Venkateshwara Swamy
Lord Venkateswara also known by various names as Srinivasa, Balaji, Venkatachalapati and Govinda is a divine form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Venkateswara is the main deity of Tirumala Temple situated in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Lakhs of devotees are visiting daily to the Tirumala Temple to have a glimpse of their dear god, and to get his blessings.
Some interesting facts associated with Lord Venkateswara are as follows:
- The main statue of Lord Venkateswara is big in size, and it is believed to be a self-emanated one.
- Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam is one of the most richest and popular temples in India. Daily it provides annadanam to innumerable number of devotees, in order to remove their hunger and thirst.
- The chief idol of Lord Venkateswara is supposed to wear his devotee’s original hair.
- It is also believed that the idol of Lord Venkateswara has life, since it would even sweat! And, it is also being witnessed by the main priest of Tirumala Temple for several times.
- This popular Tirumala Temple was admired even by the foreigners and several articles about this wonderful deity was published by some international magazines.
- Most of the puja things like flowers, rice and other provisions are being gifted by some of the staunch devotees of Lord Venkateswara.
- The details about the temple of Lord Venkateswara were even mentioned in the Holy Text, Sri Prahalada Mahatmyam.
- It is believed that celestials like Gandharvas, Devas and Apsaras used to visit this temple every year during Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival Day.
- Several ancient kings who ruled the Andhra Pradesh have done consecration ceremony for this temple, and repairs and renovation activities were also taken place.
- Those who stand in front of the deity would have wonderful experience, and they would feel as if they are standing before Lord Vishnu in the Vaikunta.
- The light would always burn on the main shrine of the Venkateswara Temple.
- During 19th century, it is believed that Lord Venkateswara had shown his divine form before some of his devotees at the Holy Tirumala Temple.
- The original idol of Lord Venkateswara is so strong, and it cannot be broken by anyone using any weapon.
- Ancient Alwars have sung lot of divine songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara in this Tirumala Temple.
- Every day various types of holy bath (Abhishekham) are being performed to Lord Venkateswara at the holy Tirumala Temple.
- Lord Balaji’s idol at Tirumala would be hot even during winter seasons.
- Every day TTD officials receive offerings from devotees in the form of cash, jewellery, and some devotees even offer lands as donations.
- The Laddu “Prasad” is being prepared in a most hygienic condition, and it is one of the hot selling Prasad items in the whole world.
- It is also believed that Venkateswara Swamy visits Tiruchanoor Amman Temple every day night, by considering it as a duty of a husband.
- During ancient times, on the top of the Venkateswara Shrine, the actual divine vehicle Garuda would fly, and devotees had witnessed the wonderful event. But in course of time, Garuda’s visit was stopped, since some of the devotees were tried to examine about the truthfulness of Garuda.
- The great saints like Vyasaraja and Guru Raghavendra have visited this holy shrine of Tirumala and performed puja to the Lord on their own hands.
- Though the temple was believed to have been constructed during the Vedic period, but the main structure of the temple was built before 2,000 years ago.
- The silk dress worn by Lord Venkateswara Swami is considered as one of the most sacred garments in the whole world.
- The temple contains many stone inscriptions which were installed during the period of Cholas.
- Garuda Seva is a popular event held at Tirumala, and during that time, lakhs and lakhs of devotees would throng to the holy Tirumala in order to witness Lord Venkateswara sitting in the Garuda Vahana.
- Ancient kings who ruled the present day Andhra Pradesh used to specially worship Lord Venkateswara before going to the battle field, in order to get victory.
- Visiting the Tirumala Temple is really an adventurous one, since we could get delighted by seeing the natural scenery and the greenery of the Holy Hills.
- It is also believed that Lord Venkateswara watches each and every devotee who visits his temple, and he tries his level best to sort out their problems.
- Gifting of the pictures of Lord Venkateswara is considered as a good deed, and it is being done by the devotees in order to attain good fortunes in their lives.
We can also name our children as “Balaji”, “Venkateswara” and “Venkatachalapathy”, in order to inculcate the “VENKATESWARA BHAKTI SPIRIT” on their minds.
“OM NAMO VENKATESAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR