BADRINATH-BADRIKASHRAM

“Bahooni Santi Teertani – Divi Boomau Rasasu cha

Badri sadrusam Teertam na booto na bhavihyati”

                                                                                                      In Uttaranchal State (India), in between the beautiful mountain ranges, on the lap of Nara, Narayana and on the banks of the river Alaknanda, the two great shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath are located. Even in the olden days, people from different parts of India with a pious hope of getting the grace and blessings of Badrinarayana flocked the temple. In olden days the pilgrimage to Badrinath was regarded by the devotees as almost, the last great journey in their life on earth. The journey is still very ennobling, out of the world experience.

                                                                                                     In Uttaranchal, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri (the origin point of the river Ganges) and Yamunotri (the origin point of the river Yamuna) are called the divine “Char-Dhams”. Of all, Badrinath is considered to be the pre-eminent shrine and other-wise fondly referred as “Deva-bhoomi”.

                                                                                                         According to Skandapuranam, during Satya Yuga (the first Yuga) God himself descended to Earth according to the wishes to his ardent devotees in “Archaroopa” at Badrinath (Uttarakhand –Chamoli district). It is about 300 km from Rishikesh (Bus route). Badri is about 10,350 ft above sea level. Of the108 Divyakshetrams sung by Azhwars, three of the kshetras are located in the Himalayan ranges of Uttaranchal. They are :

1. Badrinath – Badrikashrammam.

2. Thirupiridhi (Joshi Mutt)

3. Thirukandan Kadinagar (Devaprayag)

In the North India, the numbers of Divyakshetrams sung by Azhwars are:

1. Uttaranchal (three)
2. Uttarpradesh (four)
3. Gujarat (one)
4. Nepal (one)

THE TEMPLES OF BADRINATH:

                                               Uttaranchal which was once a part of Uttar Pradesh, became a separate state with 9

districts in November 2000 .Area 50,000 sq.km, population 6Million(60 lakhs). Expecting two districts, all other districts are located on mountain ranges.

                                               The magnificent sight of the wide valley with the lustrous golden towered temple with two heaven kissing mountains on either side, lifts the minds of the pilgrim to an eternal plane. The temple itself reflects Dharma with purity and Divinity. The Nara and Narayana mountains zealously guard the temple and have an overpowering presence at badrinath. The Nara Parvat (also called as Kubera Bhandar) is situated on the eastern bank of river Alakananda, beauty of which is indescribable. While Narayana Parvat in the west bank, the towering Neelakanta Peak (21,600ft) is clearly visible behind the Narayana peak as a backdrop.

                                               It is believed that a mere visit to Badrinath would cleanse even the most heinous crime of any sinner. So it is called as “Mukti-kshetram”.

                                              In the Srimadh Bhagavatam , Lord Krishna’s words:” Badri is my own Ashram” and directed his dear friend Uddhava to go Badri, to get glorified as the river Alakananda washes his feet at Badri.

                                             Here the temple, the holy water and Bagavath Purusha (sages) of the past are considered to be Divine. It is believed that the pilgrimage to Himalayas and a visit to various shrines and holy rivers will help attain salvation and is believed that the holy saints of the past still reside there and their vibrations remain in subtle form. The temples of Badri invoke the spirituality not only for the people of India, but for the whole mankind.

                                            It is strongly believed that in this region of Nara, Narayana Parvat, Lord Narayan himself taught the “Ashtakshara Moola Mantram” to Nara (human) and accordingly named Ashtakshara-Kshetram.

                                            Saint Vedavyas, lived in a cave in the forest near Badrinath, who gave to the world the Vedas and Puranas. Just below from where Vedavyas lived, is another place called “Ganesha Guha” where Lord Ganesha wrote Mahabharatha as directed by Vedavyas.

DYANA SLOKA OF MAHABHARATAM

“Narayanam Namaskrutya Naram chaiva Narothamam Deiveem Saraswateem Vyasam Thato jayam Udheera”.

 (Prostrating Nara Narayana Rishis who are the Amsavathara of Lord Vishnu, Saraswathi and Sri Vedvyas, read the Mahabharatha which comforts the souls and lead to eternal bliss)

                           The nine Jungles that are referred to in Puranams:

1. Dandakaranyam
2. Champakaranyam
3. Badrikaranyam
4. Kamikaranyam
5. Kadalikaranyam
6. Dhrashukaranyam
7. Naimisharanyam
8. Nahusharanyam
9. Jambukaranyam

                             The badari (jujube) trees grow in large numbers in the jungles of Badri (badrikaranyam), which could withstand very low temperature and cold climate. The sublime and spiritual powers of sages are continuously radiated in Badri through numerous caves where they lived, waterfalls, rivers and Pushkaranis that are named after the sages of the past.

                             As described in Puranas, Nara and Narayana meditated in Badrinath for the purpose of human upliftment. One can feel the concentration of spiritual vibration in Badri. It is believed that in every Yuga, Sri Vishnu Bhagawan takes various avatharas (descends to earth) with a supreme purpose of rejuvenating Dharma and warding off the evil forces.

                            In Puranas, Badrinath is described as one of the Swayam-Vyaka Kshetra (self manifested) of Lord Narayana. In one of the earlier Yugas, Lord Vishnu emerged as Nara Narayana and after that as Lord Krishna. At the request of Bramha and Devarishis, Lord Vishnu assured through incorporeal voice – “In kaliyuga humans (who become mean minded) cannot have a Pratyaksha (directly perceivable) darsan. But for those with noble hearts I am available as  salagrama moorthy near the Narada kund of river alakananda”. Accordingly, Lord brahma and other sages discovered the Salagrama moorthy and installed it at Badrikashram. The moorthy pooja started there, from that time onwards.

                         After several years, during the period of Gautama Buddha, Buddhism gained popularity. They were against idol work ship, so the Buddhist monks in India removed the idol of lord Vishnu and threw it in the Narada Kund of river Alakananda.

Few years later, Jagatguru sri Adi Sankaracharya was born in kaladi, (Kerala state) South India. Sri Sankaracharya went on a Pilgrimage (going to shines and holy places on foot) in his way of spreading Sanathana Dharma and he ultimately reached Badrinath. While Kaladi is located in southern end of India , Badrinath is in the Northern of India.

                     In the Badri Mahatmiya, it is said Lord Bramha created the Vedads and Lord Vishnu is the propagator. Nara Narayana began penance at Badri in “Padmasana” (lotus pose in Yoga or simply said to sit cross legged). As Narayana sat for a long time, Goddess Lakshmi spread herself like Jujube tree(badri tree) to protect her husband from sun and rain. Hence the idol is workshipped as “Badrinarayana” and the place as “Badrikashramam”.

                   Badri Narayana is the rare “Salagrama moorty” found by Adi Sankara from the Naradakund. Adi sankara’s Spiritual powers could visualize the presence of the Salagrama moorty in Naradakund and accordingly badri is named as Naradeeyak-Setram also.

                 Sri Adi Sankara installed the Salagrama moorty (Badrinarayana moorty) at the Garuda Shila near the Taptakund (hot water spring). According to information of the present Srimad Andavan Swamigal of Srirangam, once Sri Varadachariar swamy of Kancheepuram , helped to shift and install the Idol of Badrinarayana, to the present place and construct the temple.

                                                                                         Till today the Nithya(daily) poojas are performed by Namboodiri bramins of Keala, a tradition started by Adi Sankara. To all this we should thankful to Sankaracharya swamigal as we have regained the Darsan of Lord Vishnu.

Badrinarayana temple is located atop the Taptakund on the Urvasi Peetham. Pilgrims first take a holy dip in the Tapa Kund, a hot water spring, surely a geological marvel at cold temperature. Later pilgrims pray to Garuda Bhagavan at Simha Dwara (Main entrence) and proceed to the Darshan of BAdri  Narayan. The hot water spring (Taptakund) is a boon to all the pilgrims from God, who come over a Badri to have a Darshan and pray Badrinarayana defying cold weather conditions prevailing over the place.

