SRIVARI SEVAKS SHOULD DO MORE COMMITTED SERVICE-TTD EO
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Complimenting the Srivari Sevaks for their
commendable voluntary services to the visiting pilgrims in Tirumala, the TTD EO
Sri IYR Krishna Rao felt that the services of srivari sevaks should enhance to
further heights so that their services could be better utilised by TTD in
various other areas where pilgrims interface is more.
Addressing the All India Srivari Seva leaders meet
at Tirumala Srivari Seva Sadan on Saturday, the EO said, "the srivari
sevaks have been rendering their services from the past one decade with the
motto "Service to Mankind is Service to God". But in order to bring
more transparency, disciplene, enhance their efficiency and
strengthen srivari seva, the EO said TTD is henceforth contemplating to
wind up the darshan and subsidy laddu facilities to the sevaks. "By this
act, we could be able to draw true sevaks with true spirit of seva concept,
with whom we can extend their sincere and selfless services even in the core
areas of TTD also", he added.
Following the suggestions made by few leaders, the
EO directed the Tirumala Joint EO Sri KS Srinivasa Raju to discuss in
elaboarate with other officials and design a dress code to the srivari sevaks.
"Their services should be utilised in the Rs.50, Rs.300, free darshan and
general darshan queue lines in a better way rather than allotting them
Kalyanotsavam or Ekantha Seva duties", EO pointed. He directed the TTD
officials to better use their services where pilgrim interface is more.
The EO instructed the ACVSO Sri Sivakumar Reddy to
enhance the security for seva sadan and directed the special grade deputy eo
reception sri Lakshmi Kantham to provide better and hygenic accommodation
facilities at Madhavam to srivari sevaks. (usually during peak seasons and
on festive days where the srivari sevaks influx is more than 1000, additional
accommodation will be provided to them at Madhavam).
Reacting immediately to the suggestion made by one
of the sevaks, the EO directed the officials to set up a mobile health clinic
at ATC parking area for the sake of pilgrims in the case of emergency.
About 300 sevak leaders hailing from Tamilnadu,
Karnataka, Kerala, Maharastra, Orissa, Jharkand, West Bengal apart from Andhra
Pradesh took part in this meeting.
SRI GOVINDARAJA SWAMY TEMPLE,TIRUPATI . BRAHMOTSAVAM BEGINS FROM JUNE 6
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The following are the tentative
schedule of Vahanam Sevas of both temples :
|
DATE
|
MORNING
|
EVENING
|
|
06-06-2011
|
Dwajarohanam
(Muhurtham 9-105am Karkataka Lagnam)
|
Peddasesha Vahanam
|
|
07-06-2011
|
Chinnasesha Vahanam
|
Hamsa Vahanam
|
|
08-06-2011
|
Simha Vahanam
|
Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam
|
|
09-06-2011
|
Kalpavruksha Vahanam
|
Sarvabhoopala Vahanam
|
|
10-06-2011
|
Pallaki Utsavam
|
Garuda Vahanam
|
|
11-06-2011
|
Hanumantha Vahanam
|
Gaja Vahanam
|
|
12-06-2011
|
Suryaprabha Vahanam
|
Chandraprabha Vahanam
|
|
13-06-2011
|
Rathotsavam
|
Aswa Vahanam
|
|
14-06-2011
|
Chakrasnanam
|
Dwajarohanam
|
Yogini Ekadasi june 27 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
The
legend or story associated with Yogini Ekadasi or Yogini Ekadashi Vrat katha is
mentioned in the Brahma Vivarta Purana. Yogini Ekadasi, observed on Krishna Paksh of
Ashad month in North Indian Hindi calendars, is the most important Ekadashi vrat to get
rid of diseases andailments.
Significance and
importance of Yogini Ekadasi Vrata was narrated by Lord Sri Krishna to
Yudhistira (Dharmaraj). Krishna told the story of Hemamali, a Yaksha who was
working at Kubera, the King of Alakapuri. Hemamali was very much attracted
towards his gorgeous wife, Swarupavati and neglected his daily duties that he
was allocated to do for his master Kuber.
Hemamali’s
daily work was to bring flowers from Manasarovar Lake. His master identified
his carelessness towards his duties and asked one of his servants to go to his
house and enquire.The servant went to Hemamali’s house and came to
Kuber and informed that the reason of his negligence in his duties is his
gorgeous wife. Kubera called Hemamali and cursed him to suffer from white
leprosy and to separate from his wife. Thus Hemamali suffered from the terrible
disease and separated from his wife.
