Tiruvenkatam (Tirumala/Tirupati) – The Divine Seven Hills
Divya Desam 75 of 108 | Region: Vada Nadu
Nestled in the scenic Eastern Ghats range, famously known as the Seven Hills, Tiruvenkatam or Tirumala-Tirupati is one of the most revered and richest temples in India. Drawing thousands of pilgrims daily, this sacred complex stands as a monumental symbol of devotion to Lord Vishnu in his manifestation as Srinivasa or Venkateswara.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar: Srinivasa (Venkateswara, Balaji) in standing posture
- Utsavar: Kalyana Venkateswarar with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi
- Thayar Temple: Goddess Padmavathi at Tiruchanur, near Tirupati
- Govindaraja Perumal Temple: Reclining Vishnu at Tirupati
- Theertham: Seshachala Theertham
- Vimanam: Ananda Nilaya Vimanam
This sacred site comprises three major temples:
- The hill temple at Tirumala for Srinivasa (Venkateswara)
- The Govindaraja temple at Tirupati town, where Vishnu is in reclining posture, accompanied by Pundarikavalli Thayar
- The Padmavathi temple at Tiruchanur, dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara
Sacred Legends & Spiritual Significance
According to the Varaha Purana, Lord Vishnu as Adi Varaha manifested on the western bank of the sacred Swami Pushkarini lake, while Lord Venkateswara resides on the southern bank. The legend of Rangadasa, a devoted ascetic who discovered the blue-bodied Vishnu beneath a tree and started worshipping Him, forms the spiritual foundation of this shrine.
The temple’s origin also relates to the epic tale of Sage Bhrigu, who, after testing the Trimurthis, found Lord Vishnu to be the supreme deity. An episode of Lord Vishnu kicking the sage’s chest and subsequently apologizing demonstrates divine humility and compassion.
Further legends narrate the story of Sri Mahalakshmi, who, upset by the incident with Sage Bhrigu, left Vaikuntam and descended to Earth, taking the form of an anthill with the Lord residing beside her. The compassionate acts of Brahma and Shiva in assisting the Lord in his earthly abode are part of this mythology.
The temple’s construction is linked to the reign of Tondaman, who built the temple and the sacred Ananda Vimanam, the golden tower above the sanctum. The marriage of Lord Venkateswara to Goddess Padmavathi, discovered as a child in a lotus by King Akasaraja, is another vital aspect of the temple’s lore. It is believed that Kubera, the god of wealth, lent money to the Lord for the grand wedding, symbolizing divine prosperity.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
The temple is highly praised in the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham, with many Azhwars glorifying the deity:
- Periyaazhwar: Pasurams 56, 104, 180, 184, 207, 247, 463
- Andaal: 504, 506, 535, 546, 577-586, 601, 604
- Kulasekhara Azhwar: 677-687
- Tirumazhisai Azhwar: 799, 811, 832, 2415, 2420-29, 2471
- Tiruppan Azhwar: 927, 929
- Tirumangai Azhwar: 1018-1057, 1275, 1312, 1371, 1388, 1404, 1518, 1572, 1640, 1660, 1811, 1836, 1849, 1946, 1978, 2001, 2038, 2059, 2060, 2067, 2673 (69), 2674 (6, 124)
- Poygai Azhwar: 2107, 2118-21, 2149, 2157, 2158, 2163, 2180
- Bhoothathazhwar: 2206, 2209, 2214, 2226, 2227, 2234, 2235, 2253, 2256
- Peyaazhwar: 2295, 2307, 2311, 2313, 2320, 2321, 2326, 2339, 2342-2344, 2349-2354, 2356, 2370
- Nammaazhwar: 2485, 2487, 2492, 2508, 2527, 2537, 2544, 2558, 2754, 2848, 2849, 2862, 2919-2929, 2948, 2985, 3061, 3283-3292, 3326-3336, 3458, 3586, 3716, 3740
Legend says Sri Ramanuja revered the temple so deeply that he climbed the hills on his knees to avoid desecrating the sacred ground. He formalized the temple rituals, many of which continue today.
Festivals & Worship
Tirumala is renowned for its daily festivals and multiple Kalyana Utsavams (celestial weddings). The grand Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Purattasi, is considered to have been instituted by Lord Brahma himself. The Padmavathi temple at Tiruchanur celebrates its Brahmotsavam during the Karthigai month.
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