Badrinath Temple

DIVYA MANGAL VIGRAHAM

                     The Divya Mangala Vigraham inside the Sanctum Sanctorum is Lord Narayana. The Idol is a self manifested statue of the Lord Narayana. Everyday at dawn (just before sunrise) Namboodiri Brahmins perform Abhishekam and Aarti and desvribe the legendary details also.

In Badrikashrama Puranam, five Badris are mentioned:

1. Yoga Badri
2. Vruda Badri
3. Dhyana Badri
4. Tapo Badri
5. Bhavishya Badri

Badri Bhagavan (Main Deity – Salagrama Idol) is seen with jatas(hair in clustered form), kambugreeva(3 lines in the neck) and of four hands, two hands are in Suryopasana mudra and other two in Yogamudra(pose). Vishnu is seated in Padmasana giving the impression of a Tapasvi in deep meditation. With four hands (Chathurbhujam), conch/chakra, and Srivastsam (Sri lakshmi as a pendant) on his chest, Badri Narayana is none other than Lord maha Vishnu himself.

Apart from the main idol of Badri Narayana, we can also get darsan of the idols of Lord Kubera, Garuda, Devarishi Narada, Nara, Sudarsana Chakram and Padukas on the right side while on the left side, there is a Nanda lamp (Akhanda deepam) burning and will be still burning when the temple opens again at the end of the winter season.

Through the Simha-dwara (Main entrance) of the temple, we enter the Madapam in front of the Garbha Gruha. In the Dakshina Mandapam (South side), after the Hanuman Sannidhi, Goddess Mahalakshmi (divine consort of Lord Narayana) is housed in a separate Sannidhi. Goddess is named Aravindavalli Thayar.

The temple reopens in the month of May, after winter (month of chitiral according to Dravidan Calender) on the next day after the Akshayatritiya. From that day onwards Nitya-Aradhana, Abishekam and other poojas are performed daily enabling the Bhaktas to other poojas are performed daily enabling the Bhaktas to get Darsan and blessings of lord till the day of Diwali in the month of November (Iypasi month of Tamil), During this period when the temple is closed, the Idol of goddess Mahalakshmi is placed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Badri Narayana. Later in the month of May when the temple reopens the Idol of sri Mahalakshmi is placed in the Thayar sannidhi of the temples as usual. Nithyaaradhana is resumed from this day. There is separate sannidhi for Adhi Sankara with his moorty (vigraha) in the praharam.

We enter by the main entrance and can reach the Sanctum of Lord Badri Narayana through Shoba and Darsana mandapam and can get a good darsan of Badri narayana. We can have the darsan of the Badrinath and Tirumanjanam(Holy bath with various perfumed herbs etc) and Arati(a ghee lamp on plate or burning Camphor) of Lord Badrinarayana by Purchasing a ticket for admission in the early morning darsan of Abhishekam.

The temple remains closed for about six months on account of heavy snowfall starting from the second week of November. So the uthsava idols are ceremoniously shifted to Pandukesvapur near Joshimutt where worship is continued as per parampara. The temple again reopens in the second week of May (Chittirai in Tamil) next day of Akshayatirtiya day. It is believed that during the above period, the worship of the God is taken over and performed by devas with Narada as the head priest. From the second week of May to second week of November pilgrims from all over India visit Badri and worship Lord Badrinath.

DARSAN TIMINGS:

Early morning: 5.00 to 6.00 am IST

Thirumanjanam (Holy bath) and Darsan

 9.00 am –Bala Bogh(Morning pooja)

 12.00 noon –Raja Bogh (Uchi kalam(noon))

Till 3 pm Garba gruha is closed

3.00 pm to 9.00 pm – Regular darsan

9.00 pm Shayana Arati

After Bala Bogh, Veda parayanam and Bhagavat geetha parayanam is performed. During darsan time, devotees can buy darsan tickets for the above, karpoora aarati, Sahasranama parayanam and Archana and have Badri narayan’s darsan. The deepa Aaradhana and Rajata(silver) arati in the eveninis is divine to the soul and sparkling to the eyes.

BADRINATH – THIRU BADRRIKASHRAMAM

Moolavar               –     Badrinarayana(sitting –facing east,padmasanam,tapasvi roopam)

Consort                   —       Aravindavalli/Mahalakshmi

Teertham              —       Taptakund

Vimanam             —       Tapta kanchana Vimanam

Sthala Vriksham   —        Jujube tree (Badari)

Pratyaksham        —        Nara

Speciality               —        Swayam Vyakta Kshetram

MANGALA SASANAM BY AZHWARS:

1. Thirumangai azhwar    -   21 Pasurams(Tamil)
2. Periyazhwar                 -   1Pasuram(Tamil)

Here in Badrinath convenient lodging facilities are available for pilgrims run by the temple devasthanam. One of the important features of Badri is offering oblations to the departed souls. It is being told that offering oblations in Badri has greater efficacy than offering at Gaya. On the banks of the river Alaknanda,a little north of Badrinath shrine, a rock Brahmakapalam is the place for this offerings oblations.

Pilgrims procure Prasad (cooked rice) from the temple (only place where temple Prasad is offered during oblation) to perform ceremonies. For performing the Pinda pradanam ceremonies in the Brahmakapalam and Tarpanam on the banks of the river Alaknanda pandas (persons well versed with in vedic mantras for such ceremonies) are availableThis place is considered a sacred spot of Lord Brahma. One can offer oblations for himself also (Atma panda) though alive to ensure divine abode (moksha).

“JAYA BADRI VISHAL”

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The puri jagannatha temple is situated in the puri district,  Odisha (previously called Orissa) gives much ascendancy to the vaishnavas. Puri on the eastern coast of India, is one of the four dhamas or mahakshetras, The other three being dwaraka in the west, Badrinath in north and rameswaram in the south which is a saiva kshetra . Jagannath temple is dedicated to Krishna is worshiped as krishana bhadra with his brother , Balaram also known balabhadra and sister subhadra, also called ekanamsa.

The paramount deity is season the ratna simhasana in the inner most part of the temple . Sudarsana is the weapon of lord. Sridevi is also seated on the ratnavedi at the left side of the lord jagannath bhudevi which is representative of all powers is also installed on the ratnavedi. The famous car festival(rathayatra) which is observed every year in the summer (Ashadha i.e.june-july) attracts lakhs of pilgrims from different regions of india and number of branded hotels in puri for pilgrims.

The ancient puranas and literature have stated about the antique of the lord jagannath. Copper plates belonging to the4th century A.D. stated the sanctification of jagannath puri temple. The great vaishnava saint adi sankaracharya (778-820A.D) visited puri in first quarter of the 9th century A.D., and established one his four pithas known as bhogabardhan or gobardhan math at puri the other deities which wees being worshiped hear are Nikakantha, Narasimha, Ardhasini, Markaneswar, Jambeswar and Kapalmochana . A tank called makandeya was also there as a sacred place.

Puri Jagannath Temple

The eastern ganga ruler anantavarman choda gangadeva encouraged movement of vaishnavism and constructed the jagannath temple at puri. The main tower was not completed in his period. The other parts of the puri jagannath temple were gradually extended by his successors.

The town is bounded on the south by the bay of bengal. the puranas and texts mention it by various names such as puri jagannath, jagannath puri , Niladri Nilchala, Sri kshetra mandirmala kshetra and Nilachackra, purusottama kshetra purusottam puri , jagannath dham and sankha kshetra. The lord jagannath or purusottam abodes on a nilagiri kshetra the most ancient name of the place was Nilachaia or blue hill. The holy city puri has the mathas belonging to different sects performing different rituals.

Mythology

There are many traditions about the puri jagannath temple. According to one of the mythologies that an older decayed temple was pulled down to build the present one resets on the solid grounds. At the puri during somavamsi rule.it was widely known from the time of the middle of the 11th century according one of the interesting mythology,the original image of the puri jagannath temple was astone stone statue of nilamadhaba. But in course of time it disappeared and was later substituted by wooden images. The history states that the stone images were installed in reign of jagati in the temple of ananta basudev at Bhubaneswar.

Literature

The great epic “Ramayana’ enumerates rama exhorts vibhishana to devote himself to the worship of jagannatha the family deity of ikshvaku dynasty tradition associates the worship of the deity of purusottama with the name of lndradyumna. The mahabaratha states that a legendary king named lndradyuma. The epic story of indradyumna and the tank named after him appear to have helped to develop the traditional association of king inddradyumna and indyumna-sarover with purusottama jagannatha.

Matsyapurana refers alarge number of which puri occupied an important place. The vishnupurana which is considered to have been composed in the third-fourth centuries refers to jagannatha as an important deity. The god jagannath, The sacredness of the place and construction of the temple are described in the puranas like theagni,the the brahma,the padma and the skanda .the famous sea port town of puri was marked by Chinese pilgrim hiuen tsang as charitrapur tantric literature(10th-11thcenturyA.D)also mentions the lord jagannatha.the kalikapurana and the tantra yamal are the examples of the tantric works which refer todarurupi (wooden made) jagannatha as the presiding deity of the purottsama kshetra in utkala. The kalikapurana states that the jagannatha is the supreme deity of udra desa. The famous drama prabodha chandelle king kiritivaraman (1041-70A.D)mentions purusottama as a god.

Epigraphical sources

Emigraphical evidences also records the sanctity of the jagannatha temple. The baromdeo temple inscription issued in the reign of gopaldev, dated 1088 A.D .records the holiness of purusottama. Nagpur stone inscription, dated 1104 A.D .belongs to the malva king, it states that purusottama as a tirtha,puri inscription of choda gangadeva dated 1115 A.D., states the sacredness of lord purusottama. An important and only inscription of anantavarman chodaganga from markandeyasavara temple at puri,it mentions that the king granted nirolo village to the god purusottama . Naggari copper plates inscription, issued by the ganga ruler ananga bhima-III dated 1230AD.clearly refers to sri purusottama kshetra as a sacred place.

Description of the temple

Puri Jagannatha temple is the highest among the existing temples in Orissa. The temple is 214ft high from the road level is on a perfect pancharatha plan. In front of the entrance to the eastern gate way there is themarvelous sun pillar, It is amonolithicshaft of the chlorate with 16 sides. The temple has two big concentric walls and four gates both in outer and inner walls . The outer wall of the temple which is called meghanada prachira and the inner wall know as karma bedha surround the temple and other structures such as mukthi mandapa sacred places. Of the outer enclosure is called simha dwara. The entrance on the southern, western and northern sides of the outer enclosure are known as aswadwara. Vyaghrdwara, hastidwara respectiveiy. Navagrahas are depicted on all the gates.

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

Many festivals celebrated in the temple. There are some important festivals like, Sayana ekadasi, Garuda sayana(chariot procession) sayana ekadasi, Garudasayana dwadsi, Rahulekha lagi, Krishana janma, Ganesh chaturthi, Anantha chaturthi, Hari uthapana ekadasi , Garuda uthapana ekadasi, Basantha panchami magha punrnima, Siva rathri, Dola yetra, Rama navmi, Chandan yatra and Rukmini harana.

RATHA YATRA OF JAGANNATHA

The rathayatra of jagannatha starts from the jagannatha temple of puri and goes to the country side residence of the deities at gundicha bari. Two miles away. Subhadra is not even a minor deity and the presence of her image with Krishna and balarama is unusual and the only one to be found. The images of Krishna, balarama and subhadra are incomplete as none of them have arms or legs. This most unusual. Legend has it that once king indradyumna saw a wonder box floating downs the river. The box contained relics of Krishna. The king commissioned the divine architect, vishwakarman,for the purpose. vishwakarman agreed,but one condition that we would not be disturbed while he was craning the images king indradyumna grew restless and curious to see what progress had been mad walked into vishwakarman’s workship. Vishwakarman was very up set at having broken his own word. But brahma came to his help and agreed to breathe life into the images.

The relics of Krishna are kept inside the images. Since the images are made of wood they have to transfer them from the old to the new image,but he is bind folded so that he does not see the relics. His hands are bandaged in layers of cloth so that the relics are not defiled by human touch. No one knows what the relics are ,as the priest can not feel team with his hands .the wood used for the images has to conform to certain specifications the occasion whan the new images are installed is a day of festivity called nav-kalebara.

Puri Jagannath Temple

On the anniversary of the full moon day when Vishnu is supposed to have incarnated himself in the from of jagannatha the images are brought to a platform and 108 pichers of sacred water are poured over them . During the anointing ceremony vedic mantras a re-chanted. After the ceremonial consecration of the images is over,theyare painted with clour .this done by the daitas, who are the hereditary artisans for this job. finally the deities are dressed is resplendent clothes. During this ritual of fifteen day the devotees are allowed to have adarshan of the deities.

When the deities are ready for the rathayatra they are placed in their respective chariots. Nandighosha,the yellow-colored chariot of jagannatha, is 14 metres high with fourteen wheels and is called taladvaja. Subhadra’s chariot is the smallest 13 meters high with twelve wheels and is called devi ratha or darpadalana. The chariots are drawn by devotees and there is such pandemonium that ofter some people get tram-pied under the colossal wheels.

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The Nilakanthesvara Temple, Laddigam :

Laddigam is a small village about five Kms, to the north-west of Punganur in the Chittoor District. It was included in the Punganur Zamindari which is called Kunganur alias Valavanarayana Chaturvedi Mangalam in the inscriptions.

From the inscriptions found in the temple, we may infer that the region was under the control of Chola-Gangas of the Irugola race, the Chola feudatories (551 of 1906). One inscription found in the temple refers to a gift of a village to this temple made by Adavalan Gangikonda Chola alias Irugolan. Another inscription of the South wall of the shrine refers to a gift to the temple by Uttamachola Ganga alias Senbagachipati-Nayanar (549 of 1906). Laddigam is named after this Chola Ganga ruler as Uttama Cholapuram (548 of 1906). According to B.R.Venkataraman “though it is not definitely stated that he was builder of thes stone temple, it is very probable that he was the real builder” B.R. Venkatraman – Laddigam, 1971.

All the inscription found in this temple refer to the temple as Irungolisvara. From this it may be inferred that the temple was built during the time of Irungolakkan alias Ganavan Aparajitan, Chola feudatory under Parantaka – I (907 – 953 A.D.). Prior to submitting to Chola hegemony he was also a subordinate of the Pallavas (TTD Epi Glossary Vol. I Sec III No.6). Uttamachola alias Sembagachcchipati Nayanars inscription (549 of 1906) does not refer to him as Irungola but mentions the temple of Irumgolisvara. Hence it is probable that he was not the real builder of the temple, as mentioned by B.R.Venkataraman.

Douglas Barrett has argued that the earliest inscription found in the shrine (553 of 1906) is of year 16 of Rajakesari Kulottungachola deva ( A. D. 1086: Therefore he concludes that temple was then built in or just before A.D. 1086. J.C. Harle says that the gopura of the Temple represents the typical gopira of the early Chola period. The Temple must have been built during the rule of Irungolakkan alias Ganavan Aparajitan, Chola feudatory under parantaka – 1(907 – 953). Ganavan Aparajitan was a feudatory of the last pallava ruler Aparajita ( 896 – 898).

 Chittoor District

The Temple is enclosed by a stone prakara wall, with nandi at the four coners. It has a porch, mukhamandapa, antarala and garbhagriha. The main shrine faces east. The entrance to this temple is from the east through a low gateway. “This simple single storeyed ston gopuram resembles the elementary type of gopuram erected in front of the shore temple at Mamallapuram and in the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi of A.D. “A single modest gopura was part of the temple plan even from the pallava times. The main shrine has five niches on the outer walls housing the images of Brahma, standing Vishnu in the four cardinal directions of the gala.

