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The Temple

Architecture and significance of Tirumala Tirupati

The Temple

Main Temple Utsava Murthulu Brahmotsavam Alankaras

Main Temple

Lord Sri Venkateswara, also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Veṅkaṭachalapati, made Tirumala his abode five thousand years ago. Even before him, it was Lord Varahaswami who had made Tirumala his abode. Since then, many devotees have continued to construct grand entrances on the ramparts of the temple over generations. The temple complex is spread over 16.2 acres of land.

The spot where Lord Sri Venkateswara's self-inducted statue is located in the Sanctum Sanctorum is called Ananda Nilayam. A wall was built around this sanctum and the Vimanam in between 1244 A.D. – 1250 A.D. The golden gopuram on this Ananda Nilayam is the 'Ananda Nilaya Vimana', also known as Bangaru Gopura Vimanam, which carries 64 images of various deities of Hindu mythology.

As per mythology, Garuthmantha (Vehicle of Sri Vishnu) brought this Ananda Nilaya Vimanam from Vaikuntam (the celestial abode of Vishnu) and consecrated it in this sacred place as desired by Lord Sri Vishnu. Tirumala is unique in that it houses the Swayambhu (self-manifest) deity of Lord Venkateswara along with the ancient Sri Bhu Varaha Swami temple.

Specialties of Tirumala Temple

  1. In Tirumala, the East facing Sri Varahaswami temple is located in the North West corner of the temple tank - Swami Pushkarini. As per tradition, all offerings are first made to Lord Varahaswami and then to Lord Sri Venkateswara — a practice continuing since millennia.
  2. The Maha Dwaram comprises three consecutive entrances – a brass one, a silver one, and a golden one (Bangaru Vakili). The present height of the main entrance is fifty feet.
  3. Sri Ramanuja in his long life of 120 years (1017 – 1137 A.D.) visited Tirumala thrice and climbed the seven hills on his knees out of reverence. He streamlined the rituals as per Vaikhanasa Agama.
  4. The great Saint Poet Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya penned over 32,000 songs in praise of the Lord, inscribed on copper plates and preserved in the Sankeertana Bhaandaram.
  5. The Mukkoti Pradakshinam is kept open only on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vaikuntha Dwadasi from midnight to midnight. The doors are called 'Vaikunta Dwaram'.
  6. The temple kitchen (Pradhana Vantashala) prepares prasadams with pure ghee on a scale unmatched anywhere in the world. Vakuladevi's peep hole in the wall oversees the preparations to this day.
  7. The Srivari Hundi has never been shifted from its place as it is believed that "Sri Chakra Yantra" lies underneath the main hundi.

Utsava Murthulu

The Utsava Murthulu are the processional deities that are taken out in grand processions during Brahmotsavams and other special occasions at Tirumala.

Malayappa Swami

After the main deity, Malayappa Swami has a special place of pride as he is considered the Utsava Murthy (processional deity) of Lord Sri Venkateswara. During the 13th century, when Ugra Srinivasa Murthy was being taken in a procession, strange and disturbing incidents took place. The Lord voiced his words through a devotee and advised them to use idols found at 'Malayappa-Kona'. The idol, made of Panchaloha (metal alloy), was brought and named Malayappa Swami. It is a great feast to the eyes to see Malayappa Swami along with his consorts, Sreedevi and Bhudevi during processions, festivals and all Sevas.

Ugra Sreenivasa Murthy

In the bygone days, the processional deity of Ugra Sreenivasa Murthy was taken out for procession during festivals. When strange and alarming incidents took place, procession with this idol was stalled from 1330 A.D. Today, the procession with Ugra Sreenivasa Murthy takes place in Tirumala only during Kaisika Dwadasi day before sun rise.

Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy

This silver idol was presented to the temple by a Pallava queen 'Saama Vaayi' (Perundevi) in 614 A.D. During 'Ekanta Seva' at the end of the day, it is the privilege of Bhoga Srinivasa to go to bed on a silk mattress. During 'Suprabhata Seva' in the morning, this idol is removed from the silk mattress and kept at the foot of the main deity. Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy acts as presiding deity since the main deity is huge and immovable.

Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy

Every morning Koluvu Sreenivasa Murthy is seated on the golden throne in Snapana Mandapam and almanac (Panchangam) is read out to him. All the details of the day like tithi, nakshatra, yoga and the information about different sevas are given to him. The treasury clerk humbly presents the income and expenditure account of the previous day.

