En

SANCTORUM OF GODDESS PADMAVATHI (Translation of Siri koluvu) English Version Prof. M. Madhusudana Rao Published by Executive Officer Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati. 2015SANCTORUM OF GODDESS PADMAVATHI FOREWORD (Translation of Siri koluvu) English Version Prof. M. Madhusudana Rao, Telugu Original Julakanti Balasubrahmanyam T.T.D. Religious Publications Series No.1197 © All Rights Reserved. First Edition : 2015 Copies : 2000 Published by : Dr. D. Sambasiva Rao, I.A.S., Executive Officer, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati. DTP : Chief Editor’s Office, TTD, Tirupati. Printed at : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Press, Tirupati. 517507 Alamelu Manga is the Consort of Sri Venkateswara of the ‘Seven Hills’. She is also named Padmavathi. The Shrine where this Divine Deity is situated is called Tiruchanur. This place is situated at a distance of 5km from Tirupati. This Temple is seen always filled with devotees who visit Tiruchanur after the Darshan of Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala. According to Mythology, Srinivasa descended to Bhuloka (Earth) in search of Sri Mahalakshmi who left Vykuntha in anger. But he could not find her. Inspite of marrying Padmavathi the daughter of Akasa Raju, who was herself par excellence of Lakshmi, Srinivasa was in deep anxiety because he was deprived of Mahalakshmi’s presence. To his relief, he came to know that Sri Mahalakshmi was in Kolhapur (Maharashtra), and Srinivasa left for Kolhapur and did Penance to procure her, but all in vain. Later a voice (Akasavani) was heard which directed Srinivasa to Suka Maharshis’s Ashram. It asked him to build a Lotus Pond and do Penance on the banks of ‘Padma sarovara’ to get Mahalakshmi. Following the words of Akasavani, Srinivasa reached Tiruchanur, built a Padmasarovara and did Penance for Twelve (12) long years. As a result, on the day of Shudha Panchami of Kartika masa, Sri Mahalakshmi took incarnation in the thousand petalled Golden Lotus on Friday in Padmasarovara. She became famous as ‘Sri Padmavathi’, for devotees. Srinivasa took her to his chest and left for Tirumala. But as per the request of Gods, Sri Mahalakshmi took the form of Archamurthi and is in Tiruchanur taking the name ‘Padmavathi’ and ‘Alamelu Manga’ and She is blessing the devotees.INDEX ‘Siri Koluvu’ is a Telugu book written by Sri Julakanti Bala Subrahmanyam. This book narrates astonishing story of Origin of Padmavathi and the Utsavas of the Temple.AUTHOR’S NOTE Chapter 1 :TIRUCHANUR Prof. Mallavarapu Madhusudana Rao has translated ‘Siri Koluvu’ into English to fecilitate the English knowing people to get sufficient information about the Glory of ‘Sri Padmavathi’. I am thankful to the writer who has presented the book in comprehensive and easy style which will inculcate interest in every reader.Chapter 2 :SRI MAHALAKSHMI Chapter 3 :THE MIRACLE OF PADMA SAROVARAM Chapter 4 :PARANDHAMA IN SRI VAIKUNTHAM Chapter 5 :VISIT OF FOUR GREAT RISHIS TO SRI VAIKUNTHAM Chapter 6 :COMING OF BHULAKSHMI ON TO THE EARTH Chapter 7:BHU MAHALAKSHMI- ADI VARAHA SWAMI Chapter 8 :MAHALAKSHMI IN SRI VAIKUNTHAM Chapter 9 :ADI MAHALAKSHMI IN A MOOD OF HUFF Chapter 10:SIRULA THALLI’S ARRIVAL ON TO THE EARTH Hope that the readers will be showered with the blessings of Srinivasa along with Padmavathi in Plentitude. Chapter 11 : VEDA LAKSHMI Chapter 12 : VEDA LAKSHMI AS PADMAVATHI Chapter 13 : SWAMI’S KOLHAPUR VISIT Chapter 14 : THE INVISIBLE VOICE Executive Officer, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati. Chapter 15 : SWAMI’S PENANCE Chapter 16 : ALAMELU MANGA’S INCARNATIONVI Chapter 17 : HOW SRI MAHALAKSHMI APPROACHED SRINIVASA Chapter 18: DIALOGUE BETWEEN PADMAVATHI AND VYUHALAKSHMI Chapter 19 : DIALOGUE BETWEEN SWAMI AND VYUHALAKSHMI Chapter 20 : VYUHALAKSHMI’S GLORY Chapter 21 : HER DIVINE GRACE Chapter 22 : VYUHALAKSHMI AS ANANTHALVAR’S DAUGHTER Chapter 23 : ALAMELU MANGA’S KINDNESS Chapter 24 : ALAMELU MANGA GIVING WITNESS Chapter 25 : VYUHALAKSHMI’S KINDNESS TO VENGAMAMBA Chapter 26 : CELEBRATION OF ALAMELU MANGA’S GLORIOUS FESTIVALS Chapter 27 : SRI SURYANARAYANA SWAMI TEMPLE (TIRUCHANUR) Chapter 28 : SRI KRISHNA SWAMI TEMPLE IN TIRUCHANUR Chapter 29 : SRI SUNDARA RAJA SWAMI TEMPLE Author’s Note Even while realizing that my capacities are inad- equate, I ventured on this difficult work, as it is Lord Venkateswara who Himself made me work on this project. This is a humble attempt to recreate in an- other language, as far as possible, closest and faith- ful, to the original text. A sincere attempt is made to bring out the spirit of the text. I am deeply beholden to the authorities of T.T.D., Prof. Ravva Sri Hari, the evudite scholar and a SAHRIDAYA, for giving this good opportunity. I thank Sri C.Subba Rao, learned scholar in Sanskrit and English for helping me in trans- lating some Sanskrit words and Annamacharya’s Kritis. My wife Mrs. Uma Devi carried out the typing

• half the work - with great patience. It is true beyond doubt that had she not done it, this work would never have seen the light of the day. I am greatly indebted to her forever, for this.CHAPTER-1 TIRUCHANUR In this book, let us know the most revered story of Alamelu Manga and about Tiruchanur, where the Universal Mother took Her incarnation in this Kaliyuga. This place, which is presently known to us as Tiruchanur means- Tiruchana meaning Sri Kantha. This is the place where Sri Mahalakshmi, the Abode of Wealth took Her birth. It was called ‘Tiruchana Uru’ - In course of time, it became Tiruchanuru in popular imagination. In the ancient time, it was the Ashram of Sri Suka Maharshi. In course of time, it came to be transformed as Sri Sukanur and Tiruchukanur and Tiruchanuru. It is the Holy Place, where Rishis like Sri Suka performed penance for ‘Loka Kalyana’. It is so acclaimed as a Holy Place, where Parasara, ( the grand father of Sri Suka) did penance in a nearby place called Yogimallavaram and it was believed that Lord Venkateswara performed penance on the banks of the Holy Lotus Pond, for winning the Love of Sri Mahalakshmi. As a result of His timeless Penance, Alamelu with over thousand Petals has Originated; She is called Padmavathi as She originated from the Petals of this Lotus Pond. Thus, the Universal Mother became VYUHALAKSHMI; as She is present in Swami’s Bosom. As Alamelu Mangamma is wor- shipped as ARCHAMURTHI, this place is also known2 3 as Alamelu Manga Pattanam. Around the same time, when Alamelu Manga became Swami’s VYUHALAKSHMI, another important event took place: Swami married Padmavathi, the daughter of Akasaraju, the Emperor of Narayanavanam and the story of their marriage goes like this: In Tretayuga, during Sitalakshmi’s sojurn in the forest, when Vedavati, (i.e., Vedalakshmi) was forcibly taken away by Ravana, Sitalakshmi prayed Sri Rama to marry Her. Sri Rama, who was devoted to only one wife, assured Her that He would marry Vedavati in Kaliyuga when She would be born as Padmavathi and when, He Him- self takes the incarnation of Sri Venkateswara. Thus, accordingly, He married Padmavathi in Kaliyuga. He left Vaikuntham and came down to Tirumala to fulfil the desires of His devotees. Vaikuntham vaa parityakshye Nabhaktaam styaktu mutsahe Meiti priya himadbhakta Iti sankalpavanasi However, since He was separated from Sri Mahalakshmi, feeling deeply anguished, He appeared in the Unique Incarnation of Varahavatara. Sri Mahalakshmi descended from Sri Vaikuntham and settled in Kolhapur Kshetra, as a result of the test of Bhrigu Maharshi. She came and settled there in huff. Lord Venkateswara prayed to Sri Mahalakshmi and according to Her own wish, She originated as Alamelu Manga in the Ashram of Suka Maharshi, on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. “Alarmel Manga” means a Holy Goddess shining on the Lotus. Hence, She is called Padmavathi. When Swami is Himself yearning for Her Grace, what about the ordinary mortals like us? Therefore, we must pray to Her with great Bhakti. First we must visit Tiruchanur to seek Her Blessings and pray to Her to see that Swami fulfils our desires, for She is present in His Bosom, Always Kind and Ready to protect the devotees. We should pray to Her without inhibitions or fear or sense of shame. She will fondle us like a child if we submit all our prayers to Her with sincerity and obedience. She always helps Her devotees. She is the Eternal Source of Love and Kindness. She sees that Swami sanctions the desires of Their devotees. She is present as VYUHALAKSHMI in Tirumala and as Alamelu Manga or Padmavathi in Tiruchanur as ARCHAMURTHI. Paramatmudaina Hari Pattapuranivi neevu Dhara mamu vicharincha tagu neeku Amma ! Kamalaju gannatalli! Kamuni kanna talli ! Amarula kanna talli ! Aadimalakshmi ! Vimalapu nee patiki vinnapamu sesi mammu Nemaki yeliti daya neeke tagunamma !4 5 Kamadhenu thobuttuga, kalpakamu thobuttuga Domati challani chandru thobuttuga Nee magani pampunanu nija sirulichithivi Nemapu vitaranamu neeke tagunamma Paala jaladhi kanyavu ! padmasanivu ! neevu Paala pande Sri Venkatapati devivi ! Yelina itharibantla kihapara lichi ma Paala kaligitivi sambandhamu yelamma !Manga’s knowledge and wisdom are infinite, as Her innate capabilities are limitless. She bestows Her bless- ings to the devotees, who deserve them, according to their capacities. Annamacharya in a moment of divine celebration, praises Her like this: “Oh Mother of the Universe! You are the Royal Consert of Swami. Only You are ca- pable of protecting us by Your Omniprescence; You are the Mother of All Gods, Manmatha and Lord Brahma too, You are the Treasure of Kindness. Kamadhenu and Kalpataruvu are Your sisters, while the bright and delightful Chandrudu(Moon) is none other than Your brother, You were born in the “Sea of Milk!” Swami is present as Seshasai in the “Sea of Milk”. Annamayya tells us their inalienable nature in another context: “Oh Mother, Alamelu Manga! You and Swami are one and the same. You are Swami’s incarnation! Your Blessings are Swami’s Blessings. You are eulogized by revered Rishis”. She is Eternally present in the Divine Self of Swami. Swami is the God of All Gods, He is the BRAHMANDA NAYAKA- Benefactor of the Universe and Destroyer of all our fears and agonies of life and our saviour. Alamelu"Sri” means the Giver of riches. She is the Royal Consort of Srimannarayana, the Noblest of Mankind and She is known as Sri Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati, Maha Kali and Parvati. She is worshipped by various names as Sri Mahalakshmi, Lakshmi, Pad malaya, Padmakamala, Sri Hari Priya, Indira, Loka Mata, Mother, Ksheerabdi Tanaya, Ramaa, Bhargavi, Lokajanani, Ksheerasagara Kanyaka. “Lakshmi” means a particular use, benefit, growth and welfare and God’s benediction-as mentioned in many ways in Rigveda. The meaning of each of these words is infi- nite. Lakshma means a symbol or a sign of Something Eternal. Hence, She is called “Lakshmi”, as she signi- fies Eternal Love of Srimannarayana. She represents the Happiness and Joy of the Lord, who is Her True Embodiment of all that is Truthful and Eternal. She is present in the Bosom of Sri Mahavishnu as Sri Vatsam, symbolizing Swami’s Eternal Kindness and Love to- wards His devotees. CHAPTER-2 SRI MAHALAKSHMI6 7 Matarnamami kamale ! kamalayatakshi ! Sri Vishnu Hritkamalavasini ! Viswamatah Hence, of all His names, the name Srinivasa is very significant. It means “Sri” is present in His Abode, that is His Bosom. Sritva swanyissarvai, srayasi ramanam sansrita girah Srunoshi preyamsam sritajana vachassravayasicha Srunasyetaddoshan janani nikhilan, sarvajagateem Gunaih srinasi twam tadihabhavatim sririti jaguh She is present with six grand qualities. She is present at all places, at all times and in all situations. She is always present in Srimannarayana’s Bosom, first, She listens to the prayers of the devotees and conveys them to Srinivasa to makes Him fulfil their desires. Thus, She removes the sins of all Her ardent devotees and makes His world an Eternally Beautiful place of Happiness and Fulfilment. Hence, She is known as Chichakthi (i.e., both the Knower and the Known as mentioned in the book “Lakshmi Tantra”). It means that She is the Eternal Wisdom and Gnana. She is the true wisdom of the Ultimate. She is also worshipped as Kundalini Sakthi-meaning-the only True, Eternal and complete form of “Ananda”. She is a power, without any form or material substance as it is a pleasure beyond ordinary reason or cause or re- sult, as She is the symbol of Sri Mahavishnu’s Sankalpa-Vikalpa Rupalu (forms of will to create and transform) and She is the word, both movable and immovable experiences. Suryasya rasmayo yadvata Oormayo schambudho riva Sarvaisvarya prabhavena Kamala sri patheh tatha -Jayakhya Samhita Her relationship with Him is like the relationship of sun with His rays and sea with its tides. As in LAKSHMITANTRA GRANTHAM, She is the energy and the Power of the Entire Universe! She is present in all the cosmic events and in all the different forms of His Universe - consisting of all Great Saints, Noble Men and Women, Crops and Plenitude of wealth. It is also mentioned in MATHSYA PURANA that She is present in many forms like Parvathi, like Rudrani for Rudra in Kailasa,in Heaven like Sachidevi as Indrani for Lord Indra, in Satyaloka, Saraswati as Brahmani for Lord Brahma and for Agnideva as “Swahadevi” in Swargaloka, She is known as All of Wealth i.e., Sakala Sampathswarupini, in Nagaloka as Nagalakshmi, for all the kings and emperors and monarchs, She became their begetter of kingdoms (Rajyalakshmi), according to their capacities, Gruhalakshmi for all the house- holds, besides She is present all over the world, in many forms and modes. We find these descriptions of8 9 Sri Mahalakshmi in all Her Grandeur and Benevo- lence in DEVIBHAGAVATHAM and BRAHMA VYVARTHA PURANA GRANTHAM. Grihalakshmih griheshveva Griheenam cha kalamsatah Sampatswarupa griheenam Sarva mangala mangala She also appears as noble housewives and holy and noble women, as wealth in all houses and happi- est, joyful and welcome modes of presence in all the houses. All Puranas proclaim that She is present in all the houses as transcendental Spiritual Self. She performs five valuable functions by Her Ownself. Tirobhava sthata srishtih Sthitih samhriti reva cha Anugraha ithi praveetam Madoyam karma panchakam -Lakshmi tantram They are known as “KARMA PANCHAKAM’ and they are as follows: (1) Creation (Srusti) (2) Preserva- tion (Sthithi) (3) Favour (Anugraham) (4) Destruc- tion (Samhrithy) (5) Disfavour (Thirobhavam) or de- struction. To carryout these functions, She is bestowed with the capacity of the Ultimate; this Ultimate is known as “Sri Mahavishnu”. Shangunya vigraham devam Tadrisyacha sriya yutam -Ahirbudhnya samhita This Ultimate, who is called Srimannarayana has six attributes. They are 1. Gnana (Wisdom) 2.Aisvaryam (wealth) 3. balam (Strength) 4.Sakthi (Power) 5. Veeryam (Prowess) 6. Thejassu (Bright- ness) all these attributes are inalienable and present in Sri Mahalakshmi as His Internal Qualities. These Qualities are divided into two categories. They are:

1. In it’s quiet, transcendental mode, it is Gnana (Wis- dom), Aisvarya (wealth) and sakthi (Power): 2. In their Kinetic form, they are: Strength, Prowess and Bright- ness. Itham yada yada badha danavotha bhavishyati Tada tadava teeryaham Hanishyami mahasuran -Lakshmi tantram It is mentioned in LAKSHMITANTRAM that She would make Her presence in this world as the destroyer of all the evil deeds in this world, whenever there is proliferation of anarchy.10 11 Yada yadahi dharmasya Glanirbhavati bharata Abhyuthana madharmasya Tadatmanam srijamyaham Whenever Sri Mahavishnu takes incarnation in this world She would also appear in this world as His part. She does not act independently as She has no separate identity. We find a detailed description of Her Avatars in the valuable books namely JAYAKHYA SAMHITHA, LAKSHMI TANTRAM, SRI PRASNA SAMHITHA. She appeared as Sri, Keerthi, Jaya and Maya, on various occasions- but in truth, they repre- sent the Royal Consorts of the Four Avatars of Sri Mahavishnu as Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Anirudha. Besides these, we also come to know in the book called VIHAGENDRA SAMHITHA that, these four names, She also took incarnation in eight different names, according to the context. She also appeared in many incarnations as, 1. Sri; 2. Kameswari; 3.Kaanti; 4. Kriya; 5.Sakthi; 6.Vibhuti; 7.lccha; 8.Preeti; 9. Rathi; lO.Maya; 11.Dhee; 12.Mahima, depending on the need of the situation to spread the message of Loka Kalyana. But we should realize that these Avatars are none other than incarna- tion of Sri Mahavishnu as His Sakthi Swarupa. It is also mentioned in the book called LAKSHMITANTRAM. On many occasions, Sri Mahalakshmi took incarnation on Her own indepen- dently. She appeared in Her Satwaguna as Sri Mahalakshmi, in Rajoguna as Krishnaa, in Tamoguna, as Brahmi. In the book, called DEVI MAHATMYAM, She took the incarnation in nine defferent forms, namely; 1. Mahishasura Mardhini; 2.Yogindra (Mahakali); 3. Kausiki (Mahavidya); 4. Sunanda (Vindhyavasini); 5.Raktadantika; 6. Sakambari; 7. Durga; 8.Bheema; 9.Bhramari,Swayambhu. During the time of Manu, She appeared as Mahishasura Mardhini to destroy Mahishasura and as Yogindra (Mahakali) to destroy asuras called Madhu kytabhu and as Kausiki (Mahavidya) to kill asuras called Shumbha and Nishumbha. She once again killed the same asuras when She appeared as Sunanda, when they took birth again with the same names. She killed some more asuras as Raktadantika, as Her teeth be- came red with the blood of the asuras when She de- stroyed. However, She became a symbol of Kindness and Love and compassion to become Dhanyalakshmi by giving success to the drought- stricken people. Sri Dhanyaragni twam devi Prana tandula sangyakaha In DEVI MAHATMYAM, She describes Herself thus: Tatoham Akhilam lokam Atmadeha samudbhavaih12 13 Bharihyami surah sakhaih Ravrishtaih pranadharakeh Sakhambhariti vikhyatim Tada yasyamyaham bhuvi “I will become known in the world as Sakambari by people’s lives by making the crops and other fruits grown from Me, during the rainy season”. She is also known as Gowridevi, which Personifies the fully ma- ture crops yellow colour, tinged with red. She is born on in Margaseersha Shudha Panchami and this day is known as Sri Panchami, which is celebrated as a fes- tival day. When She killed an asura called Durga, She became ‘Durgamatha’ and again taking birth as ‘Bheema’, She destroyed the asuras who were creat- ing panic in the Himalayas. She destroyed an asura called Arunudi to become ‘Bhramarisakthi’ (meaning She appeared in the form of black bees), She is Sri Saila Bhramaramba. In Kritayuga, She appeared as Anaghadevi, the wife of Sri Dattatreya Swami, who represents the Thrimurthulu. She lived in Kolhapur by killing an asura called Karaveera. She became Sri Mahalakshmi to people who worshipped Her. She took birth in Padmasarovara as Alamelu Manga. She ap- peared as Bhargavi because of Khyati - the wife of Bhrigu Maharshi. Durvasa cursed Her to lose Herself in the sea because She insulted him. However, on Her prayer to condole Her behaviour, he took pity on Her and told Her that She would appear during the churn- ing of the sea (by asuras and suras) and marry Sri Mahavishnu. Thus, She took birth as Samudrakanya, Chandrasahodari and Sagara Putri to live as His Con- sort in Vaikuntham. She gave birth to a son by name Hayudu, when She was in the form of a Mare and Sri Mahavishnu was in incarnation of Hayagreeva swami. She appeared as Sri Vedanarayana as the Royal Con- sort of Sri Mahavishnu during the time of Sri Maha Vishnu’s Mathsyavatara. During the time of His Kurmavatara She appeared as Kurmavati, as Bhumahalakshmi (during His Varahaswami avatara) as Bhumaha Lakshmi (during His Narasimha avatara) and as Sri Sitamahalakshmi (during His Ramavatara) and as Rukmini (during His Krishnavatara). Besides, She appears as Jaganmatha, Gajalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi, Santhanalakshmi, Vidyalakshmi, Adilakshmi and as Vijayalakshmi to fulfil the desires of the devotees. Dear readers! Now let us know the holiest and noblest story of Sri Mahalakshmi as Bhumahalakshmi (as VYUHA LAKSHMI) and as Alamelu manga in Thiruchanur and about the Glory and Magnificence of this shrine Tiruchanur in this book, (The sanctorum of Goddess Padmavathi) SIRI KOLUVU.14 15 CHAPTER-3 THE MIRACLE OF PADMA SAROVARA In the ancient holy land of Bharata Khanda, there were regions, which were famous by the names of kingdoms called Chappannar. They were 56 countries. Once upon a time, it was called Kambojadesam, named after the king Kamboja. But, in course of time, it was forgotten and nobody now remembers their names. It was a land of plentiful of nature’s gifts. With good crops, it was also known for excellence in Arts. There were great warriors and men with valour and women ready to sacrifice their ‘mangalya’ for a heroic cause. With plenty of wealth and splendour each home was joyful. It was as if Goddess Mahalakshmi was living amongst them. Every home was a divine place- Vaikuntham. At one time, it was ruled by a king called Sankhana. His valour was matched by his limitless generosity. With his kind-heartedness, he loved all the citizens of his country. He had one quality, i.e., he was amenable to any kind of advice without thinking of its consequences. As he was kind-hearted, he used to give away anything without thinking, even for a mo- ment, whether the person to whom he was giving de- served it or not. Naturally, because of this quality of misplaced generosity, he lost everything in his pos- session, including his kingdom; nobody cared for him. His sorrowful condition was because of his ill-fated personality. He was left with poverty. He was made to leave his kingdom along with wife. Left in distress, he moved aimlessly like a vagabond. Disgusted with himself, he used to wonder at his own fate and uttered the following words to himself: “I was once an Em- peror, with all the splendor and majesty. Now I am a destitute. The world, for whom I have given so much of my wealth and comforts, is now looking down upon me. We cannot bear with this condition. So, let us end this life”. These words shocked his wife, who was de- voted to him. She wept bitterly and prayed to God in these words: “Oh Lord Srimannarayana, if at all, You exist, spare my husband, protect him”. She also swore by the power of her mangalasutra, like this: “Oh God- dess of the world! Save my husband and my mangalya”. May be, because of their past, noble deeds, they saw some holy men, when they were wandering in their aimless journey. Falling at their feet, they prayed like this, with these touching words. There was a deep feeling in what they uttered: “Oh holy saints! You are our saviours. Only you can save us from our present sorrowful condition”. Then, the holy men in- tuitively learnt about their past glory and present sor- row and uttered these words: “All your sorrows are because of your fate. Nobody can escape the deeds of16 fate. Instead of bemoaning your sorrows, you can re- deem your fate by taking bath in holy places and vis- iting temples and worshiping God. Very soon, you will get your kingdom and all your sorrows will come to an end”. With these words, the holy men went away after blessing them. In such moments as these, affected by fate and feeling sad due to the sorrows of life, the value of meeting noble minds, talking and interacting with them increase our faith in the goodness in this world. The pleasures of this ‘SATWA’ are many; they lighten our hearts and give us new, enlightened thoughts and make us search new pastures of hope and renewal of joy. Visiting holy shrines is also one such activity to clean our minds of evil thoughts and deeds. Thus, the erstwhile king and his wife visited all the holy shrines: In Srirangam, they took a holy dip in Cauvery, and worshipped at the feet of His Ho- liness Shri Ranganathaswami and Jambukeswara. In Madurai, they feasted their eyes by worshiping God- dess Meenakshi and their devotion knew no bounds when they visited the holy temples of Rameswaram. With their minds filled with devotional thoughts, they also visited Kanchi to worship Varadarajaswami and Goddess Kamakshi; after visiting all these holy places, they finally reached the Seven Hills of Lord Venkateswara. They took a holy dip in Swarnamukhi River and performed the rituals by mentioning their 17 “Gothra nama” and worshipped Shri Gnana Prasunamba and Sri Kalahasteeswara. Then, a holy man came near the resting Sankhana and told him the following words: “Oh mighty king! There is a Holy Pond called “Padma Sarovaram”, as it is known for its beautiful Lotus Flowers. This was created on the prayer of Venkateswara. Goddess Mahalakshmi was born in these Thousand-Petalled Lotuses. As those Lotuses are Golden Flowers, they shine in their Re- splendent Brightness. Hence, the Goddess is known as Padmavathi and Alamelu Mangamma to all Her devotees. As this Goddess is known for Her Kindness and Benevolence, She is worshipped by all the Gods like Brahma, Sun, Moon and all the Navagrahas. You must go and take a holy bath in that Holy Pond with a strong will for the restoration of your kingdom. All your past sins will be atoned and your life once again will be happy with a sense of fulfilment”. After listen- ing to the holy words of this wise man, they were over- whelmed with inexplicable joy and decided to take bath. After seeing that Holy Pond, near Sri Kalahasteeswara temple on the northern banks of Swarnamukhi river, they were delighted. It was filled with Lotus Flowers and joyfully humming bees. They enjoyed themselves the pleasure of taking bath in the holy water, which was also a wonderful spectacle of many delightful creatures swimming in those waters.18 19 That pond was surrounded by sweet, fragrant flowers and sweet smelling fruits. It was a wonderful spec- tacle of delightfully chirping birds. It was a soul fill- ing experience, with its quiet, fragrant breeze filling their senses. It was here that Lord Venkateswara spent His days in worshiping and chanting the name of Mahalakshmi for Twelve Years. It was Shukla Panchami in Karthika masa on Friday on Abhijit lagna and Uttarashada star that Sri Mahalakshmi made Her Divine Presence as Alamelu Manga in this Holy Pond. Our past sins will be atoned, if we take a bath in this Holy Pond! Thus, the royal consorts by enjoying nature’s beauty, which gave delight to their eyes and divine bliss, took a holy dip in that pond by invoking the blessings of Almighty God! By pronouncing their Gothra and nama, they prayed to Sri Mahalakshmi with reverence and devotion: Vanda Lakshmeem parasivamayeem sarvabhootantarastham Tejo rupaam kanakavasanaam sarvabhushojwalangeem Beeja puram kanaka kalasam hema padmam Adyaam saktim sakalajananeem vishnuvamanka sanstham (Atharvana vedantargata Sri Lakshmi hridayam) “Oh Mother! You are quintessentially present in all the creatures, Glittering in all brilliance! You are present adorned in Golden Attire and decorated Your- self with invaluable ornaments! You are the very Em- bodiment of Pure Joy and Eternal Beauty! You endow Yourself with the Holiest of mantras called OMKARA and seating Yourself ever so majestically on the left side of Sri Mahavishnu, by having water in the Golden Kalasa and Golden Lotuses in Your Hands, You Bless us, the troubled humanity with Karuna! We pray at Your Holiest Feet! Give us Your darshan to make our lives worthy! Daridrya dukhouga tamopahantri ! Tvat pada padmam mayi sannidhastva Deenarti vichedana hetu bhutaih Kripa katakshai rabhishincha maam sreeh -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana vedam) And You drive away all our sorrows and poverty and sins! Oh Mother! Let us live at Your lotus feet! You shower Your Blessings on all of us the besieged and turn people! Amba ! prasida karuna sudayardra drishtya Maam tat kripadravina gehamimam kurushva Aalokaya pranata hridgata soka hantri ! Tvatpada padmayugalam pranamamyaham sreeh -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana vedam)20 21 And Oh Mother! With Your Kindness of Blessings show us with Your Karuna! We pray at Your Feet for Your Benediction! Suteevra daridrya vidukha hantraih Namostute sarvabhayapa hantrye Sri Vishnu vakshasthala sansthitayai Namo namah sarva vibhuti dayai -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana vedam) And You are the Destroyer of all our sorrows and fears! We salute to You! You are present in Swami’s Bosom to bless us with wealth and plenitude! We prostrate before You! Give us Your darshan to make our lives holy! Agnana timiram hantu Shuddhagnana prakishika Sarvaiswaryaprada mestu Tvatkala mayi sansthita -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana Vedam) And You are the Giver of Enlightenment! Give us even a small ray of that Blissful knowledge! Alakshmeem haratu kshipram Tamah surya prabha yatha Vitanotu mama sreya Stvatkala mayi sansthita -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana vedam) And Drive away the murky darkness in us! Sanction us all wealth and prosperity by removing our poverty! In this manner, the king Sankhana with his royal consort prayed to Sri Mahalakshmi on the banks of this Pond with bhakti and in his trance like prayer to Her Holiness, Alamelu Manga symbolizing Univer- sal Mother appeared in his vision. Then, he sang in great ecstasy the following lines: Jayatu jayatu Lakshmeerlakshanaalankritangi Jayatu jayatu padma padmasadma bhivandya Jayatu jayatu vidya vishnu vamanka sanstha Jayatu jayatu samyak sarva sampatkaree sreeh -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana Vedam) “I praise You, Goddess, who is shining with all the noble qualities and who is praised by no less a person than the Lord, (who is born in the Lotus) and living in Splendid Brightness in the Left Hand posi- tion of Lord Vishnu (who lives in Vaikuntha). All be well with You, the Giver of all wealth. He praised Her also in these words: “You are a Goddess praised and eulogized by all the Gods. You are called Bhadra and22 23 You are the daughter of Goddess Lakshmidevi. You are called Nithya. You are the Eternal Source of Wis- dom and Divine Knowledge. You are also called Sathyadevi, as You are present in all these still and motionless and yet moving objects”. Jayatu jayatu ramya ratna garbhantarastha! Jayatu jayatu sudhaa sudha jambunadabha ! Jayatu jayatu kanta ! kantimatbhasutangi ! Jayatu jayatu santa seeghra magacha samye ! -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana Vedam) As the mighty king lost himself in a trance, fail- ing to describe Her greatness and majesty any further in words, he lost himself in silence. In that trance like condition, he had a vision. In that vision, he had seen a marvellous spectacle. In that spectacle, he heard the words of a holy man like this: “Oh! Mighty and noble king! When you have taken the bath in all the holy rivers and ponds, all your past sins have been atoned! Now you are shining with resplendent brightness, blessed with divine sanction. As you are blessed with the vision of Her Holiness, you are shining like pure, molten gold, without impurities. If you come along with Me, I will take both of you, the royal consorts, to a place of Great Bliss and Divine Presence”. As they followed with obedience and devotion, the footsteps of the holy man, they saw a spectacle of rare beauty. When they asked him, where was he taking them, he replied that they were going to the Divine Shrine called Sri Venkatachalam. It is known in many names: In Krithayuga, it was called Vrishachalam; in Thretayuga, it was called Anjanachalam; in Dwaparayuga, it was known as Seshachalam. It was such a Pious and Holy Mountain that it would remove all our sins. It would drive all our sins like the dark clouds being driven away by sun’s sharp rays. Even the mere touch of these Venkatachala Mountains would remove all our sins. It would also give us wealth, children and health and intelligence and great strength of mind. Like this, it would endow us with whatever we pray for! It is a delightful place with nature in full blossom! Flowers bloom; lakes, ponds and humming bees and flower gardens and green trees and fragrant air - all these nature’s bounties make this Venkatachalam a marvel- ous spectacle of Heaven on earth! With the presence of rare birds, wild animals and great Rishis in their meditation in the caves and Yogis-they are all eternal symbols of God’s presence on earth. Also, the bril- liantly shining precious stones and diamonds make a feast to our eyes. Once upon a time, the most glitter- ing mountain called, Meru, went on a penance to please Lord Brahma. It appealed to Lord Brahma to make it eternal, shining with precious diamonds and perenni- ally rich in all nature’s bounties. From then onwards, it has become the Shining Abode of all that is Great24 and Bountiful. It is also known as Sri Venkatachala Kshetra, where all the Rishis and Gods are in pen- ance. Also, all good people and noble souls are in pen- ance. They worship all the natural forces for the wel- fare of humanity and the universe at large. It was on this place that noble Rishis like Suka, and Lord Brahma and others were chanting the Vedas as all the Hills are reverberating with the Vedic incantations. Some great men and yogis are dancing in joy along with the pea- cocks and serving at the Feet of Lord Venkateswara. The cuckoos and parrots are chanting the Puranas. This beautiful mountain is shining even more brightly with the spiritual power of these Rishis. There is also a Holy Pond called Swami Pushkarini. It was brought to this world by the Garutmanta as ordained by Lord Mahavishnu. There are many other ponds and water falls and sacred places where people take their bath. They are known as pushkarinis. As there are many such pushkarinis, that Hill is known as Pushkaradri. The small rivulets and tanks, filled with Holy water, to their brim, not only purify the past sins of the devo- tees but also cure their illnesses. Hence, this place is known for its beneficial qualities of further enriching all the joys and happiness of the devotees. Lord Vishnu made this mountain His Abode along with His Con- sorts, Sri Mahalakshmi and Bhummhalakshmi for the sake of His devotees, on the prayer of other Gods and 25 Sage Narada, and all the Rishis. Since then, He has been present on this Holy Hill along with His Consort Sri Mahalakshmi and become the only God in the Kaliyuga. Emi valasina chichu neppudainanu Emaraku kolichina nitade daivamu He is the God sanctioning all our desires and ful- filling our hopes. Also, Sri Mahalakshmi, with Her Kind Heart and Benevolent Self prays to Lord Srinivas to fulfil all our prayers. She also enthuses the Lord to grant our desires. She is seated on a Lotus in a rect- angle and is known as VYUHALAKSHMI, as She is eternally present in Her Lord’s bosom. As She appears hidden in the bosom, we can also see Her in the form of SWATANTRA VEERALAKSHMI on the banks of Swarnamukhi river in Sukapura. She is present as ARCHAMURTHI, the deity worshipped in temples. “Oh mighty king, Sankhana! As you have taken Holy bath in the Lotus Pond and worshipped Alamelu Mangamma as Veera Lakshmi all your past sins have been atoned. One can worship Swatantra Veera Lakshmi as all the devotees can worship Her at all times. But, they cannot worship “VYUHA LAKSHMI” as She is present in Lord Venkateswara’s Bosom. She listens to the devotees’ prayers first and then prays to Lord Venkateswara for their fulfilment. She is present as “VYUHA LAKSHMI” in Swami’s Bosom. Her26 27 mind is ennobling. Her Kindness is Eternal. She al- ways gives Her grace to all Her devotees at all times. Kataksha ihakamadhuk, tava manastu chintamanih Karah surataruh sada navanidhi stvamivendire Bhavettava dayaraso mama rasayanam chanvaham Mukham tana kalanidhi rvividha vanchitartha pradam -Sri Lakshmi Hridayam (Atharvana Vedam) She is called VYUHALAKSHMI. She is our Kamadhenu and Chintamani granting all our prayers. Her ‘Two Hands’ are the Kalpavriksha. Her DIVYASWARUPA - i.e., Her Divine Presence is a symbol of Infinite Wealth. We are overwhelmed by Her intimate Kindness, as Her Divine Beauty inspires many possessed artist! Even by our mere looking at Her Most Gracious Face removes all our sins; all the enlightened souls worship VYUHALAKSHMI with their devout prayers, poems and songs. Gunaistata prasavitruvaraneeya gunorjata Prakasamatimartischa dhyeya buddhi prachodika Durannad durga hatyacha paatukadupa patakat Swagayakatrana daksha Gayatreiyudita Ramaa -Sri Venkatachala Maahaatmyam (Adityapuranam) She is Ubiquitous in Her Presence, with Her Wis- dom of the Holiest of Gods, Gayathri; She is the Cre- ator of the all that is Changing and Eternal. She is the source of Gnana-and is worshipped by the noble men. She inspires good thoughts and deeds in us! She Saves us from our unintended evil deeds. If we worship Her and Swami by Gayathri Mantra, we will be blessed with the fulfilment of all our desires by the Gracious Kindness of Sri Lakshmi Venkata Ramana Swami. Sri Vatsa vakshasam srisam srilolam srikaragraham Sri mantam srinidhim sri dhyam srinivasam bhajenisam Swami wears Sri Mahalakshmi as Srivatsam in His bosom. Swami, Lakshmipathi looks after Her with Infinite Love- He, the source of All Forms of Knowl- edge and Wealth! They spend all Their time in redeem- ing the suffering humanity. They are worshipped by the devotees in the Holiest of Shrines called Venkatachalam. In these Holy Mountains, there are Seven Hills called - Seshadri, Garudadri, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhadri, Vrishadri and Anjanadri. Hence, this Shrine is called SAPTHAGIRI. Lord Srinivasa in- vokes His Divine Blessings, as the Protector of all His devotees. While saying these words, the noble man28 29 accompanied the king and his royal consort to Swami Pushkarini and explained the significance of the Holy Pond in these words: Swami pushkarini snanam sadguroh padasevanam Ekadasi vratam chapi traya matyanta durlabham Durlabham manusham janma, durlabham tatra jeevanam Swami pushkarini snanam traya matyanta durlabham “Performing the holy ritual on Ekadasi, doing ser- vice to noble souls and taking holy bath in this Swami Pushkarini - are truly fortunate events in any body’s lives. You are blessed with all these three events. To- day is Ekadasi. You can accept Me as your path- finder. After performing your Sankalpa, you can take a holy dip in this Pushkarini. Taking Me as your instructor and path-finder, now you can visit the temple of Lord Srinivasa”. After they took a bath in Pushkarini, He took them to the temple of Advaraha swami and after asking them to next visit the temple of the Lord, who was possessing Alamelu Manga as VYUHALAKSHMI in His bosom, the noble man dis- appeared. Spell bound with these miracles and won- ders of Nature, the royal consorts, attended the temples of Lord Srinivasa. They were wondering whether it was a dream or mere illusion, as they continued their journey to Sapthagiri Hills. After paying respects to the Lotus Pond, they climbed Mountains with deep devotion and were enamoured by Nature’s beauties. They spent all their time in praying Lord Srinivasa. King Sankhana’s mind and thoughts were filled with devotion to Him. He was chanting the names of ‘Srinivasa’ and ‘Govinda’. With deep love, he uttered these words; “Oh God! give me Your darshan! I have no hunger or thirst, as I am praying to You. All my thoughts and feelings and mind are filled only with You. Oh! Goddess, Alamelu Mangamma! on our be- half ask Your Lord to show His Benediction and Infi- nite Kindness to us!” Praying like this, they spent six months in great joy and with a sense of fulfilment. One day he was praying like this with folded hands; Sri Venkatesam ! Lakshmisam ! anishtaghna mabheeshtadam Chaturmakhera tanayam srinivasambhajenisam “Oh Lord Venkateswara! You are the Lord of All Mountains! You are our Benefactor! You are the Source of all that is Beautiful and Eternal. We always pray to you!” As they were praying in this manner, an appearance was shining in a glittering manner.30 31 Tataswami saro madhyadu datishthanmahadbhutam Aneka surya sankasam subhayacha dishodasha Divyam vimanam tatraiva tasthau devah sriyahpatih Sankha chakra gadapanih sri bhumi sahitah parah It came out of the Holy Pushkarini. It was like a Resplendent White Mighty Cloud. It was marvellous to see such a spectacle! It was also bedecked with many rare and precious stones. It was the Abode of Lord Srimannarayana. In it, they saw Srimannarayana along with Bhu-Neeladevi in Their Splendid Appearance. They were decorated with many jewels of scintillat- ing beauty, and fragrant flowers. As they made Their Appearance, all the Gods showered flowers, chanting their Names. The royal consorts saw the divine spec- tacle as they were fortunate. Lord Srinivasa blessed the royal couple in the following words; “Oh mighty king! I have appeared before you to tell you that all your past sins have been atoned. You have visited Me and Sri Mahalakshmi who is in My Bosom. Now you are pure. You are shining like molten gold. You will get your kingdom back soon. You will enjoy all your past comforts, pomp and glory”. After that, Sankhana regained his kingdom by defeating all his enemies and attained Moksha after leading a happy life. He achieved Kaivalya (Supreme end). By reading this story, we come to know that, by making a trip to Tirumala to seek the Blessings of Lord Srinivasa, all our sins and sorrows would disappear. This should enthuse all the devotees to pray to Him for His Bless- ings. Earlier, Tiruchanur was known as Adivarahakshetramu. Now we should know about this Adivarahakshetramu. It was created as Adivarahakshetramu, long before it came to be known as Sri Venkatachala Kshetram. It was called Adivarahakshetram as Sri Mahavishnu Appeared as White Pig in One of His “Avataras”. Since Bhudevi sat on His left thigh it came to be known as Bhuvaraha Kshetramu. There are Two Goddesses besides Him in Vaikuntham. They are, Sri Mahalakshmi and Bhu Mahalakshmi. The two Goddesses, namely Sri Mahalakshmi and Bhu Mahalakshmi were responsible for the incarnation of Padmavathi. Vedavati in kaliyuga appeared with the spirit of Bhudevi of Tretayuga and with the spirit of Sri Mahalakshmi She appeared as Padmavathi in the Golden Lotus Pond. In any case, in one word, whether it is Sri Varahakshetra or Venkatachala or Sri Padmasarovara-all these are the incarnations of Bhu Mahalakshmi and Sri Mahalaskshmi. These are not fortuitous events: without the de- termination of Bhu Mahalakshmi, the incarnation of Varaha Swami - would not have been there; had Sri32 33 Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntha, there would not have been the incarnation of Sri Venkateswara nor the ex- istence of Holy Venkatachala Kshetra. In a similar way, neither Kolhapur nor Tiruchanur would have existed. Thus, the Two Wives of Srimannarayana were the Divinely Given incarnations. Whether, we call Them Harikoluvu or Venkatachala or Sirikoluvu (which be- came Tiruchanur) - These Shrines are Blessed Shrines for human liberation (moksha). Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Govinda ! Govinda !! Govinda !!! CHAPTER-4 PARANDHAMA IN SRI VAIKUNTHA It is known as Sri Vaikuntha. There, Sri Mahalakshmi is resting on the thousand-headed Adiseshu. Sri Mahavishnu is resting in the Milky Sea, where waves are tossing. Adiseshu has a forked tongue, from which poisonous flames emerge. The eye balls of him are frightening. In any case, Sri Mahavishnu is resting peacefully there. He is resting in quiet composure, leaning on His Right Hand; Srilakshmi and Bhulakshmi are pressing His Tender Feet, with great care and love, while, He is in great comfort. Even as He appears looking outwards, He looks inward, indicating that “He is present Every where”. He looks after the mutable and immutable things. Nothing Hinders Him from His vision. He ap- pears to be disinterested but He knows all and sees all. All the devotees look at Him with great devotion and become spellbound. His Brightness and Radiance are Glittering! They are insatiated by His Beauty. Their eyes are dazzled by the radiance of His Beauty, as they crave for looking at His Beauty. Everybody wonders at the reason for His Radiance. They think that it is due to the magnificent presence of Sri Mahalakshmi and Bhulakshmi. All the devotees are spellbound look- ing at His Beautiful Face of Transcendental Beauty. On one side, He is surrounded by Rishis and Yogis and Gods. Not only Gods, there are yakshas, gandharvas and kinneras and kimpurushas. They are also praying to Him in devotion. On the other side, Narada, the Devarshi is playing with delight veena to praise His Qualities. They are all in a joyful mood. All the devotees are hoping that their song is heard by Him. Everybody imagines that Sri Hari is listening to his song or answering his prayers or blessing him with His Benign Kindness. Swami is listening to every one’s prayer and making everybody happy with His Divine Presence. However, His imagination and thinking is concentrated on the Lotus Flower, emanating from His navel. On that Lotus, Lord Brahma is present. As He34 symbolizes all that is eternal, all the creation is present in His Mind. Sri Vishnu saw Lord Brahma, who spoke thus in humility and obedience: “Oh Our Lord and Father! We are ready to follow Your command!” and saying this, he Kneeled before Lord Vishnu, who spoke thus: “Oh my dear sir! I am granting the strength and ca- pacity to You to create all this world and nature. You have to carry out this duty with devotion as a holy purpose, without being lax and I will protect all the creation You have thus carried out”. Having spoken thus to Lord Brahma He addressed all the others, stand- ing before Him: “All those standing before Me, yaksha, gandharva and kinnera and kimpurusha and all the Rishis of great penance- all of you should carry out your appointed duties with devotion and dignity. All of you must feel that every duty is a Holy duty and you are the protectors of Dharma. In your rule, all the people must live in peace and comfort. Narada is also playing the veena, called “Mahati” and looking at Lord. Vishnu continued with His journey in all the Three Worlds (THRI LOKAS). In this manner, while Brahma was continuing with this creation, the timeless eternity continued uninter- ruptedly. Time is eternal and endless. It never stops for anybody. It is God’s incarnation. Brahma created a wonderful spectacle of Nature. There was Nature’s 35 plentitude with wonderful flowers and fruits and birds singing melodious songs. Brahma also created Man with Gnana and with this gnana he developed BHAKTI to attain MOKSHA; even the Gods are jeal- ous of human beings. Lord Brahma created the hu- man world with great care and rare interest. Many Rishis and devoted yogis were doing penance for the welfare of humanity. Like that, the creation of Brhama continued ceaselessly for many years. However, in this quiet, peaceful world, the Rishis had vision of disso- nance and unquiet and many inglorious scenes. There were many sorrows, famines and earth quakes and deluge and fearful diseases which struck the world. In addition to that, there was the fear of asuras: that is bad people. All the humanity was struck with fear and utter helplessness. Then all the Rishis went to Brahma to seek his help and benevolence to redeem humanity from those sufferings. They were thinking how to pro- tect humanity from all those dangers and make them realize MOKSHA. Brahma, realizing the grim situa- tion, took them to Lord Siva, who told them that Lord Vishnu could redeem the suffering humanity. He took them to Lord Vishnu. They prayed to Him like this: “Oh great Lord! all the Gods and Rishis are praying to You, only You are capable of helping the human- ity”. To this, Vishnu in His quiet, dignified manner assured all the Rishis and Gods with these words: “You have visited Me and sought My blessings. Now, you36 37 need not worry. I will remove all the evils and fears in the world. In future, all the weak people and sick people cannot have moksha. They cannot go to heaven. There will be many horrors and difficulties. The only answer is that I should make an Avatara in the world. I must be present in the world till the end of Kaliyuga. For this, Sri Mahalakshmi and Bhu Mahalakshmi have to play a very important role. In the past also, they played a pivotal role for Loka Kalyana. In any case, without them, My presence in Kaliyuga will become futile. As always, in All My Incarnations, in this Avatara also, Srilakshmi and Bhulakshmi will play a prominent role. Their role is of great significance. The great sage of Gods Narada also will be of help in this Loka Kalyana. CHAPTER-5 VISIT OF FOUR GREAT RISHIS TO SREE VAIKUNTHA In the past, there were four famous Rishis called Sanakasa, Nandana, Sanatkumara and Sanatsujathulu. As they were born with the will and desire of Lord Brahma, they were blessed with great spiritual wis- dom. They were thus known as the Brahma- manasaputra implying that they were born with the divine wisdom and closest to the heart of Lord Brahma. Though they were of the size of a thumb, they could go anywhere at all times with their infinite spiritual wisdom. As they were moving to all the places, send- ing their rays of wisdom, they entered Vaikuntha to seek the Blessings of Sri Vishnu, who is the Lord of All. Then an unfortunate event took place. As they were reaching Vaikuntha, they were stopped at the entrance by Jaya and Vijaya. They told those four wise men that His Lordship Sri Mahavishnu was in Ekantha and nobody was allowed to go inside. Now, we must realize that, in some moments, even the most peaceful souls also would get perturbed even for trivial things and behave in an angry manner! Same thing happened here also. On being told that they would not be allowed into Vaikuntha, the four ‘Rishis’ cursed the helpless servants of Sri Vishnu, called Jaya and Vijaya, who were amazed and struck with great fear. As it created some panic, Sri Mahavishnu rushed out of His Ekantha and understood the seriousness, of the problem. However, He appeared calm and quiet. For, He is above all these disturbances! He gave Darshan to the four ‘Rishis’ to their heart’s content. Struck with fear and filled with despair, Jaya and Vijaya prayed to Him for His Benediction to come out of the curse, pronounced by the four ‘Rishis’. How- ever, knowing as He does, all the causes for all ac- tions, only advised them to be born as Rakshasas in their next three births, and worship Him with hatred38 39 and enemity. Thus, another Avatara of His took place. All the Gods were happy. Sage Narada proclaimed thus: “a new Avatara of Him will take place.” After that incident, solemn quietness ruled Vaikuntha as ever! CHAPTER-6 COMING OF BHULAKSHMI ON TO THE EARTH Sri Mahavishnu was in a mood of contemplation, thinking about that event. Bhu Mahalakshmi and Sri Mahalakshmi asked Him like this: “Oh Our Lord! Tell us what You are thinking”. Then He told about the incident, in which Jaya and Vijaya were cursed by the four ‘Rishis’. First He told Bhu Mahalakshmi like this: “Bhudevi! These are My words. Follow them. You must enter Earth as a symbol of plentitude of wealth, joy and pleasure for everybody. All the parts of The Earth will be resplendent with brightness and every moment of it will be filled with spiritual wisdom. Your spiritual presence and divine beauty encompasses the whole world, you will be known as Sri Bhu Mahalakshmi. By Your presence, a Holy Shrine will be established through which all the people will seek redemption (MOKSHA). Hence, I advise You to im- mediately go there. You will become responsible for My “Avatara”. To these words of Her Lord, Sri Bhu Mahalakshmi spoke like this: “Oh Lord! Whatever You pronounce, I shall oblige. Your Utterance to us is as Holy as the Vedas”. Then, Sri Mahalakshmi wondered, what She should do. To this, Sri Mahavishnu consoled Her with these words: “As Sri Bhulakshmi is becom- ing responsible for Loka Kalyana,You will also ap- pear in Another incarnation to Me. Believe Me, that will not be incarnation, but We will Appear as We are in Two different places on Earth and offer Our ‘Darshan’ to Our devotees. You have to wait as the time has not come for it”. CHAPTER-7 BHU MAHALAKSHMI-ADI VARAHASWAMI As promised by Lord Vishnu, He appeared in the incarnation of Adivaraha swami. For that, as pro- claimed by Him, Bhulakshmi appeared first in the Adi Varaha Kshetra. The story is like this: As Time passed in eons, Lord Brahma continued ceaselessly this cre- ation, in all its splendor and magnificence. However, after performing the act of creation uninterruptedly, He felt a bit tired and naped into sleep. Then, all his creation came to a sudden halt, resulting in chaos. The Sun and Moon lost their directions. There was deluge as all the Universe was filled with endless rain. Sanaka and Sananda (who were cursed to lead the lives of ASURAS), were destroying the Universe in the guise40 of Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipa. They were caus- ing a lot of misery to the ‘Rishis’ by destroying their holy places of Yagna and Tapa. In the temples, they obstructed people from performing their worship. Hiranyaksha making the whole Universe into a ball was playing with it. He created great havoc in nature and all humanity was terminated by his evil deeds. Bhudevi was anguished by his evil deeds and prayed to Sri Mahalakshmi with folded hands to save the tor- mented humanity, who prayed to Him. As His creation was suffering, Brahma woke up to realize the suffer- ing in the world. He too, prayed to Sri Mahavishnu to redeem the suffering humanity. Then, Sri Mahavishnu, who is known for His infinite Kindness to His ‘bhaktas’ felt the deep pangs of suffering and became angry to take the form of the fearful Avatara called Swetha Varaha. How does this Avatara look like? It has very sharp and curved, White teeth. It makes a thunderous roar, shaking all the Universe. It has the form of an Giant sized animal. With this form Sri Mahavishnu, Shining in Resplendent whiteness of Varahavatara, en- tered here through the torrential floods. As He was rescuing the Universe by the use of His Teeth, Hiranyaksha stopped Him. After fighting a fearful battle with him, Sri Mahavishnu in Varahavatara de- stroyed him. He also retrieved him by the forces of His Teeth and saved the humanity. Gods praised His 41 Heroic deeds. They eulogized Him in many words and in many ways. Even as the yakshas and kimpurushas sang His praise, His anger did not become lessened. As the whole Universe was spinning on His Teeth, Bhudevi was deeply moved by that touch, and She prayed to Him in these words: “Oh! Lord Varahadeva! You have saved all of us from the treachery of Hiranyaksha, all of us are happy for this! His torture destroyed Me for a number of years. I suffered much anguish in his hands. I am happy now to see You. You are now in the incarnation of Varaha! You are Appear- ing in this beautiful form as Varaharupa. I am greatly delighted by Your Appearance! Hence, I pray to You to accept Me as Your Consort”. To these words, Sri Adivaraha replied in All Kindness and Benevolence, thus: “I want to tell you, Oh Goddess Bhulakshmi! I took up this form only to save You from the clutches of Hiranyaksha. I also created Loka Kalyana! I have taken up this form only for Your sake. Now I will ac- cept You as My Consort. I will stay here along with You on this Earth and become known to everybody as Bhuvarahaswami and this Holy Shrine would be known as Bhuvarahakshetra, Adivarahakshetra and Swethavarahakshetra. Also, this kshetra will become important for Another Avatara of Mine!” Sri Mahavishnu turned towards Garutmanta, who was standing before Him in obedience and told him like42 this: Oh ! Mighty king of the world! You have been devotedly serving in All My Avataras! In This Avatara, I have saved Bhulakshmi as This Avatara is meant for Her only. As I wish to stay here along with Her. I want you to go to Vaikuntham immediately and tell Sri Mahalakshmi about My Desire and bring Her here”. After this, Garutmanta, the mighty bird, known for his prowess, narrated all these events to Sri Mahalakshmi. After listening to the words of Sri Mahavishnu, through Garutmanta, Sri Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntham, after leaving behind Her Original Spirit. She, thus, reached the Earth. Garutmanta es- tablished the Mountain on which he brought Sri Mahalakshmi on to the Holy Place on the northern side of the bank of Swarnamukhi river, as desired by Sri Mahavishnu. Then, Sri Mahavishnu sat on the Splendid White Teeth, along with Bhu Mahalakshmi. All the Gods, yakshas and kinneras, Rishis and yogis came there. All of them eulogized the Splendid Beauty of Sri Mahavishnu on whose Teeth the Earth was shin- ing all too brilliantly. They all sang in praise of Him in these words for destroying Hiranyaksha and rescu- ing Bhudevi- “Oh Swethavarahaswami! Thousand salutations to You! Hari! Your noble deeds are mar- velous! Your deeds in destroying Hiranyaksha deserve all praise! Your Appearance in Swethavaraha is, in- deed, Beautiful. You have destroyed Hiranyaksha! So, 43 what is the need for Your Appearance as Swethavaraha any longer! We pray You to give up that Form. For, in This Form, You Appear frightening! All the Gods, Rishis and Munis are afraid of seeing You! Oh Sri Hari! now You can have peace in Your mind! You can Appear Beautiful and Peaceful in Your Original Form”. Then they also prayed to Sri Bhu Mahalakshmi, who was present on the Shining Teeth like this: “Oh Mother of all of us! Only because of Your Kindness Sri Mahavishnu has taken up This Avatara! This is an Unique Avatara. Oh Vasundhara! You are the Embodi- ment of All Wealth. You and Sri Mahalakshmi are in- separable! You may look different physically but You are the one and the same in mind and spirit. Oh Hiranmayee! Bless us with Your Kindness. The Earth is full of treasures and crops. “Oh Mother of the world! Grant us the pleasure of seeing You! We are very happy to see You along with Srihari in His Avatara as Adivaraha!” Ratnagarbha sthithe Lakshmi Paripurna hiranmayi Samagacha samagacha sthitva supurato mama Filled with happiness, with the words of all the Rishis and Gods, Sri Mahalakshmi spoke to them like this:” Oh Gods! I have Appeared in This Avatara to destroy Hiranyaksha. Bhulakshmi is responsible for This Avatara! I will stay here along with Sri44 Bhulakshmi to give Darshan to you all! I agree to give Darshan to you as Sri Bhuvarahaswami and Sri Adivarahaswami and Sri Swethavarahaswami. From now onwards, This Shrine will be known as Bhuvarahakshetram, Adivarahakshetram, Swethavarahakshetram”. With these words, Varahaswami Appeared in a Pleasant Form, without the anger. Sri Bhu Mahalakshmi, who was present on the Teeth of Sri Varahaswami also became Kind and Appeared in Her Benign Mood. She sat on the left thigh of Sri Vishnu by giving Her Blessings to all Her devotees. All the Gods showered fragrant flowers and played soulful music on seeing that marvellous sight. All the devotees sang melodiously of the Greatness and Bliss of Sri Vishnu and Bhu Mahalakshmi, Who showered Their Blessings on them. All the devotees left for their places after getting their desires fulfilled. Then, Sri Vishnu spoke thus to Sri Mahalakshmi, whom Garutmanta brought from Vaikuntham: “Sri Mahalakshmi, as You have also come Here, We are happy. Initially, I thought that You would show dis- gust by looking at My Form as Adivaraha. Therefore, I did not invite You to come Here”. To these words, Sri Mahalakshmi replied thus: “Oh Lord! I am with You in whatever form You are and wherever You are. I cannot be separated from You even for a moment. Therefore, I have joyfully come Here to be with You to work for Loka Kalyana. Hence, I request You to 45 accept Me along with Sri Bhulakshmi”. Sri Vishnu, who knows everything, assured Her in these words: “Oh My Dear Consort! Adilakshmi, I will stay Here for some more time on This Earth. So, You can also stay along with Me”, and embraced Her to make Her live in His Bosom as “VYUHALAKSHMI”. From then onwards, Sri Bhulakshmi was present on His left thigh; and He used to give His Darshan to His devotees in His Magnificent Form. Thus, Sri Adivarahakshetram came into existence due to Sri Bhulakshmi. Like that, many eons have gone by. Thus, Sri Venkateswaraswami Appeared in Varahakshetram as it was the place where Sri Mahalakshmi came from Vaikuntham to live there. Now, we should know the pious story of how Sri Venkateswaraswami Appeared in Sri Varahakshetram. CHAPTER-8 MAHALAKSHMI IN SRI VAIKUNTHAM It was a marvelous day of great joy and felicity. Sri Lakshminarayana and His Consort were indulg- ing Themselves in a Playful Mood. As They were thus regaling Themselves in Great Delight, there was a ter- rible noise, indicating destruction. As Sri Mahalakshmi became frightened of it, She asked Him “what were those cries of despair born of deep sorrow and agony?” She was frightened by those voices. However, He, ever46 quiet and knowledgeable, told Her that they were the voices of the despairing and despondent souls. We hear their despairing voices even in Vaikuntham. They rep- resent the coming days of disorder and utter chaos in the Kaliyuga. When His Consort wanted to know the answer to those problems, He replied thus: “There is only one answer, We should take a New Avatara in Kaliyuga. We should Appear as We are in Vaikuntham”. To these words, She immediately agreed to follow Him wherever He goes, in Obedience and out of Love to Him. However, He advised Her to first visit the Earth and He would follow Her. As She was surprised, He explained to Her that in Kaliyuga, there are many people with sin and evil in their minds. There- fore, They should see that the real devotees are not affected by these evil-minded people. He also told Her that She has a very important function to perform for the Loka Kalyana. By Her Divine Acts, Kaliyuga will become Holy and Happy, like Vaikuntham. Thus, He asked Her to leave for the Earth. She immediately started off on that journey. She had a doubt, that is born out of Her abiding love for Sri Vishnu. She told Him in despair that as She could not live separated from Him for long. He should come to the Earth to live with Her. However, He consoled Her by remind- ing Her of Her responsibility. He told Her that for Loka Kalyana, They should be separated. Without Her, He 47 would be incomplete. Thus, as He made Her to get ready and as They were talking to Each Other, They were disturbed by the arrival of Bhrigu Maharshi, who was in an angry mood. CHAPTER-9 ADILAKSHMI IN A MOOD OF HUFF This is the story of how Sri Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntham in a huff. Bhrigu Maharshi reached Vaikuntham after testing Brahma in His Satyaloka and Shiva in Kailasa. As he was already filled with de- spair and sadness, he faced disappointment in Vaikuntham. He dashed into the sacred place where Sri Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi were in a state of Happi- ness. At that time, Adiseshu in his ‘Ksheera Samudra’ (Sea of Milk) was protecting Sri Vishnu like an um- brella, and making his body as the comfortable place for Sri Lakshmi serving Him in Great Joy. It was a Beautiful Sight beyond words. Sri Mahavishnu was lying in a Blissfully Happy Mood. Sri Mahalakshmi was leaning Her Head against His Chest. It was a won- derful sight to see how Sri Mahavishnu and Sri Lakshmi were in a Happy State. It was as if They were exchanging Pleasantaries through their eyes. It was a Marvelous moment of Divine Joy, when Bhrigu Maharshi barged into Their privacy though chanting48 the Divine Names of Sri Lakshminadha and Sri Mahalakshmi. They appeared to be inattentive to his chantings. Sri Adivishnu brought Her even closer to Him. But, Bhrigu Maharshi was in an angry mood hav- ing been displeased in Satyaloka of Brahma and Kailasa of Shiva. As he felt that the same kind of dis- regard was shown to him, he became restive and lost his discretion and in a fit of terrible anger, tried to hit on Swami’s Chest with his foot. It was a terrible event. Sri Mahalakshmi was shocked beyond words. She ran helter skelter as Bhrigu’s foot touched Swami’s Chest forcefully. As He was nonplussed by that incident, He saluted Bhrigu Maharshi respectfully and told him that it was His mistake to have not seen and to have not received him properly. He made him sit comfortably on the Adiseshu and did a very good thing! While ap- pearing to press His feet howsoever gently, He crushed the “eye” Which was representing Bhrigu’s ego. This made Bhrigu confess his bad behaviour and prayed to Him to exonerate him. Thus, He left Vaikuntham after chanting His name many a times. Sri Mahalakshmi was surprised. She thought that Sri Vishnu, instead of punishing him, was doing service to him. She thought that he touched the Holy Place in His bosom where She dwells. She became angry and both Sri Vishnu and Mahalakshmi became unhappy with that incident. 49 CHAPTER -10 SIRULA THALLI’S ARRIVAL ON TO THE EARTH After thus feeling hurt, She left the Heavenly Place of Vaikuntham and Sri Vishnu Too and reached the Ashram of Kapilamuni, in Pathala. As a result of this sorrowful event, Sri Mahalakshmi was leading a lonely life, in a secluded manner. Without Sri Mahalakshmi, Vaikuntham became a lifeless place without joy. His mind was filled with despair and loneliness. As there is a feeling of dejection, He went in search of Her. He started His journey with great determination. He cried in great agony and despair. He went on searching, though in vain. He thought that it was futile to return to Vaikuntham without Her. After going to many places He finally reached Venkatachalam, which is known as Bhuvarahakshetra. When Sri Mahalakshmi reached Kapilamuni’s Ashram She was received with Bhakti. Kapilamahamuni gave Her solace after listening to Her Hurt Feelings. He advised Her to stay there as long as She intended. She could spend Her life there in Pen- ance and Prayer. Thus, Sri Mahalakshmi spent Her time in quiet Meditation and Penance, without draw- ing anybody’s attention. Agasthya and other Rishis went to Kapila’s Ashram in the underworld (pathalaloka) and prayed to Sri Mahalakshmi in these words: “Oh Mother of the World! We pray to You to50 make Your Presence in Karavirapuram, which is also famously known as Shivalaya, Padmavathipuram and Dakshinakasi and shower Your Blessings on Your- devotees. This Kshetra has Greater Value than Kasi. For in this Place, not only do we get Moksha but our desires also get fulfilled. Here, along with Lord Shiva, other Gods are also present. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu told that there, in Karavirapuram, has more significance than Kasi. Not only this, in the Yagna performed by Daksha, the eyes of Sathidevi have fallen on This Holy Place”. Accepting their prayers, Sri Mahalakshmi appeared only in some forms of ARCHA RUPAM in Karivirapuram. In the ancient days, Lord Brahma created three children in His image, but unfortunately, all of them turned out to be asuras, known as Gayudu, Lavanudu and Kolanudu, and of these, Lord Vishnu destroyed Gayasura and Lavanasura. Only Kolanudu remained. Kolanudu means, a person who kills pigs; he devel- oped enemity towards Lord Vishnu and other Gods. As he did not find any means of showing his enemity towards Gods, he decided to show it for the Gods through the means of Penance. Thus, he went on pen- ance by handing the reins of power of Padmavathapuram to his sons and after a few days, an asura by name sukesi destroyed kolanudu’s hun- dred children and occupied their kingdom. Sukesi be- 51 came a remorseless king destroying all civilized and moral practices causing great suffering to all the Gods. Then, Gods approached Kolanudu and prayed to him to rescue them. Kolanadu, accordingly, killed Sukesi and got back his kingdom; but his enemity against the Gods did not mitigate. Thereafter, he declared war against the Gods, whom he could not defeat. He did not understand why he was failing in his war against the Gods. Finally, he realized that it was because of the Grace of Sri Mahalakshmi (who came from Vaikuntham) for the Gods that hence, he is unable to destroy them. After thinking deeply, he decided that he should somehow see that the Gods were not pro- tected by Mahalakshmi. For that, he decided that pen- ance was the only way out. Leaving his kingdom in the care and custody of his son, Karavira (along with the support of his three sons), he went on Penance to win the Grace of Sri Mahalakshmi, who, pleased with his Penance, granted him a Boon. He prayed to Her like this: “Oh Jaganmatha, Goddess of the world! I pray to You to leave this Padmavatapuram and go somewhere else! I request You not to enter this king- dom once again”. Accepting his prayers, She left Kolhasura’s kingdom. He had four sons (who were given to him by the Grace of Lord Brahma), called Karavira, Visalasura, Kalandhaka and Lajjasura. He went on penance by keeping the kingdom in the hands52 of Karavira, being forced by his wife Kadamba. His remaining three sons would help Karavira. Unfortu- nately, Karavira was more cruel than Sukesi. He tor- mented Gods and Rishis and destroyed all the human beings. As a result, man’s faith in Gods was lost. Lord Siva waged a war against Karavira and his three broth- ers. Karavira, however, before his death, prayed to Lord Siva to name his kingdom as Karavirapuram, to which Siva agreed. From then onwards, the kingdom was known as Karavirapuram. Becoming angry with the Gods for killing his sons, kolhasura set out to de- stroy all of Them. When They prayed to Sri Mahalakshmi to kill him, She told Them that he would be invisible for hundred years. From then onwards, Kolhasura went on perpetuating his cruel deeds and after the completion of hundred years, Sri Maha Lakhmi, Katyayani, Thryambuli, Kedareswar and other Gods attacked Karavirapuram and finally in that war, Kolhasura realized that his death was nearing and thus prayed Lakshmidevi, in these words: “Oh Mother of the world! (Jagajjanani), I pray to You to name this kshetra as Kolhapura; not only this, I pray to You to Stay Here and Grant the Desires of the devotees”. Thus, from then onwards, Kolhapur became popular as a Sadhana Kshetra (Field of accomplishment) and Siddha Kshetra (Field of attained). All the Gods chanted the name of Sri Mahalakshmi. Viswakarma 53 built a Beautiful Temple, with Wonderful Sculpture for the sake of Sri Mahalakshmi. In this Temple, there are sixteen compounds, made up of iron, brass, cop- per, silver and gold. In the centre of this temple, he built Chintamani griha, which is impregnated with nine precious diamonds (nava rathnalu). Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi Benevolent and Gracious, discarding Her earlier posture of ferocity. She was Glittering in Her Grace, and made Holier by chanting the Vedic Mantras. She was Present in Chintamanigriha, being seated as Simha Vahini(name of a raga in Karnataka music). All the Gods lived there with devotion and established Holy shrines by their names. Sri Mahalakshmi- is Present there with Four Hands, as She destroyed the ferocious Kolhasura with Her Sev- enteen Hands. She has Gada (Mace) and Dhalu (shield) in Her Two Hands and Mathangaphala and panapatra in Her Lower Two Hands. We find Her sitting on Simha Vahana (Lion’s Abode) and present as Sthanakamurthy (Image of a God presiding over a place, that is a local deity). She is sitting facing westwards, shining in Her Grace and Brightness. In the meanwhile, Sri Mahavishnu after being Deserted by His Consort, Sri Mahalakshmi, underwent many difficulties. Suffering from Thirst and Hunger, He went round in Desperation and Finally reached a Tamarind Tree near the Pushkarini in Venkatachala54 Kshetra. He took Shelter in a Hole in the Trunk of that tree. What a pity? Even the Lord Felt Desolated in the Absence of His Consort. Lord Brahma and Siva went and told Sri Mahalakshmi of the Sorrowful Condition of Sri Mahvishnu. However, She did not Relent. But, out of Pity to Him, She agreed to Remove His Hunger and Thirst by becoming Gopalika. While Brahma be- came the Cow, Siva became the Calf; Lakshmidevi as Gopalika handed Them over to the Chola King. Thus, while as the cows went in a herd, the New Cow and Calf secretly Went and Gave Milk to Srinivasa, who was hiding Himself in a small mound. Srinivasa used to Drink that Milk with Great Satisfaction. As this Cow was Giving Milk to Srinivasa, it did not give Milk at home. So, naturally, as all the people became curious, the King sent his messengers to find out the secret. Next day, the messengers finding that the New Cow was pouring Milk onto the Mound, hit the mound with their axe, which injured Srinivasa, Who was in that Mound. As He was injured, blood started blurting out from His Forehead. Seeing this, the messenger died on the spot. On knowing that incident, the king reached that spot hurriedly, and prayed to Srinivasa to pardon his