal existence is removed. Only intense
The cause of the universe is known by the application to realizing the Brahman (Upasana) can
word Brahman. be called Knowledge, which will remove nescience.
jagatkAraNam brahma SabdEnanirdishyatE || brahmanjnAnamitinakEvalamvEdAntavAky
3. Brahman is both sakala and nishkala (with form ArthajnAnam |
and without form); both are natural to Brahman. kintutanmUlambhagavadbhaktirUpOpAsan
And there is nothing other than this. AtmakamitijnAyatE |
parabrahmaNa: svabhAva: vAkyArthajnAnamAtrEnaavidyAniv
nishkala: sakalaScha | RuttiSchanabhavati |
atOanyatrakinchidasti || paramtutanmUlakOpAsanAtmakajnAnEnaavidyAniv
4. Brahman is distinct from the universe in which Ruttirbhavati ||
he abides as the inner principle even as butter in
9. One who seeks liberation must worship the
milk, oil in the sesame seed, fragrance in the flower,
juice in the fruit or fire in fuel. Pervading inside Godhead, accompanied by Jnana and Bhakti.
and outside of all things, Brahman is like formless jnAnabhaktibhyAmarahitEnamumukshuNAmoksh
and subtle sky. AntamsamArAdhanarUpabhagavadup
jagadbrahmaNO: bhEdOstiityASaya: pratipAdita: | AsanamkAryamitipratyapAdi ||

kshIrEsarpi: thailetailampushpEgandha: phalE 10. Devotion is important, although by itself is
rasa: kAshTEagnirivAntarbahiSchatatsarvamvy cannot lead to the ultimate goal. It is only worship
ApyAkASOpama: || that can thus lead the devotee to liberation. But
5. The souls as knowers of Brahman are different devotion becomes important only when it is
from the Brahman who is known by the souls. accompanied by knowledge.
paramAtmana: jIvAtmana: jnAnEnasahakRutabhaktE:

