3

FREE FACILITIES TO THE PILGRIMS

Free Luggage Transport Centre : The devotees coming
to Tirumala from Alipiri footpath and Srivari Mettu
can utilize free luggage Transport facility available
at Alipiri Free luggage Transport Centre and Srivari
Mettu. They can handover their luggage at Alipiri,
Srivari Mettu and collect them back at free luggage
Transport Centre situated in Tirumala.
Accommodation facility : Accommodation is being
provided in free choultries with locker and toilet
facilities to the devotees coming to Tirumala.
Divya darshan tokens for Srivari darshan : Divya
darshan tokens are being issued at 3rd Gali
Gopuram for the devotees coming from Alipiri
footpath to Tirumala and this facility (Divya
darshan tokens) is also provided for the devotees
coming from Srivari Mettu to Tirumala for darshan.
Kalyanakatta : Free tonsuring and free hot water
facility for bath is being provided for devotees at
Kalyanakatta.
Free Medical facility : Free dispensary is being
provided at 3rd Galigopuram from Alipiri footpath to
Tirumala and First Aid Centre at 7th mile. Medical
facilities and emergency care for heart patients at
Aswini Hospital in Tirumala is also being provided.
Bus facility : T.T.D. arranged 12 free buses for every 4
minutes round the clock in Tirumala for the devotees
to travel from one place to another place.
Distribution of Prasadam in Q Complex: The devotees
awaiting darsan in Q complex are being provided the
facility of milk and prasadams.
Free Food facility : Free food is being provided at
Tirumala for devotees at Sri Tarigonda Vengamamba
Annaprasadam complex near the temple.
Vehicle facility for physically handicapped and aged
persons: Battery run vehicles are being provided
from TBC, MBC, Rambagicha guest house to Srivari
Temple at free of cost for physically handicapped,
December, 2015
4
4 aged and sick persons. SAPTHAGIRI
 Venkatadri samam sthanam Venkatesa samo devo na bhuto
brahmande nasti kinchana na bhavishyati

December - 2015
l.
CONTENTS N
Vo 6 07 o.
4
GODDESS PADMAVATI OF TIRUCHANUR
-T.K. Krishnaswami Thathacharya 7
THE EMINENCE OF DHANURMASAM
- G.S.R.K. Babu Rao 10

VAIKUNTHA EKADASI
- Dr.Y. Shiva Rama Prasad 14
ALAMELUMANGAPURAM
- Dr.V. Kameswara Rao 17
IS TAMARIND TREE - A STHALA VRIKSHA?
Honorary Editor
- Ahana Lakshmi 19
Dr. [Link], I.A.S.,
Executive Officer, SRI MAHA BHAGAVATAM OF ARULALADASAR
T.T. Devasthanams, - Prema Nandakumar 23
..................................................................................................................
REUNION OF SRI LAKSHMI AND SRINIVASA
Chief Editor & Publisher
- V. Rajagopal Rao 31
Dr. [Link]
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PURITY IN HEART IS LADDER TO HEAVEN
Editor - P.T.S. Murthy 34
Dr. [Link]
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 An utsavam is celebrated to remove the trials and tribulations
of devotees and preach the right path to ‘Jeevanmukti’. These utsavams
instill the cultural, spiritual, religious, unified and devotional feelings
in the hearts of devotees.
According to tradition the Brahmotsavam of Srivaru that is being
conducted at Tirumala, similarly the Brahmotsavam of Goddess
Padmavati will be celebrated gloriously at Tiruchanur in the month of
Karthika. The word ‘Brahma’ has many wonderful connotations. It means grand,
gigantic, universal, Omnipresent and ‘Parabrahma’ in addition to ‘the Creator’ and ‘Chaturmukha’.
Hence the grand and gigantic ‘Navaahnika utsavams’, celebrated as per pancharatra agama at
Tiruchanur and in other sacred Temples are also called ‘Brahmotsavam’. The entire universe is
infused with the concept of ‘Parabrahman’. The manifestation of the Goddess Padmavati is also
Parabrahma. These special utsavams are celebrated to such a divine manifestation, hence called
Brahmotsavam.
Goddess Padmavati, residing in the sacred heart of Srivaru, witnesses and enjoys the
Brahmotsavam of Srivaru. For various reasons beyond human comprehension, Goddess Lakshmi
attained the incarnation of Goddess Padmavati at Tiruchanur. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
are inseparable divine entities. Goddess Padmavati never departs from Lord Vishnu. For protecting
the world, She has incarnated at Tiruchanur kshetram.
Srivaru provided place to Goddess Padmavati inside and outside of His ‘Vakshastala’, Srivaru
sends all His ‘Vahanas’ to His Consort. During utsavams, He also occupies the ‘Vahanas’ along
with the Goddess in a divine form. Those with divine spirit will only have the grand ‘darshan’.
A country which does not respect women will certainly perish. The sublime Brahmotsavam
at Tiruchanur make devotees remember the significance of mother and motherhood concept. Also
it is tradition to first visit Tiruchanur before visiting Srivaru at Tirumala.
The utsavams at Tirumala are ‘Srivari Utsavams’. In Tiruchanur, they are ‘Sri Utsavams’. The
happiness of the divine couple is equal when these utsavams are celebrated either to Srivaru or to
the Goddess Padmavati Devi. The entity of marital bondage has its own inseparable nature. ‘Garuda
Seva’ is significant in Tirumala and ‘Gaja Seva’ occupies a prominent place in Tiruchanur since
Goddess Padmavati is the incarnation of ‘Gaja Lakshmi’.
Brahmotsavam of Goddess Padmavati are celebrated specially to make devotees happy serving
both the mother and father with utmost devotion and piety. Thus, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
celebrate the Brahmotsavam of Goddess Padmavati with the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. Let
us hope that innumerable devotees will have the graceful ‘Darshan’ of Goddess Padmavati, the
Mother of Fortunes, thereby all the misfortunes will be vanished both materially and eternally.
6
 Mythology

K asyapamuni with other sages were puffed up with pride and arrogance on account of
performing a sacrifice on the bank of the Ganges, the preponderance of the Rajasic attribute in him,
sage Narada came and asked in the galaxy of the he gave up and came to the Kailasa. There he found
hermits as to who among the Gods was the God Siva engaged in amorous sports with Parvati
Supreme enjoyer of the fruit of the sacrifice (Yajna and consequently reached that he could not achieve
Phalabhokta). All the sages ultimately determined the mission on hand. Immediately he repaired to the
to consult sage Bhrigu who they considered to be abode of Lord Vishnu who shone forth with spiritual
the final authority on such matters. Bhrigu who was halo around Him while he laid Himself on the Serpent
approached by them thought to demonstrate by a Couch Adisesha seconded by Goddess Lakshmi.
practical experiment the nature of the Supreme one No sooner had he saw the Lord in that posture than
among them. he hurriedly kicked at His chest. Immediately the
Lord rose from His bed, embraced sage Bhrigu and
Firstly Bhrigu repaired to the Abode of the
enquired in all humility as to why he kicked at His
four faced deity, Brahma and prostrated before him
coarse and rugged body with his soft flower like
as a mark of respect.
delicate foot. The Lord applied warm water to that
Finding that
foot and shampooed it
Brahma
gently to allay the
w a s
Sri Padmavati pain caused to it.
Ammavari Brahmotsavam B h r i g u
07-12-2015 to phased with the
16-12-2015 reception given to
him, arrived at the
conclusion that the

Goddess Mahalakshmi immersed herself in

penance for 12 years and emerged as
Sri Padmavati from a Lotus located at
the centre of Pushkarini on the auspicious
Panchami day in the holy month of
Karthika with the advent of
Uttarashada Nakshatra.

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 7
Supreme deity was Sriman Narayana alone by the Later on the king released the cow to join. Other
practical experiment and conveyed in a very strong cattle to graze on the Venkata Hill. It found luckily
decisive tone to the sages that Lord Narayana alone the presence of the Lord in an anti-Hill. Incited by its
was the supreme enjoyer of the Fruit of the sacrifice. over whelming joy the cow empted all the milk to
Then all the hermits offered their respective offerings the last drop by showering it on the ant-hill and as
to Lord Narayana alone and fulfilled their object of usual it retired along with all the other cows. The
performing the sacrifice. king found to his amazement that not even a drop of

The rash kicking or insult of the sage at the milk was forthcoming from the cow for many days.
chest of the Lord, Goddess Lakshmi became much The King blamed the cowherd and he pleaded
infuriated at the submissive behavior of the Lord innocence. But the cowherd who closely watched
towards the person who offended Him very seriously the movements of the particular cow witnessed it
and who violated laws of and decency in kicking of reaching the ant hill and emptying the contents of
the place where She rests. On that score there arose the udder on it. No sooner had he in a frenzy of fury
a quarrel (Pranayakalaha) between the divine couple raised up his axe to kill it than the Lord pushed His
and at last Goddess Lakshmi separated herself from neck suddenly in between the axe and the cow and
Lord Narayana and settled in Karavirapura sustained a very serious injury. Instantaneously, the
(Kolhapur). cowherd fell down dead when he witnessed the
radiant form of the Lord blending. The cow returned
Lord Narayana unable to bear the pang of
without its guide. The king ordered all the servants
separation from the Goddess did penance to
to search and at last they found that the cowherd
appease His beloved. He had chosen the Venkata
dead near the ant-hill.
Hill as the proper abode to practice penance and
selected an ant-hill under a Tamarind Tree as a The king reached the vicinity of the ant-hill
suitable place on it. and to his great astonishment he heard a very feeble
voice emanating from the ant hill. The Lord told the
Meanwhile Brahma the official creator God
king that his servant insulted Him and cursed the
Siva, the official annihilator and Goddess Lakshmi
king to became a ghost. The king pleaded innocence
found themselves restless as they could not findout
in the matter and prayed for the withdrawl of curse.
the where abouts of the Lord in Sri Vaikunta and
The Lord replied that the effect of the curse would
other celestial places. So Brahma, Lakshmi and Siva
terminate when he would wear the gemset diadem
assumed the roles of a cow, cowherd and a calf
presented to Him by Akasaraja at the time of offering
respectively and roamed about the whole world in
his daughter Padmavati in marriage to Him.
search of Lord Narayana. Ultimately they reached
the kingdom of Chola which was very opulent and Then the Lord went to Karavirapura or
very prosperous. The Goddess sold the cow and Kolhapur and found an idol of Maha Lakshmi
calf to the Chola king who took special care of them. worshipped by many devotees. Lord Narayana

December, 2015
8 SAPTHAGIRI
Himself propitiated her for some time and heard an The Goddess being highly pleased with the Lord’s
incorporeal voice which conveyed to Him that He penance to attain her grace lauded Him amidst
should practice penance for about ten years on the cheers on the part of the Divine beings who
Bank of Suvarnamukhi which was graced by the congregated to witness the happy union of the
hermitage of Sage Suka. He was also given to eternal divine couple. Goddess Padmavati graced
understand that He should offer Archana to the Her abode the chest of the Lord as usual and
Goddess with ever Blossomed Lotuses during the repaired to the Venkata Hill.
period of penance. The Lord had cautiously installed The episode brings to light that the Lord
the Solar Deity (Surya Bhagawan) to make the manifested on the Venkata Hill had come down to
Lotuses ever – blossomed on the bank of the pond the world in search of Lakshmi.
which He dug by His weapon and wherein He allowed
The memory of the manifestation of the
the Lotuses to glow. Goddess in the form of Padmavati is still
Goddess Lakshmi on the eve of termination perpetuated by a Holy bath in the sacred pond duly
of the austerities to join Her Husband manifested observed by special honours from the Shrine of Lord
Herself with the name Padmavati on the Sukla Srinivasa on the Avabritha day of the Brahmotsavam
Panchami Day which coincided with Friday and on Sukla Panchami in the month of Karthika. This
Uttarashada constellation in the month of Karthika. great grand festival of Padmavati is popularly known
Her penance to attain the Lord so blazed forth with as Panchami Theertha. Many pilgrims from far and
a radiance of thousands of rising Suns and the midst wide take bath or holy dip on that day to get the
of a colossal thousand petalled golden Lotus Blessings of Padmavati Devi.
shooting forth beams of light in all quarters dispelling Abdikanyaparisvakta
poverty and affording shelter to all the distressed. Vakshase Namah.