sin. Then, Srinivasa cursed him to become a de- mon. However, He took pity on him and the King Akasaraju performed marriage of his daughter 55 Padmavathi with Him. He gave a Golden Crown as a gift to Akasaraju. When he wears that crown, his sin would be atoned. Afterwards, He gave a Boon to the shepherds that they would be the first persons to see Him Every Morning. Afterwards, Srinivasa visited Varahaswami and told him about His story and prayed for One Hundred Feet of Land for Him to Live in Kaliyuga. Srinivasa, wanted that all the pilgrims, who come to see Him, must first visit Varahaswami and give their offerings. After listening to the sad tale of Srinivasa, Varahaswami asked Vakulamatha to offer Her services to Him. CHAPTER-11 VEDALAKSHMI One day, Lord Srinivasa was Hunting on the Seven Hills. At the same time, Padmavathi, the daughter of Akasaraju, was present in the garden, enjoying Her- self its beauty. Immediately after seeing Each Other, They were attracted, as if Their Relationship was Eter- nal. But, Lord Srinivasa was hurt when Her compan- ion threw stones. As blood was bleeding from His Forehead, Vakulamatha was deeply anguished. When She asked Him if Their relationship would fructify at all, He revealed the secret of Her Birth.56 57 CHAPTER-12 VEDALAKSHMI AS PADMAVATHI Lord Srinivasa revealed to Vakuladevi the secret of Vedavati’s birth in the following manner: “This Padmavathi is none other than Vedavati, who went in search of Sita in Lanka in Tretayuga. She came to This Earth only to Marry Me, as part of a Divine Presence of Vedalakshmi. In the past, there was a Holy Brah- min called Mayudu, who was chanting the Vedas ev- ery day. While he was chanting the Vedas, he saw Urvasi and fell under her spell and this led to their giving birth to Lakshmi Devi. Since Lakshmi Devi was born while he was chanting the Vedas, he called Her Vedavati and looked after Her. As She grew up, he undertook Penance in a forest called Niranjanaranya, to marry Me. But, when Ravana forced her, She Burnt Herself in the Holy fire and cursed him that he would be killed by Lord Vishnu. Thus, Vedavati, after being burnt by the holy fires, reached the God of fire who sent Her (instead of Sita) to Lanka. After the extinction of fire, when Sita asked Him to marry Vedavati, He told Her that He would marry Her (as Padmavathi) only in Kaliyuga, after coming to Earth as Lord Venkateswara. Thus, Vedavati, who is a part of Sri Mahalakshmi, was born as a daugh- ter to Akasaraju in the Golden Lotus, who looked af- ter Her with great care, devotion and love. Not only this, You are none other than Yashoda in Dwapara Yuga. Then, as you looked after Me with affectionate care and tender love, You had an unfulfilled desire to see My marriage, but that desire could not be fulfilled. So, Vakulamatha is negotiating the Marriage with Padmavathi in this birth”. Hence, the Marriage is fixed to be celebrated on Vaisakha Suddha Dasami , Friday in Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra, when He took a Loan from Kubera to marry Padmavathi. Then, the Lord wanted Sri Mahalakshmi to be with Him at the time of Marriage. He pleaded with Her in several ways. All the Gods sent the Sun God (Surya) to Kolhapur to bring Her. She agreed to Accompany the Sun God to attend the Marriage and gave Him enough comfort and solace and made the Lord as a Bridegroom in splendid way. After the Marriage, She left for Kolhapur, not heeding the Pleas of Lord Srinivasa. However, after the Marriage, the Lord’s mind was filled with a deep sense of Grief and Loss. He felt that His life was colourless and meaningless. He expressed His sorrow to Padmavathi in the following words: “My Life without Sri Mahalakshmi is full of despair and futile. After leaving Vaikuntha, I suffered many in- sults. I hid Myself in the bark of a tree and suffered thirst and hunger. I was injured brutally by an illiter- ate shepherd boy. Your servants beat Me up. I also58 59 took Loan from Kubera and was wandering aimlessly! What fate had befallen on Me! I was once upon a time the Lord of Vaikuntha. Anyhow, My life has taken a turn for better after My Marriage with You. My mind is full of agony and distress after Sri Mahalakshmi left Me. How can I fulfil the prayers of My devotees in this state of mind? I Myself will be in a distressed state of mind, until I have the Kindness of Mahalakshmi. Therefore, I want to go to Kolhapur to win Her Grace. I want You to permit Me to go to Kolhapur”. As He spoke these words in great sorrow, and His condition was pitiable, Padmavathi asked Him to go to Kolhapur to bring Her. She bid Him farewell. Thus, Swami left for Kolhapur in Great Hope. CHAPTER-13 SWAMI’S KOLHAPUR VISIT As He reached Kolhapur, His mind was filled with Delight by seeing its Magnificence. Sri Mahalakshmi was staying there in all Her Glory and Majesty. Kolhapur appeared All the more beautiful, as He was till then living in open fields consisting of hills and valleys. He started appreciating its Splendid Beauty with great delight. What a Magnificence He found in Kolhapur! There were Tall Golden Towers all around! There were scapes. One can see Gold and Diamonds Shining all around. Golden Gates and Walls were be- decked with gems and diamonds. There were Broad streets with Splendid gardens and halls reverberating with music and lilting sounds. People were showing great hospitality. Vedas and Puranas were chanted as Towering Buildings were Shining with Marvellous Decorations. Thus, all in all, Kolhapur was a Mag- nificent city, Splendid and Majestic, in all respects. Sri Mahalakshmi’s Temple was at the heart of Kolhapur, with huge compound walls. Swami was wandering at the marvellous quality of the Temple of Sri Mahalakshmi. In its inner side, there was a tall wall to cross for entering the inner premises. There was a wall impregnated with many Diamonds and Gems such as Padmaraga Prakaram (rampart), Gomedhika Prakaram (rampart), Vajra Prakaram (ram- part), Vydurya Prakaram (rampart) and Indraneela Prakaram (rampart). Chintamani Hall is in the midst of many splendoured halls. In every Prakaram (ram- part), there were armed soldiers wearing Sankha and Chakra, protecting the Temple at all times. At the en- trance of every Prakaram, All the Gods riding on the Chariots, Elephants and Horses were watching the Temple. There were wonderful Flower Gardens, Or- chids and Melodious chirping of birds between the Prakaras (ramparts). As we tread into the centre Temple, we find Chintamani hall. It is filled with plea- sure and great joy. That Diamond Studded Hall has many Powers. It is Divine too. In that Holy place, Sri60 Mahalakshmi is Sitting in Divine Glory and Rare Majesty on a Golden Throne, studded with diamonds. She is the Queen of Great Dignity and Poise. She is the Goddess, who guided Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati. She is the Parameswari, Omkara Swarupini, Parathpari. As She is the Jagadeeswari, on both sides, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali are serving Her. All the Three Gods (Thrimurthulu), and other Gods like Indra and other important Gods are their followers and many such divinities wait at the Divine Place of Sri Mahalakshmi to have Her Darshan. They were waiting for Her Grace without feeling tired or impatient. They were like the traditional chakora birds. All the people were waiting in Hope for getting Her Darshan. They were chanting Her name in word and spirit. But, the Loka Janani was unmoved by them. Radiant light was Shining from Her Face. From Her Divine looks, Kindness and Compassion was emanat- ing from all sides and Blessing all Her devotees. Her Eyes were overflowing with Enormous Kindness. There was a Benevolent Smile on Her Lips. She was the centre of granting Grace and Benediction to all people around. Even looking at Her, removes all our sins. She Grants all our wishes. It is our fortune to see Her. She is a DIVYA MANGALAMURTHI! She sym- bolizes Eternal Truth, Peace and Bliss! Srinivasa en- tered Kolhapur with all its Beauty and Kindness to 61 fellow creatures. He looked at the place in great mar- vel and wonder. There was a Marvellous delight and feeling of enormity in His Mind . He was walking with a Pleasant Curiosity to know about Kolhapur. Its beauty continued to delight Him. He drew attention from the Rishis, Gods and the pious women as they began thinking about Him like this: “Who could this Man be ? Though He has all brightness and splendour in His demenour, there appears to be a certain amount of sadness in His Face!” With those feelings, they were looking at Him now and then, as they went away from the temple praising the Splendid Beauty of Sri Mahalakshmi. He entered the Temple, listening to the words of Praise of Her. To His great surprise, He found only empty space as all the devotees were looking at Her in Great Joy. But He decided not to leave Karavirapura without seeing Her. He wanted to go back only by taking Her with Him. So, He went on Penance for Her sake. He was dismayed that Sri Mahalakshmi was giving Darshan to everybody ex- cept for Him. He feared that He might have done some wrongful deed to make Her Angry. Every day, He was taking Holy Bath in Padmakundam, Kapilathirtham, Pananaganga and Rudraprayag. He was chanting Her Name and praying to Her with a lot of Devotion and a Strong Desire to have Her Darshan. Everybody was surprised to see why He was making such an arduous effort, when everybody was able to have Her Darshan,62 63 so easily. But, She was unrelented and did not give Her Darshan to Him. Srinivasudu also did not lose hope and did Penance for 10 years with Infinite De- votion, but to no avail. CHAPTER-14 THE INVISIBLE VOICE As He was thus doing Penance with Great Devo- tion and Determined Will, to have Her Darshan, one Friday in the Morning, there was a Glittering Light making all Karavirapura Shine in all its Splendor. As He was getting ready for His Penance, after Perform- ing all the Rituals, He Heard quiet Mellisious words like this: “Oh Srinivasa! You are making Penance for the Darshan of Sri Mahalakshmi. Carefully listen to these following words-Sri Mahalakshmi has reached Kolhapur after leaving You in Vaikuntha to kill an asura called Kolhasura. Thus, She took This Avatara in Kolhapur for Loka kalyana. You cannot see Her now or at any time in Her Present condition as She is in Ugrarupa i.e., in a State of Mind of Anger. So, for You to have Her Grace, there is only one way, that is, You should Create a Lotus Pond on the bank of Swarnamukhi river by using Your Spear. It is a Holy Place, where many Rishis are doing their Penance in their Ashrams. You should Install Golden Lotuses from Heaven and worship Sri Mahalakshmi for Twelve Years and then You can have Her Darshan. She will show all Her Grace to You. She will give Her Darshan to You in all Her Peace Without Anger. Thus, once again, She will Unite with You Once Again and Re- gain Her Position in Your Bosom. Thus, You can ful- fil all the desires of Your devotees. In Kaliyuga, all the devotees will chant Your Name as “Kalou Venkata Nayakaha”. Being filled with Great Satisfaction after listen- ing to these words, He felt Happy that He could spend Seven Years in Kolhapur. He could see many Gods there, than in Kasi and do service to Them. He en- tered the Temple, where Sri Mahalakshmi was Present and uttered the following words in Utter Devotion with His Folded Hands thus: “Oh Mahalakshmi! I will al- ways be waiting for You and Your Grace. I pray to You to Give Me Your Grace for Loka kalyana in Kaliyuga”. CHAPTER-15 SWAMI’S PENANCE As ordained by Sri Mahalakshmi, He reached Venkatachala and after taking bath, He had the Darshan of Varahaswami. He took precaution so that Vakulamatha and Padmavathi did not know of His presence there. He reached the northern side of Swarnamukhi river, near the Ashram of Sri Suka64 Maharshi. He brought many Splendorous Flowers and built a tank and with the help of Vayudeva, He could get Golden Lotuses and planted them in the Pond. He also installed Sun God on the eastern side so that the Lotus Flowers are always in Bloom. Then, as His pen- ance became more and more intense, Indra, the King of Heaven, became afraid of Him and had a fear that somebody was doing Penance to dethrone him. He immediately sent Apsaras to obstruct His Penance. Those Apsaras tried all their tricks to obstruct His Penance, but to no avail and they returned. Like this, His Penance continued unabated for Twelve Years and continued into the Thirteenth Year also. As He was doing Penance for the Darshan and Grace of Sri Mahalakshmi, in Venkatachala, Padmavathi’s condi- tion was no better. As He left Venkatachala leaving behind Her Twenty Two Years ago, She was leading a life of despair and sorrow and loneliness. She told Her Misery to Vakulamatha, Unable to control Her sor- row any longer in these words: “Oh, great mother, Vakuladevi! I had a dream. In that dream, I had seen My Lord facing many difficulties, suffering Thirst and Hunger. I am deeply disturbed to see Him to lead a life of suffering”. She broke down inconsolably. To those words of sorrow of Padmavathi, Vakuladevi consoled Her thus: “My dear daughter, Padmavathi! You are the daughter of Akasaraju and You are also 65 the Princess. But, You are weeping like a coward. Your Husband is also an Extraordinary Human Being. He is none other than Sri Mahavishnu. He will soon re- turn; so do not weep like an Ordinary Soul. You can trust my words”. With these words, She got Greatly relieved and got Courage. Elsewhere, all the sages like Kapila and others, on seeing the Penance of Sri Mahavishnu, which was of the Highest Order, went to Pathalaloka to tell Sri Mahalakshmi about it and Prayed to Her not to be Angry any longer and go to Him. Kapilamuni also advised Her to Understand and Accept the Good Heart of Sri Mahavishnu, who was Repenting for His Past Mistake. Bhrigu Maharshi, whose senseless anger and pride caused the separa- tion, also prayed to Her with folded hands like this: “Oh Mother to All Humanity and Divine Source of All Riches, what I have done in hitting at the Heart of Sri Mahavishnu, which is the Seat of Yours is a ter- rible deed, for which there is no excuse. But, let me tell You, I did so, on the advice of Narada and other Rishis, who wanted the world to know His kind and Your Hearand love. But, I know, my behaviour was unpardonable, in any manner and therefore, pardon me and Go and Reach Your Lord Who is in Great Agony, Without You. Understanding that She might have acted in haste, and accepting that perhaps, women are also some times responsible for the sorry plight of66 67 their families, She disappeared