bhinnAityASayOvyanchitObhavati | Eva prAdhAnyam ||
jnEyadvastunOjnAturbhinnaityasyAva 11. Bhakti together with Jnana is related to worship
SyAbhyugantavyAt || as an aid, limb or part thereof;
6. The universe which consists of living beings and bhaktijnAnayO: ArAdhanasya cha
non-living things is the body of Brahman. parasparamupaskAryOpaskArakabh
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2018
Avasambandham | ambrosia; it is abiding ever with the supreme Spirit;
tEnabhaktijnAnEArAdhanasyaangabhUtE || it means entry into the supreme light, and it is an
experience without a break of the highest quarter
12. Complete and wholesome knowledge consists
if Vishnu.
in understanding the sakala and nishkala aspects
of Brahman, and worshipping the Godhead in both tachhanityAnandamamRutarasap
AnavatsadAtRuptikaram,
aspects.
paramAtmanOnityaniShEvaNam,
samyakjnAnamnAmabhagavata: paramjyOti: pravESanam |
nishkalasakalasvarUpavibhAgArAdhanam || tadvishNO:
13. Liberation is freedom from fetters of paramampadamsadApaSyantisUraya: itiSRuti: ||
phenomenal existence. 17. By worship is here meant only iconic worship.
samsArabandhanAnmukti: mOksha: || ArAdhanAmihasamUrtArchanAm
Evavivakshitam ||
It is not merely negative in nature. It also
means ever abiding with Brahman in a state of Installing an image of Vishnu at home or in
supreme and everlasting bliss. the temple and worshipping it in the Vedic mode.
paramAnandasvarUpEnabrahmaNAsah gRuhEdEvAyatanEvAvaIdikamArgEnap
Ujanamtadarchanam ||
AtyantAvasthAnamEvamOksha: ||
14. Worship of the Godhead is the one and the 18. Liberation in this very life is made possible by
first resorting to iconic worship, and following it up
only means for obtaining such liberation.
with the worship of Nishkala Brahman.
bhagavadArAdhanasyaEkOpAyatvam,
AsminjanmanyEvamOkshakAnkshi
bhagavantamnAnyathAprApOtItivijnAyatE ||
NAmanushTAnaprakAramAha ||
15. By worship of the sakala aspect of the
Godhead, one obtains the four planes of liberation: Marichi’s VimanarchanaKalpa (Patala: 85)
sAlokya (to obtain Amoda), samipya (pramoda), contains a fairly elaborate account of the
sarupya (sammoda) and sAyujya (vaikunta). The philosophical position of the Vaikhanasa. The word
first three planes are reached by worship done with for the real, tattva means the mode of Brahman’s
devotion, while the final plane is reached by being. The Brahman is supreme self, Narayana.
worship done with devotion reinforced by To comprehend this mode is Jnana or Gnosis;
knowledge. There is thus a graduation of bliss in those who possess this gnosis are known as the
liberation (Ananda taratamya): Brahman-knowers. Thus the supreme self,
AmOdaprammOdasammOdavaikun Srimannarayana is the object of the knowledge,
TabhEdEnachaturdhAsthitA: bhagavallokA: | the knowable (jnEya), while the individual soul
bhaktyAdibhirupAsakAnAmAmOd (viz.,jivAtman) is the knower (Jnatr). The Vedas
AdiprApti: syAt | constitute the body of this knowledge (JnAna).
vaikunTaprAptistuArAdhanamkurvatAmEva || The Brahman, Sri Vishnu is dual in nature.
By worshipping the Nishkala aspect, one gets He is both ‘unaspected’ (nishkala) and ‘aspected’
(sakala). The former is all-inclusive; it leaves
finally and indistinguishly dissolved in Brahman.
nothing outside it. It pervades all things in and out.
nishkalOpAsanEnabrahmaNiAtyantikalaya: || Being all pervasive it is like Akasa. Within the body
16. Liberation is characterized by Eternal bliss, and it abides devoid of body but pervading the body.
it is ever satisfying, as if one has partaken of Vishnu is so called because he permeates the
49
SAPTHAGIRI 49
SAPTHAGIRI
entirety of existence. He is both visible and invisible,
PARUVETA UTSAVAM IN TIRUMALA
perfectly bright and pure, immutable, unthinkable,
immeasurable, bereft of qualities, unmoving, The special celebration that is held in
unoriginated and unending, unchanging, untimed, Kanuma, the universal omnipotent God Lord
unexplained and beyond the instruments of Venkateswara is regared as Paruveta Utsavam.
cognition. Because of being extremely subtle, he Lord Malayappa wears hunting dress, head
is impossible to be described as either real or unreal
guard and five weapons such as Sudarshana
– so say the knowers of Brahman.
Chakra, Panchajanya Conch, Nandaka Sword,
The aspected nature of Vishnu becomes Koumodaki Gada and Sargabow besides Sword,
manifest when the devotees churn him within their Shield and Sphere, boarding Silver Chariot and
own hearts by contemplation and devotion. reaches Paruveta Mandapa in Papavinasanam
Although really unaspected, he assumes aspected road nearly two kilometers away from temple by
form, even as the fire blazes from the wood when procession. Along with Lord Venkateswara, Lord
churned. Vishnu’s power and splendour is SrI – Krishna as well reaches Paruveta Mandapa
Lakshmi, who is eternal, without beginning or end; where both of them are made to sit and conduct
her form is unmanifest and inscrutable. Her bliss musical and cultural concerts are organized at 2
is everlasting. She constitutes the primordial nature PM by singing the songs of Annamayya. In the
– mUlaprakriti, the power behind all phenomena – evening offerings are made to Lord. After that
Sakti. She is the emanatory power – mAya, and Lord Krishna on the invitation of Sannidi Golla
the possessor thereof – mayi is Vishnu. These are visits their habitate, eats butter and returns to
the eternal Prakriti and Purusha, from them Paruveta Mandapam. At that moment Sannidhi
proceed the worldly processes. Lakshmi is not Golla as a token of gratitude offers burning
therefore to be regarded as an independent reality camphor and appalations to the Lord. After that
(tattva), but as inseperable from Narayana. That Lord Srinivasa starts Hunting. Even the Archaka
SrI (Lakshmi) and SrIsa (Narayana) are related to swamis follow the Lord with weapons to hunt
each other as moon and moonlight are; animals, three times forward and three times
And that is why so much of importance is backward and receive Harathi. Ultimately, returns
given to SrI – Goddess Lakshmi in Sri Vaikhanasa to the Temple. With this, the Paruveta Utsavam
Agama, and according to which it is rightly comes to an end.
conducted the sacred bath every Friday, which
The Paruveta Utsavam symbolizes to
ultimately reveals the Lakshmi Visishtadvaita
express His intolerance towards injustice and
philosophy behind these important and ancient
safeguard the devotees eternally who seek his
rituals of Tirumala Hill Shrine. That concludes the
benediction. It signifies that His incarnation is to
rich insights into the philosophical practices of Sri
establish dharma in kaliyuga by saving His
Vaikhanasas as adopted in Tirumala from times
devotees from the attack of all evils. Besides,
immemorial. In the next issue we will get to learn
He annihilates, ever present arishadvargas and
about a great noble soul, who is involved in Srivari
five senses in humanity so as to foster
Friday Abhishekam and his contribution is very
tremendous concentration on Him. So, whatever
much cherished by Lord Srinivasa, which is still
be the celebration to Lord is for the sake of
being continued till date.
universal good, peace and harmony. All these
|| SrInivAsOvijayatE || would shower Lord's mercy on His devotees.
(to be continued...)
50
50 JANUARY, 2018
JANUARY, 2018
WOMEN IN THE RAMAYANA
- Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi
One of the major advantages that Indians against Sambarasura – she repaired the chariot
have is the huge repository of stories that wheel when it came off and when Dasaratha was
are found in our Epics. They are filled with wounded, she nursed him back. Alas, she could
different kinds of characters in various
be manipulated too as we see in the Ayodhya
situations. Though the setting is of some
years ago, we can still relate to and perhaps Kanda.
learn from many of the characters
The seventh, eighth and ninth sargas
especially in terms of behaviour. The female
characters are not as many as the male, describe how Mandara steadily poisoned Kaikeyi’s
but many of them are very striking for their mind.
strong analytical skills and way with words.
But Kaikeyi jumps with happiness hearing the
news – she did not really distinguish between her
Each Kanda of the Ramayana has its own
own son and that of her co-wives. Yet Mandara
exceptional women. Some of them are connected
persists for she is ‘Vaakyavisarada’, skilled in
directly with the central story, especially with 'Sita';
words. She repeatedly tells Kaikeyi that it is her
and there are others whose stories are told within
son who should be king, it is for her to demand the
the complex web that is the epic - such as the
boons she was promised. The narrative shows how,
stories of women like 'Ahalya' and 'Sabari'. Many
continuously playing with another’s mind using
of them are extremely influential – sometimes
words alone can completely change a valorous
positively but sometimes, negatively too.
person into saying and doing ignoble deeds.
In the Bala Kanda we are introduced to the We all know how Kaikeyi demanded and
three queens of Dasaratha- Kausalya, Sumitra and obtained Rama’s banishment to the forest.
Kaikeyi. Everyone is special in her own way.
The Sundara Kanda is considered as the
Kausalya, a noble lady. The second, Sumitra is
heart of the Ramayana. Sundara Kanda describes
supposed to be a jnaani, a wise woman who
Hanuman’s adventures in Lanka, of his search for
advised King Dasaratha on many of his problems.
Sita in captivity. Ravana has found it impossible to
The youngest, Kaikeyi, grew up motherless, cared
convince Sita who he has abducted to accept him.
for by her nurse, the hunchbacked Mandara. From He leaves her in the Asoka vana and tells the
her story we learn that women were well versed in rakshasis in charge to somehow either persuade
skills required in war that varied from managing her or coerce her to accept him – to harass her in
war chariots and healing the wounded.Kaikeyi was every way till Sita’s resilience is worn down and
Dasaratha’s charioteer in a military campaign she accepts his advances.
51
SAPTHAGIRI 51
SAPTHAGIRI
It is a fearsome place – the ugly unkempt Rama’s arrival and the destruction of Ravana as
misshapen ogresses prancing around their delicate well as the description of auspicious signs gives
flower-like prisoner, teasing her, taunting her. Sita mental strength at a time when her spirits are
Unable to bear all this, Sita bursts into loud wails. down.
Suddenly, one of them, Trijata by name (and the In the Yuddha Kanda, it is described how
daughter of Vibhishana), wakes up and calls out Ravana getting desperate uses the services of
to the ogresses that she had a terrifying dream. Vidyudjihva, a conjurer, to place a severed head
Belief in dreams is powerful and the rakshasis and bow, ostensibly of Sri Rama in front of Sita, in
demand and Trijata describes her dream - of the order to weaken her resolve. A story of how the
destruction of the Rakshasas, of Ravana himself battle was lost by Rama was also described. Sita,
as well as his sons; and the prosperity of Sita’s naturally, is overwrought. Ravana is called away.
consort. Trijata advises the guard-rakshasis to stop Then another ogress, Sarama, who is actually the
torturing Sita and says wife of Vibhishana and the mother of Trijata, comes
tadalamkruravakyaiscasantvamevabhidhiyatam – to calm Sita. Sarama is full of love for Sita. She
enough of cruel words, use gentle words because comforts Sita saying that she has heard all that
that lady about whom I had the dream will surely Ravana had planned and points out that it is not
attain her beloved. Ask her forgiveness because possible for anyone to kill Rama when he is asleep:
Rama is sure to deal strongly with such nasakyamsauptikamkartumramasyaviditaatmanah