Pundisvara Temple, Mugavadi :

Mugavadi is a small village 10 kms. South – west of Punganur and cover a distance of two kms. By walk. Inscriptions, found in the Pundisvaraswami temple, give the following information. An inscription, dated in the 3rd regnal year of the Chola king, Parakesarivarman alias Udaiyar Sri Adhirajendra-deva(1069 – 1070 A.D),record a gift of land. The village Mukkaivadi (Mugavadi) is situated in pulinadu, a subdivision of Perumbanappadi in paduvur kottam, a district of jayankonda Cholaman-dalam (573 0f 1906). Another inscription, which is fragmentary, belongs to parakesari Rajendra, whose regnal year is lost (574 of 1906).
The main shrine in the Pundisvara Temple contains the garbhagriha, antarala, mukha mandapa and a pillared verandah which is a new addintion. To the north of the garbhagriha, near the gargoyle is a small shrine for Chandikesa. The garbhagriha is a square structure. The outer surface of the wall portion of the garbhagriha contains only the pilasters. The griva of the vimana contains devakoshtas on four sides. The northern devakoshtas houses Brahma with three heads seated. The western devakoshta contains seated Vishnu. The southern devakoshta contains a seated image of Siva. The griva and sikhara ae four sided.

Chandramoulisvara Temple, Yetavakili:

Yetavakili is small village, about 8 kms. North east of punganur in the Chittoor district. The place can reached by a good mortorable road from Punganur, the Chandramaulisvara temple (also known as Irungolisvaram Udaiya Mahadevar) was built by a Vellala ar Ettavayakkal(the ancient name of this place) in Pulinadu, a sub-division of perumbanappadi, included in Jayankondasolamandalam (575 of 1906). The name Vellala may be isentified as vaidumbas. He obviously set up the deity in the name of his local overlord VaidumbaIrunga – II who was the contemporary of Rajendra – I. Another Inscription, dated in the 29th regnal year of the Chola king Rajaraja Choladeva mentions that the temple is called Irugisvaram Udaiya nayanar at Ettarvakkal in vadapulinadu, a subdivision of Perumbanappadi in Hayankonda chola mandal. It also refers to the renovation od this temple out of the funds collected from the public by Selvaganga, descendant of Kumbha gamundan who formerly constructed this temple 576 of 1906. The temple contains sanctum, antarala, and mukhamandapa. The outer walls of the mukham andapa contain pilast snctumis a square structure, measuring about 10 feet each side. The walls of the sanctum are adorned with pilasters. It is an ekatala stone temple. The griva of the vimana contains devakoshtas on all sides housing deity sculptures – Kumara on the eastern side, Dakshinamurti on the southern side, on the west seated Vishnu and on the north seated Brahma. The griva and sikhara four sided. There are some fine Saptamatrika images in this temple.

The Somesvara Temple, Punganur – Punganur is a village (the taluk headquarters of that name) in the Chittoor district. The Somesvara temple is located in the palace area of the local Jamindar.
There are five Chola inscriptions in this temple. The first one is dated in the 15th year of Rajakesarivarman who destroyed ships at Kandalur (Raja Raja – 1985 – 1014). The third is also dated in the 11th year of Raja Raja kesari varman who destroyedships at Kandalur (Raja Raja I). (11 of 1940 – 41). The fourth one is without the name of any king 10 of1940 – 41. The fifth inscription isdated in the 16th year of Tribhuvana Kulittunga chola (Kulottunanga – III – 1178 – 1216 (7 of 1940 – 41 ).

The temple of somesvara may be ascribed to the period Aditya II or Parthivendra karikala (956 – 969 A.D). The entrance to the courtyard of this tempe is through the eastern gopura. The main shrine has an open pillared mandapa, mukhamandapa is common to the Devi shrine also which is located to the north of the main shrine. The niches on the walls of the main shrine contain the images of asina Ganapati, sthanaka Vishnu, Dakshinamurti, Sthanaka Brahma, and Durga. The vimana above the sanctums an ekatala vimana and has vimanadevatas like Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Siva. The griva and sikhara are circular.

Agestyesvaram temple, Agastya – konda Hill This temple is situated in an uninhabited area on the summit of the Agastyesvara hill, to the east of Punganur. An inscription dated in the 14th regnal year of Virarajendra, refers to the installation of an image of Tirunavukkarusudeva by seyya Nambirattiyar, a queen of Selvaganga ( 559 of 1906). The name Vira Rajendra is a title of Kulottunga – III. The date of the inscription will therefore be 1191 – 92 A.D. Another inscription found in the temple,dated Saka 1251 belongs to the reign of Selva-Ganga, son of Uttama chola Ganga padumideva ( 561 of 1906). An inscription, dated in S. 1298 ( A.D.1376) records the gift of lamps, cows, vessels and land to the temple (558 of 1906). The temple consists of the garbhagriha,antarala and mukhamandapa. The wall portion of the garbhagriha is decorated with Chola type pilasters. There are devakoshtas in the north, west and southern sides of the sanctum which house deity images. The western devakoshta houses Vishnu. The northern devakoshta houses Brahma. The side walls of the antarala have each a devakoshta. The southern devakoshta houses an image of seated Ganapati while the northern one houses Durga. The vimana above the garbhagriha is an ekataka vimana with a four sided griva and sikhara.

The Parasaresvara Temple, Jogimallavaram :

Jogimallavaram is small village near Tiruchanur in the Chittoor district. This village was once part of the village Tiruchanur, formerly known as Tiruchanur,Tiruchhoginur and Sri Sukagrama. The village seems to have been named Tiruchhoginur on account of the well known yogi, Sri Suka. The village contains a fine Chola temple, dedicated to parasaresvara. There are twelve inscription in this temple. The earliest of them is deted in the 23rd year of the reign of the Cho;a king, Raja raja – I ,corresponding to 1008 A.D. Obviously, the temple was well known by the beginning of the eleventh century. Chola conquered the Tirupati region towards the end of the ninth Century. This temple, may therefore be assigned to about the middle of the 10th Century.

The shrine has a roofed enclosure with one enterance in the south containing the main shrine, a pradakshina, the Devi shrine and the mukhamandapa. There is a small nandi mandapa outside. The main shrine is a square ( samachaturasra) structure and has a pradakshina on the south, west and northern sides. The walls of the garbhagriha and antarala contain on their outer side chola type pilasters. Between the pilasters on the three sides of the garbhagriha are Chola type koshtas or niches with deity figures and surmounted by semicircular torana without scroll work. The niche on the south wall of the sanctum carries the stone image of Dakshinamurti, the one in the back wall (west wall) contains a standing image of Vishnu while the niche on the north wall of the sanctum contains the image of Brahma standing. There is a low vimana above the sanctum. The absence of even a single tala of the kuta, panjara, sala series is a notewirthy feature. The grive and sikhara are circular. The Devi shrine has an oblong or ayatasra sikhara.
The sikhara of this temple resembles to a certain extent, the sikhara of the Varadaraja perumal temple at Vavilitota in the Chittoor taluk. At both the places, the grieve is circular and the sikhara is conical resembling an inverted basket.

The Manikantisvara temple, Srikalahasti :

Srikalahasti is the headquarters of a taluk of that name in the Chittoor district. Besides the Srikalahastisvara temple, there is another Siva temple here called the Manikantisvara temple. The temple is surrounded by an enclisure and it can be entered through the northern gopura gateway. The main shrine consists of the garbhagriha, two antaralas, and mukhamandapa. The walls of the shrine are decorated with pilasters, sala-koshtas, perforated windows, niches sumounted by makaratornamas and pilasters surmonted by makaratoranas . the makaratorana above the pilaster is semicircular with the plume descending to the sides. The vimana above the sanctum is of the ekatala type with the series – kuta, panjara,sala,panjara and kuta. The grive and sikhara are circular. There are four round pillars with Chola corbels inside the mandapa. The sala – koshta in the back wall of the garbhagriha contains the figure of Lingodbhavamurti, while the one in the south wall contains Dakshinamurti. The sala – koshta in the north wall of the sanctum houses the figure of Brahma. The sala – koshta in the north wall of the antarala contains the image of Mahishamardini.