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 9
 Worship Telugu original by - This article is based on
T Dhanurmasa vratam published in Sapthagiri

H W hen Sun transits into Telugu in December 2000 issue written by

Sri Jamalapuram Prasad Rao
Dhanus Raasi, as per solar calendar
E
Translated by - G.S.R.K. Babu Rao
of the Hindus, the following month is

E called Dhanurmasam. It usually How is the month observed at Tirumala

starts on 16th December and ends on Kshetra?

M January 13th or 14th on Bhogi festival In Tirumala temple, the priests

I
day. It is the last month before the recite Tiruppavai, a set of 30 songs composed by
onset of Uttarayana. Sri Krishna in the Goda devi (Andal), in place of the usual
N Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10 declares, Suprabhatham.

E
“Of months, I am Margashirsha.”
Rituals for the Vratam
Thus, this month has a very
N special significance in Hindu calendar
Goda Devi had written Tiruppaavai.
Tiruppaavai is a Tamil word, Tiru means sacred and
C for devotional activities, especially for
worshipping of Sri Maha Vishnu. This
Pavai means vratam. She is also known by the

E worship to Lord Vishnu in

name of Andal.

It is customary to clean the houses before

O
Dhanurmasam is to be done in
Brahma Muhurtam or Arunodaya the Sunrise. Water mixed with cow dung is sprinkled

F Kaala i.e., before the Sunrise when

the stars are still twinkling (at least 96
in the front yard and Rangoli would be laid on it.

Unmarried girls would make cow dung balls

D mts before the Sunrise). During this and would keep them in the centre of the Rangoli

H
month, a special dish – and decorate them with flowers. Before being kept
Huggi, (prepared with rice and moong

A dal in equal proportions) is offered to

N
Lord Vishnu as Naivedya. Since this
Reciting Tiruppavai, offering of
is a twilight zone between winter and
flowers to Lord Vishnu and complete
U monsoon, health significance
attached in prescribing the food items
surrender to Lord Vishnu are the

R during the month.

three important activities that are
observed by the devotees of Lord
M Since this month is set apart Vishnu.

A for worship, marriages and other

such functions are not performed
We should recite Sri Vishnu

S during the month. It is only to give Sahasra Nama Sthothram, Purusha

Sooktham during this auspicious
A
more focus and attention to the divine
worship rather than mundane month.

M materialistic activities.

December, 2015
10 SAPTHAGIRI
in the centre they are laced with Turmeric and Kumkum and then Katyayini Vratam
worshipped. These are called Gobbemmalu or Gibbillu.
Katyayini Vratam is also
Vratams observed during Dhanurmasam (December - January) observed and it is believed that
Dhanurmasa Vratam a lady who observes the Vratam
Dhanurmasa Vratam is observed in Dhanurmasam by would get good husband.
unmarried girls as they believe that by observing the Vratam, Goda
Anantha Vratam
Devi was able to get Lord Ranganatha as her husband.
Anantha Vratam, also
During Dwapara Yuga, Sage Narada tells the gopikas (milk
known as Ananta Chaturdasi or
maids) to undertake “Katyayani Vratam”, to get the blessings of Lord
Krishna. During the vratam, Goda Devi sang Tiruppavai pasurams Ananta Padmanabha Vratam, is

(auspicious songs). Goda converted Villiputtur into Vrindavan to perform dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In
the vratam along with the gopikas to get the blessings of Lord Krishna. Mahabharata, Sri Krishna
During the vratam, she sang one pasuram each day – for 30 days. advises Yudhishtara to observe
Ananta Vratam for 14 years to get
back his lost kingdom.

The day of Ar(u)dra star

in Dhanurmasam (Dec-Jan) is
of special significance in Siva
temples too. Some also sing the
Tiruvempaavai written by the
poet, Saint Manick Avasakar to
invoke the blessings of the Lord
Siva during the thirty days of
Margasira.

This Vratam is performed

between the two full moon days
of Margasira and Pushyami.
There is significance of doing this
ritual in Margasira. Margam
means a way, and Seersham
means head and best.

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 11
The Story of Goda Devi (Andal) reason and was worried about the sacrilege
Vishnuchitta was born in Sri Villiputtur, in the committed. But that night the Lord appears in his
Sanctum of Vatapatra Sai. He found a baby, in the dream and tells him that he prefers the ones worn
garden of Tulasi. He named her “Goda” – which by Goda.
means a garland. Goda used to prepare the Vishnuchitta brought her up in an
garlands that her father carried to the temple to environment of love and devotion towards the Lord.
decorate the Lord. Once she prepared the garlands, The intensity of her love and dedication towards the
she would try them on herself to make sure that Lord grew so much that she decides to marry Sri
they look beautiful and then used to give them to her Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu.
father for offering. Unaware of this, Vishnuchitta
When Andal was nubile, the alwar began
carried on offering them to the Lord. One day, he
looking for a groom. But Andal insisted that she
found some hair in the garland. He realised the
marries none other than Lord Ranganatha.
Vishnuchitta takes Andal to Srirangam. At the
auspicious moment the Lord marries Andal then she
merges with the Lord.

Thus Goda became “Amuktamalyada”

mukta – worn and removed, mala – garland, da –
one who gives. Goda Kalyan is performed in all
Vishnu temples on Bhogi day with fervour and
devotion, especially in the South.

Sri Krishnadevaraya, the famous king of

Vijayanagara empire (16 th century) authored
“Amuktamalyada”, a prabhanda, based on Goda Devi
story. He introduces the legends of Vishnuchitta,
Yamunacharya, Khandikhya and Kesidwaja to
establish the philosophy of Vishistadvaita.

Tiruppavai

During Dhanurmasam Lord Vishnu opens

his eyes listening to the Tiruppavai pasurams.
People recite the pasurams from Tiruppavai and visit
temples.

The technique used by Godadevi is very

interesting. She uses the art of persuasion to its

December, 2015
12 SAPTHAGIRI
core. She eulogises everyone for her passage to as possible, as per their religious repertoire and
Lord’s chambers. All of them inhale her flattery. Under devotion.
the guise of daunting wake-up call to her friends,
Goda had the conviction that as a result of
she praises the Lord in several ways and also wishes
the vratam she should be able to eat the ghee-laced
the wellbeing of everyone around. Her mentioning
payasa along with the Lord. Women who wish to
of all episodes of Krishna leela and their significance
get married, perform this vratam during the
is eye opening.
Dhanurmasam.
First, she along with ten gopikas prays to
How to perform the Puja to Lord Vishnu?
the Dwarapalakas (doorkeepers) of Nanda Gopa.
Then she invokes Yashoda Devi, Nanda Raj, As a part of puja, swami would be bathed
Balrama. When they reach the shayan mandir of with panchamruta. The bath is better performed if
the Lord, she very tactfully invokes His wife Neela all these are filled into the Shanka (Conch) and then
and the Lord and states that the sole purpose of poured onto the Lord. Lord Vishnu has to be
their visit is to seek the items for completing the vrat worshipped with the leaves of the Tulasi (Basal)
that they had undertaken. In pasuras 19 and 20, her plant; and then with flowers.
sensual visualisation of His celestial bed and Dhanurmasa - phala shruti
physical description of Swami and Neela are very
Worshipping Vishnu on a single day during
aesthetic.
this auspicious period is equal to worshipping Vishnu
She blends very well the innocence of a with devotion for 1000 years. Every single step taken
village belle and devotion in a skillful way. Thus, towards the nearby lake, river etc., for
people can sing these pasurams for pleasure and morning dip during this month brings forth
also delve deep into its philosophical meaning. It is merit equal to performing one Ashvamedha
not just for scholars alone. One can draw as much Yaga.
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FLOAT FESTIVAL TO SRI KAPILESWARASWAMI, TIRUPATI
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DATE DAY PERFORMED TO
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21-12-2015 Monday Sri Vigneswara, Sri Chandrasekara swami
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22-12-2015 Tuesday Sri Subrahmanyaswami
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23-12-2015 Wednesday Sri Somaskandaswami Performed
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24-12-2015 Thursday Sri Kamakshi Devi in the Dhanurmasa
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25-12-2015 Friday Sri Chandeeswaraswami,
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Sri Chandrasekara swami
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December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 13
 Sun
In and Moon that
“Souramana”
of left one. The vision is
during the auspicious month of
“Unique and only one” though emaniting
Dhanurmasa (Margasira Poushya), out of 24
from the both eyes. Thus the light is
Ekadasi Tidhis in a year Suklapaksha
manifestation of eternal self is truly reflected
Ekadasi is termed as “Vaikuntha Ekadasi”.
in this festival.
It is also called as “Mukkoti Ekadasi”. Though
The hand that protects from all fears
Dhanurmasa occurs in Souramana the
“Vaikuntha Ekadasi” is an adaptation of It is stated that on this auspicious
Chandramana calendar. It is believed that day, the Lord of creation “Brahma”
“Lord Vishnu” has two eyes right eye being approached “Lord Vishnu” and obtained his

Telugu original by Smt. P. Vijayalakshmi

December, 2015
14
14 Translated by Dr. Y. Shiva Rama Prasad
SAPTHAGIRI
world to protect all “Devas” from the “Demon means nearness to God. This Upavasa Deeksha
Ravana”. It is also believed that the Asuras 'Madhu' starts in the night of Dasami and ends in the morning
and 'Kaitabha', when slain by Lord Vishnu, resumed hours of 3rd day of Dwadasi. Of course children
their Godly forms and requested Hari that all those below the age of 8 and elders above the age of 80
are exempted from this arduous ritual as stated in
people who performed pooja on this day in all
Katyayana Smrithi.
sincerity and had entry through Vaikunta Dwara
(Gate way) should get a divine place in Vaikuntha The Prominence of Ekadasi
and Lord has readily agreed to this proposal and The maid born from the body of Vishnu while
has given his assent by saying “Thadhasthu”. Since he was in Yoganidra (the yogic slumber) has killed
all the devotees who performed pooja on this the demon “Mura”. Highly pleased with this act, Lord
auspicious day will achieve Moksha (Eternal Bliss), Vishnu has offered a boon to the maid that all those
who worship him on this day, will be relieved of worldy
this day is also called “Mokshothasava Day”. Since
matters and attain salvation and the girl is named
all thirty three crore Gods are relived of their miseries
as 'Ekadasi'. Since Ekadasi has emanated from
on this day it is further called “Mukkoti Ekadasi”.
Vishnu she is treated as incarnation of Vishnu. It is
It is even named as Vaikuntha Ekadasi as further believed that King “Sukethu” has been
the devotees have glimpse (darshan) of Lord in blessed with son after performed this Ekadasi
Vaikuntha the abode of Lord Vishnu, if they perform Vratham.
pooja to Lord Vishnu with true dedication and in all It is also stated that Goddess Mahalakshmi
devotion. The Sukla Ekadasi in the month of Pousha has manifested herself from the ocean of milk on
(Pushya) is called as Putradiaekadasi (meant for Dwadasi Day after its wild churning by Sura and
sons). Asuras (Deva Danava) and blessed all the devotees.
The devotee Kuchela, and King Rukmangada had
The Eleventh day Kala (Glow) eminating from their desires fully achieved, after worshipping Vishnu.
Sun on Sukla Ekadasi moves towards Moon.
Similarly the eleventh day of Moon moves towards
Surya mandala on Bahula Ekadasi. This travel of On the 12 th day i.e. on Dwadasi day
Moon and Sun has lead to the name of Ekadasi. Sudarshan Chakra is duly given holy bath
People observe fast on this auspicious Ekadasi Day in Pushkarini amidst chanting of religious
as per scriptures which say that … Ekadasya hymns in Tirumala. It is believed that the
Upavasena Kadachidati Krameth. holy water in Swami Pushkarini becomes
a concluence of all 3.5 crores sacred
On this day the devotees have to keep
rivers in micro formate. People who take
themselves away from all luxuries and sins; and
concentrate on religious pure deeds. They have to holy bath in Swami Pushkarini will attain
observe Sama (controlling all 11 Indriyas 5 Gnana – salvation with no rebirth.
5 Karma and last but not the least mind). Upavasa