When
he met Sage Markandeya (Markandeya Maharshi), he suggested him to observe
Yogini Ekadasi Vrata. Hemamali observed the fast on Ashadha Krishna Ekadasi and
got rid of the dangerous infection and
became a handsome Yaksha. He lived his rest of life happily with his wife.
VRAT: Yogini
Ekadashi is observed on Ekadasi day in Krishna Paksha of Ashada maas in North
Indian Hindi calendar. In 2011, yogini Ekadasi date is June 27. It falls in
Jyeshta Krishna Paksha Ekadashi as per Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Kannada calendars. It corresponds with Krishna Paksha of
Ashada month of North Indian Hindi calendars.
On
26 June 2011, Yogini Ekadasi begins at 9.35 am and ends on 27 June 2011 at
11.14 am. Those who observe Yogini Ekadashi will be blessed with good health.
Here you can read the legend Yogini Ekadasi vrat katha.
Nirjala Ekadasi June 12 ,2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Nirjala Ekadasi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimasena
Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during Jyeshta masa Shukla paksha.
Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhimsani Ekadashi is considered to be most auspicious and beneficial day
to observe Ekadashi Vrat.
Date of
Nirjala Ekadashi in 2011 – When is Pandava or Bhimsena Ekadasi observed?
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of first half during Jyeshta month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. In 2011, date of Nirjala Ekadashi vrata is June 12.
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of first half during Jyeshta month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. In 2011, date of Nirjala Ekadashi vrata is June 12.
Every devotee who observes all the 24 Ekadashi Vrat in a
year, observes this Pandava Ekadasi with utmost devotion. According to several sacred
texts, Nirjala Ekadashi fasting or
Vrata can give a devotee the fruits of
all 24 Ekadashi observances.
As per the Mahabharata, once Bhimasena asked Sage Veda Vyasa
about the importance andsignificance of
Ekadasi fasting. Veda Vyasa explained him
the benefits and merits of
Ekadashifasting. Listening to that, Bhim told him that his brothers Yudhistira,
Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva would observe the fast without any hesitation but,
he cannot be able to observefasting on
24 Ekadashi throughout the year. Bhimsen asked Veda Vyasa to suggest only one
dayfasting that can give him 24
Ekadashi fasting results.
On Bhimsens request Veda Vyasa advised him to observe fasting on Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi, also
called as Nirjala Ekadasi, which can give him all the benefits and merits of 24 Ekadashifasting. Because of this
legend, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi is also named as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimsen
Ekadashi.
What to do
on Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi – Rituals and
Customs of Nirjala Eakdashi:
Devotees have to avoid even drinking water from sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi day. Because of this reason, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi is also named as Nirjala Ekadashi (Nirjala means without water). As Jyeshta month (May – June) falls during mid-summer, observing this Ekadashi fasting without even drinking water is more difficult than all other Ekadashi fasting. This vow is accomplished when devotee is utmost dedicated. In some regions, there is atradition of donating gold and water pot. Catchy terms: pandavas & bhim
Devotees have to avoid even drinking water from sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi day. Because of this reason, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi is also named as Nirjala Ekadashi (Nirjala means without water). As Jyeshta month (May – June) falls during mid-summer, observing this Ekadashi fasting without even drinking water is more difficult than all other Ekadashi fasting. This vow is accomplished when devotee is utmost dedicated. In some regions, there is atradition of donating gold and water pot. Catchy terms: pandavas & bhim
Ekadasi in June 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Ekadasi observed on the eleventh day of a
fortnight in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar and Ekadashi fasting is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The dates of Ekadasi in June 2011 are June 8 and June
22. There are normally two Ekadasis in a traditional Hindu month. Fasting on
Ekadashi is considered highly beneficial by Vishnu devotees.
The Ekadashi on June
12, 2011 is Bhim Ekadasi or Nirjala Ekadasi.