Other Deities in the Temple

The temple also houses Sri Sudarshana Chakra Talwar, who protects devotees coming to Tirumala; Seetarama Lakshmanulu (statues reflecting their simplicity during exile); Rukmini Krishnulu (Lord Krishna form worshipped during Dhanurmasa in January when Thiruppavai Pasurams are sung instead of Suprabhatham); and Salagramas — four big special and several small Salagramas placed in a silver vessel at the foot of the deity, receiving daily abhishekam and archana.

Brahmotsavam Alankaras

During the annual Brahmotsavam festival at Tirumala, Lord Malayappa Swami is adorned in different magnificent alankaras (decorations) each day on various vahanams (vehicles). Each alankaram represents a unique spiritual significance and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the world.

  1. Dwajarohanam: The festival begins with hoisting the Garuda flag on the Dwajasthambham, inviting all gods and goddesses to attend the Brahmotsavam.
  2. Pedda Sesha Vahanam: The Lord is taken in a procession on the seven-hooded Sesha (serpent), symbolizing the cosmic serpent Adisesha.
  3. Chinna Sesha Vahanam: The Lord rides on a smaller Sesha vahanam on the second day.
  4. Hamsa Vahanam: The Lord is decorated and taken on the Hamsa (swan) vahanam, representing purity and the ability to discriminate good from evil.
  5. Simha Vahanam: The Lord rides on a lion, symbolizing courage and power.
  6. Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam: The Lord is taken in a pearl canopy, showcasing the opulence of the temple's offerings.
  7. Kalpavriksha Vahanam: The Lord rides on the Kalpavriksha, the divine wish-fulfilling tree.
  8. Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam: All the guardian deities of the eight directions accompany the Lord.
  9. Mohana Raga Alankaram: The Lord is adorned in a captivating form that enchantingly attracts all devotees.
  10. Garuda Vahanam: The most spectacular procession where Lord Malayappa rides on Garuda, the divine vehicle. Lakhs of devotees line the four mada streets to witness this grand event.
  11. Hanumantha Vahanam: The Lord rides on Hanuman, symbolizing devotion and service.
  12. Gaja Vahanam: The Lord is taken on an elephant, representing royalty and wisdom.
  13. Surya Prabha Vahanam: The Lord rides on a sun-chariot, symbolizing the illuminating power of the Supreme.
  14. Chandra Prabha Vahanam: The Lord rides on a moon-chariot, representing coolness and compassion.
  15. Rathotsavam: The grand chariot festival where the Lord is taken in a beautifully decorated massive chariot pulled by devotees along the mada streets.
  16. Snapana Thirumanjanam: The sacred bathing ceremony of the Utsava Murthies with perfumed water, milk, curd, turmeric, sandal paste and other holy substances.
  17. Dwaja Avarohanam: The lowering of the Garuda flag, marking the conclusion of the Brahmotsavam festival.

FAQs

Ans. As per the temple legend, Lord Srinivasa sought a gift of land from Sri Varahaswami, which he readily granted. In return, Srinivasa provided an agreement deed assuring that Varahaswami would receive the first darshan, worship and offerings by all devotees. This tradition is in practice to this day.

Ans. The Ananda Nilayam Vimana, also known as Bangaru Gopura Vimanam, is the golden gopuram over the Sanctum Sanctorum. As per mythology, Garuthmantha brought it from Vaikuntam and consecrated it here as desired by Lord Sri Vishnu. It carries 64 images of various deities of Hindu mythology.

Ans. The main deity of Lord Sri Venkateswara is a granite Swayambhu (self-manifest) and is immovable. Malayappa Swami is the Utsava Murthy (processional deity) made of Panchaloha (metal alloy), who is taken out in processions during festivals and Brahmotsavams along with his consorts Sreedevi and Bhudevi.

Ans. When Ugra Sreenivasa Murthy was taken in a procession, strange, unusual and alarming incidents took place. After these incidents, procession with this idol was stalled from 1330 A.D. Now it is taken out only during Kaisika Dwadasi day before sun rise. Malayappa Swami was made the processional deity instead.

Ans. During Dhanurmasa (January), Lord Krishna is made to sleep on the silk mattresses in place of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy during Ekantaseva. Suprabhatham is not recited during this month. Instead, Thiruppavai Pasurams penned by Andal Sri Goda Devi are sung to wake up the Lord.

Ans. The temple complex has been modified many times for creating easy passage to devotees, but the Hundi was never shifted from its place because it is believed that "Sri Chakra Yantra" (the holy instrument which invokes all riches) lies underneath the main Hundi.