from Pathalaloka from Kapilamahamuni’s Ashram. CHAPTER-16 ALAMELU MANGA’S INCARNATION It was a Momentous Occasion. It was the day all the humanity was Fortunate to realize that their desire was fulfilled. It was the Holiest of days. It was in Karthika Masa, Suklapaksha Panchami, Friday, in Uttarashada Nakshatra and Vijaya Lagna that Sri Mahalakshmi Appeared in the Golden Lotus Pond. That Golden Lotus Pond was Resplendent in all the Brilliant Hues and spreading its Fragrance all around. As She was Appearing, Bedecked with all the Rarest of Diamonds and Gems, it was a Divine Spectacle and a Divine Moment. It was an occasion when all around there were Mellifluous Songs and Nature was Deco- rating Itself in all its Splendid Joy. There was a Shower of Divine Blessings. Jayatu jayatu Lakshmeerlakshanaalan kritangi Jayatu jayatu Padma padmasadmabhivandya Jayatu jayatu vidya vishnuvamankasanstha Jayatu jayatu samyak sarvasampatkari sreeh Gandharvas were dancing with infinite joy. She was Bedecked in the Golden Chariot Appearing as a Sixteen Years Old Divinely Beautiful Girl. Nobody can describe Her Divine Beauty. As Her Eyes were Glittering in Their Beauty, Her Face was Shining like the Full Moon. Her Beauty was Multiplied by the Beauteous Smile on Her Lips. As Her Nose was so Beautiful and Sharp like the Bud of the Sampenga Flower, Her Teeth were Shining in Their Brilliance, in White Colour. Her Forelocks were moving ever so tenderly by the gentle breeze of the Padmasarovara. They were curling and gently moving like the Black Bees. She was none other than the Mother of Our Universe. Her Presence was made all the More Glit- tering with the Golden Crown Shining on Her Head. Her Neck was decorated with Many Ornaments. She was wearing Bangles in Her Hands, Anklets and Waistbelt. She was moving ever so gingerly and spendidly with rarest of Beauty and Charm, that all the Universe was Spellbound by Her Presence. The Golden Lotus Flowers were shining in Her Hands, as She was also wearing the Golden Lotus round Her Neck. In this manner, She Appeared as the Sixteen Year Girl in Her Beauty, giving Ecstatic delight, to us. Then, all the people started chanting Her praise like this: “Oh Mother of all humanity! All the joy and Good- ness flow from You. Oh Goddess! You, who was Praised by Brahma, always victory comes to You. You, who is always present in Sri Vishnu is a symbol of All Knowledge. You are the Giver of All Knowledge. You68 69 are the Giver of all forms of Wealth, Strength and Courage. All the good things happen to us because of You”. Her immortal Greatness is eulogized by the Rishis, Yogis and Sages of all times and Gods. Srinivasa was also inspired to see Her Beauty in a Moment of Joy. Then, He stopped His Penance. As She has reached Him after so much of time, separa- tion and agony, He put the Kalhara Mala and brought Her closest to His Bosom. Thus, when Srinivasa and Padmavathi came Together, all the Yakshas, Gandharvas and Kinneras showered their Floral Bless- ings on Them. They also sang the Holiest and Happi- est songs. They were also praised by Brahma and other Gods. Om Namasriyi Lokadhatrai Brahmamatre Namo namaha Namaste Padmanetrayi padma mukhyi Namo namaha Prasanna mukha padmayi padma kantyi Namo namaha Namo bilwa vanasthayi vishnupatnyi Namo namaha Vichitra kshauma dharinyi prithusronyi Namo namaha Pakva bilva phalapeena Tungastanyi Namo namaha Surakta padma patrabha karapada tale subhau Suratnangada keyura kancheenupura sobhite! Yaksha kardama sanlipta sarvange katakojwale ! Mangalyabharanaischitraihi muktaharai rvibhushite ! Tatankai ravatamsaischa sobhamana mukhambuje Padmahaste namastubhyam praseeda Harivallabhe ! Rugyajussama rupayi vidyayite Namo namaha Praseedasmin kripadristi patai raloka yabdije Ye dristaste tvaya Brahma Rudrendratvam samapnuyuh To these prayers, She Blessed Her devotees like this: “It gives Me great pleasure to see all the Gods and My devotees. I will Grant the prayers of all of My devotees, who worship Me with the Holy leaves of the Bilva Tree and they will get all those valuable things and property they have lost and will achieve all round progress in their lives. I will Bless them with all the fulfilment of their desires in this world and else- where, easily. All the devotees who have taken bath in This Holy Lotus Pond Today, will have long and happy life. I will Bless them with Good Learning, Good Children and Wealth”. All the Gods Praised Her70 71 in their humility with great devotion since She was born in the Golden Lotus Pond, they would call Her by various Divine names, as Padmasani, Padmahasta and Padmavathi and they Prostrated before Her with devotion. Afterwards, Srinivasa once again invited Sri Mahalakshmi, (who was present as Padmavathi) to be in His Bosom, in the Holy Presence of all the Gods, Thumbura and Narada and other Sages and many devotees. Thus, once again, Sri Mahalakshmi returned to His Bosom as VYUHALAKSHMI and Padmavathi with Two Golden Lotuses in Her Hands lived in Sri Swami’s Bosom and sat on the Golden Lotus.as Sowmyalakshmi; and as Keerthilakshmi and Sowmyalakshmi and Sarvasamrajyalakshmi. Thus, She is Present from His Feet to His Entire Body. She is also responsible for making Him a Wealthy Man. CHAPTER-17Therefore, She is Praised as Tirumala Srinivasa, thus: from Foot to Heart, who is made the Embodi- ment of wealth, we pray that He lives always in Hap- piness. Because of Her inalienable relationship with Him, He is called Anandanilaya. Because of this, He is called “Kalau Venkatanayakaha”. It means that He offers Wealth, the Qualities of Charity, Prowess, Kind- ness, Fame and balance of mind. All Gods Praise Him, as Eight forms of Goddesses are present in Him, in these words; HOW SRI MAHALAKSHMI APPROACHED SRINIVASA Thus, after finding Her place in the Lotus of Di- vinity in Sri Vishnu’s Bosom, Sri Mahalakhmi came to be known as VYUHALAKSHMI and BHUTHAKARUNYALAKSHMI (splendor of com- passion to all created beings). Because of Her Kind- ness, devotees call Her BHUTHAMAHALAKSHMI. She also appears on Swami’s Body by many names such as Bhagyalakshmi; She is called Dhanalakshmi as She is Present in His Tender Hands! Veeralakshmi as She is on His Two Shoulders! she is Present in His Bosom as Bhuthakarunyalakshmi and in His Sword Vaktrabje Bhagyalakshmihi karatala kamale sarvada Dhanyalakshmihi Dordande veeralakshmirhridaya sarasije bhootakarunya Lakshmihi Khadgagre sauryalakshmihi nikhilaguna ganadambare keertilakshmihi Sarvange sowmyalakshmihi sarvasamrajya Lakshmirmayitu vijayatam Srivatsa vakshasam srisam srilolam srikaragraham Srimantam srinidhim sridyam srinivasam bhajenisam72 “Oh Swami! You have the Mind of Srilakshmi in Your Bosom. You are Lakshmipathi. Always You are in the Happy Company of Sri Mahalakshmi. We get everything by chanting Your name. Like this, every- body is filling his or her mind with the joy of chanting their names!” Thus, He is called Srinivasa, as He is Bestowed with Plentitude of Wealth, as He is in the Presence of Sri Mahalakshmi. As He was thus going to Venkatachalam, (from Padmasarovaram) along with Sri Mahalakshmi, all the Gods and Rishis like Suka, and His devotees were praying to Him like this: “Oh God of Gods! We want to celebrate the Holiest mo- ment, when Sri Mahalakshmi Appeared as Alamelu Manga and Padmavathi”. Then Lord Brahma per- formed Brahmotsavams for Sri Padmavathi. In those celebrations, every morning and evening, She was car- ried on a Palanquin. Like this, arrangements were made for the celebrations of Sri Mahalakshmi as “Swatantra Veeralakshmi”. Every year on the Panchami, the day when She Appeared, Saree and Other Valuable things are brought from Tirumala Swami. Not only this, as a symbol of Her Appearing there, Sri Mahalakshmi is worshipped in ‘Archa Rupam’. As per the request of Her devotees, Tirumala Srinivasa showered All His Blessings on them. 73 CHAPTER-18 DIALOGUE BETWEEN PADMAVATHI AND VYUHALAKSHMI In the meanwhile, in Anandanilaya, where Padmavathi, the daughter of Aakasaraju expressed Her Anguish and Loneliness, all these Twenty Two Years to Srinivasa, She told Him like this: “Oh dear Swami! I can no longer bear this separation from You and from now onwards, do not leave Me”. To these words, Srinivasa, in His Inimitable Gentle Style, with Ten- derness and Love, consoled Her like this: “You are not an ordinary human being: Your birth has a Divine cause. In Tretayuga, you were Vedavati, who went to Lanka as Sita. You are the Very Incarnation of Vedas and Sri Mahalakshmi. You are Born in This Vedabhumi which is made Holier by Your Birth. I will not leave You again and You will live in My Bosom as VYUHALAKSHMI. You and Alamelu Manga may Appear differently but You are One and the Same. Not only this, My Avatara now is Unique and Valuable. In all My Earlier Avataras, My Wives were Consorts; but in This Avatara, as Srinivasa, there are no wives, as all of them are Present in Me. I am in the Fullness of Wealth, as I was in Vaikuntha. By thinking of Me will remove all the sins and by Praising Me, All Desires will be Fulfilled. By having My DARSHAN, the mind will be filled with Inexplicable Joy”. Thus, when74 75 Srinivasa took Her close to Him, Padmavathi became “VYUHALAKSHMI” living in the Bosom of Srinivasa. She also became Bhuthakarunyalakshmi by showing Her Kindness to all the Creatures. Thus, Sri Mahalakshmi was Present as VYUHALAKSHMI by being Present in Srinivasa’s Bosom. Thus, people are worshiping Her in both of these Avataras. As Time was thus unfolding itself, the Lord of the Seven Hills spoke to Mahalakshmi. CHAPTER-19 DIALOGUE BETWEEN SWAMI AND VYUHALAKSHMI Now we come to know a very interesting episode in the conversation of Sri Mahavishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi, when Swami tells Her like this: “Oh My Dear Divine Self ! We have been separated for such a long time after We left Vaikuntha. Now, I am very Happy that once again You have installed Your- self in My Bossom. Therefore, from now onwards, You must participate in all the activities on this Earth. You must shower Your Blessings on Humanity. When I Married Padmavathi You were there. I think You re- member that event. For the Expenses of Our Marriage, I had to Borrow so much Money, from Lord Kubera. I have been Paying Interest on that Loan since then and as the interest is growing, I am worried not knowing how to Repay it. Therefore, I am pleading You to sug- gest some way out of this predicament”. To this, Sri Mahalakshmi, replied thus, in a somewhat Angry man- ner-“Oh My Lord! first of all, You took that Loan on Your own. You have invited Me to that marriage but You did not think of taking that Loan From Me. Had You asked, I would have given that money and now Your suffering would not have been there. I felt be- littled when You asked money from Lord Kubera, and not Me. Every one was ridiculing that, You did not take money from Me, as You were known as Lakshmipathi. Naturally, I felt-deeply sorrowful as everybody was making fun of You. So, I became An- gry and left for Kolhapur, unable to bear with Your cunning nature. Even as You came to see Me in Kolhapur, I went to Pathalaloka. I hope, at least, now, You have realized My Sorrow and Pain”. To these words, He replied thus consoling Her: “Oh My dear Sridevi! there is one important reason for not taking money from You. You have not yet recovered from the pangs of Our separation and Your presence at My Second Marriage was a sufficient Gift for Me. Hence, asking money at that time was inappropriate, I thought. So, I did not think it right to Ask You”. Then, Sri Mahalakshmi, known for Her Kind Heartedness, in All Happiness, asked Him to forget the past and prom- ised to give the money to pay to Lord Kubera. Over- whelmed with Joy, He praised Her and asked Her not76 to give Him the entire money, as He would like to pay Only the Interest till the End of Kailyuga. After pay- ing the Total Amount at the End of Kaliyuga, They would Return to Vaikuntha. Till then, They would give Their Blessings to the people in this Place, known as ‘Kaliyuga Vaikuntha’. He told His opinion to Her like this: “I am only Seeking Your Help in saving the trouble -torn humanity, Our Goal is always Lokoddharana (welfare of humanity) - People in Kaliyuga, knowingly or unknowningly, commit many mistakes, resulting in their suffering. When they crave for Our Blessings to remove their sufferings, with their prayers, “Govinda”, “Govinda” We must become one with them with unfailing readiness to help them in removing their sufferings and agonies of life. They pray to Us like this; “Help us Oh Lord! when we are hungry, tired and emaciated and faced with many dif- ficulties in society”. They continuously chant Our Names to reach This Venkatadri. They pray to Us in all their agonies and difficulies. Whoever prays to Me with Ardent Devotion, I will Accept their Wealth and Money- whoever suffers from diseases and have Money ill- begotten from sinful activities, I will Re- lieve Them of their sins. In this manner, I will not purify them of their past sins but make them lose their ill- begotten wealth. This does not mean that I am ac- cepting only the money of sinful people, I also accept 77 the offerings and gifts given by Good people and devo- tees and people who have Faith and Devotion Towards Me. Some devotees offer their gifts out of devotion without accepting any thing in return from Us. Some Devotees Offer Their Wealth For Serving Humanity. I Will give some such money from these noble minds to Lord Kubera as interest for the money I have taken from him. I will also spend this money for the Welfare of Pilgrims, for Their Health, Education and Provid- ing Food and Succour to Them. Therefore, I Need Not Withdraw The Loan Repayment Agreements Which is Valid till the End of Kaliyuga”- However, not satis- fied with His words, She wanted to find out why He asked Her money from Her. To this, the Lord, with a Gentle Smile as always on His Face told Her like this: “My only Plea to You is to Grant More Wealth to the devotees so that, I, in turn, can Accept their Money”. However, not being convinced with His words, She further told Him that the human beings, in Kaliyuga are full of greed and evil mind. There is no use in giving money to them and so She would not give them money from Her Hands. She will only give that money to Him; He Himself can give that money to them. Then, the Lord, in His Gentle Manner, told Her to give the money to the devotees, while He would get that money from them by removing all their obstacles and Bless them with children and make them Happy; their hap-78 piness will give Him Greater Fulfilment and Joy. But, even while