The Ekadashi on June
27, 2011 is Yogini Ekadasi
TTD CANCELED 23,000 SRIVARI ARJITHASEVA TICKETS
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
BULK BOOKINGS ARE CANCELED
SRIVARI ARJITHASEVA TICKETS
CANCELED DETAILS
|
|
Arjitha seva name
|
Number of tickets
|
Malechat vastram
Abhisekam
Punugu ginne
Kasthuriginne
Thomala
Archana
Asthdalapadapadmaradhana
Sahasrakalashabhisekam
Tiruppavada
|
2,326
5,026
124
1,147
11,935
1,183
955
58
22
|
Total tickets
|
23,046
|
Hathiram Bavaji tirumala
Sunday, May 22, 2011
There were many great saints and
devotees of Lord Venkateswara who remained in the darkness. One such great
devotee of Lord Venkateswara is Bhavaji. He was popularly known as Hathiram Baba. He was an ardent devotee of Lord
Venkateswara. I personally feel nothing much is written about this great
devotee over internet world. I searched all over the internet for information
on Hathiram Baba. Unfortunately, no substantial manuscript is available on this
great devotee of Lord Balaji. I found only a few sites describing the story of
Hathiram Baba. Unfortunately, the information provided in the site was really
pathetic and funny. It starts like this. A saint from North India had visited Tirumala and
settled there. He used to call himself Hathi Ram because he was fat like Hathi
(an Elephant) and no one knows his real name. Isn’t it funny? I logged out of
the site immediately after reading two lines. I don’t blame the publisher
totally for that, because we hardly have any information on the life story of
Hathiram Baba. The story of Hathiram Baba is only confined to a few books in
the libraries and to the stories of our Grand Parents. If you have observed,
Hathiram Baba Mutt still exists in Tirumala. It is constructed at the Main
entrance of Tirumala Temple. I feel TTD must take up initiatives
to let people know these great devotees of Lord Balaji. The glory of Lord
Balaji will increase by making people aware of these small stories associated
with the Lord and his ardent devotees. They inspire more people to worship the
Lord.
Here is my little effort to have some
focus on this great devotee of the Lord Venkateswara to the best of my
information and knowledge gathered through Books, Television, Internet and all
possible sources within my reach. Hope you will find it instructive and
informative.
6th PHASE OF KALYANAMASTHU HELD ON 20 MAY
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Executive Officer of the TTD Sri I Y R Krishna Rao said the TTD would spent approximately Rs.7000 on each of the couple in providing them a pair of wedding apparel, mangala sutram, wedding silver toe rings besides wedding feast for sixty guests for each couple.
He said the newly wedded couple would be provided darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala and also transport and accommodation at fifty percent concession to Tirumala. He said in all 12,000 weddings were conducted in this phase all over the state bringing the total of Kalyanamastu to 46,000 weddings since inception.
The certificate of wedding was presented to each of the couple by the EO and Sri.K.Venkat Reddy, president of Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad. They were also presented the certificate of the marriage registrar through the office of the Hyderabad Collector on the spot.
The TTD has specially brought the Utsava idols from the Srivari Temple of Tirumala for the event along with priests to conduct the Kalyanamastu besides team of Nadaswaram and Annamacharya singers from Tirupati.
TTD APPEALS TO DEVOTEES TO USE DIGITAL LOCKERS
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The temple administration of TTD has appealed to devotees to make use of the free digital lockers located at Tirumala to keep safe their valuables during their visit to Tirumala.
Addressing a media briefing at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala, the Joint EO of Tirumala Sri KS Srinivasa Raju said TTD has spent Rs.18lakhs and set up 126 highly secured digital lockers at GNC, ANC, SNC, Sapthagiri, VSGH and First NC cottages for the sake of pilgrims. “Apart from these lockers, 90 bank type lockers have also placed at GNC”, he said.
“Usually this will be of great use to the pilgrims who are coming to Tirumala with valuable items and jewels. These digital lockers are highly safe and secure”, he added.
He said owing to heavy influx of pilgrims with the advent of summer vacation, TTD has temporarily halted the ongoing renovation works on Second Ghat Road. “The works will resume likely in the first week of June after the peak season is over”, he maintained..
Meanwhile addressing the media persons, special grade deputy executive officer of Reception Sri Lakshmi Kantham said, the digital lockers are available at the pilgrim disposal at totally free of cost. “The only thing they have to use, they should use a four-digit number secret code to lock and open their lockers or they can even use their debit cards to swipe the lockers”, he added.
UP COMING: SIXTH PHASE OF KALYANAMASTU ON MAY 20
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The sixth phase of ‘Kalyanamastu', free mass wedding programme, will be held under the aegis of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in the district on May 20.