nor has Lakshmana been killed. It was a mere
wrongdoers.
conjuring trick to place a severed head that looked
The rakshasis are now afraid because
like Rama’s when in reality he had crossed the
dreams are not to be easily disregarded. Trijata
ocean and was in Lanka.
remarks that Sita will surely be rescued by Rama
There are other important women characters
since specific auspicious signs are present: the
too – Tara, the queen of Kishkinda, Mandodari,
sphuraccaksuhth robbing eye and trembling left
Ravana’s consort, for example. But even a quick
limbs without any reason. At this, Sita says
overview of just three characters from one epic and
spontaneously, 'avochadyadhi tat
we see how their role resulted in monumental
thubhyambhaveyamsaranam hi vah', if what has
changes in the direction of the story. It is not always
been recounted does happen, I shall definitely be
a show of physical strength. We see how a strong
your protector.
character could be manipulated to a disastrous end
This too is an example of behavioural change whereas even someone who appears to be from
by appropriate mental stimulation – the use of the enemy camp could actually turn out to be a
dreams in conveying a message to the uncouth friend at a time of acute distress by
rakshasis makes them desist from troubling their saying the right words and building
prisoner while at the same time, the dream of confidence.
52
JANUARY,
52 JANUARY,
20182018
Presented by
PUZZLE T.S. Jagan Mohan
2
1 3 4 5
ACROSS
1. Foster father of Sakuntala (5)
6
6. Not bright (3)
7
7. Precious stone (3)
8. Great quantity or degree (4)
9. Not Delay at once (From right to left) (3)
8 9 11. Brahma (5)
14. Increase (3)
10 15. Vali (5)
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11 12 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123
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CLUES FOR PUZZLE
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14 15 DOWN
1. Boy (3)
BEWARE OF THIEVES 2. Son of Danuvu (7)
3. Ancient Kingdom (4)
4. Silent (3)
1. Keep your luggage, valuable things and
ornaments carefully. 5. Brother of Sakuni (5)
8. Minister of Sugreeva (5)
2. Don’t keep your children and old age people 10. Lakshmi (4)
to watch the luggage.
12. Boy (3)
3. Don’t eat or drink anything like Tea, Coffee, 13. Help (Jumbled) (3)
water, cool drinks, biscuits etc offered by the
strangers.
7. Be careful with your handbags, ornaments etc
4. Your attention may be diverted by throwing
Coins, Rupee Notes in order to steal your while you are traveling in free bus at the time
valuable things. of getting in and coming out.
5. Don’t go away by keeping your cellphones while 8. Don’t take with you the valuable ornaments
charging. while going to bath rooms. Valuable things
must be kept with your relatives or in lockers.
6. Don’t believe the false words of unknown
persons for providing darsan, room facility and
prasadams saying that you are known person 9. Keep the Laddu Tokens, Bags, Purses, Jewellery
to me. etc very carefully while in the Q-line at Laddu
Counters.
SAPTHAGIRI 53
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TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS
SAPTHAGIRI
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Edited and Published on behalf of T.T.Devasthanams by Dr. K. Radharamana, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., Chief Editor, TTD and Printed at TTD Press
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3