According to one historain, the center shrine of the temple was a brick structure and it existed before the 24 the year of the reign of Raja Raja I i.e., 1008 – 1009 A.D. It was built in stone (karrali) in 1188 – 89 A.D., in the reign of Vera Rajendra Chola(i.e., Kulottunga III)

The Agastyesvara Temple, Vavilitota :

Vavilitota is village, nine kms. To the north of Chittoor. There is a motorable road to vegetation and is in a dilapidated condition. The main temple consists of the garbhgriha, which is square on plan, antarala and mukhamandapa. To the north od the mukhamandapa there is a shrine for Chandikesa. The exterior wall portion of the garbhgriha is decorated with Chola pilasters. The absence of devakoshtas on walls is a conspicuous feature of this temple. The vimana consists of a single story on which four nandis are placed at the four corners. The griva contains four big gables housing deity figures. The griva and sikhara are four sided conforming to the Nagara order. There are some similarities between this temple and the Irugisvara temple at Yetavakili. In regard to the square plan, the square vimana , the absence of niches on the walls, gables in the griva, with nandis at the corners, both the temples are almost similar to each other. The inscription mentioned above is helpful in determining the approximate date of the temple

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The Culture and population of Mumbai is diverse. At present the population of Mumbai is around 1.19 crore and the density of population in the city is around 48,000 persons per square kilometers which means Mumbai is world’s densest city. A survey conducted of Mumbai’s population suggests that more than 50% of the city’s total population is of non Maharashtra identity . throughout India nowhere one can see such varied and diverse population . Among the major groups that has made Mumbai their home away from home, are the Gujratis,the south Indians, the Parsis and Sindhis and large number of people from the states of UttarPradesh and Bihar that are scattered all over the city it is also worthy to note that almost half of the total population dwells in the slums. However per capita—New income is Rs.65,328/- against national Avg. of Rs.29,328/- Mumbai is called “Financial Capital” of India

Culture : Mumbai is regarded as one of the most liberal and cosmopolitan cities of India. The residents of Mumbai are called as Mumbaikars.Life in Mumbai is very fast paced. The city embraces many concepts that are a taboo in many other prominent India cities. Undoubtedly the city can be stated as a ‘Melting Pot ’of numerous cultures from different parts of India as people migrated to this mega city brought their own culture and we see this in the larger contest in the form of temples Churches,Mosques, Gurudwaras. Fire Temples,Festivals, Music and Dance act. Among them is the local ‘Vaishnavites Culture’ which is standing since 1927 in the form of Sri Balaji Temple at Fanaswadi in the suburb called Girgaum in South Mumbai.

It will be very interesting to know the brief History of Mumbai which has been so many Historic happenings and carry some important landmarks also, of which many peoples still do not know. The city of Bombay originally consisted of seven islands, namely Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Women’s Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga-Sion . This group of islands, which have since been joined together by a series of reclamations, formed part of the kingdom of Ashoka, the famous Emperor of India. After his death, these islands passed into the hands of various Hindu rulers until 1343. In that year, the Mohammedans of Gujrat took possession and the kings of that province of India ruled for the next two centuries. The only vestige (mark) of their dominion over these islands that remains today is the mosque at Mahim. In 1534 the Portuguese, who already possessed many important trading centers on the western coast, such as panjim, Daman, and Diu, took Mumbai by force of arms from the Mohammedans. This led to the establishment of numerous churches which were constructed in areas where the majority of people were Roman Catholics. There used to be two areas in Mumbai called “Portuguese Church”. However, only one church with Portuguese-style facade still remains” it is the St.Andrew’s church at Bandra. The Portuguese’s also fortified their possession by building forts at sion, Mahim, Bandra and Bassien which , although is disrepair , can still be seen. They named their new possession as “Bom Baia” which in Portuguese means “Good Bay” 128 years later the islands were given to the English King Charles 2 in dowry on his marriage to Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza in 1662. In the year 1668 the islands were acquired by the English East India Company on lease from the crown for an annual sum of 10 pounds in gold; so little did the British value these islands at that time. The Company, which was operating from surat, was in search for another deeper water port so that larger vessels could dock, and found the islands of Mumbai suitable for development. The shifting of the East India Company’s headquarters here in 1687 led to the eclipse of surat as a principal trading center . The British corrupted the Portuguese name “Bom Baia”to “Bombay” which is now — Mumbai. The Kolis used to call the islands “Mumbai” after Mumba devi , the Hindu deity to whom a temple is dedicated at Babulnath near Chowpantt sandy beaches.

In 1838, Worlds largest presently read English language news paper – The Times of India, Started its printing here by Bennett , Coleman and Company Limited at its landmark building – Times of India Building, near Victoria Terminus, now called Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which stands as Heritage building. This news paper is so popular among all the age groups that all the readers in Mumbai and of course other parts in India also, first look for the front page pocket cartoon – You said it of the Common man, being sketched by international Cartoonist Shri R.K.Laxman.

On Saturday 16th of April, 1853 a 21 – mile long railway line, the first in India, between Bombay’s Victoria Terminus and Thana was opened. The Great India Peninsular (GIP) and the Bombay Baroda and Central India(BB&CI) Railway were started in 1860 and a regular service of steamers on the west coast was commenced in 1869.

The historic session of the all India Congress Committee began on t he 7th of August 1942. Its venue was the Gowalia Tank Maidan, where the congress was born in 1885. It was at this session that the “Quit India” call was given by Mahatma Gandhi and other Indian National Congress leaders. The Indian leaders were arrested by the British soon afterwards but the Momentum could not be stopped and lead to the final withdrawal of the British troops on Indian soil left for England through the archway of the ‘Gateway of India’ on that day. They bade farewell from where they had entered 282 years before. The people of Mumbai, in a gesture of generosity wished them bon voyage, forgetting the bitter memories of the fight for Independence . Today the ground from where the call to ‘Quit India” was given is called the ‘August Kranti Maidan”. After Independence the Congress party led by Jawaharlal Nehru at the Center was swept to power in most of the Indian States, which were constituted on the basis of language spoken by the majority of its people. The Bombay state included the city as its seat of government. In 1960 the state of Bombay was split into Maharashtra and Gujarat states again on linguistic basis, the former retaining Bombay city as it capital. In course of time Bombay was named as Mumbai in 1995.

ABOUT THE TEMPLE AND IT’S FOUNDER:

It is singular fortune of the Mumbaikars that they too have in their midst a Venkateswara Shrine at Fanaswadi in the heart of Mumbai. The Deity here is the “replica” observes all religious programs according to the same tradition. The Nitya panchkal pujas, all the Festivals of Temple, Parayans ect. are strictly held according to the special benefit and is transported to Mumbai for the Special benefit and convenience of its citizens, especially those to whom SRI BALAJI is their ‘family god’. But how Sri Balaji or Sri Venkateswara come to Tirupati is also equal interesting to know. There is mythological store which is given below.

Bhrigu Rishi Temple: It is situated in Bharuch in Gujarat State, is the sacred temple wich gave Bharuch, its name and the name is “Bhrigukachba”. A visit to Bhrigu Rishi Temple, offers information that the seer or Maharishi Bhrigu is one of the prominent Rishi out of the group of seven seers or the group of sapta Rishi Mandal, placed in the Indian mythology. Then, Maharishi Bhrigu is an ideal balance between wisdom and activity, though wisdom being the consummation of this higher tenet of wisdom, as exemplified in the life of Bhrigu Rishi.

After the above happening, Goddess Laxmi went to earth in anger and stayed in kolhapur Maharashtra. Lord Vishnu come to earth in search of her and stayed at Tirumala Hills. He met there Goddess Padmavati and marred to her by fulfilling the wished of Goddess Sita (earlier Form) who was abundant by Lord Rama after their 14 years exile and Baktla also as mother in the form of Yashoda.Since I follow “EK Patni Vrat” , I will marry you in the form of Lord Venkateswara in the 28th kaliyuga. Another story attached to this is Bahtla who was earlier Yashoda also missed Lord Krishna as went to Mathura to stay with Nanda. Therefore Lord Venkateswara fulfilled her wishes also.

