Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
The spiritual land of Miracles
A pilgrimage to Tirupati is seen as a way to usher in salvation and spiritual enlightenment. Tirumala is called the land of miracles and divine interventions as Lord Venkateswara is believed to be protector and saviour of mankind from the kaliyuga. There are so many legends associated with this land of Miracles. Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Tirumala Balaji Temple, and they are definitely going to pique your interest!
1. Five Deities in Garba Griha
In most temples, only a moolamurthy bestows blessings in the Garbha Griha. On the contrary, there are 5 deities in the Garbha Griha of Tirumala Balaji Temple as it is aligned to the Vaikhanasa Agama
Srinivasa Moola Murthy – This majestic vigraham is 9 feet tall and the Vaikhanasa agama is used to perform the daily rituals.
Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy – An exact replica of Moola Murthy with a detachable conch and chakra, this vigraham receives all bhogams and upacharams in the temple. This idol is placed in a golden cradle in the sayana mandapam for 11 months in a year, and is taken out of the Garbha Griha to preside over auspicious occasions on behalf of the moola murthy.
Ugra Srinivasa Murthy – Known as Thirulvengadathuraviar, this vigraha is again the replica of the moola murthy. This vigraha is taken out on a procession on Uttana Ekadasi, Mukkoti Dwadasi, and Dwadasa Aradhana before dawn and returned to the Garbha Griha by 3 AM.
Koluvu Srinivasa Murthy – This vigraha is brought out from the Garbha Griha to the Tirumamani Mandapam, and seated on a gold chair under a golden umbrella. He represents the moolavar in managing the financial aspects of the temple.
Malayappa Swamy – Found as a swayambhoo (naturally formed) under a hill, this vigraha is the utsava vigraha that is taken out on a procession around the 4 mada streets on the 5th day of Brahmotsavam.
2. Meru Pacha
Lord Tirupati Balaji wears a regal crown with a large emerald called Meru Pacha embedded in the center. This 96 carat Meru Pacha is 3 inches in diameter and is considered to be the biggest emerald in the world.
3. Powerful Eyes
The moola murthy of Venkateswara is known to have big eyes with a powerful gaze that radiates cosmic energy. To protect the devotees from feeling overwhelmed, the major part of the eyes is closed with a long Thirunamam that is anointed on the forehead.
4. The Deity Sports Real Hair
Srinivasa Moola Murthy adorns real hair that doesn’t get tangled. Legend says that the hair was donated by the Gandharva princess Neela Devi, when lord Venkateswara lost some of his own when he was hit by a Shepherd.
5. Alignment of The Vigraha
Traditionally, the moola murthy stands in the center of the Garbha Griha. Though it appears to be so in Tirupati Balaji temple, the idol is slightly towards the right hand side.
6. Real Sweat
The idol of the holy deity is carved out of stone and maintains a temperature of 110°F despite the coolness around due to the steep location. After the abhishekam every morning, droplets of sweat appear on the idol and wiped off with a silk cloth.
7. Eternally Lit Lamps
As per legend, the earthen lamps in front of the deity in the Garbha Griha have been burning since time immemorial. It has never been extinguished and keeps shining perpetually.
8. GI (Geographic Indicator Tag)
The legendary laddu prasadam offered in Tirumala Balaji Temple now has a GI tag, to preserve the sanctity.
9. Moistness on the Deity
For reasons unknown, the back side of the deity remains moist. There are also accounts that when one presses his ears to the back of the deity, he can hear the roar of seawaves. Maybe the moistness is related to this! Miracles at play, no doubt.
10. Annaprasadam
The governing board of Tirumala Balaji Temple, The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam serves hot and hygienic annaprasadam to over 1 lakh devotees every day. They prove that serving humanity is the way to reach the almighty.
The land of spiritual salvation and enlightenment keeps captivating hearts with its glory. Undertake a spiritual pilgrimage to Tirupati Balaji Temple, and enrich your life with hope and bliss!