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 15
 Way to
Vaikuntam Entrance in
Sri Venkateswara Swami
Temple
at Tirumala
- A view

The Spiritual Elegance night of previous day Dasami after performing

Ekantha Seva, till Ekantha Seva on Dwadasi night.
The term “Vaikuntha” the abode of Lord
Only the other route called 'Mukkoti Pradakshana
Vishnu is derived as “He” is believed to have been
Marg' will be kept open from Suprabhatam in wee
born to a lady named “Vaikuntha” in Chakshusa
hours on Ekadasi day to Ekantaseva on the night of
Manvantara. Hence Lord Maha Vishnu called
Dwadasi day. This route is also called 'Vaikunta
“Vaikuntha”, who is the Lord of all creation, and
Dwara or Vaikunta Pradakshina Dwara'. The
controller of all creatures and their mis deeds. The
devotees who went round this illuminated way on
place Vaikuntha is referred as a place of Eternal Bliss
this Ekadasi Day will experience a sublime divine
and those who achieved this place with steadfast feel.
devotion on this auspicious day have no rebirth. As
On this Ekadasi day Lord Malayappa Swami
stated earlier all 11 indriyas (senses) if surrended
with His Consorts will go round the temple in Mada
before Lord will attain Vaikuntha. If through Upavasa
streets in all splendor and pomp on a Golden Chariot
the Jeeva (soul) will transform into eternal self
and holy hymns are recited from 4th chapter of Divya
(Paramathma) and will achieve all purification. On
Prabhanda “Tiruvaimoli” written by Nammalwar.
12th day Dwadasi the devotee ends his fasting and
have Lord's prasadam after a (sacred bath) Since many devotees go through the
Chakrasnana in Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala on “Vaikuntha Dwara” (door) to have Darshan of Lord it
this pious day. is called Vaikuntha Dwarastha Bhagavadalokana
Mahotsavam. With the concluding holy bath on 12th
Ekadasi in Tirumala Temple day in Pushkarini after the holy rituals of Sri
In Tirumala temple, Ekadasi is performed in Chakrasnana, the devotees will beget the
all religious fervour. The Bangaru Vakili (Golden entire blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain
threshold) of Lord will be closed to public from the salvation (Moksha) with no rebirth.

December, 2015
16 SAPTHAGIRI
 History

Tiruchanur is also called by the Vaishnavas in the eighth century A.D. The
'Alamelumangapuram' located 5 kms. away from Tiruvilankoil is the earliest of all the temples of
Tirupati, the abode of Tiruchanur. An image of Sri
Goddess Padmavati Devi, The Panchamitheertham festival on the Panchami Venkateswara resembling
the beloved Consort of Lord Thidhi of Karteeka Brahmotsavam attracts the Srivaru of Tirumala was
Venkateswara. It is said that thousands of devotees from all over the country. consecrated in the
a visit to the temple of Lord Tiruvilankoil. An inscription
Lord Srinivasa sends silk sarees, turmeric,
Venkateswara is complete dated in the 51st regnal
only if the pilgrim visits Sri kumkuma etc as gift to the Goddess on the year of King Dantivarman
Padmavati Devi temple at Panchami Theertham day. The Archakas carry of the Pallava dynasty
Tiruchanur. Even before the these gifts from Srivari temple and they cover the refers to this temple. It may
construction of the Krishna distance by walk. These gifts are transported to be surmised that in the
temple, the Sundararaja beginning of the 9th
Tiruchanur on elephants.
and the Padmavati century Vengadam Hill
temples, there existed at Among the Vahanas during Brahmotsavam, was inaccessible and
Tiruchanur a temple called Gajavahanam is significant in Tiruchanur to piligrim traffic dwindled.
the Tiruvilankoil. A Goddess Padmavati Devi and The Tiruvilonkoil was built
Tirumantrasalai was at Tiruchanur at the site
Panchamitheertham (sacred bath) auspicious.
established at Tiruchanur where the Alagiyaperumal

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 17
(Krishna) shrine, the Sundararaja shrine and the built three gopuras in Tirupati, or Krishnadevaraya,
Padmavati shrine are now located, for the who erected an equally lofty gopura in Sri Kalahasti.
convenience of the pilgrims. The Tiruvilankoil in due The only reference to the Goddess of Tiruchanur is
course became so popular that the Srivari to her birth asterism, Uttarashada in the month
Brahmotsavams were celebrated at Tiruchanur until Kartika when she was taken to the festival, called
the advent of Ramanuja in the Tirupati region. Panchami Theertham.
Separate shrine for Devi began to be built in the These three shrines are found in a south
famous South Indian temples from the late Chola north row in a single courtyard. The central one is
period onwards. For some unknown reason it did that of Alagiyaperumal and is the oldest. It is also
not appear in the Tirumala Temple. To overcome this the smallest. Its inscriptions range between 1221
defect, perhaps the Kalyana Venkateswara temple and 1552. The shrine probably came into existence
with the God and His Consorts was first erected by the beginning of the thirteenth century. It received
sometime before 1540 in Mangapuram near gifts of cash for services from Saluva Narasimha,
Chandragiri and renovated in that year. It may be Kandadai Ramanuja Aiyangar and few others. The
assumed that this temple did not become popular Sundararaja shrine to its south is slightly bigger and
with the growth of the present converging point of definitely later. Its few inscriptions provide the dates
pilgrims at Tirupati. So Mangapuram had to be 1541 and 1547. The shrine probably came into
transferred elsewhere and it could be only some existence by the beginning of the sixteenth century.
place nearer Tirupati. A site where there were already The Padmavati shrine lies to the north of the
two Vishnu temples, viz., those of Alagiya Perumal Alagiya perumal shrine and is the biggest of the three
or Krishna and Sundararaja, was chosen and the consequent upon the addition of large mandapas in
temple for Padmavati (Sanskrit for the Tamil front and frequent renovations. Indiscriminate repairs
Alamelumangai Nacciyar) was built by their side just and renovations effected as the shrine began to gain
as the Govindaraja temple was erected some nine its importance might have caused the
centuries ago by the side of the pre-existing disappearance of whatever inscriptions it had. The
Parthasarathi shrine. Sri Padmavati temple was shrine was either freshly built or renovated probably
most probably erected in the beginning of the by the beginning of the seventeenth century
seventeenth century. No evidence is forthcoming and the gopura opposite to the Alagiya
regarding the builder of the huge gopura of Perumal shrine and the Padmasarovar
Tiruchanur. It may be Matla Kumara Ananta, who might be coeval with it.

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PAVITHROTSAVAM TO SRI VEDANARAYANASWAMI, NAGALAPURAM
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DATE DAY UTSAVAM
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Monday __ Ankurarpana (Night)
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7-12-2015
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Tuesday Pavithrotsavam Performed in Kartikamasam on
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8-12-2015
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Krishnadwadasi
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December, 2015
18 SAPTHAGIRI
Perception

“You surely would have heard

about our Rishis meditating under trees
or on top of hills and so on. Many
Ashramas were in the forest. Trees were
always special because they provided
shade from the Sun and shelter from rain
apart from providing fruits and nuts,
spices and other raw materials like wood
for various uses. Vriksha in the Rig Veda
was commonly used to denote a tree.
Sometimes, a figure of a God or Goddess
was placed in the shade of a tree and
worshipped. As time went by, perhaps
with increase in prosperity, a temple was
built over the deity. In some cases, the
tree continued to exist, in other cases, it
was moved to a special enclosure and
either the original tree or another of the
same species was planted to maintain
continuity over time. This was perhaps
the origin of Sthala Vrikshas or tree
“T his pulihora is yummy”, said Raja. Prasadam was associated with a particular temple or
being distributed just as they were coming out from the temple location”, said grandmother.
and they had each been given a small leaf-cup of pulihora.
“That is because it is divine pulihora! You see, the Sthala
Vriksham of this temple is a tamarind and naturally the pulihora There are many
that is given here must be special”, said grandmother. legends about

“What is a Sthala Vriksham?” asked Maya. Tamarind tree like one

says it is an avatara of
“Come, let us reach that bit of shade and then I will tell
you”. Lakshmana meant for
guarding Nammalwar
They sat under a shady tree where some large stones
who is considered an
had been placed so that people could sit on them. The Sun
was shining bright and was quite hot though it was only about avatara of Rama.
ten o’ clock.

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 19
 “So are there other temples where Tamarind reading somewhere that the tamarind tree in Alwar
is the Sthala Vriksham?” asked Raja. Tirunagari which stood in the northern prakara
“Apart from Tirupati, it is the Sthala Vriksam reportedly had seven branches. The fruits would not
of the Alwar Tirunagari or Tirukkurugur temple in mature nor would the leaves close and hence it was
Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 known as ‘Uranga puli’, the tamarind that never
Divya Desams. We visited the temple when you both sleeps.”
were very small, so you may not remember. But
there is a very special story about that temple. Ask “I bet there are stories about the tree and
your grandfather”, said amma. Rama”, said Maya.

Grandfather happily told them the story. He “Of course. There are always stories about
said, “Legend says that Nammalwar was born here. Rama and Krishna in our mythology”, said
He was mute and did not respond to external stimuli. grandmother. “Once, during their forest exile, Rama,
Desperate, his parents took him to the presiding deity Sita and Lakshmana were camping under a tamarind
and left him below the tamarind tree there. For tree. In those days, the tree had large leaves. It
sixteen years, the child uttered no word and
started raining and the broad leaves of the tree
remained seated in the same place. One day,
provided shelter. But Rama was not happy because
another alwar, Madhurakavi, on a pilgrimage in north
they were in exile and were supposed to face the
India, saw a radiant light from the south. He was led
all the way to the tamarind tree in Alwar Tirunagari rigours of the elements. So Lakshmana showered
where he saw a young boy meditating. He was told a quiver of arrows on the leaves shredding them.
that the boy spoke to none. But Madhurakavi had And that is why today, the leaves are tiny! In Odisha,
realised that this person was a saint”. the legend varies slightly. Rama had a tamarind tree
“And then?” with large leaves and Bhima had a plantain tree
whose leaves were torn by the strong wind. In a fit
“And then, with deep humility, Madhurakavi
put his palms together in salutation and asked: “If of jealousy, Bhima sent a parrot to break up the
the little one is born in the dead body, what will it eat tamarind’s large leaves into tiny ones”.
and where will it live?” Pat came the answer from “That is a good one! If the fruit is sour, the
the young saint: ‘It will eat that and remain there’.
leaves too must be. I wonder if the parrot enjoyed
Scholars have explained this question and answer
tearing up the leaves”, laughed amma.
thus: ‘If the jivatma is born in the mortal body, what
will be its sustenance and where shall it live?’ ‘It will Grandmother continued. “Another story is
sustain itself by the Paramatman and live meditating about Radha and Krishna. One day as Radha went
upon the same’.” to meet Krishna, she stepped on the thick bark of a
“Is the tree still there?” asked Raja. tamarind tree and it cut her foot. She cursed
it saying that its fruits would never ripen in
“Well, they say it is the same tree and is
revered as “Tiru-puli-Alvar”. In fact, I remember the tree.

December, 2015
20 SAPTHAGIRI
 Par
artt - 2

In SRI VENKATESWARA
DHYANA GNANA MANDIRAM, TIRUMALA
The ancient article collections are evidences of the History and
Traditions of the Srivari Temple.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams established Sri Venkateswara Museum three decades

ago to share the recollections of hundreds of years old with the devotees, preserve the
History of the Temple, impart the best knowledge to the Devotees, improve the respect
of our ancient Tradition, Historical events and strengthen our Culture. Extraordinary
collections like the Roman Coins printed two thousand years back, ancient copper
Inscriptions belonging to Pallava Dynasty and Copper Plates of Annamacharya
Sankeerthanas are being exhibited by the Museum for the benefit of Devotees.

LAMP PILLAR
The 12' high and Circular Lamp Pillar
appears as a lighting tree. This metal Lamp
Pillar was used in Srivari Temple for 3 to 4
centuries and was recently handed over to
S.V. Museum. After a long waiting this is
exhibited again in Tirumala Museum. Piligrims
can see this Lamp Pillar in Brass idols
section.

December, 2015 - Telugu original by Dr. P.V. Ranganayakulu

SAPTHAGIRI - Translated by D. Aruna Padmavati 21
21
 LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMI
This Shila Murti was made by a Sculptor in accordance with
the Stuti on Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy by Sri Adi Sankaracharya
Yekena Chakram Aparena Karena Sankham
Anyena Sindhu Tanayam Avalambya Thisthaan |
Vaametharena Varadaabhya Padmachihnam
Lakshmi Narasimha Mama Dehi Karaavalambam ||
With the four hands you are holding Sudarshana Chakra in one
hand, Conch in another hand, Lakshmi born in Ksheera sagaram in the
other hand and giving courage to devotees with fourth hand. The fourth
hand is decorated with a Lotus. Oh! God Sri Lakshmi Narasimha !
Bless me with your Lotus hand.

The Sloka of Sri Adi Sankaracharya is blessing the devotees

in the form of this Shila Murti which is exhibited in the Second Gallery
of S.V. Museum.

IN THOSE DAYS
This advertisement was published approximately
50 years ago in T.T.D. Bulletin (Sapthagiri). Devotees
were very fond of Srivari divine prasadams especially
“Laddu”. There was no need to reiterate the quality about
“Vada” prasadam of Srivaru.
Devotees should purchase these prasadams in
T.T.D. Prasadam sales counters only, but not from the
outsiders who sell laddus in the name of Srivari
prasadam. This advertisement is being issued to inform
you the same with an attractive and beautiful
illustration.

December, 2015
22 SAPTHAGIRI
 SERIAL Kamsa realised that this was but logical. He

Sri Maha Bhagavatam of had Krishna’s parents imprisoned and proceeded

to plan elaborately a big Dhanur yajna (yajna
ARULALADASAR consecrating a bow) to propitiate the powers that
- Prema Nandakumar
be to help him overcome his enemies. He asked
his assistants to summon powerful wrestlers like
(Continued from the previous issue)
Chanoora and Mushtika. The fierce elephant
45. Kamsa’s Malevolent Plan
Kuvalayapitham and its rider Mahabhadra should
Rishi Narada appears in our Puranas to be in attention in the yajna hall. These should be
mark crucial turns in the narrative. One day he came
enough to kill Krishna. Meanwhile they should get
to the court of Kamsa. Kamsa immediately did the
the Brahmins ready for performing the rituals of fire-
honours and bowed to him. Narada said:
sacrifice. His orders were adhered to and everything
“You have never cared for my warnings
was ready within a short time.
Conveyed earlier. Of course you think
"To begin on a chaturdasi day is auspicious.
Of your sister and not of the dire future.
The information was conveyed to the citizens.
Listen to me now.
She who kicked you and went up the sky The streets filled with elephants and horses.

Was actually born to Yasodha. Actually All over the city sweet plantain trees were tied

Vasudeva’s son became the prince in Gokula As a mark of welcome; flags were raised

And has grown up as Nanda’s child.” Everywhere. The great city was dressed up
In grandeur in keeping with the good event.”
Having revealed clearly the presence of
Krishna in Nanda’s palace, Narada informed Kamsa
that this was deliberately done by Vasudeva. He also
mentioned the presence of Balarama, who is
inimical to Kamsa. This is the reason why all the
demons sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna have failed.
Kamsa ordered his minions to bring Vasudeva and
Devaki immediately to him. As he proceeded to cut
them down with his sword, Narada stopped him.
What purpose would be served by killing one’s
sibling? The real enemies of Kamsa was in Gokula.
He should do the needful to eliminate them, said
Narada. The heavenly sage then took his leave and
went away.
December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 23
 Before long, people began to gather and Kamsa said further that he would then be
wended towards the sacrificial hall. You could see rid of all the impediments to his happiness which
the wealth of Kamsa by the elephants and horses included his elderly father Ugrasena and the inimical
that were moving all over the city. Servants of Kamsa Devaki and her husband.
brought a mountainous bow, carting it to the hall.
“‘I have no problem thanks to my friends:
First they performed puja to the terrifying form of
My uncle the Magadha king, Bana,
Rudramurti. They placed garlands on the bow, sang
Sambhara, Dantavakra who terrifies
and danced all over the place while they also cut
The world, Saluva, Narakasura;
down goats to propitiate the Bow.
With these with me, I have none to fear.
Now Kamsa called Akrura to his side with You are dear as life to me. Go to Nanda
great affection. Holding his two hands Kamsa said And from his house bring to me
that he needed Akrura’s help. My enemies.’ He embraced Akrura
“Listen to this atrocity of Kunti’s brother. And gifted him jewels and garments.”
He has hid his sons in Nanda’s house.
Akrura the faultless looked at the evil
I have now been told of this dire act.
incarnate Kamsa and assured him that he will do
The time has come to be free of fear.
as he has been told. Ascending his chariot Akrura
You must go to the house of Nanda
sped towards Gokula feeling very happy.
And invite Devaki’s sons for the Bow-yajna;
If you do so, I can kill them easily. Wasn’t he going to meet Krishna whom even

You have to go to relieve me of this evil.” the four Vedas cannot discern? He wondered about
the good deeds he may have performed
in earlier births to get this beautiful
opportunity. He told himself that even if
one takes birth in this earth which is full
of sorrows, once the person becomes
the servitor of Krishna, all his evil past
will get chased away like cotton touched
by fire. Akrura felt blessed that he was
given a chance to see the Lord so that
he can cross this ocean of birth. As he
imagined the brothers in Gokula like a

December, 2015
24 SAPTHAGIRI
blue mountain and a white mountain like Kailas On coming to know that their Krishna was
existing together, he felt quite overwhelmed with going away to the city, the cowherdesses were
happiness. shocked and became sorrowful. How could they

“If only the Lord would embrace me spend even a day without seeing Krishna! “O we

As I prostrate at his feet, shall die!” cried some of them. As they lamented

All my evil past would be pulverized; piteously, Krishna calmed them and assured he

I will be rid of this body of flesh. would be back soon. When they were crossing

Will he reject me considering me lowly Yamuna, Akrura decided to have a bath as the

Because I come as Kamsa’s emissary? brothers stood aside near the chariot. When Akrura

Oh no! He is the Lord who grants grace went into the water, he saw in the depths an amazing

Even to the weakest. He will not reject me.” sight.

As Akrura mused in this manner, he even “In a city which was covered by brilliance

rendered thanks to Kamsa for giving him this job! He saw a grand hall where the Lord was,

As he neared Gokula, Akrura descended from the Ornamented with the Conch and Discus,

chariot and rolled on the dust hailing it as having The Mace, the Sword and the Sarnga bow.

been made holy by the feet of Krishna who had gone The Kausthuba Jem Shone on the Chest.

to graze the cows. And then he saw Krishna. A Glowing Crown, a shapely forehead,

Speeding towards him, he fell at the Lord’s feet. “You Lovely eyes, mouth, ear-rings a-moving,

belong to my parental race of Vrishnis, so you are Golden garmented, feet a brilliant blue:

like my father”, said Krishna and embraced Akrura. Such was the vision granted to Akrura.”

As he watched the cosmic form of the Lord

Nandagopa also welcomed Akrura with joy.
containing the worlds, Brahma, Siva Anantha and
As they all sat exchanging information, Akrura spoke
the rest, he was amazed. Getting out of the river
in detail of what had been happening in Mathura.
Akrura praised Krishna as the Supreme Lord come
Rishi Narada had informed Kamsa of Krishna-
to the earth and was answered by a bewitching
Balarama’s presence in Gokula and so Devaki and
smile. Reaching the outskirts of Mathura, Krishna
Vasudeva had been put in prison again. Now a Bow-
asked Akrura to go in advance and tell Kamsa that
sacrifice was on and Kamsa had invited them all to
he and Balarama would come to the sacrificial hall
attend the same. Nanda accepted the invitation and
on the morrow.
prepared Krishna and Balarama to go to Mathura
with Akrura. to be continued...

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 25
 TIRUMALA TIRUPATI DEVASTHANAMS, TIRUPATI

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND TIRUPATI

SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMI TEMPLE : This the daughter of Akasa Raja, at this hallowed place
temple is situated at the foot of the Tirumala Hills. and that to commemorate this great event, Akasa
It is an ancient town associated with the Raja built the temple.
Vaishnava preceptor, Sri Ramanuja. He founded
NAGALAPURAM : The sacred temple
Govindaraja Swamy temple in 1130 A.D. and
dedicated to Lord Veda Narayanaswamy is
started a small settlement round it and named it
situated here. Nagalapuram is about 65 kms.
Tirupati. Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, is very
south east of Tirupati. The sanctum sanctorum
near to Tirupati Railway Station. The Deity Sri
houses an image of the Matsyavatara form of
Govindaraja is in a reclining pose. There are
Vishnu accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi
shrines of Sri Andal, Sri Parthasarathi and Sri
on either side.
Venkateswara in the Temple.
Sun worship is an important aspect at this
SRI KODANDARAMASWAMI TEMPLE : This
temple. Every year in the month of March the
Temple dedicated to Sri Rama is situated within
rays of the Sun pass through the Gopuram
a distance of about a kilometre from Tirupati
entrance for three days and fall on the idol in the
railway station. The temple was built to
sanctum and this is considered as an act of
commemorate the visit of Sri Rama, Lakshmana
adoration by the Sun.
and Sita to Tirupati, while returning from Lanka.
According to inscriptions, the temple was built APPALAYAGUNTA : The temple of Lord
by one Narasimha Mudahan for the benefit of Prasanna Venkateswaraswami is located at
Saluva Narasimha in sixteenth century. Appalayagunta, 15 kms. from Tirupati. Festivals
like Brahmotsavam and Teppotsavam are being
SRI KAPILESWARASWAMY TEMPLE : This
celebrated on a grand scale. The idols of
shrine for Lord Siva is located at about 3 kms
Goddess Padmavathi and Sri Andal are also
from Tirupati town. As Kapila Maharshi installed
seen in this ancient temple. The temple
the Sivalinga here, the deity is called Kapileswara
constructed by the Rajas of Karvetinagar
and the Tirtham is known as 'Kapilatirtham'. consists of a shrine for Anjaneya. The imposing
SRINIVASA MANGAPURAM : Srinivasa mammoth image of the wind-god is worshipped
Mangapuram, a small village, is 12 kms. to the by devotees for relief from 'chronic diseases'.
west of Tirupati. Legends say that Lord KARVETINAGARAM : This temple, situated
Venkateswara after his marriage with near Puttur at a distance of 58 kms. from
Padmavathi Devi stayed here for sometime Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Venugopalaswami
before proceeding to Tirumala. The shrine was with Rukmini and Satyabhama. This was
renovated by Talapakka Chinna maintained by the Narayanavanam rulers in the
th
Tiruvengatanatha in the 16 century. olden days. It also houses a shrine with
monolithic idols of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and
NARAYANAVANAM : Narayanavanam is a small
Anjaneya.
town about 22 kms. south east of Tirupati. A
shrine dedicated to Kalyana Venkateswara is VAYALPADU : The ancient Temple dedicated
located here. Puranas and legends claim that to Lord Sri Rama is located here. Vayalpadu is
Lord Venkateswara married Padmavathi Devi, about 100 kms. from Tirupati.
For details contact : 0877 - 2277777 & 2233333 December, 2015
26 26 SAPTHAGIRI
 n
REUNION OF
io
at
rn

SRI LAKSHMI AND SRINIVASA

ca
In

- Telugu original by Dr. K.V. Raghavacharya

- Translated by V. Rajagopal Rao

flowers, looking at Madhava with great courtesy and

favour. Angels and Gods played auspicious music and
blew Conches. Gandharvas sang and Vidyadharas rained
flowers. Divine damsels danced and Kinnaras hailed and
Godly ladies praised. Narada, Suka, Agastya, Vasishta
and other great sages and devotees came there on
hearing the advent of Lakshmi devi and showered praises
on her. While all those that gathered were looking at her
in reverence and joy Lakshmi Devi came out of the Lotus
pond and walking gracefully placed the garland in her
hand around the neck of Srinivasa and paid obeisance
to him. Srinivasa felt happy on seeing her, lifted her with
his both hands and positioned her on his chest place.
Thus his desire was fulfilled and his penance too.
Vishnudeva earned a significant name as Srinivasa i.e,
one on whose chest Sridevi always dwells: she is known

In the thirteenth year of the penance

a “Vyuha lakshmi” as she settled on the right side of the

of Lord Srinivasa, in the eighth month of the To commemorate the Reunion of Sri
year Karthika and in the bright fortnight, on the Lakshmi and Srinivasa a joyful occasion,
tithi panchami, Friday when the auspicious a solemn and special festival is
time was Maitreyam and the star was celebrated in Tiruchanur during the
uttarashada and nature was very pleasant with Brahmotsavam, the place where
the perfumed breezes and with the sun shining
Lakshmi devi revealed herself to
in pure brilliance a mass of resplendent
Srinivasa on Margarsira Sukla Panchami
radiance rose from the centre of the lotus pond.
In its midst, seated on the base of a golden with Uttarashada as the star of the day
lotus in Lotus posture with lotus eyes and lotus (bright fort night, fifth tithi) concluding in
face and donning golden ornaments Sridevi Chakrasnana in a grand way. The
revealed herself with enchanting appearance, festival is famous by the name Panchami
smiling and bearing a garland of Kaluvas, Theertham.
(Water lily flowers and) the night blossoming

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 31
chest of Vishnudeva (Sri Venkateswara) So were them did so after having a holy bath in the pond and
the lives of the maha rishis, Gods and devotees that becoming worthy of the blessings of Lakshmi devi
witnessed the reunion of Lakshmi Devi and and lived happily.
Srinivasa. On reaching Venkatachala, Lord Srinivasa
Then Srinivasa blessed all his devotees, wanted to remain there firmly till the end of the
sages and Gods and specially congratulated the present Kaliyuga for the good and welfare of this
Lotus pond which facilitated his reunion with Lakshmi world, manifesting himself in a worshippable form
devi and granted it the boon of becoming famous ‘Archamurthi’ and turned himself into now present
with the names, ‘Padma vaapi, Padma sarasu (The form adorning Lakshmi devi who sits in the lotus
lotus pond). posture on His chest place and significantly showing
His feet with his right hand to say that His feet alone
After that Srinivasa returned to Venkatachala, are the refuge to His devotees and keeping His left
his abode along with Lakshmi devi on the back of hand on His hip place to show that the ocean of this
his vehicle Garuda, permitting those who gathered worldly worries will be hip deep only for those who
near the Lotus pond to go to their places and all of place their faith on his lotus feet firmly.

There is a tradition in Tiruchanur that, offering of Turmeric, Vermilon, sacred silk

cloths from Lord Venkateswaraswami are being offered to Goddess Padmavati Devi
during Panchamitheertham on Elephants.

December, 2015
32 SAPTHAGIRI
 On the holy Seshadri (Venkatachala) in the The homes and places where the praises
Anandanilaya, Sri Mahavishnu stands merrily in the of the Lord echo there the people will be blessed
form of resplendent and auspicious stone idol as with long life, health and wealth and liberation in the
end from the coils of worldly limitations.
the Archa Murthi (worshippable form with all the
powers of God) granting boons to the devotees, well- In this universe there is no holy place that
known in the name of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of equal Venkatadri there is no God that equal to
Venkateswara in the past and in the future.
the Seven Hills.
This is the sacred story of The Splendour of
Indra, the Lord of heaven and other Gods;
Sri Venkateswara, the worshippable form, the Archa
Vasista, Suka, Agastya and other sages and other
Murthi of Vishnu deva, the deity of Kaliyuga.
devotees visited Venkateswara Swami and praised
There is a tradition in Tiruchanur that, offering
him, ‘Oh, Sri Sesha Saila Vasa! (The dweller of
of Turmeric, Kumkum, Sacred Silk clothes
Seshadri), Oh, the Compassionate! Oh, Sri
from Lord Venkateswara are being offered
Venkateswara Salutations to Thee, Salutations to to Goddess Padmavati devi during
Thee!!! And they were blessed by the Lord. Chakrasnanam on Elephants.

Pushpayagam is being performed to Sri Padmavati Devi in Tiruchanur.

This is an Annual Festival that is performed the next day to the annual
Brahmotsavam on the asterism of Karthikamasam on 17th December, 2015,
the day after Panchami Theertham. After the daily pujas, Goddess Sri Padmavati
Devi is seated on a sepecial golden platform and Snapana Tirumanjanam was
performed. Later the Utsava Murti is decked up and the most unique worship was done to them with
tones of varieties of flowers.
Traditional flowers including Sampangi, Maruvam, Davanam, Chamanthi, Roses, Kaluva etc.
were blessed to have touched the deities from top to bottom in this floral bath rendered to them amidst
chanting of vedic hymns. Later procession was taken place in the evening. There was an age old
belief that this festival is usually performed to save the earth from natural calamities such as quakes,
cyclones, epidemics and appease the Lord to save the life of humanity, flora and fauna from all the
catastrophes.

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 33
 Faith

The Trinity, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and calls his name “Narayana” intentionally or otherwise.
Lord Siva are the Creator, Preserver and Destructor The story of Ajamila (reference Kartika Puranam)
of this Universe and several living beings thereon.
Vishnudutas released Ajamila
In Padma Purana it was mentioned that once Sage from the bondage of the
Bhrigu visited the Trinity in their respective abodes Yamadutas
and after being met with different treatments by them,
pronounced that ‘Lord Brahma is the possessor of
Rajoguna, while Lord Siva possesses Tamoguna
and Lord Vishnu is the possessor of Satvaguna'.
Sage Vashista proclaimed that anybody who
worships Lord Vishnu with complete faith and total
devotion gets liberated from all sins.

Lord Vishnu is supreme of the Trinity. He

fulfills the boons of devotees if the devotee simply

December, 2015
34 SAPTHAGIRI
who lived an atheist and sinful throughout his life could reach the abode of the Lord Vishnu by calling his
son’s name “Narayana” while dying. The Lord is full of passion and grace towards his devotees. Through his
ten incarnations (Dasavataras) saved human beings from the atrocities of demons. His compassion has no
bounds on his devotees. Kali Yuga being a period of sin, lust, and lost virtuous with short life spans, God felt
that human beings who cannot perform Yagna, Yaga, Tapa and live virtuous life should also attain his abode
gracefully. Even the humans who commit one or the other of seven sins day in and day out should attain
his abode with simple ways and means. Praying, fasting and keeping awake one night on two days in a
month with divine thought would suffice them to attain Vishnu Lokam. The pious day is Ekadasi.

Ekadasi is the eleventh of the fifteen days in Sukla Paksham (full moon days – waxing moon) and
Krishna Paksham (full noon days – waning moon). It occurs twice in a month and in case extra month
occurs in a year, there will be two more. The list of these 24 Ekadasi’s are as under –

LUNAR MONTH SUKLA PAKSHAM KRISHNA PAKSHAM

Chaitra Kamada Ekadasi Papamochani Ekadasi

Vaisakha Mohini Ekadasi Varuthini Ekadasi
Jyeshtha Nirjala Ekadasi Apara Ekadasi
Ashaada Shayana Ekadasi Yogini Ekadasi
Shraavana Putrada Ekadasi Kamika Ekadasi
Bhaadrapada Parsva Ekadasi Ananda Ekadasi
Asweejam Paashaankusha Ekadasi Indira Ekadasi
Kartika Prabodhini Ekadasi Rama Ekadasi
Maargasiram Mokshada Ekadasi Vaikunta Ekadasi
Pushyam Putrada Ekadasi Saphala Ekadasi
Maagha Bheeshma Ekadasi Shata Tila Ekadasi
Phalguna Amalaki Ekadasi Utpanna Ekadasi
Adhika (extra) months
(once in 2 – 3 years) Padmini Visudda Ekadasi Parama Ekadasi
Some different names also appear in Lunar Calendars of North and South India.

Significance of Ekadasi

The Padma Purana narrates that Devas who could not bear the tyranny and wrong doings of demon
called “Muran” approached Lord Vishnu to obviate their troubles from the demon. Lord who could not defeat
the demon in the battle realised that a new armour is required to kill “Muran”. When Lord Vishnu was resting
is Bhadrikashram, Muran found it right time to slay the Lord. A female power emerged from the sleeping

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 35
Vishnu and she destroyed the demon. Lord named Let us adore the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu
this female power as “Ekadasi” Pleased by her and his incarnations on this most auspicious day
chivalry, He had given boons to her, that she would which occurs in Margashirsha month to obtain
salvation from the worldly problems and not to have
always be dearer to Lord Vishnu and she would be
punarjanma (cycle of birth and death). Margasira is
recognised as the most adorable and respected
the most favoured month by the Lord Vishnu as he
“Tithi” (lunar day) in the calendar month and Lord
himself said in Bhagawad Gita (Vibhuti Yogam –
would give all material benefits who fast on that day
sloka 35)
and would attain Vaikunta (abode of Lord Vishnu)
“brihatsama thada samnam Gayatri
on their death. God blessed her with the boons and chandasamaham
thus Ekadasi is regarded as the most auspicious Masanam Margashirshoham, rutunam
day.

Rituals The Ekadasi in Krishna Paksham of

In order to obtain grace of the Lord Vishnu, Margasira month is called Vaikunta
one should perform the following religious activities Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi.
on Vaikunta Ekadasi.
Most Auspicious Happenings on
(1) Adoration of Lord Vishnu with Vaikunta Ekadasi
shodasopachara
(1) Fasting on this day is equivalent to
(2) Visit Vishnu temples and enter through the
fasting on all the remaining 23
Uttara Dwaram (North Entrance).
Ekadasi days in a year.
(3) Spend entire day chanting the name of Lord
(2) A prayer on this day bestows
Vishnu.
liberation from the cycle of birth and
(4) Read Vishnu Sahasranamam. death and they reach heaven.
(5) Participate in religious activities such as (3) King Ambarisha is a testimony of
chanting, bhajan and discourses.
how Lord saves his devotees even
(6) Fasting in the entire day. from the clutches of banes of holy
(7) Brahma Vaivarta Purana mentions that people. This was demonstrated on
fasting on Ekadasi day helps in freeing from this day.
all sinful activities.

(8) Awake throughout the night (jagarana) and Om namo narayana, om namo narayana,
om namo narayana.
spend time in Temples or in prayers.

December, 2015
36 SAPTHAGIRI
Contd... from the previous issue

MILLENNIUM RAMANUJA Serial

- Veeravalli
work is based on the arguments advanced in the debate.
Hence the order of arrangement of vadas show the trend
of the debate rather than the topics debated.

A time later to the above event, there occurred another

long debate between the Swami and the followers of other
faiths at the venue, Tiruvahindirapuram which is incidentally
one of the two pilgrimage centres known as Nadu Nattu
Tirupatis, among the 108 Tirupatis. Unlike Shatadushani,
the debate is crystallised into a well ordered book , titled,
Paramatabhanga, containing 24 chapters. At the end of
the book Swami’s couplet proclaim the venue of the debate
in no uncertain terms.
Shatadushani
It is said, “The intensive depth of Shatadushani is
A sort of diary of life and works of Swami
matched by the extensive sweep of Paramatabhanga.”
Deshika can be gathered from two sources
The first four chapters of Paramatabhanga establish the
of records viz., Guruparampara Prabhava and
soundness of Visishtadvaita system and it is practically
Vaibhava Prakashika. Apart from these
the epitome of the 22 chapters of Rahasyatrayasara. In
records the Swami’s Srisuktis themselves
(chapter 5) Swami focusses the defects in all the other
throw light on the time of production of his
systems taken together collectively. And in the following
works. We shall presently indicate through an
15 chapters each faith is taken up one after another for a
illustrative example. There seems to have
detailed analysis and the defect in that particular system
been an extensive debate in Sri Rangam
is licidly highlighted. For a far more detailed analysis,
(extending over seven days) between the
Swami says, one should refer to his earlier work on the
Swami and the pandits of the Advaita
subject.
philosophy. The proceedings of the debate
As mentioned earlier Swami’s Sri Suktis themselves
were written down by somebody and handed
serve the purpose of fixing that which are earlier or later
over to the Swami who revised it after putting
of his work. From now on we will proceed with a brief
them down in a proper order and gave the
discussion on the contents of Shatadushani.
caption ‘Shatadushani’ to it. (Vaibhava
Prakashika stanza 47) The scrambled nature Shatadushani as the very name indicates should
of the vadas in Shatadushani indicate that the contain a hundred criticisms, “why only 66?” one would

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 37
ask. There is every reason that suggest the poets and logicians). The myth that poets cannot
remaining 34 vadas are lost. For a clue as to what be logician-philosophers and vice versa stands
could have been lost the reader may refer to page ix exploded thereby. We have also the sublime
of preface of Keshava Aiyangar’s book on the example of Vyasa the author of Mahabharata and
subject. He opines that, if the passage in Brahma Sutra.”
Paramatabhanga is any indication, vadas relating
Mention Kavitarki Simha, we are reminded of the
to Brahmadvaita, Sivadvaita, Vasudevadvaita,
Swami's own verse in Paramata-bhanga.
Sphotadvaita, Sadadvaita are lost. The existing vadas
Obviously the addressee in the above verse is
themselves (jivanmukti-bhanga vada 31 &
a follower of Ramanuja. “Don’t allow your desires to
jivagnana-bhangavada 40) make cross - reference
take the better of you. Don’t allow the passions go
to vadas Shariradimithyatvabhanga vada and
out of conrol like the intoxicated wild elephants. To
antahkarana-pratibimba vada respectively and the
vadas referred to are all lost. arrest them, bring them under the benign influence
of Ramanuja Darshana. (For a list of benefits that
“It has been explained” writes Keshava Aiyangar,
accrue see the Tamil verse “tavam tarum” the 94th
“by Mahacharya the commentator of Shatadushani
of Amudanar’s poem of a hundred verses on
that though in each vada several refutations are
Ramanuja; recall the Gita verse “âshâ pâshâ”) To
made still in view of the (one hundred) main topics
free yourself from the corrupting influence of the rival,
which were taken up for refutation the work is named
utter loudly the compositions of Kavitarkika Simha
‘One-hundred Refutations’ (Shatadushani) is
and see how they run in panic-similar to the sound
therefore quite proper. That Shatadushani did consist
of Paanchajanya that broke the hearts of Kauravas;
of one hundred vadas of which sixty six alone are
or like the roar of lion that sends a hoard of elephants
available now is therefore incontrovertible.
packing.”
“Every vada in Shatadushani opens with a poem
In order to keep the rival at bay, the pasurams of
which sings the glory of Para Brahmam (Lord Sri
Paramata bhanga are included in Deshika
Hayagriva which furnishes or suggests the particular
Prabandam which contains 18 poems of 405 verses.
topic of disputation. What is poetically experienced
It is to be noted that the larger ones are the poems
is dialectically demonstrated… We have in Vedanta
Paramata bhanga and Adhikâra Sangraham
Deshika’s works the unique combination of the
containing respectively 54 and 56 verses.
ineffable charm of poetry and the irrefragable power
of reason. Hence the universal acclamation of Continuing the previous quote, “Shatadushani
Vedanta Deshika as Kavi Tarkika Simha (Lion among has three classical commentaries in Sanskrit. One

December, 2015
38 SAPTHAGIRI
is by Mahacharya popularly known as Doddayacharya.
It is called ‘Chandamaruta’. (According to
Yatindramatadipika, Mahacharya has to his credit more
than seven works.) The second is by Nrisimharaja. It
is called ‘Prakasha’. The third is by Srinivasacharya. It
is called ‘Sahasrakirani’. There is a translation in Tamil
for the first 55 vadas by Sri Mahamahopadyaya Chetur
Narasimhacharya.

Auspicious Start

Sri Hayagriva is considered as the first of the avatars

of Maha Vishnu since the Lord as Hayagriva redeemed
the Vedas from the asuras, namely, Madhu and
Kaitabha and got the Vedas restored to the rightful
authorised owner viz., Chatur Mukha Brahma. Only
Brahma holds the intellectual property rights over the
Vedas and no one else. (yo brahmâNam vidadhâti
pûrvam—Sveta) For having imparted the knowledge
of Vedas to Brahma, Lord Hayagriva became the first
Shatadushani while the verse ‘prâchî sandhyâ’
and foremost Acharya in the Guru-Parampara line of
is the Mangala Sloka of the ten act play, ‘Sankalpa
Acharyas. Added to this is the fact that Vedanta Deshika
Suryodayam’.
got blessed with the gift of an icon of Hayagriva from
There is a similarity of purpose of His avatar
Garuda as a fulfillment of his Garuda Mantra japa. This
as Hayagriva and that of a verbal warfare. Vedas
was singularly the most important event in the Swami’s
were redeemed from the hands of the asuras in
life and he had commemorated it by his first poetic
the former while in the latter, Vedas have to be
composition, Hayagriva Stotram. Verses from this
reclaimed from the usurpers and destroyers of
panegeric on Hayagriva have been chosen by the Vedic tradition. For the Kavitarkikasimha, the Lord
Swami himself as the auspicious opening verse fights seated on the tip of the tongue. (jihvagra
(Mangala Sloka) of his other works. For example, the simhasana)
verse ‘samâhâra sâmnâm’ is the Mangala Sloka of
(to be continued...)

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 39
 Our Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu temple
Temple
on the banks of Krishna river is
located in Srikakulam of
Krishna district.
Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu told
Sri Krishnadevaraya to
compose the story of his
wedding with Andal at
Srirangam. He also ordered the
Emperor to tell the story in
Telugu Language. The Emperor
obliged composing Amukta
Malyada, which is one of the
most famous poetic works in
Telugu literature.

Of the limitless holy names of Sri Maha Kanchipuram like that, there is a temple in Andhra
Vishnu, the name ‘Vishnu’ is the most popular Pradesh where the Lord is known Maha Vishnu, and
sacred name, and Vishnu means one who pervades as the temple is in Andhra He is known Andhra Maha
the whole Universe, and who resides in each and Vishnu.
every animate and inanimate object. The first holy
name that occurs in Sri Vishnu Sahasranama is Of the twelve Alwars Perialwar was born as
Viswam, meaning the Universe, and the second the manifestation of Garuda in Srivilliputtur in Tamil
name is Vishnu and both these sacred names Nadu and he was blessed by the Lord with a girl
perfectly define the all pervasive nature of Sri Maha who was found under a Tulasi plant. She was named
Vishnu. Goda Devi and brought up by the Alwar. Goda Devi

Of the five forms that the Lord has chosen popularly known as Andal dedicated her life to the
to bless His devotees, viz., Para, Vyuha, Vibhava, service of Lord Ranganatha and yearned to join Him
Antaryarmi and Archa, the last form Archa is the most in holy wedding. Lord Ranganatha overwhelmed
popular and easily approachable form. Lord Maha with her unsullied devotion took her as his Devi.
Vishnu resides as Archa Murthi (the vigraha in the Separate shrines for Sri Goda Devi in Vishnu
temples) in the thousands of shrines found not only temples stand testimony to her bhakti. Tiruppavai is
through the length breadth of our country but in the name of the popular Tamil work containing thirty
overseas lands also. In all these places He is hailed beautiful verses composed by her. Tiruppavai verses
by one of his infinite holy names. For example He is are very popular in all the Vishnu temples. The holy
Sri Srinivasa in the holy Tirumala Hills, Sri verses are sung in Tirumala temple during Dhanur
Ranganatha in Sri Rangam, Sri Varadaraja in
(Margazhi) month.

December, 2015
40 SAPTHAGIRI
 Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu Temple Brahma installed Sri Vishnu in this holy place and worshipped
at Srikakulam set the stage for the king Him. It is believed that even before the advent of Satavahana
to compose his work Amukta Malyada. dynasty in Andhra Pradesh, that lasted for nearly four centuries
The temple is replete with puranic until 220 AD, one Emperor Andhra Vishnu ruled this area and in
legends and historical incidents to its memory of his name this temple was constructed. This Andhra
credit. country is nestled inside the area with three historical and
Lord Brahma who was much legendary Siva temples situated on its perimeter viz., Srisailam
vexed with people of Kali Age steeped on the west, Bheemeswaram on the south and Kaleswaram on
in vices and sins, came down to the north sides. As Andhra is located at the centre of these three
Srikakulam on the banks of Krishna Siva (linga) kshetras, the land was called “Thrilinga Kshetra”.
river and performed a severe penance The word thrilling became “Telugu” and gave the name to the
towards Lord Vishnu. The words “Ka” language also. Legend says that Emperor Andhra Vishnu built a
(Brahma) and “aakulam” (mental massive fortification enclosing all these three temples! People
agony) give the name Srikakulam to this hailed him as an incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu and called him
place. Impressed with the penance of Srikakulandhra Vishnu. Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu temple is
Brahma Sri Maha Vishnu appeared considered one of the oldest in the country. Here the Lord is
before him and removed his misery. called, Srikakuleswara, Andhra Nayakudu (Lord of Andhra), Telugu
Vallabudu and Srikakula Devudu.

When the Vijayanagar king Krishna Devaraya during his

Kalinga campaign happened to travel through Srikakulam in 1515
he visited Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu temple. When the king was
observing Ekadasi fast staying at the temple, Srikakuleswara
appeared in his dream and commanded him to compose the
story of Goda Devi in Telugu language. Well versed in Telugu
language and literature the king with the divine assistance of the
Lord composed his work Amukta Malyada which is hailed as
one of the beautiful literary pieces in the language. The Mandapam
where Krishnadevaraya sat and composed the story of Goda
Devi got dilapidated during the later centuries.

In the temple of Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu there are 32

epigraphs of different kings, including those of Krishna
Devaraya’s reign. From these, researchers have concluded that
this temple might have been here as early as 1010 AD. The
temple during the following centuries lost its majesty and
Sri Andhra Mahavishnu significance and during the rule of Chola Kings, they carried
Srikakulam extensive renovation works to the temple, retrieved the vigraha

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 41
of Sri Mahavishnu from the banks of Krishna river Utsava idol Sri Chenna Kesava and it is notable that
and reinstalled it in the temple. He also wields the Shanka and Chakra in the reverse
order.
The main entrance of Sri Andhra Maha
Vishnu temple is adorned with a five tier On the southern prakara of the Sanctum
Rajagopuram and very next to this, Ranga there is the mandapam where Nithyagni hotram is
Mandapam and Antharala is located in Sanctum held. It is said that such a Nithyagni hotra mandapam
Sanctorum. It is believed that this Ranga Mandapam is in this temple alone in the State. This holy place is
was famous during the rule of Kakatiya kings. The believed to have been populated once by Nithya Agni
Hotris (vedic scholars who performed agnihotra
pillars of Ranga Mandapam is replete with finely
every day).
Chiselled figures from Kakatiya and Vijayanagar
reigns. Andhra Maha Vishnu with His consorts In the Dasavatara Sannidhi the idol of Sri
Rajyalakshmi and Baghyalakshmi have separate Krishna is missing and it is said that Sri Andhra Maha
sannidhis which were created during Kakatiya rule. Vishnu Himself has manifested as Lord Krishna. In
the centre of Alwar Acharya sannidhi, we have
Dwarapalas Jaya and Vijaya stand guard at
darshan of Lord Ramachandramurthi sitting in
the entrance of the Sanctum and near them we see
Virsana with Sita Devi on his left lap. It is fascinating
the bass relief sculptures of Poorna Kumbas. The to see Lord Rama sporting a moustache. There is
garbagriha is known as Bhadra Kodi Vimanam also an idol of Sri Mahalakshmi. In the prakara there
wherefrom Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu in his majesty is a niche where Hanuman and Vishnu idols are
and splendor blesses his devotees. Generally in the installed. In this Vishnu idol also the weapons are
idols of Sri Vishnu the rear right and left hands are seen swapped.
shown to hold Sudarsana and Shanka (conch)
Rathotsavam in the temple is held on Vaisaka
respectively. But Sri Andhra Maha Vishnu holds the
Pournami. Sri Ekarathri Prasanna Mallikarjuna
Chakra in his left hand and the Conch on the right.
Swami enshirned in a separate temple in Srikakulam
The change is attributed to a fascinating legend. As is adored as the Kshetrapala of the place. Sri
the Lord chose to reside in this temple as soon as Suryanarayanaswami Temple in Arasavalli, part of
he gave Moksha to the elephant king Gajendra by Srikakulam town, Sri Mukhalingam on the banks of
killing the crocodile with Sudarsana chakra, he Vamsadhara river at a distance of 48 Kms from
shifted his chakra weapon to his left hand, and it is Srikakulam and Srikurmam where the rare
believed that Gajendra Moksham was held in this Kurmavathara temple is located at 18 Kms are
place, once a dense jungle on the banks of Krishna some of the ancient and famous temples around
river. The Lord holds the Padmam (lotus flower) in Srikakulam.
the front right hand and Gatha on the left. Finely Srikakulam is located at a distance of 80 Kms
sculpted Dasavatar Murthis adorn the Prabhavalli from Visakhapatnam and at 720 Kms from
around the 12 feet tall idol of Sri Maha Vishnu. At the Hyderabad. Devotees can visit this sacred
base of the Prabhavalli on both sides we see the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Maha
idols of Sri and Bhu Devis. Nearby we also see the Vishnu.

