Tirumala-Tirupati

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Showcases the beliefs and rituals and the rich and diverse heritage of India, the land of the world’s greatest religions. The series attempts to focus on the goddesses of the Hindu pantheon and varying forms of their worship.

Tirumala-Tirupati, the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara, is a major pilgrimage centre of India. Variously called as Perumala, Balaji, Narayana - this important manifestation of Vishnu is worshipped by millions. This book is an authoritative account of Tirumala-Tirupati, its legends, history and heritage. It takes both a pilgrim and a devotee on a spiritual journey.

Ashish Khokar is a well-known writer and commentator on the arts and crafts; culture and civilization; religion and spirituality of India. He has been a critic for the Time of India, columnist for several magazines, a TV personality and editor of Attendance, India’s year-book on dance. He is based in Bangalore and Chennai.

From the Book

Majestically situated atop the seven inter-twined hills, the Tirumala-Tirupati hill-shrine is the graceful abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, variously called as Venkateswara, Perumala, Narayana, Srinivasa and Balaji. An incarnation of Vishnu, the origins of this major pilgrimage destination is steeped in interesting legends.

The shrine is strategically located over a group of seven hills which are a part of the mythological Mount Meru. Legend has it that the seven peaks represent the seven hoods of Adisesha, the king of serpents. The seven names of the hills are Seshachalam (bearing resemblance to Adisesha, the serpent lord); Vedachalam (since Vedas are recited in these hills); Garudachalam (because the hills were brought to earth by Garuda, Vishnu’s vehicle); Vrishabadri (because Anjana Devi gave birth Anjaneya or Hanuman here); Venkatachalam (since Lord Venkata resides here in Kaliyuga) and Anandgiri (as Adisesha and Vayudeva exhibited their strengths here).

A dispute arose between Adisesha and Vayu, the God of winds are to who was more powerful. Adisesha wrapped his long body around Mount Meru and challenged Vayu to move it. Despite his best efforts, Vayu failed. After some fierce blowing he pretended to be exhausted. At this point, Adisesha dropped his guard and relaxed. Seizing the moment, Vayu blew hard and in the process he blew off part of the hill. Adisesha was upset with his defeat and undertook penance, meditating on his master, Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion Lord Vishnu appeared and granted Adisesha a boon that made him assume the shape of a hill on which his Lord would stay permanently. This hill is called seshachalam.

Originally called Venkata Hills (after Lord Venkatswara, or Lord of Venakata Hills), Seshachalam finds mention in twelve different Puranas which tell the tale of the appearance of Lord Vishnu on earth. According to Brahma Puranas, Lord Vishnu desired a change of residence from Vaikuntha. On advise of Narada, son of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu was suggested a place on earth for enjoyment and sport. Narada suggested Seshachalam.