Mass marriages
In a statement, District Collector Siddharth Jain said that the mass marriages will be conducted by the TTD in all constituency headquarters in the district from 9.52 a.m. to 10.04 a.m. on May 20. The mass weddings will be performed at the TTD kalyana mandapams and the famous temples in the respective constituency headquarters.
The eligible couples should register their names by submitting the prescribed applications along with the necessary enclosures at the Collectorate and TTD kalyana mandapam besides the offices of the revenue and gram panchayats concerned well in advance of the stipulated date of Kalyanamastu.
Annamacharya jayanthi 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Annamacharya Jayanti is the birth anniversary ofthe saint poet Annamayya
who composed and
sung tens of thousands of sankeerthanas on Lord Sri Venkateswara. In 2011,
Annamacharya Jayanti date is May 17. It is celebrated on Vaishakha Pournami
day, full moon day in Vaishakha masam.
TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam), and many other musical,
cultural and social organizations organize musical events and festivals during
Annamayya Jayanti. Tallapaka in Andhra
Pradesh is the birth place of Annamayya.
Laksha gala Sankeerthana held during Annamayya Jayanti in Hyderabad in
2009 is recored in the Guinness Book of World Records. In this event, more than
one lakh people sung Annamayya krithis together.
Annamayya Jayanthi or Annamacharya Jayanti is the birth
anniversary of the Saint Poet
Tallapaaka Annamayya. Annammacharya Jayanti is celebrated on Vaishakha Purnima, Full Moon day
in Vaishakha masam. In 2011, Annamayya Jayanti date is
May 17. Annamayya was the
Saint poet
of Andhra
Pradesh who wrote and composed thousands
of Sankeerthanas on Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati.
In 2010, during Annamayya Jayanthi day, Laksha Gala Govinda Namarchana
(recital of Govinda nama by one lakh people) will be held at Vijayawada. This
is the 602nd Jayanti
celebrations of Tallapaka Annamacharya.
Annamayya was born on May 9, 1408 and attained salvation on
February 23, 1503. He was the official singer for Tirumala Tirupati
Venkateswara Temple.
Sashti 2011 Dates
Saturday, May 14, 2011
May 9, 2011 – Shashti
June 7, 2011 – Shasti
July 6, 2011 – Sashti
August 4, 2011 – Shashti
September 3, 2011 – Sashti
October 2, 2011 - Sashti Fasting
October 27, 2011 – Skanda Shasti Starts
October 28, 2011 – Kanda Shasti fasting Day 2
October 29, 2011 – Kantha Shasti fasting Day 3
October 30, 2011 – Skanda Sasti fasting Day 4
October 31, 2011 – Skanda Shashti fasting Day 5
November 1, 2011 – Skanda Sashti Soora Samharam (Skanda Shashti fasting Day 6)
November 2, 2011 – Tirukalyanam
November 30, 2011 – Shasti
December 30, 2011 – Shasti
Amavasya 2011 Dates
Saturday, May 14, 2011
May 2, 2011, Monday - Amavasya begins at 10:04 AM. - Somvati
Amavasi
May 3, 2011, Tuesday – Amavasya ends at 11:46 AM.
May 3, 2011, Tuesday – Amavasya ends at 11:46 AM.
