Mysteries of Tirupati Balaji: History, Rituals, and Festival

Tirupati Balaji | Venkateswara Temple

Tirupati Balaji or Venkateswara Swamy, is a form of Lord Vishnu who is worshipped at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple located at Tirumala, Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is one of the richest Hindu temples in the world.

History and Legend

According to legend, Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Venkateswara during the Kali Yuga to save mankind from its troubles. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old.

The temple has a murti (image) of Venkateswara which is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). The presiding deity is flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship and performs six daily rituals for Venkateswara as prescribed in the texts. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu.

Architecture and Deities

The temple is built in the South Indian style of architecture. It has a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) called Ananda Nilayam where the main murti of Venkateswara is located. The presiding deity is in a standing posture with four hands.

The temple has five deities representing Venkateswara – Dhruva Beram (the main murti), Bhoga Srinivasa, Ugra Srinivasa, Malayappa Swami (the processional deity), and Koluvu Srinivasa. There are also shrines dedicated to deities like Varadaraja, Yoga Narasimha, Garuda, and Kubera within the temple.

The temple is located on the seven hills of Tirumala, representing the seven hoods of Adishesha. The wealth and ornaments donated by devotees over centuries make this one of the richest temples in the world.

Festivals and Rituals

The temple celebrates over 433 festivals throughout the year. The major festival is the 9-day Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavam held annually in October-November. Vaikunta Ekadasi and Rathasapthami are other major festivals celebrated in the temple.

The Tirupati Laddu prasadam and various Annaprasadams are offered to Venkateswara and distributed to devotees. Lakhs of devotees visit the temple daily to have darshan of Venkateswara.

What are the rituals performed daily at the temple?

Daily Rituals Performed at Tirupati Balaji Temple

A number of daily rituals are performed at the Tirupati Balaji Temple to worship the presiding deity Lord Venkateswara. Some of the most important daily rituals are:

Suprabhatam: This ritual is performed early in the morning around 2:30 AM to 3:00 AM. It involves chanting hymns and prayers to wake up Lord Venkateswara.
Abhishekam: A holy ritual where the deity is bathed with substances like milk, honey, and ghee. This purifying ritual is done daily.
Archana: Devotees offer flowers, fruits and sacred leaves to the deity while chanting his thousand names. This ritual expresses their devotion and gratitude.
Alankaram: The deity is adorned with silk clothing and precious jewelry to enhance his divine splendor.
Naivedyam: The offering of cooked food to Lord Venkateswara. Devotees believe the Lord partakes in the offering, sanctifying the food and bestowing blessings.
Deepa Aradhana: As night falls, the temple comes alive with the lighting of oil lamps, signifying the triumph of light over darkness.
Sarvadarsanam: The most awaited moment when devotees get a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara. It is believed this divine sight absolves one of sins.

In addition, there are weekly rituals performed on specific days like Abhishekam on Fridays, Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana on Tuesdays, and Sahasra Kalasabhishekam on Wednesdays.

The daily and weekly rituals are performed with meticulous detail and devotion, offering devotees the chance to partake in the divine blessings of Lord Venkateswara. The rituals follow the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship as prescribed in ancient texts.

What is the religious significance of Tirupati Laddu prasadam?

Religious Significance of Tirupati Laddu Prasadam

The Tirupati Laddu is a sweet prasadam given to devotees at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The laddu holds significant religious importance for devotees for several reasons:

It is believed that Lord Venkateswara himself partakes in the Tirupati Laddu offering, sanctifying it and bestowing his blessings on the devotees who eat it.
According to legend, when Lord Venkateswara married Goddess Padmavathi, Kubera gave him money for the wedding. Devotees offer money in the hundi (donation pot) at the temple to help Venkateswara repay his debt. The laddus are made from the money donated by devotees.
The laddu prasadam is prepared in the temple kitchen known as ‘Potu’ under strict hygienic conditions. The ingredients like gram flour, ghee, cashews, etc. are sourced and prepared specially for offering to Lord Venkateswara.
Eating the Tirupati Laddu is believed to cure diseases and confer physical strength, mental prowess and spiritual merits on the devotee. It is considered an effective remedy for various health issues.
The laddu represents the unity of the physical (laddu) and spiritual (Lord Venkateswara). By consuming the laddu, devotees symbolically unite with the divine.
The laddu prasadam holds a special status as it has received the Geographical Indication tag, certifying that only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams can make and distribute the authentic Tirupati Laddu.

What are the different forms of Venkateswara worshipped at the temple?

Venkateswara Worshipped at Tirupati Temple

The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is one of the most important Vaishnava temples in India, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of Vishnu. The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship, which prescribes worship of Vishnu and his avatars. The temple is located on the seven hills of Tirumala, representing the seven hoods of Adishesha.

The presiding deity in the temple is Venkateswara, who is worshipped in five forms called Pancha Berams:

Dhruva Beram – This is the main deity located in the Garbhagriha under the Ananda Nilayam Vimana. This form is considered the source of energy for the temple.
Bhoga Srinivasa – This is a small silver deity that receives daily sevas on behalf of Dhruva Beram. It receives special abhishekams like Sahasra Kalasabhishekam on Wednesdays.
Ugra Srinivasa – This form represents the fierce aspect of Venkateswara. It is carried in procession only on Kaishika Dwadasi before sunrise.
Malayappa Swami – This is the processional deity of the temple. It is flanked by the consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi and is taken in processions during festivals.
Koluvu Srinivasa – This form presides over the temple’s financial and economic affairs. It receives daily accounts of income and expenditures.

In addition to these Pancha Berams, the temple also has deities of Varadaraja, Yoga Narasimha, Garuda, Kubera, Hanuman, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, and their consorts.

What are some of the important festivals celebrated at Tirupati?

Major Festivals Celebrated at Tirupati Temple

The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati celebrates many festivals throughout the year, the most important being the Brahmotsavam festival. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are:

Brahmotsavam: This is the most important festival celebrated in September-October for 9 days during the Sharad Navaratri. It commemorates Lord Vishnu’s descent to earth to perform the festival. Various rituals like Dwajarohanam, Vahana Seva, Snapanam, Choornabhishekam, Chakrasnanam are performed.
Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated during December-January, it marks the opening of the gates of Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu’s abode. Devotees take a holy dip in the Pushkarini tank.
Rathasapthami: Celebrated in January-February, it commemorates Lord Venkateswara’s chariot procession. His idols are placed on a chariot and taken around the temple streets.
Sri Rama Navami: Celebrated in March-April, it marks the birth of Lord Rama. Special prayers and rituals are performed to the idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.
Vasantotsavam: Celebrated in March-April during spring, it involves colorful festivities, decorations and processions of the deities.
Teppotsavam: Also known as Boat Festival, it is celebrated in July-August when the deities are taken on a float in the Pushkarini tank.
Deepavali: Celebrated during October-November on the new moon day, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The temple is decorated with oil lamps.