The Temple at Fanaswadi, Mumbai dedicated to the Lord of the Seven Hills Sri Venkateswara ( Sri Balaji) was consecreated on 10th June 1927. The temple is Known for its elegance and beauty with regard to its images, art and architecture, to mention but a few. It is only apt that the beautiful temple was the outcome of the dedicated effort of a great personage. ‘His Holiness the Jagadguru Prathivadi Bhayankar Srimad Ananthachary Swamiji Maharaj of Kanchi’. His Holiness is a descendent from an unbroken and long ancestry, of Mudamainambi, a contemporary of sri Ramanjua, who was one of the 74 gurus appointed by Sri Ramanuja to continue the work of propagating the tenets of Vaishnava saints. The illustrious person was the composer of the Venkatesha Suprabatham, Mangalasasanam and Venkatesa Prapatti which resounds every nook and corner, in the early hours of the Lord of Sapthagiri. The late Swamiji had his traditional study at the feet of his illustrious maternal uncle Sri Tirupati Srirangacharyaswami and gained mastery in various branches of Sanskrit, Nyaya, Vyakarana, Mimasa and vedanta. At the age of 23, he left his native Kanchi and undertook a country-wide Yatra to be more useful to the world and to continue the mission of sri Ramanuja. His itinerary were no parades of rich paraphernalia but a keen sense of personal duty to spread the message of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ in general and the philosophy of Ramanuja.

If Lord Vishnu devotees would like to visit sri Tirupati Balaji temple just get reservation of tirupati darshan package from mumbai dadar or Tirupati darshan booking from mumbai at here Tirupati Darshan Online Booking Get some details of mumbai to tirupati tour packages, mumbai to tirupati flights schedule and mumbai to tirupati trains schedule etc.

GENESIS OF THE TEMPLE AT FANASWADI ( Mumbai)

It was in the year 1885 that His Holiness came to Mumbai on his Yatra when some local Sri Vaishnavites first expressed their desire for a Devasthanam on the lines of sri Ramanuja Sampradaya in the 1910, when His Holiness visited Mumbai for the second time the idea of construction of the temple took a more concrete shape. This time a good beginning was made by establishing a branch at the Prathivadi Bhayankara mutt in Mumbai in a rented building at Fanaswadi.In 1914, His Holiness purchased the building and the adjoining area ad measuring about 2000sq. Yards for Rs.1,15,000/-. After some six years the construction of the personal supervision facing to East, from his own earnings and out of donations made by his philanthropic disciple.

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The Aryan culture spread over the land through the river valleys of the seven important rivers viz., Sindhu, Saraswathi, Yamuna, Ganga, Narmada, Godavari, Kaveri and all these were considered to be especially holy. It is stated that all the rivers are without distinction. Amongst all the river Goddesses of India Ganga was given the highest place.

The External purity is ensured by regular baths and using other means of cleanliness. Internal purity implies purity of the mind. In the Atharvavedic list we also find references to deities such as Bhumi, Parvata, Nadi, Samudra, Sarovara, Trees and plants, which as we shall see later fronm part of widely distributed folk cults; and alsmost all of these have survived upto our own time.

The word Maha is of great importance in connection with the popular worship of these cult deities. The celebration of these festivals to deities was known as Maha and it took the form of a combination of folk elements and assemblage of which developed into a fair. Such fairs continued in popular tradition and once begun. They persisted through the ages. If a survey of the surviving fairs now known as ‘Mela’ was made it could be found that this centered mostly round some shine (or) holy place of a God (or) Goddesses.

Pushkara,should state at the outlet, is one of the most sacred Tirthas in all over India. It is said that Brahma having once performed a particular sacrifice (Yajan).The greatest sinner has only to bathe in them to be at once purified and rendered fit for admission to Brahma’s heaven (Brahma Loka). In the Tirtha – Yagna – Parva of the Mahabharata, the Precedence over all other places of piligrimage is given to pushkara.
The places of pilgrimage are distributed through the entire country and are called Tirthas and Kshetras. Tirtha is the name of a place of pilgrimage on the bank of a river, the thirthas, on the banks of rivers, lakes and on the sea-shore, at the confluence of rivers and estuaries, but also on hill tops and mountain slopes, in forests, groves and gardens, rear the abodes of the blest (or) hermitages in villages, towns and cities (or) in any other lovely place.

A temple therefore should be built where there is a pond on the left (or) in front not otherwise. If a temple is built on an Island, the water on all sides id ‘auspicious’. The presence of water is essential; but if it is neither available by nature nor by artifice it is present symbolically at the consecration of temple as image. Varuna, the presiding divinity (of the waters) and Siva, the Lord of the sacred Tirtha are worshipped; should neither river, lake nor tank be near, three jars of water are placed in the Brahmasthana, the centre of the Sacred site.

The state of Andhra Pradesh may be rightly as the land of rivers. Godavari, Krishna, Penna and their tributaries places in the state. A total of 34 major and minor rivers, streams notices. In South India the places of Godavari extends a distance of 1450 Kms and Krishna 1300 Kms.

The Godavari which is referred to as the river of Dakshinapatha originates in the Sahyadri hill ranges (or) the Western Ghats of Triyambakam (Nasik district of Maharashtra), traverse in North-Eastern direction enters at Basara, Adilabad district of Andra Pradesh. From here onwards the flow noticed in Eastern direction through Eastern Ghats. At Polavaram the Godavari valley extends quitewider. Near Rajahmundry in the lower part of Dhavaleswaram it enters into Godavari Delta area, popularly known as Kon seema.From here it divides into seven divisions known as Sapta Godavari in Vasistha, Vaiswamitri, Vamadevi, Gautami, Bharadwaj, Atreya, Somadagni, later the tributaries of Godavari are Manjira, Manneru, Pranahita, Indravati, Sabari etc.,

The river Krishna is the second important river. It is referred to in the epigraphs as Kannabemnna. The river Krishna literally means ‘of black hue’ as its waters are said to be black in colour. It takes its origin in the western Ghats. (Sahyadri ranges) and flow across the Penninsula from West to the East. Later it traverse through Maharashtra and Karnataka enters at Sangameswaram of Andhra Pradesh. The Krishna river at Pulichintala cuts the Eastern Ghats enters into the plain region. The tributaries of Krishna are Dindi, Musi, Polar, Munneru, Tungabhadra (joins at Alapur)

The river Pennar is the third principal river of this region. It is also known as penneru (or) Pinakini. It rises in the Nandidurga hills in the Karnataka state and extends upto 456 Kms, enters into the coastal district of Nellore. The tributaries of Penna are Chittravati, Papagni, Kunderu, Sagileru, Cheyeru etc.,
The sat stretch of Venkatadri Hill abounds in holy Theerthams in the from of lakes, waterfalls and tanks. A sacred dip in these Theertham is believed to confar all the benefits to othe devout and also washes away any sins committed.

Tirumala Tirupati Theerthams

Swami Pushkarini: This Sacred tank, is considered the most important of the holy Theerthams. Vishnu’s vahanam Garuda is said to have brought this Sacred tank from Vaikuntam (Heaven) to Bhoolokam (Earth). The waters of all holy rivers, including the Ganga, are believed to be present in this tank. The devout believe that by bathing in this Theertham, they wash off their sins, rid themselves of diseases and fullfil their wishes.

It is believes that on the occasion of Mukkoti Dwaadashi (the 11^th day in the bright fortnight of the honour, month of Dhanur corresponding to December – January), more than three crore sacred Theerthams converge into the Swami Pushkarini on this occasion, the Lord’s Chakram is taken out in a procession and given the Sacred dip in the Pushkarini. The waters of 17 Theerthams are believed to merge into the tank.

Kapila Theertham: It is situated at the foot of Seshadri, this Theertham is fortified by a lingam known as Kapileswara. The small pond or Sarovar in front of the lingam is the Theertham. A holy dip here is believed to confer maximum benefit and rid the devoit of Sins.