June 1,
2011, Wednesday – Amavasya
July 1,
2011, Friday – Amavasya
July 30,
2011, Saturday - Amavasya - Shani Amavas
August
29, 2011, Monday – Somavati Amavasya
September
27, 2011, Tuesday – Amavasys- Mahalaya
October
26, 2011, Wednesday – Amavasya - Diwali
November
25, 2011, Friday – Amavasya
December
24, 2011, Saturday – Shani Amavasya
Purnima 2011 Dates
Saturday, May 14, 2011
May 17,
2011, Tuesday – Vasishakh Poornima - Budha Purnima
June 15, 2011, Wednesday – Jyeshta Purnima (Vat Savitri
Poornima)
July 15,
2011, Friday – Ashada Purnima - Vyasa Purnima – Guru Poornima
August 13, 2011, Saturday – Shravan Purnima - Raksha Bandhan -
Narali Poornima
September
12, 2011, Monday – Bhadrapad Poornima
October 11, 2011, Tuesday – Ashwin Purnima – Sharad Poornima -
Kojagari Purnima
November
10, 2011, Thursday – Kartik Poornima – Dev Diwali – Tripurai Purnima - Tulsi
Vivah ends
December 10, 2011, Thursday – Margashirsh Purnima - Datta
Jayanti
Navratri Dates in 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Ghatsthapana – Navratri Day 1 – September 28, 2011 - Chandra Darshan
Navratri Day 2 – September 29, 2011
Navratri Day 3 – September 29, 2011 - Sindoor Tritiya
Navratri Day 4 – September 30, 2011 - Varad Vinayak Chaturthi
Navratri Day 5 – October 1, 2011 - Lalitha Panchami
Navratri Day 6 – October 2, 2011 - Saraswati Awahan in some regions
Navratri Day 7 – October 3, 2011 – Saraswathi Avahan - Maha Lakshmi Puja - Maha Saptami
Navratri Day 8 – October 4, 2011 – Saraswathi Puja – Mahashtami - Annapoorna Parikrama
Navratri Day 9 – October 5, 2011 – Saraswathi Puja ends – Mahanavami
The tenth day is celebrated as Dasara or Vijaya Dashami - Saraswathi Balidan
May 2011 ekadhasi
Saturday, May 14, 2011
may 2011 28 apara ekadhasi: Apara Ekadasi occurs during the waning phase of moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June). The importance of Apara Ekadashi was explained by Lord Krishna to Yudishitira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Washing away the sins committed is the main benefit from observing Apara Ekadasi.
Fasting on this Ekadashi is beneficial to those people who are suffering from remorse or guilt due to sin or sins committed. One can attain moksha by observing a fast on Apara Ekadasi. Krishna also mentions that one who observes this particular Ekadashi will become famous through meritorious deeds.
Observing this Ekadasi removes the remorse associated with not performing a particular action, when the person had the opportunity to do it but shied away.
PADMAVATHI PARINAYOTSAVAM IN TIRUMALA
Saturday, May 14, 2011
This is more than a life time golden opportunity for the couple who enter the wed-lock in the sixth phase of Kalyanamastu which is slated to take place across the state on May 20, as the ornaments including talibotlu and mettelu which are offered to the bride by TTD have been sanctified on Friday as they were placed at the feet of the presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara for his divine blessings.
Earlier in the day, the TTD Executive Officer Sri IYR Krishna Rao carried the sare (talibotlu and mettelu) in a plate over his head in a traditional manner amidst the chanting of vedic hymns by temple priests from Bedi Anjaneyaswamy temple to Tirumala shrine where special puja has been performed inside sanctum sanctorum to the ornaments.
Later addressing media persons at Tirumala Asthana Mandapam, TTD EO said, " The ornaments have been formally kept at the feet of Lord for his blessings and they will be distributed to the respective districts as per their requirement. So far 5500 couples have registered their names. We are confident that this number will cross 15thousand mark this time as we have few more days left for the free mass marriage to take place. However, we have decided 5pm of 18th May as the last date of registration process. If the number exceeds 20thousand mark, we cannot accommodate them in this phase of Kalyanamastu. So we put this time limit. But based on the final figures, we think of extending the date of registration even on 19th and 20th May morning before the wedding muhurat commences", he added.
PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 2011
Monday, May 09, 2011
3 days festival in tirumala
dates are :
12-May-2011 THURSDAY "PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 1st day
13-May-2011 FRIDAY "PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 2nd DAY"
14-May-2011 SATURDAY "PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 3rd DAY"
those days Arjitha bramhostavam,vasanthosthavam.sahasra deepalankarana seva's cancelled.
12-May-2011 THURSDAY "PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 1st day
13-May-2011 FRIDAY "PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 2nd DAY"
14-May-2011 SATURDAY "PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM 3rd DAY"
those days Arjitha bramhostavam,vasanthosthavam.sahasra deepalankarana seva's cancelled.
ADDALA MANDAPAM
Monday, May 09, 2011
Twelve feet to the north of ‘Srikrishnadevarayala mandapam’, there is a glass porch. Every day at 2 p.m. a service called dolotsavam is performed to the Lord in this glass porch. Devotees are permitted to participate in this paid seva.
In reality, this seva is a north Indian contribution. There is no evidence to prove when this was built. There is enough evidence to prove that this seva programme began to be performed in 1831.
Let us now move to Ranganayaka Mandapam by chanting Govinda. Govinda, Govinda... the name that gives us eternal happiness!
