Lord Sri Mahavishnu left Vaikuntam and came to Venkatadri as Sri Venkateswara Swamy to protect and bless the devotees. Venkatadri, also known as Venkatachalam, is one of the seven hills of Tirumala, seen as a heavenly place on Earth. The main shrine where Sri Venkateswara Swamy stays is covered with a gold-plated tower called ‘Ananda Nilayam.’
Inside the main shrine, Sri Venkateswara Swamy idol stands in divine form in the ‘Brahma Sthana.’ The idol, which is over eight feet tall, is believed to have self-manifested. This standing figure is known as ‘Sthanakamurthy.’ Since the idol is stable, it is also called ‘Dhruvamurti’ or ‘Dhruvaberam.’ The Lord is named ‘Sthanaka Virahamurthy’ because He stands alone, without His consorts.
About Sri Venkateswara Swamy Idol
Standing on the Padma Peetham, the Lord holds a sword called ‘Nandaka’. His divine image shines with the Surya Katari, a crown, Thirunamam, Vyuha Lakshmi on His chest, along with Sankhu, Chakra, Varada and Kati ‘hasthas’. He is adorned with Naagabharanas and has camphor on His chin. Let’s look at some of the special features of the Lord.
1. Thirunamam
Thirunamam worn on the forehead of the Lord is called ‘Urdvapundram.’ It is offered once a week after Abhishekam every Friday. It is made of 16 tulas of ‘pacchakarpuram’ (camphor) and one and a half tula of ‘kasturi’ (musk). Before the Brahmotsavams and during the Brahmotsavas, on Fridays following the Brahmotsavams, double camphor and musk are used for ‘Thirunamam.’ Therefore, this ‘namam’ is called as ‘Rettimpunamam’ and on every Thursday this ‘namam’ is shortened, so the devotees can clearly see the Lord’s eyes.
2. Sankham and Chakram
Sri venkatewsara swamy appears with Sankham (conch) and Sudarshana Chakram (Discus) in both hands. They are said to have been established by Sri Ramanujacharya in his times.
3. Varada Mudra
Lord Venkateswara’s two hands are known as Varada Hastha and Kati Hashta. The Varada Mudra is in His right hand, with the palm facing downwards, signifying the granting of blessings. It is believed that those who seek refuge at His feet are true devotees and will be blessed.
4. Kati Hastam
Swami holds Kati Hastam (left hand) near His knees. This gesture means that anyone who seeks His feet will be blessed. By placing His hand on the pelvis, He reminds people not to get too attached to anything.
5. Camphor on the Chin
The Lord’s chin is decorated with white ‘pacchakarpooram’ (camphor). Long ago, a devotee named Ananthalwar came to Tirumala and created a flower garden for the Lord. He and his wife dug a well in the garden. One day, the Lord, disguised as a boy, tried to help with the digging. Ananthalwar refused the help, but the boy continued to assist his wife. Angry, Ananthalwar threw a crowbar at the boy, injuring him. Later, the boy was revealed to be the Lord, and camphor was applied to the wound on his chin.
6. Vakshasthala Lakshmi
Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is on the chest of Lord Srinivasa. It looks like Goddess Lakshmi is on both sides of His chest, but Ammavaru is actually on one side of the main idol’s chest. Due to decorations, Ammavaru isn’t always visible, but during Abhishekam, she appears clearly, covered in turmeric powder. It’s believed that Ammavaru is the main reason for the Lord’s Abhishekam on Fridays. After chanting the Lord’s Sahasranama and Ashtottaranama three times daily, the Goddess is worshipped with 24 names from the Varaha Puranam, known as ‘Chaturvimshati Namavali Puja’. The sight of the Lord with the Goddess on His chest brings grace to both and signifies the importance of a wife.
7. Surya Katari
One of Lord Vishnu’s five weapons is the sword, known as Nandakam and Surya Katari. It is believed this weapon is used to punish the wicked and protect the righteous. The great poet Thallapaka Annamacharya got inspiration from the Nandaka sword to write songs praising Lord Venkateswara and condemn the world’s sins. The Lord’s message through this sword is to eliminate ignorance, carelessness, and disregard in people.
8. Nagabaranas
The Lord wears ‘nagabharanas’ jewelry on both the lower sides of His shoulders and above His elbows, symbolizing Adisesha. This shows the Lord’s kindness by making His followers part of His body. Notably, Adisesha is the first vehicle in the Brahmotsavams.
9. Silk Clothes
Every Friday after the Abhishekam ritual, a 24 mura long and 4 mura wide dhoti is used to adorn Lord Venkateswara. Additionally, a 12 mura long and 2 mura wide silk cloth is worn as Uttareeyam. On Thursday, these are removed, and the dhoti is decorated, while the Uttariyam is placed like a sacred thread (yajnopaveetham).
Listen to Sri Venkateswara suprabatham
The Lord stands on Padmapeetham. His lotus feet are always covered with golden sheet, wonderful flowers and ‘tulsi’ leaves. It is possible to see the Lord’s feet only on the day of ‘Abhishekam i.e, Friday. While worshipping the Lord’s feet, taking shelter and serving Him means that the devotee has given up his pride at the Lord’s feet and becomes His true devotee by his humbleness.