December, 2015
42 SAPTHAGIRI
 In the Gita:- The Lotus has been referred to at three
Offering
places. In 5.10 it is mentioned as a plant that lives &
grows in a pond or a lake, which absolutely unwetted
or sullied by the surrounding water. In 11.2 it is
presented as a plant with graceful leaves of which
are reminiscent of Lord Krishna’s beautiful eyes. In
11.15 projected as Brahma’s favourite seat.
Significantly, the Lotus plant remains unaffected by

Among the flowers, the Lotus stands high

for its growth and immaculate beauty from mire
environment. The Gita exhorts us to be like the Lotus
functions without attachment and standing above
the mud & water of mundane mortifications. In Hatha
Yoga, the Lotus position, Padmasana, is adopted
by those who desire to reach the highest level of
consciousness, which ipso facto is found in the
thousand – plated Lotus Chakra at the top of the
head. Brahma, attends to his work sitting on a Lotus
evolving from the naval of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi
Devi Sits on a Red Lotus. Saraswati holds a White
Lotus and Durga was presented with a Lotus by
(Aruna) Sun God’s favourite flower. There are also
theories of the life forms evolving from a golden
Lotus.
the surrounding water, in the sense that if the water
is sprinkled on its leaf, it immediately rolls down that
Goddess Padmavati
leaf, leaving it completely dry and unaffected.
devi emerged from Padmasarovar
in the Lotus. This is why the Eventually it is pointed out that, the philosophy
Pushkarini (temple tank) is known as of the Gita is about attachment and not detachment.
'Padmasarovar' and the Goddess is The central message of the Gita in 18.66 is that we
named 'Padmavati'. In Tiruchanur must surrender to Lord Krishna and prepare
Sri Padmavati Devi is seated in ourselves in that spirit of surrender of the highest
the Padmasana or Lotus pose order to get His refuge and grace.
holding Lotus.
The third reference to Lotus plant is given in
Gita 11.15, wherein Arjuna says that with divine eyes

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 43
he could behold Brahma seated on a Lotus – seat. Knowledge, beautiful lotus – eyed Goddess I bow
This Lotus-seat is the one that spring from the navel unto you. Grant me knowledge supreme. She is
of Lord Vishnu. It means that Arjuna saw the stalk of shown holding the Vedas.
the Lotus and also the place, from where the Lotus Brahma’s only Temple :
spring up. The word Abjabhava also refers to
Brahma, as he was born out of a Lotus.

The Vision of Lotuses :- Salutation to the one who

is lotus-eyed and always decorated with garlands
of Lotuses, whose feet marked with the emblem of
Lotuses.

Sri Suktam :- For aradhana of Laksmi, there is no

other hymn (sukta) equal to Sri Suktam in
Atharvaveda, wherein she is shown in various
aspects of it.
Pushkar has the only temple of Brahma. Lord
Mahasaraswati :
Brahma wished to perform Yagna on Kartika
Purnima day. While searching a suitable auspicious
place, the Lotus petals from his hand fell at three
places and became the sacred lakes of Pushkar.

Siva Puran states that once Lord Vishnu felt

that his Sudarsana Chakra had become worn out
and prayed to Lord Siva to grant him another. After
the 999th flower, he was surprised to find the flower
basket empty although he had personally kept 1,000
lotus flowers. Without hesitation, he plucked one of
his eyes, which are like the Lotus (Pundarikaaksha)
and offered the same to Lord Siva. The Lord Siva
The form of Saraswati indicates the Self – manifested immediately, restored Vishnu’s eye and
knowledge. She is snow – white in hue, her mount offered a new Sudarshana Chakra to him.
is pure-white Swan & Her abode is the immaculate Eventually, for the inadvertent omission, Lord Vishnu
white – Lotus. If you endure her in your heart, you dedicated one crore Sivalingas near abutting sea
should clean your hearts & make it like the white – and the place is called Sri Koteshwar (comprising
Lotus. A Saraswati Sloka 3 says “The Goddess of one thousand ) Mahadev Mandir, Koteshwar, Gujrat.

December, 2015
44 SAPTHAGIRI
 Canto 7 of Kumara Sambhava of poet With a human Torso and the head of a pure,
Kalidasa described wedding rituals & festivities of white horse, wearing with garment and seated on a
Siva and Parvati, wherein Lord Brahma, conducting white lotus. He has four Lotus hands, one bestowing
the ceremony, blessed Parvati, “May you have knowledge and another holding book of wisdom. Two
others hold the Conch and the Discus, conveying
victorious sons.” Lakshmi held an umbrella of
the idea that He is Lord Vishnu himself.
Lotuses over the bridal pair (Lakshmih Kamala
Aatapatram). Gajendra Moksha

The Divine Mother is adored and approached

as ten cosmic personalities, which is Tantric in
nature, wherein one of them is “Kamala”—The Lotus
– Goddess; known as “Tantric Lakshmi.” When the
Samudra Mathana alongwith many other things
happened, there appeared Devi Lakshmi. The Gods
granted Her an Asana with due respect. They
performed an Abhiseka (sprinkle of water over holy
idol with divine Mantras) to Her and offering Her a
Lotus garland and pleaded Her to stay with them,
which She agreed Laksmi or Kamala manifest the
absolute compassion and loving – Kindness in all
Nature.
On the summit of Mount Trikuta lived a family
Sri Hayagriva of elephants. In the valley there was a beautiful
garden belonging to Varuna (Lord of Water) with
extensive lake with golden Lotuses. Smelling the
fragrance of the pollen of the Lotuses, Gajendra
entered the lake to quench his thirst. A ferocious
alligator clutched his foot and dragging into deep
water. Ultimately, Gajendra prayed Lord Narayana
and picked, up a lotus and offered with his obeisance
raising it with his trunk. Lord Hari hastily rushed to
rescue and pulled the elephant out of the jaws of his
captor by slitting opening the month of the
alligator with his divine discus (Sudarshan
Chakra).

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 45
 Festival

Vedas are the most sacred of all shastras, ultimate goal of all beings. A visit to the holy lake
Sri Hari is the supreme God and so is Lord confers all merits which could otherwise be
Venkateswara who is the ruling deity of this Kaliyuga. attainable only by performing difficult and severe
The Lord’s abode is on the sacred seven hills of penance. Mukkoti Teertham is the day on which all
Tirumala . Legend says that upon the insistence of teerthas and rivers of the three worlds are present
Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu agreed to reside at in the sacred Swami Pushkarini. It falls on the twelfth
Tirumala along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi day of the bright fortnight of the month when the Sun
accompanied by His most devoted servants Garuda is in Sagittarius. In other words it is Shukla Dwadasi
and Vishwaksena. of Dhanurmasam famously known as Vaikunta
There are many sacred teerthas and lakes Dwadasi. It is the next day of Vaikunta Ekadasi which
in the surrounding hills of [Link] Swami is the most auspicious day of the year for the
Pushkarini is the most sacred and auspicious of devotees of Lord Vishnu.
them all. It lies on the North-eastern side of the main There are innumerable legends which relay
temple of Lord Venkateswara. the importance of Swami Pushkarini.
According to Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam,
Markandeya’s visit to Swami Pushkarini
the Swami Pushkarini consists of fragrant and
sacred waters of Vaikunta brought down by Sage Markandeya did a harsh penance on
Garuda.(It is believed that Tirumala itself is the the banks of sacred River Ganga. Pleased with the
Kreedadri mountain of Sri Vaikuntam and hence the tapas, Lord Brahma appeared and granted him a
Swami pushkarini is the sacred lake Airammadam [Link] Sage wished for strength to undertake a
also belonging to Sri Vaikuntam as quoted in the pilgrimage to all the holy places in the three worlds.
Puranas).It is free from all forms of pollution and is Brahma smiled and said , “It is not possible even for
most holy. By bathing in the Swami Pushkarini the me or even Lord Siva to bathe in all the sacred
multitudinal sins of mere mortals are forsaken. All
our desires would be fulfilled by taking a dip in the A.S. KRISHNA CHANDRA
holy waters. 9th Class, 'D' Section
Bhavan's Sri Venkateswara Vidyalaya
Being born as a human itself is a great boon.
Tirupati.
Attaining moksha without rebirth should be the
December, 2015
46 SAPTHAGIRI
Teerthas within a few hundred years. However there of Vishnu till the end of Kalpa.” She continued her
is an alternative…Go to Sri Venkatachala, about two penance to achieve her desire. Finally the Lord
hundred yojanas South from here. On it’s peak is revealed himself and instructed her thus – “Go to
the sacred Swami Pushkarini. Early on the morning Seshagiri .Swami Pushkarini is there. All the
of the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of Margashira, Teerthas existing in the three worlds pray to me for
all the holy Teerthas, millions of them congregate redemption of their [Link] order to relieve of their
there to get rid of their sins. So you also go to Swami
sins,they will bathe in you. On the tweflth day of the
Pushkarini and get the benefit of bathing in all the
bright fortnight of the month when the Sun is in
Teerthas. Further the merit acquired by pilgrimage
Sagittarius ,all other teerthas come to you. They will
to Ganga and other sacred rivers or giving charity to
serve you and crown you as their head! “ So blessing,
Brahmins is achieved by a pilgrimage to Swami
Pushkarini. Whoever offers charity or any of the the Lord took His place beside the Pushkarini.
sixteen forms of charities prescribed by the Celebration at Tirumala
scriptures on the above day with devotion, achieves
On Vaikunta Dwadasi, the Archakas perform
a result magnified many times in number.”
Snapana Tirumanjanam to Lord Malayappa, Sridevi
“DHANURMASE SHUKLA PAKSHE DWDASYAM and Bhudevi along with Chakrathalvar (Sri
ARUNODAYE, AAYANTI SARVA TEERTHAM Sudarshana Chakra) on the banks of the Pushkarini.
SWAMI PUSHKARINI JALE”
Later, Chakrasnanam (Holy dip in the teertham) is
Saying so, Lord Brahma departed. performed to Sri Sudarshana with utmost devotion.
Markandeya visited the Swami Pushkarini on Lakhs of devotees also participate in the divine
Vaikunta Dwadasi, took a dip in the holy waters and Chakra Snana and all their mortal sins are simply
he prayed to Lord Venkateswara on the banks of dismissed. The deities are then taken around the
the holy lake .By the grace of Sri Hari, he attained temple in a [Link] then enter the main
eternal bliss.
temple premises. Any or all deformities and demerits
Saraswati and Swami Pushkarini are set right. Lunatics and those passing through
Once, Goddess Saraswati desired to be the unfavorable periods or suffering from mal-alignment
best of all the rivers and Teerthas. So she of planets can get a lot of relief from bathing in the
transformed herself into river Saraswati in Swami Pushkarini. Recently too there have been
Brahmavathara. Sage went to the river to perform a many such incidents to support the above said belief
severe penance. Saraswati treated him as her father that Swami Pushkarini is all forgiving.
and served him very piously. Pulastya who knew
the supremacy of river ganga was outraged and
Come let us chant ‘ Govinda ‘, and take a dip in
cursed Saraswati. “ Your desire will never be
[Link] will only a river forever. By the virtue of the Swami Pushkarini on the auspicious occasion
her birth at the fet of the Lord , Ganga will always be of Mukkoti Dwadasi. May all our sins perish at
superior to you.” Saraswati retaliated by cursing
Pulastya and said ,”Pulastya ,your descendants will the Lotus feet of Lord [Link]
become demons.” The sage repented for his hasty year the Swami Pushkarini Teertha Mukkoti
utterance .Pacified Saraswati then said, “ The last
falls on 22nd December 2015.
descendant of yours will be Vibheeshana ,a votary