RANGANAYAKA MANDAPAM SRIVARI TEMPLE, TIRUMALA
Monday, May 09, 2011
Just opposite to the glass porch, there is another high rise mandapam called Ranganayaka Mandapam, due to the Muslim invasions between 1320 and 1369 A.D., the idols of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangapatnam were shifted to Tirumala for safe keeping. Daily prayers and poojas were offered to him in this Mandapam. After the cessation of the Muslim invasions, these statues were once again shifted back to SriRangam. Yet this place is called Ranganayakula Mandapam to this day.
This mandapam is said to have been build by the king of Tirupathi, named Ranganadha Yadava Rayalu. It is in this mandapam Kalyanothsvams were performed to the Lord. But, due to the increase in pilgrim rush, daily Kalyanothsvams are performed in Sampangi Pradakshinam.
When president of nation, national leaders, and VIPs visit Tirumala for lord’s darshan, they are offered prasadams and blessings of the temple priests in this Ranganayaka Mandapam.
Let us now move over to the adjacent Tirumalaraya Mandapam by chanting ‘Govinda’, the name which is so majestically sung by Annamaya!
TIRUMALARAYA MANDAPAM
Monday, May 09, 2011
Ten feet to the south of the flag staff, there is another stone pillared pavilion called Tirumalaraya Mandapam. This was built by Saluvanarasimharayalu, the emperor of Vijayanagara, to express his gratitude to the Lord for his help in his victories. Every year, for fiv days, in the month of June and July, the Lord and his two consorts are placed on a rocking cradle in this mandapam. This ritual which used to enthrall the devotees is now discontinued.
DWAJASTHAMBAM (FLAGSTAFF)
Monday, May 09, 2011
During Brahmotsavams, a flag with Garuda’s imprint is hoisted on this flagstaff for extending an invitation to gods and goddesses (Yaksha, Kinnera and Gandharva), to attend this festival. Those wishing to take pooja material or other things into the sanctum, they have to circumambulate the dwajasthamba. Even the Lord is made to circumambulate the dwajasthamba whenever he is taken outside or inside the main temple. As this flagstaff is made up of wood, it has been changed from time to time. In the year 1982 a new flagstaff has been consecrated. Let us now learn something about the near by altar.
BALI PEETAM
Monday, May 09, 2011
Abutting the flagstaff is the Bali Peetam or altar. After offering food (Prasadam) to the Lord and other deities and after exiting through the silver gate, the Prasadam is kept on this altar. It is believed that this food offering is accepted by deities, the angles and the elemental forces. After saluting the dwajasthamba and Balipeetam let us move to ‘Kshetrapalaka’ sila by chanting Govinda… Govinda…, the name of the Lord who is the repository of Dharma!
KSHETRA PALAKA SILA (BIG ROUND STONE)
Monday, May 09, 2011
UGRANAM (STONE HOUSE)
Monday, May 09, 2011
‘Ugranam’ means godown. All the pavilions on western side are now being used as store houses. The material used for the lord’s ‘Puja’ and other rituals is now stored in the North west corner of the ‘sampangi Pradakshina’.
PADI POTU SRIVARI TEMPLE
Monday, May 09, 2011
The Lord’s kitchen is located in the route of Sampangi Pradakshinam. This kitchen is referred to as ‘Padi potu’. Sweet meats and savories like laddoo, vada, appam, dosa, poli, sukhiya, jilebi, etc which are offered to the Lord are prepared here in large quantity. To the east of this kitchen is the ‘flower chamber’.
FLOWER WELL (WELL OF FLOWERS)
Monday, May 09, 2011
Just opposite and to the north of the flowers chamber is the ‘flower well’. All the flowers used for the worship of the Lord are naves given to anyone as ‘Prasadam’. They are deposited in this well. Of late, flowers are being used in huge quantities for the decoration of the Lord and his consorts. As the ‘flower well is unable to hold this huge quantity of used flowers, they are being strewn over the uninhabited areas of the seven hills.
VAGAPADI CHAMBER
Monday, May 09, 2011
The long porch on the eastern side and adjacent to the ‘flower chamber’ is Vagapadi chamber. Offerings to the deity are prepared here thrice a day. Now let us step into Vimana Pradakshinam and know its contents. Let us move to the silver entrance. Keep the name of the Lord Govinda permanently on the tongue and the name will get rid of our terrible sins!