Vajra Theertham:  This is situated near Kapila Theertham. Gautama Maharishi had once crused Indra for his illicit relationship with the Rishi’s wife Ahalya. By taking a sacred dip here, Indra is said to have been redeemed of the curse.

Visvaksena Saras: Vishvaksena, son of Varuna, did severe penance and was blessed with a from identical to vishne and also to be the Lord’s commander – in – chief. Hence it ise considered very sacred.
Panchaayudha Theertham: They are five of them and are named after the five weapons of Lord Vishne – Shanku (conch), Chakram (discus), Gadha (club), Saaranga (bow) and Nandaka (sword). They are close to the Vishvaksena Saras.

Panchaayudha theertham : They are five of them and are named after the five weapons of lord vishnu -shanku(conch), Chakram(Discus),Gadha(club),Saaranga(bow) and Nandaka(sword). They are close to the vishvaksena saras.

Agnikunda Theertham : This is another sacred theertham but is not reachable.

Brahma Theertham : A did here is said to expel the sins of killings and other crimes.

Saptarishi Theertham : These are Seven Theerthams and are situated near the Brahma Theertham. They are named seven great sages – Kashypa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Vasishta and Jamadagni.

Hindu Religion and Culture

The other holy waters include Kumaradhara Theertham phalguni Theertham, Sanaka Sarandhana Theertham, Jabali Theertham, Thumburu Theertham, Akasa Ganga and Papvinasanam waterfalls, Vaikunta Theertham; Sesha Theertham and Pandava Theertham.

Water plays a significant role in Tirumals. Later for the puja of Lord Sri Venkateswara comes from the Akasa ganga, water that is used for the forenoon puja, and in the evening puja, water is also used for the Brahma aradhana after the temple gates are closed for the night.

During the Thomalaseva water is offered to the Lord for his daily needs. Abhishekam is done to the Gold covers which adorn Mulavigraham as weel as to Bhoga Srinivasa. The abhishekam is accompanied by the chantings of hyms. Lord is the decorated with beautiful large strung flower garlands from which the name of Thomalaseva is derived.

The nityarchana then begins with the Aksaganga water being consecrated ritually and with some prescribed herbs and other articles mixed it.

Abhishekam to the Lord is done only on Fridays. On Friday early morning after Suprabhatam chanting. Thomalaseva and Archana are conducted.Everything is made ready for Lord’s Abhishekam by powdering Pachakarpuram, mixing wetted saffron paste, pressing musk with a few drops of civet oil, al of which are collected in suitable silver vessels and taken to procession to the accompaniment of music round the sanctum is a Vimana Pradakshanam.

A ball like paste of civet oil mixed with camphor is placed at the feet of the Lord. After this the Tiumanjanam abhishekam is made to the mula vigraham. This function takes about an hour (or) hour and half with chanting of othe mantras.

The abhishekam is done to the chanting of Purusha Sukta, Narayana Sukta, Sri Sukta and the prabhandams. The abhishekamstarts with Suddokam and then alternates with milk, watered chandanam etc. Abhishekam to the gold image of Sri Lakshmi hanging in a gold chain of the chart is done with chanting of Sri Lakshmi. That the Friday abhishekam became the usual weekly, routine is clear from an inscription of Sri Krishnadeva Raya of 1517 A.D. whose apart the sunkam of 1000 Varahas for Punugu Kapu on every 8th day. This makes it clear that the Tirumanjanam was on a weekly Friday.

The abhisheka from the body of the Lord with little refined camphor and saffron is also distributed among the devotees for purification of mind and body of the individual.

Thus water plays a major role in Hindu Religion and Culture. It is a well known fact that life originated in water is a Re-condition of life, various ancient Civilization of human beings are related to rivers.

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Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Tirupati

This is an important temple consecrated by the great Vaishnavacharya, Sri Ramanuja. Its imposing tower can be seen even from a long distance. The daily rituals in the temple are performed according to Vaikhanasa Agama. The festivals and functions in this Temple are conducted more or less on the same lines as in Srivari Temple, Tirumala.

The temples of Sri Parthasarathi with Satyabhama and Rukmini and of Sri Venkateswaraswamy which remained closed from about 12^th century have recently been made accessible for public worship.

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Tirupati

     Sri Kodanda-ramaswami Temple is situated in the heart of Tirupati town. The main Deities are Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. According to leg-ends, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama to Tirupati. The worship in the temple is regulated according to Vaikhanasa Agama. The Ugadi festival  and Sri Rama Navami are conducted on a grand scale.

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Tirupati

                This temple en-shrines Sri Kapileswara-swami. It is the only Siva temple among Vaishnava temples at Tirupati. The legend relating to this temple intertwined with that of the Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam. It is situated about 3kms, to the north of Tirupati, at the foot of Tirumala Hills, where we have sacred and beautiful water-fall known as “Kapilathirtham” or “Alwarthirtham”. The worship and rituals in this temple are carried in accordance with Saiva Agama. The Teppotsavam is celebrated in the Kapilatirtha Pushkarini for 3 days in a year in the Margasirsha month. The festival ends on the Pauranmi day of that month.

Sri Vedanarayanaswamy Temple, Nagalapuram

                This temple dedicated to Sri Vedanarayanaswamy is about 60kms. From Tirupati and on the way to Madras. The temple was taken over by the Devasthanams in 1967. One peculiar feature of the idol (Murti) is that the Sudarsana Chakram (Disc) is in ‘Prayoga’ (ready for releasing) postion the most important festival in this temple is the annual ‘Surya Puja’ which is usually conducted in the last week of March when the Sun’s rays fall on the Deity at about 5 p.m. denoting worship by Surya Bhagavan. The Surya Puja is followed by Float Festival for three days.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru Temple, Tiruchanur

The temple of Sri Padmavathi Amma-Varu, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswaraswamy is situated about 3 kms, to the south of Tirupati. According to the Legends, the Goddess Sri Lakshmi revealed Herself in a golden Lotus in the Pushkarini known as Padma Sarovaram, which was said to have been dug by the Lord with His Gadayudha when he came there is search of Sri Laksmi. The worship in the temple is according to Pancharathra Agama. Among all the festivals conducted here, Pandhama Thirtham during Kartika Brahmotsavam is famous, attaracting large number of devotees. On that day pasupu, kumkum, silk saree, flower garland with laddu padi are brought from Sri Tirumala temple with temple honours. The Abhishekam to Sri Ammavaru is performed on every Friday, Kumkum Archana to Sri Ammavaru is performed on request from pilgrims.

Sri Venkateswaraswami Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram

The temple is situated at about 10 kms. To the west of Tirupati, has Lord Venkateswara as the presiding Deity. According to the legend, this temple was built by the king of Chandragiri. The temple which is a protected monument was taken over by the Devasthanams in 1967 “Sakshatkaravaibhavam”, the day on which the Lord revealed Himself and blessed the priest Sri Sundara Ramanujacharyulu, is an important festival in the temple which is celebrated on Uttara Phalguna Nakshtra day in Sukta-paksham of Ashadha, Besides, all other festivals of the Tirumala Temple are celebrated here. The performance of Kalyana Utsavams to Utsava deities has also been introduced in the temple. One prekaram has been recently formed outside the temple and all processions are conducted  in the new prakaram.

Many other temples like Alipiri temple Thondamanadu temple, Tarigonda Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple and temples at Devuni Kadapa, Tallapaka are also run by T.T.Devasthanams.

Sri Kalyana  Venkateswaraswamy Temple, Narayanavanam

This temple about 30kms, from Tirupati was taken over by the Devasthanams in 1967 along with the five sub temples attached to it namely, Sri Parasareswaraswamy temple, Sri Virabhadraswamy temple, Sri Agastheswaraswamy temple, Sri Sakti Vinayagar temple and Sri Avanakshi Amma temple. This is the only temple where one can find both Lord Srinivasa and His consort Padmavathi on the pedestal. The legend says that Sri Akasaraja ruled Narayanavanam and performed the wedding of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru with Sri Venkateswaraswami Varu. Daily rituals in the temple is according to Pancharatra Agama. The performance of Kalyana Utsavam to utsava deities has been introduced on payment of a token fee. T.T.Devasthanams has constructed a Kalyanamandapam here for the performance of weddings.