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 47
 December, 2015
48 48 SAPTHAGIRI
 Datta
Jayanti on
Spirituality
25-12-2015

infallible Supreme Personality of Lord Maha Vishnu

descends into this world by His various incarnations.
Through and by such incarnations, the Lord not only
preaches and teaches transcendental knowledge and yogic
excellence but also the science of self-realisation for the
benefit of the whole Universe. For enhancing the right
knowledge, The Lord periodically descends to this world. It
is believed that for the welfare of mankind, protection of the
We offer our worshipful pranams righteous, establishment of Sanatana Dharma arid
to Lord Dattatreya, the avatar of Trimurtis destruction of the evil, the divine trinity of Gods took to one
and the divine son of the austere and being as “Dattatreya”. Considered as “Parabrahman”,
spiritually enlightened Sage Atri and Sati Dattatreya is beyond the influence of the three gunas.
Anasuya. Sri Dattatreya is regarded as the
Jagat Guru, the preceptor of the Universe, Sri Krishna
incarnation of the Supreme Being in his
has made it abundantly clear in Bhagavad Gita (IV.7),
aspects as Lord Brahma, the Creator, Lord
“Whenever there is decline in virtue and
Maha Vishnu the Preserver and Lord Siva,
righteousness and rise in vice and unrighteousness, then
the Destroyer. God’s powers of creation,
I manifest Myself.”
preservation and the disintegration do
manifest in Lord Dattatreya. In Sanskrit, Legend
“Datta” means one who is bestowed as a It is believed that the Satvi Anasuya and Sage Atri
gift, and “Atreya” is an honorific which is lived in Chitrakut. Anasuya with her devotion to her husband
derived from the name of the great Sage Atri. was the embodiment of chastity. It is said that her spiritual
Srimad Bhagavatam says that the power was strong enough to turn even hard uneven earth
original form of Sri Maha Vishnu is Narayana turned soft and smooth for her as she walked about. Her
which is the imperishable seed of various pious ways generated jealousy and envy in others. Knowing
avatars and to which they all return. As about the ill feeling others were harbouring against Anasuya,
mentioned in the Puranas, Lord Maha Vishnu the powerful Trimurthi (Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) felt that
appeared on earth as Dattatreya to restore the doubting elements should be proven how wrong they
“Dharma” and “Jnana” amidst man-kind. The were. In order to accomplish this task, the three Lords

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 49
 reverted to their real forms and diclosed the truth.
They extolled the power of chastity and purity of
Anasuya which vanquished the combined and
colossal powers of all three of them. Sage Atri and
Anasuya prayed that they should remain as their
sons. They consented and the three Gods merged
into one body. He was the darling of the great queen
of chastity, Anasuya Devi. He is also known as
'Anasuyanandana'. The terms “Atri” and “Anasuya”
have also been described as - the word “Atri”
denoting “No Three” i.e. the one who has crossed
(responsible respectively for the creation, and is beyond the experience of the three
sustenance and dissolution of the world) “Taapatrayas” (God Given, Nature given, Man-made
transformed themselves into mendicants, troubles) and “Anasuya” denotes freedom from
approached the hermitage of Sage Atri. Sage Atri jealousy. The wonderful combination of penance and
was away at the river to offer his daily oblations. non-jealous nature united in a single person resulting
The mendicants asked for alms saying “Bhavati in the emergence of the highest truth.
Bhiksham Dehi” (Oh Mother! Give us some food). Appearance
Anasuya felt that the three guests who asked for
Lord Dattatreya is shown in varying postures
alms are not normal yogis and they were trying to
according to traditional beliefs.
place her in a tricky situation. She felt that as the
mendicants had sought food from her hands, she The iconography of Sri Datta is very variable

had to look upon them as her own children and not as the God himself and as such there is a lack of
as grown up strangers. Her pious and chaste consistency in depiction and presentation. In the
thoughts instantly became reality; the elderly guests most commonly depicted form, He is shown as an
became babies! She decided that she would ascetic with 3 heads (symbolizing the unification of
consider them as her children and serve them as the three Gods-they also represent the past, present,
requested. Anasuya prayed to her husband in her and future and the three states of consciousness)
mind to bless her. Sage Atri on his return to the and 6 arms. His whole body is covered with Vibhuti
hermitage saw his wife Anasuya fondling the three (holy ash). With an aura of a rising Sun around him,
babies. Anasuya told him that the children were the His lustrous long hair is tied in a knot over his head
gift of God to them who had been childless so far. and is dressed in a deer skin. He holds various
Sage Atri was overjoyed and named them 'Datta', objects each of which has a spiritual connotation-
which means ‘given’. At this stage, the three Gods with a Mala (rosary), Kamandalu (holy pot), Shankh

December, 2015
50 SAPTHAGIRI
(conch) and Chakra (the holy discus) and Damaru The Trishul (Trident)
(holy musical instrument), Trishul (trident). The
The trident held by Sri Guru Datta symbolises the
three-headed six-armed figure is holding the
inherent triple energy of Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.
emblems of the trinity. The water pot and rosary
(believed to be the left, the right and the central
represent Brahma, the Shankh and Chakra, Vishnu
energy currents).The materialisation of a living being
and the Trident and Damaru (drum) Siva.
is said to be caused by the left current, the
The significance of some of the symbols spiritualisation by the right current and the balance
held by the Lord is briefly given here under:- between the two is caused by the central current.
The Shankh (Conch) The currents of materialisation and spiritualisation
function in such a harmony which enables existence
The Shankh (conch) is probably the external visual
at a particular plane. These currents are like the
representation of Nada (the sound).Sound is the life
eternal current of flowing river. Man feels the
principle in living beings and indeed the cosmos
existence of the river that is in motion. There is water
itself. The Shankh brings forth the eternal sound
that comes in and water that departs at any particular
‘OM” (“AUM”) - the manifestation of the Spirit. The
point and in that ever-flowing flow, the existence of
sound “OM” kara, used by all great sages, is made
the river is felt. The synthesis of experiencing bliss
up by the careful mixing of three words ie “Aa”kara
in every state of awareness is promised to be
(Sustainer), “U”kara (Protector) and “M”akara
bestowed by Sri Guru Datta. The trident is indicative
(Destroyer). If carefully analysed, it can be noted
of such a promise. It is also said that the trident is
that the sound is generated with every breath. The
used for killing the ego. The trident indicates that
Conch also indicates the principle of expansion and
contraction. He has transcended the three gunas, which
constitute the illusory world.
The Discus (Chakra)
The Mace
The ‘Sudharshana Chakra’ indicates that the
Lord is beyond the cycles of time i.e. the past, The Mace symbolises the instrument that

present and future. He holds the Discus to indicate subjugates pride. Sri Guru Datta (the Divine

this special attribute and also that He is indeed the Teacher) being the compassionate one, is skilful

controller of time. The Discus is used by the Lord to enough to teach the essentiality of service with
take away all kinds of karma from all people. The humbleness. The Mace held by Sri Guru Datta
Discus held by Sri Guru Datta is an assurance, that sends out the message that man needs to reverse
he would lead the beings into timelessness and the the mental and psychological inversions to gain
consequent bliss. knowledge.

December, 2015
SAPTHAGIRI 51
The Kamandalu (Water Carrier) ultimate state of all matter. The japa-mala worn by
Him is to remind that our primary duty is chanting
The water carrier of Sri Guru Datta is in
the sacred name of the Lord and meditating on the
essence the life carrier. Generally a teacher bestows
feet of the Lord and this is the path for our redemption.
and wills three essential benedictions on the student,
i.e., longevity, health and the path to truth leading to It is said that the trinity of Gods represent
mastery. For this reason a true teacher is a true the three faces, body is pure “chit”, the six branches
healer and life giver. Sri Guru Datta is thus the of knowledge are his six hands, the four dogs are
parental principle that continues to develop the soul the four Vedas, the cow is Dharma, and the universal
and the knowledge of the soul. peace is the Audumbara tree.

He is pictured with four dogs around him. But he takes the life style of a sadhu. He owns
They are of different-colours as they represent the nothing, except a bag (a Jhola) and a stick in his
four Vedas - the external repositories of Spiritual hand, which is sometimes identified with the trident.
Wisdom (Rig-Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and The master of all the forces of Nature at whose
Atharva Veda.). They are shown as tame beings, command are the sun and the moon and the stars,
symbols of fidelity and devotion. The Vedas in the goes for his Bhiksha. He does not beg for food nor
form of dogs follow the master as sentinels of the virtues and good conduct. The Bhiksha that He
heaven and of truth. There is also a cow, a symbol is asking is the sins of our past lives and of our
of purity and abundance which he sometimes uses present life. The extraordinary strength and power
as a backrest. It is said that Mother Earth herself of the being who asks for the sins of others can be
took the form of a cow and pleaded for succour as imagined. The powers of great sages are
she believed that His power to protect was infinite. inconceivable. It is said that He will collect the sins
She is the wish fulfilling cow ‘Kamadhenu’. It grants of others, put them in his Jhola or bag and walk off
the wishes of those who ask for the satisfaction of and digest the whole thing. In other words He wants
desires (be they worldly, mentally or spiritually). all the evil propensities in others and cleanses them.
Finally, the tree behind Lord Dattatreya is the
'Audumbara tree' or wish-yielding tree. It has the
Dattatreya teaches us the lesson that the
capacity to fulfill the wishes of those who prostrate
higher is one’s knowledge, the humbler is that
to it no matter what problems they may have. The
person. The larger is our wisdom, the smaller
tree is the bearer of nectar and wherever it is found,
we look in the eyes of people. The nearer we
Lord Dattatreya will always be present there.
are to God, the farther we appear from
The ‘Bhasma’ or the ashes on Him indicate people’s eyes.
His ‘Vairaagya’ as well as His purity. Ashes indicate
the evanescent nature of all created objects and the

December, 2015
52 SAPTHAGIRI
 1
1 2 3 4 5 Presented by Sri T.S. Jagan Mohan

The SapThagiri

6 7 8
engliSh Magazine iS
newly inTroducing The
9 10
"puzzle"
11 12 13
for The benefiT of iTS
14 readerS. we hope
ThaT The readerS will
15 16 17
increaSe Their
18 19
MeMory power.
20
- Chief Editor

DOWN Clues for Puzzle

1. City of Kubera (5)
2. The first note in Saptaswaras (2)
ACROSS
3. King Dasaratha’s eldest son (4) 2. The divine cow (7)
4. Prefix for twice (2) 6. Weapon of Parasuram (2)
5. Daughter of Vivaswatha Manu (3) 7. Another name of Parvati (3)
9. Movement of the tide away from the land (3) 8. The third note in Saptaswaras (2)
10. Opposite for night (3) 11. Lover of Salva (4)
13. Carrier of Siva (5) 12. Varuna, God of …….. (4)

14. Holy place of Jagannadh (4) 15. Adv. very much (2)

15. Another name of Lakshmi (3) 16. Amusement (3)

17. Opposite for out (2)
18. Children call Mother as (2)
20. Mother of Kubera (7)
19. Fifth note in Sapta dwaras (2)

December, 2015 (Answers in the next issue)

SAPTHAGIRI 53 53
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