Front Cover : Lord Venkateswara Swami

At houses pulihora (Tamarind rice), hot

Sankranti is an harvest festival. So Godess Lakshmi

The new sons-in law are invited to their parents-in-

The big attraction of Sankranti is gangireddu.

Lord Krishna made it clear that Surya

Surya Bhagawan, the embodiment

Once a person by name Mayura was afflicted white leprosy.

Venkatachala Kshetra, the Vaikunt of Kaliyug. Further, he will be adorned with

The celebrations of Ratha

Lord of Seven Hills and Surya Bhagawan,

About 5,000 years ago, Srinivasa, in order

Also, it is auspicious to visit the Padma

BHOGI TERU on 14-01-2018

On the eighth day i.e., BHOGI which is the

The grand celebration of the Divine

Thus the grand series of Godambika Festival

Yadyajanmakrutam paapam Mayaa Sapthaya Janmasu

Andal’s Divine love for the Lord

2222 JANUARY, 2018

Reverential worshipping of Lord Aditya is reported

Phalastuthi of Sun-related sthothras say that Sun's

Thus the temple began to pay an annual

In and Around Temples and their Distance

Distance of the Temple From

cross the ocean of worldly life; the

jagadbrahmaNO: bhEdOstiityASaya: pratipAdita: | AsanamkAryamitipratyapAdi ||

paramAtmana: jIvAtmana: jnAnEnasahakRutabhaktE:

tadalamkruravakyaiscasantvamevabhidhiyatam – to calm Sita. Sarama is full of love for Sita. She

Rama is sure to deal strongly with such nasakyamsauptikamkartumramasyaviditaatmanah

TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS

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