VIMANA PRADAKSHINAM
Monday, May 09, 2011
Beyond the silver door, the path which circumambulates the main gopura of Ananda Nilaya is known as ‘Vimana Pradakshina. Early, at the pre dawn hour, while Suprabhata seva is performed to the Lord, devotees make Anga Pradakshina (rolling one’s body in humility all round the temple as a religious vow). Hence it is also called Angapradakshina marg. In this path way one can witness Sri Ranganadha just opposite to the silver entrance, Sri Varadaraja Swami temple, main kitchen, golden well, Ankurarpana Mandapam, Yagasala, Nanala (coins) Parakamani, notla (Paper notes) Parkamani, almirah of Sandal SREERANGANATHUDU VENDI VAKILI paste (Chandanapu ara) darshan of Vimana Venkateswara, cell of records, Sannidhi bashyakarulu, the seat of Sri Ramanuja, the temple of Yoganarasimhaswami, Lords’s hundi and the seat of Vishvaksena. All the small temples in this path way are called ‘Chutttu gullu’. Every small temple has a name inscribed on it. Let us proceed to learn about these temples by chanting Govinda…. Govinda and praising his glory!
GHANTA MANDAPAM SRIVARI TEMPLE
Monday, May 09, 2011
Let us enter the front porch of the Lord Venkateswara, named ‘Ghanta Mandapam’. Lord Brahma, the angels and Maharshis like Sanakasanandana wait for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara at the golden gate. Opposite to the golden gate, there is Garuda Mandapam. The pavilion that links the golden gate and the Garuda Mandapam is called ‘Ghanta Mandapam’ or ‘Mahamani Mandapam’. It was constructed in 1461 A.D. by Mallanna, a native of Chandragiri and minister in the Vijaya nagas empire. ‘Garudalwar Mandir’ is also located just opposite to the golden gate in this mandap. In this mandap there is a 6 feet high statue of Garuda (vehicle of Vishnu) saluting the god with folded hands. Every day at the Predawn hour, Suprabhath is recited in the place between the golden gate and the statue of Garuda. The Lord sitting on the golden throne in this mandapam, listens to the recital of almanac and the submissions of receipt and expenditure account of the previous day. This place is also called ‘Srinivas Darbar’.
To the south of the golden gate in this mandap, two big bells are suspended from a wooden log using iron chains. The Brahmin who rings this bell is called ‘Ghantapani’. The ringing of this bell denotes that it is time for the Lord to have his meal. At Tirumala many devotees have their food only after the bell stops ringing, whenever the emperor of Vijaya Nagara Empire camps at Chandragiri, the bell sounds are relayed to Chandragiri through intermediary bell porches for enabling the emperor to have his food there after. Because of these bells, this porch has become famous as ‘GhantaMandapam’.
SNAPANA MANDAPAM SRIVERI TEMPLE,TIRUMALA
Monday, May 09, 2011
The pavilion that you notice after crossing the golden door is known as ‘Snapana Mandapam’. Every day after Thomala Seva, the idol of Koluvu Srinivasa murthy is brought here and placed on the golden throne and his court is held. During this court, almanc is recited; the affairs of the day, the details of income and expenditure of the previous day are reverentially presented to the Lord. The golden throne that is used during this court is stored in the adjacent grilled chamber.
There are two rooms on either side of the golden door. In the right side room, the Hundi collections are kept. In the left side room, the Lord’s jewels i.e. the crown, the conch, the chakra, necklaces made of diamonds, gems, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, topazes etc are kept. The service of adorning the Lord with these ornaments is called ‘Samarpana’. The Samarpana is classified into three types: Sada Samarpana, Visesha Samarpana and Antique Jewellery.
Sada Samarpana:- These are the ornaments which are worn by the Lord every day. They are kept in the charge of the chief priest. Their value is said to be around ten million rupees.
Vishesha Samarpana:- These are the special ornaments which adorn the Lord during festivals and during the visit of VIPs like the president of India and the Prime minister to the shrine. The Lord’s diamond and gem studded crown, Sankhu (conch) and Chakra (disc) are kept in the charge of a special officer known as ‘Parupathyadaru’. These are valued at 20 million plus rupees.
Antique Jewellery:- They adorn the Lord during Brahmotsavams. They comprise antique jewellery gifted by the king and queen of Gadwal. More than their monetary value, they are of immense historical importance. These ornaments are kept in the safe custody of T.T.D. treasury.