Appalayagunta

The temple of Lord Prasanna Venkateswaraswamy is positioned at Appalayagunta, fifteen kms from Tirupati. Festivals like Brahmotsavam and Teppotsavam are becoming celebrated on a grand scale.
The idols of Goddess Padmavathi and Sri Andal are also seen in this historic Temple. The temple produced by the Rajas of Karvetinagar consists of a shrine for Anjaneya. The imposing mammoth image of the wind-god is worshipped by devotees for alleviation from ‘Chronic Diseases

Karvetinagaram

This temple located in the vicinity of Puttur at a distance of 58 kms from Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Venugopalaswami with Rukmini and Satyabhama. This was managed by the Narayanavanam rulers in the olden days. It also homes a shrine with monolithic idols of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Anjaneya.

Vayalpadu

The historical Temple devoted to Lord Sri Rama is located listed here. Vayalpadu is about a hundred kms from Tirupati. Daily rituals in this temple are in accordance to Pancharatra Agama. Brahmotsavam and other critical festivals are being celebrated in a grand manner

Andhra Ashramam Rishikesh     

Rshikesh is in Uttaranchal of Uttara Pradesh. It is 26 kms from Haridwar and 287 kms from Delhi.

Uttaranchal state is familiar as sacred devotional place in India. Himalayas are there in this place. Uttaranchal state is central attraction for Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, apart from Haridwar and Hrishikesh. The Tapoobhoomi Hrishi Kesh is situated 24 kms away from the sacred land of Haridwar. It is a tradition theat Brahmotsavams in Hrishiokesh temple of Uttaranchal state are being performed by Tirumala Archakas as per Vaikhnasa Agama Sastra.

Vaikunta Thoranam

In the main approach to the temple, an entrance gopuram known as vaikunta thoranam was constructed at a cost of Rs.5 lakhs. It was inaugurated by the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N.T. Rama Rao. The gopuram has a length of 100 ft. and a width of 20ft and a height of 40ft.

Asthana Mandapam

In the main approach to the temple, an entrance gopuram known as vaikunta thoranam was constructed. There is an asthana mandapam on the south eastern side of the bedi anjaneya swami temple facing sannidhi street for organizing religious and cultural programmes. The building, a monumental work of architectural  splendor, can accommodate about 3000 persons at a time. In the cellor  portion of the building 100 shops were allotted to the vendors to sell puja articles.

Tirumala Nambi Temple

There is a small temple called tirumala nambi temple on the southern side of the south mada street of tirumala temple. Sri tirumala nimbi is the maternal uncle of sri ramanujacharya the founder of visistadvaita philosophy . It is proposed to renovate the temple by using the materials of the dismantled old mandapam at Govindaraja swamy car street Tirupati.

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According to legends there is no sacred place equal to the Venkatachala, The abode of sri  Venkateswara Swami either in past or in future.

The Lord of seven hills is being worshiped according to vaisakha masa Agama sastra,by performing rituals, sevas, utsavams and poojas etc.,The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is following the procedures with dedication to protect the sanctity of the temple with the blessings of god. The Archa Moorthy and utsava Moorthies are being decorated with colorful  garlands and with rare  ornaments, which is delightful to the eyes of devotees starting with suprabhata  navaneetha  harati  in the early hours of the day,the offerins,sevas are being made and mutyala  harati in the late night.

Several devotees are coming to Tirumala for darshan and to participate in the sevas, utsavams not only from india,but  also from all parts of the world.

Considering the above facts, the Tirupati Devashanams took a decision to telecast the sevas, utsavams without violating the Agama sastras through sri venkateswara Bhakti channel located  at Alipiri in Tirupati.A  replica of Tirumala Temple and its Archa Moorthy was constructed for providing the opportunity to witness the sevas, utsavams of kaliyuga pratyaksha Deva(Lord Srinivasa) at the door steps of the devotees in the villages and towns. The line telecast programmes are titled”Govindam_Paramananadam”.

Metlotsavam:

Metlotsavam was performed on 9-2-2012, Monday by Tirupati Devasthanam dasa sahitya project and was performed by sri sri sri satyatma theertha swami ji, Uttaradhi mutt, Banglore, a Large number of dasa devotees on Monday walked up the tirumala path as a part of the ‘Tharaimasika Metlotsavam’ conducted by the TTD dasa sahitya project.

Procession of golden chariot on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadesi:

vaikunta ekadesi

Processional deity, Lord Malayappaswamy along with his consorts were taken out in a procession of golden chariot around for mada streets in connection with vaikunta ekadesi  at tirumala. The day began with the opening of vaikuntadwaram in tirumala temple which was fully decorated with pleasant smelling flowers and the pilgrims were allowed to perambulate in ‘vaikunta pradakshina patham’ path which is the nearest perambulator path of the moola aracha murthy of lord sri venkateswara though there was a heavy rush of pilgrims on the day smooth darshan facilities were provided in a systematically organized was by TTD authorities.

Parveta Utsavam:

The annual celestal utsavam of the processional deities of lord malayappa swamy and sri Krishna swamy – ‘ parveta utsavam’ has taken place in tirumala amidst religious fervor and gaiety on the non of kanurna festival day.

The Processional deity of lord malayappa swamy accompanied by lord sri Krishna swamy on another palanquin, started for a mock hunt to parmta mandapam in tirumala on 16^th afternoon at around 1:30 pm with five mighty weapons – sudarshana chakram, naradakam sword, panchajanya conch , koumodatki mace, saranga bow and arrow.

The festival was a spectacular event to millions of devotees who thronged the place to witness the lord emperor. Later the processional deities were taken to the parveta mandapam located about three kilometers near papavinasam.   The TTD Executive officer sri L.V. subramanyam led to the mock hunt by carrying a silver ‘soear’, A traditional weapon to kill wild beasts after performing puja in parveta mandapam both the deities were brought out of the mandapam for the mock hunt after the victory the temple priests performed customary rituals to the deities and they were brought back to the main temple on the golden palanquin.

Adhyanotsavam:

Adyanotsavam was started on ever month ending  with Vaikunta Ekadesi  day. Everybody evening malayappa swamy with his consorts were taken to ranganayaka mandapam and performed asthanam. In presence of sri ramanuja and viswakesena sannidhi in the presence if jeeyar with their pasurams.

On the eve of vaikunta ekadesi, Help us to sancity of tirumala don’t to come to sacred hills for any purpose other than lord Tirupati Balaji Darshan.

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From your arrival to departure from Tirupati we provide you transportation facility with experienced guide so you can know and understand everything about Lord Balaji and Tirupati. This holy land has so many miracles that devotees want to witness of, the pouring divinity from every temple that every devotee wishes to blessed with. With Tirupati Darshan’s extra ordinary service and enthusiast staff you can experience those all miracle and divinity. With our 24/7 help and pick and drop facility you no need to get bound in time line.

We provide wide range of packages as per your need and choice. We can also make personalize package on request of guests. Our wide range of packages from minimum two to four days include pick & drop facility, accommodation (as pert requirement of client from economy to deluxe) and quick darshan of Lord Balaji with an escort. Moreover, all the packages include local sightseeing and darshan of other temples in Tirupati depending upon wish and time available with clients. Whatever package you may choose we will provide you native and experienced guide with multilingual skill.

Besides being spiritual and filled with divine energy the land of Tirupati is close to nature. The temple like Talakona, Kailasakona, Sadasivakona are surrounded by beautiful natural sights and waterfalls that provide mesmerizing experience to tourist. Visiting this place where divine energy mixes with nature, is like letting your soul wonder freely with no worries and let your mind rest peacefully arms of nature. With our special package you can enjoy this trekking along with other services like transportation, accommodation and sightseeing.  We make sure that you undertake trekking adventure only under the guidance of expert guide. (Trekking is available only is monsoon).

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