The ornaments that are daily used for the Lord are kept in the left room in the Snapana Mandapam. To avoid trespassing, iron doors made of thick rods are erected for this room. Have a good look at them. As you proceed further beyond this ‘Darbar’, you come across Rama’s mansion. Let us chant Rama’s name and enter Lord Rama’s Mansion.
“Sri Rama Rama Ramethi, Rame Rame Manorame! Sahasra Nama Tathulyam, Rama nama Varanane”!
“Rama’s very form is so lovely to the eyes and mind! The very Utterance of his name is a source of Supreme Ananda. Pronouncing Rama’s name once is like reciting his name thousand times”!
SAYANA MANDAPAM SRIVARI TEMPLE
Monday, May 09, 2011
In this room, there is a golden cot with silk mattress hung by silver chains on which the Lord’s idol is seen relaxing. That is why this place is called ‘Sayana Mandapam’. In this room the offerings are kept in front of the Lord. These offerings are never taken beyond this threshold of the Sanctum. Let us also not cross this threshold. While standing here, let us devour the beautiful image of the Lord and preserve it in our mind. Even after going home, we should be able to see the Lord’s image in our mind’s eye. We should firmly determine to confine his magnificent image in our mind. Then only he will appear before our eyes whenever we wish to see him. Then there would be none to shove us off. No one can pull us away from him. As we enter the golden threshold we can have a look at him without even blinking our eyes. Never think that you are leaving him behind while you are returning from his presence. Turn around with the thought that the Lord is accompanying you and that he is in your mind’s eye. Don’t keep on turning your head again and again for having another glimpse of the Lord, as you are likely to obstruct other devotees and force the security persons to shove you away.
The Saviour of the world!
Oh’ Lord of the Universe!
Govinda! Govinda!
Here is an anecdote of a devotee who carried away the Lord’s image in her mind’s eye. After having the darshan of the Lord, she was walking back with out causing the slightest discomfort to other devotees. Yet the security personnel grabbed her hand and pushed her away. She shouted at him angrily, “why have you pulled me when I am walking away?” and quickly walked away. Even after coming out of the Sanctum, her anger did not subside.
Later on, when she thought about this incident, she realized that the unsavory incident happened because she came to the Lord in her physical form. Had she been able to fix his image in mind and meditate, no one would have pulled her away from him. From then onwards, she began to see the Lord sitting at the threshold, without entering the sanctum just by closing her eyes and concentration on the Lord. She was amazed to discover that it was so easy for her to have the lord’s darshan in this manner. Initially she thought that it was only on illusion and was skeptical about it.
On waking up the next day morning she had the Lord’s darshan and to her dismay he was wearing an ordinary white robe instead of his usual attire and jewellery. All the day she wondered why the Lord wore such simple attire. The riddle was solved when she realized that it was a Thursday. Every Thursday the Lord adorns a white silk robe. She was overjoyed. It meant that she had been seeing the Lord every day and that it was not an illusion. It became possible because she could arrest the Lord’s image in all its grandeur in mind. That’s why she was able to see that image every day. By appearing before her in different images, he has instilled in her the belief that she had been going to the temple every day and was having the Lord’s Darshan. Is it so easy to have the Lord’s darshan?
She was thankful to the security personnel who was responsible for all this. God has shown her the way. This is proof enough for any one to be with the Lord if we strongly desire to be with the Lord, that wish is granted. If you have strong belief in god and faithfully wish for something, it is fulfilled. There is another example for proving that our desires are fulfilled when we have nothing but faith in him.
One day a guest came to a devotee’s house. He had a ‘Tirumala Laddoo’ in his hand. Some body gave it to him while going home he had stopped by to greet her. All her attention was on that laddoo though she was talking to him. She was hoping that he would offer at least a part of it to her, but he never bothered about it. He had left her without ever giving part of it. She was very disappointed for not getting the Lord’s prasadam. She was totally disturbed till the evening and when her children returned home from school, she got herself busy with them. That night her husband, on his return from office brought a big kalyanam Laddoo which was given to him by a friend. She became speechless with happiness and pleasantly surprised on receiving the laddoo. Most probably the Lord, noticing her disappointment, has sent the laddoo.
If your desire for things is really strong it is likely to be fulfilled. We should have faith in ourselves. Let there be no lingering doubt in you. Such experiences are innumerable. If you feel like sharing your association with the Lord, with others, then why delay? Share with me.
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