She remained stubborn in saying that the human beings in Kaliyuga are evilsome and greedy, He began to convince Her with these words of pity and great compassion to Help even the sinful human- ity: “I will Appear in the dreams of some of the devo- tees, who are suffering from diseases and past sins, and make them pay some money as part of their debt, while they cannot any way pay the total amount, the interest will increase making them afraid of their sins. Fearing that I would punish them, they would come closer to Me and I will remove all their diseases and sufferings and collect all the interest from them. I will separate the money from the noble minds from the money of the bad people and I will give all the sinful money to the bad people, to make them suffer. As a result, all the bad people will suffer the consequences of all their sinful acts of the past. Whereas, I will Spend All The Good Money for the Welfare of Noble Activi- ties to Spread all the Messages of Spiritual Wisdom and Happiness of life in this Holy Place. Thus, You are granting Greater Blessings and fulfilment even for small offerings from them. As a result, many people come here to fully realize the Greatness and Splendour of This Place. The Kshetra Mahima will spread Far and Wide. Everybody will feel Strengthned to believe that This Kshetra is Created only to relieve them of 79 their sufferings. In My own way, I will be their Bene- factor. As You Grant them More Wealth, they will use that money for celebrating many Holy Festivals and offering many Gifts to Me. Thus, Oh Mahalakshmi! Once again I plead to You, to give Me Great Strength and capacity to give MOKSHA to the devotees”. As these words elated Her thoughts, She told Him thus; “Oh Great Lord! Now in this moment, I promise You, that, I will grant endless wealth to all the devotees, I will also punish all those miserly people”. By thus be- coming His VYUHALAKSHMI, She Granted infinite wealth to the devotees. In this way, Lord Venkateswara is present as the Main Deity as Sri Mahalakshmi is Present in His Bosom as VYUHALAKSHMI. Thus in Venkatachala, “Kaliyuga Vaikuntham” is estab- lished. He is praised and worshipped as ‘KALAU VENKATA NAYAKAHA’. As She is present in His Bosom, She called Herself as “Srinivasa”, By Their presence, They are spreading Their Glory and Mag- nificence in This World. Therefore, from then onwards everybody in many forms of worship such as Thomalaseva, Archana and Naivedya are being per- formed to Worship Him. After these Sevas to Swami, similar Sevas are performed for Alamelu Manga, too, and on Every Friday, Abhishekam is performed to Her. For Swami also Abhishekam is performed. It is a plea- sure and immense joy for all of us to Chant Her Names.80 81 She is the Giver of peace, as She is the Queen of the Bosom of Sri Mahavishnu. She is the most Be- loved of Him, as She is the Embodiment of Karuna, Compassion. Seating Herself on the tenderest Lotus Petals, She Herself shines ever so Beautifully on those Lotus-Petals. Being ever present in His Bosom, She is the Eternal Embodiment of Love, Karuna (compas- sion). We Salute Her, as She is Worshipped by all the Gods. “Oh Mother! All the suffering humanity prays to You for redemption of their sorrows! You are the Dhathri, Mother Earth! We salute You. Matassamasta jagatam Madhukytabhareh Vaksho viharini manohara divyamurthe Sri Swamini Sritajana priyadanaseele Sri Venkatesa dayite tava Suprabhatam ! You are the Mother of the World. You have killed asuras called Madhu and Kytabhu. In Swami’s Bo- som, You make a Beautiful presence, fulfilling the desires of the devotees! You are Dearest to Swami. Let All Good Things Happen to You!” CHAPTER-20 VYUHA LAKSHMI’S GLORY Eeshanam jagatosya Venkatapathervishnoh Param preyasim Tadvakshasthala nityavasa rasikam tatkshanti samvardhinim Vatsalyadi Gunojwalam Bhagavateem vande jaganmataram She is Shining Delightfully as Alarmelu Manga or Alavelu Mangamma. Seating Herself in His Bo- som, She rules the world with Her Qualities of KARUNA and DAYA. Srimatsaubhagya jananeem stami Lakshmeem sanataneem Sarvakama phala vaapti Sadhanaika sukhavaham She is, thus, present as VYUHALAKSHMI in Venkatachala Kshetra and worshipped as Alamelu Manga by Her devotees. Matarnamami kamale ! Kamalayatakshi ! Sri Vishnuhritkamala Vasini ! Viswamataha ! Swami is also known as “Srinivasa” as She is present in His Bosom. “Sri” means, embodiment of karuna, love: as She Bestows Her love on all the crea-82 83 tures. Not only this, She makes Swami also Shower His Blessings on all the creatures. Hence, She is also known as Bhuthakarunyalakshmi. She endears Her- self to Swami by Seating Herself in a small protru- sion. She has a Noble purpose by first listening to Her devotees’ prayers with a lot of Love and Kind Patience and then not only passion them onto Swami but sees that Swami fulfils all their desires. Thus, She is truly instrumental in fulfilling Her devotees’ prayers. She is, thus, known as VYUHALAKSHMI - Vyuha means secret - it means She is present hidden, unseen by us in the mind and spirit of Srinivas and make Him fulfil desires of devotees. Let us now know one noble story of how She showered Her infinite Kindness on Her devotees. CHAPTER-21 HER DIVINE GRACE This is the noble story of a devoted Brahmin, called Atmaram of Madhya Pradesh. He was known as Atmaram, as he used to spend all his time in think- ing and chanting God’s infinite names. He used to revel at the many kinds of God’s wonderful deeds and went on mulling over them. Thus, he spent all his time in experiencing divine presence in his thoughts and deeds. Thus, people called him Atmaram, but his real name was unknown. People in that kingdom showed a lot of reverence to his deeds and thoughts. He used to feed all his friends and relatives every day, unmind- ful of the time and he also used to give them sermons about good habits and thoughts. It is, indeed, gratify- ing to see that. Atmaram used this human life, which is God’s gift, in all Divine Activities, but as he spent all his wealth in those activities, he became poor and faced many difficulties. As a result, he had to leave his house and his native place. He became a vaga- bond. After thus moving from place to place like a helpless vagabond, finally, he reached Venkatachala Kshetra to realize his life’s ambition of getting Swami’s KARUNA. He reached Kapilatheertham, which is lo- cated at the foot of the Seven Hills. He worshipped Sri Kapileswara Swami, who is in the companionship of Sri Kamakshi. Afterwards, as he was climbing Venkatadri Hillock, he saw a very interesting cave, where he wanted to take rest. He heard the ‘Omkara naada’ from inside that cave. As he entered the cave, he saw a yogi sitting on the stone and doing Penance. He prostrated before that yogi; his name was Sanathkumara. He told that yogi his pathetic story of how he had lost his house and households and his wife and became a vagabond. The yogi using his divine vision, consoled the sorrowful brahmin with these words: “Oh Brahmin (lord of the earth)! All your84 85 present suffering is because of your past sins in your earlier birth. You have atoned all your past sins as you have taken the Holy Bath in Kapilatheertham. You must seek the blessings of Sri Mahalakshmi. At present, She is present as VYUHALAKSHMI in the Bosom of Sri Venkateswara Swami in This Holy Venkatadri Kshetra. If you get Her Blesings all your sorrows will disappear and you will once again lead a happy life. I will teach you Vyuhalakshmi Mahamantra. Dayalola Tarangakshi purnachandra nibhanana Janani Sarvalokanam Mahalakshmihi Haripriya! Sarvapapa Harasaiva Prarabdhasyapi karmanaha Samhrutautu kshamasaiva sarvasampat pradayini Tasyavyuha prabhedastu Lakshmihi sarvapapa pranasini Tatraya Vyuhalakshmihi samugdha karunya vigraha ! Anayasena saa Lakshmihi sarvapapa pranasini Sarvaiswarya prada nityam tasya mantra mimam srunu ! Vedadimayai matrecha Lakshmyi nati padam vadet Parameti padam choktva Lakshmya iti padam tatah Vishnu vakshasthitayai syat maya sritarika tatah Vahni jayasta mantroyam Abhishtarta suradrumah Dwibhuja vyuhalakshmisyadbadha padmasana priya Srinivasanga madhyastha sutaram kesava priya ! Tameva saranam gacha sarvabhavena satvaram Iti Mantra mupadisya dadruse na kutra chit ! Every day, by praying to Sri Mahalakshmi after taking bath thrice a day, chanting this Mahamantra, you can win Her KARUNA and all your desires will be fulfilled. You must chant this Mahamantra with sin- cerity and purity of mind. Then the yogi taught the following words: “Sri Mahalakshmi is shining like the full moon. She is not only the beloved of Him, but She bestows Her KARUNA on Her devotees, through Her Benevo- lent looks. She not only removes all kinds of faults, She also Pardons the sins of past births. Her kind ac- tions are known in this world as Lakshmi, Keerthi and Jaya. Of them, She is present as “Lakshmi” in the Bosom of Sri Venkateswara. Her Divine Splendor be-86 87 comes Resplendent with Her Kindness to Her devo- tees. She is also the source of Eternal Wealth. I am now giving you a Holy Mantra, the Source Mantra (Beejakshara) about such a Mother of the Universe “VYUHALAKSHMI” and I want you to chant it: You must chant by adding the words, veda, matha, Lakshmi, Paramalakshmi, Vishnuvakshitahi, maya,tarika, vannijani. If you chant the mantra, like this, She will Endow you with all the Riches. Thus, Atmaram, if you take Holy bath thrice a day, in the Pushkarini of the Swami and if you worship Her with devotion, you will get Her Benevolence. This is the only sure way for you to achieve your Wealth and True Happiness”. Thus, Atmaram after having the darshan of the great Sanathkumara Yogi and knowing the Divine Sri Mahalakshmi Mahamantra, went to Venkatachala by taking a dip in the Holy rivers with devotion on his way and he was spell bound after seeing the Glitter- ing Ananda Nilaya Vimana; after doing pradakshina , he completed taking the bath in the pushkarini, which is brought from Vaikuntha by Sri Mahavishnu onto This earth! Swami pushkarini snanam sadguroh padasevanam Ekadasi vratam chapi traya matyanta durlabham Durlabham manushamjanma, durlabham tatrajeevanam Swami pushkarini snanam trayamatyanta durlabham There are three noble things one can fulfil: taking bath in the Holy Pushkarini; following Ekadasi Vratha on the Holy Ekadasi thithi, and performing the Padaseva of sadguru; also being born as a human self, and living with humanity. Therefore, Atmaram is for- tunate in all these aspects. After taking bath, he first had the Darshan of Sri Swethavaraha swami accord- ing to the tradition of the Kshetra; he followed this by having the Darshan of Sri Adivaraha swami. Then, he praised Lord Venkateswara in these words: “He is the Lord, who has made this Venkatachala Kshetra a place for fulfilling all the desires of his devotees. How won- derful is He, Resplendent with Beauty! His Face is made beautiful with Lotus-like Eyes with a Benign Smile Glittering on His Face. His Feet are tinkling with quietly Resonant bells on His Tender Feet. There is a Glittering Golden Sword. He is Shining in a silk dress, with a Waist Chain (vaddanam)! Lotus in His navel, in His Hands Shining with SANKHA CHAKRAS, Kaustubhamani on His Heart and Glit- tering Diamond Chains on It. His Glittering body is decorated with many chains and Ear Lobes. His Head is bedecked with the Diamond Crown! What a Splen-88 89 did Beauty! How Divine is it, indescribable Beauty is it! How fortunate are the people of this Earth! They are Blessed by Sri Venkateswara, who is known as the God of Kaliyuga (KALAU VENKATA NAYAKAHA). He has given His Incarnation on Earth for giving Darshan to the people of This Earth. Atmaram’s mind was filled with devotional fervour. So, he was feeling ecstatic on seeing His Most Su- premely Beautiful Appearance. He was also offering His prayers to VYUHALAKSHMI like this: “Oh Mother of the Universe! Mahalakshmi! You are re- sponsible for the Greatness of the Swami! You are Shining in His Bosom to drive away all our sins and make us cross the most fearful experience of making our journey in this SAMSARA, which is a dark, laby- rinthine, inscrutable space. Your Greatness is inesti- mable than all the Beautiful things in this world! All the Gods pray at Your Feet as Your Benign looks drive away all our suffering and all the learned people shine with Your Kindness on them. Lakshmi pradana samaye navavidrumabham Vidya pradana samaye saradindu subhram Vidveshi varga vijaye cha tamala neelam Devim triloka jananeem saranam prapadye You are Shining with all the Glittering purity of the Full Moon. You are the Mother of Lord Brahma and Manmatha. All the Gods are Your Children. Through You, we submit our prayers to Him as Your Kindness is infinite and inestimable. You showed on us the Real and Eternal Pleasures of Truth. Oh Mother! You are the Daughter of the PALASAMUDRA (Sea of Milk) as you are also the Benevolent, Royal Con- sort to Sri Venkateswara, who is resting on Seshathalpa in PALASAMUDRA (Sea of Milk). You grant us both Material Pleasures and Divine Bliss”. With these prayers, Atmaram made Upasana of Sri Mahalakshmi with the help of the Divine Mantra, taught to him by Sanathkumara yogi. Thus, Atmaram by devoutly wor- shiping Swami and Sri Mahalakshmi at Venkatachala Kshetra, which is the Holiest Place on This Planet, reached a supreme level of Spiritual Delight. He had the pleasure of a good teacher (Sadguru) divine man- tra (divya mantram) and holy place (Punya Kshetram). Thus, he spent all his life in the worship of Swami and Sri Mahalakshmi. Being deeply devoted to Her worship, he lived in his own world. Naturally, this mundane world thought him to be a mad man. He spent six months in that manner, truly living in His pres- ence and worshiping and performing “Upasana” of Sri Mahalakshmi, present in Swami’s Bosom as VYUHALAKSHMI. In response to his devotion, one day Sri Venkateswara Appeared before him, along with Sri Mahalakshmi. He was spellbound on seeing Him90 91

• marvellous presence - Shining with the Golden Crown, Ear rings and Her Benign Presence. Filled with an Ecstatic feeling, he chanted His Divine names. Be- ing filled with satisfaction, Swami told Atmaram these following words: “Atmaram! By taking bath in the Holy Pushkarini all your past sins have been atoned and by your fervent devotion (Upasana) to Sri Mahalakshmi, you have part- taken Her KARUNA. Hence, from now onwards, you may show your char- ity in a happy manner, without losing your wealth”. After being Blessed by the Divine Vision of Swami and Sri Mahalakshmi, he returned to his village with a fulfilled mind. He also did not forget Sanathkumara, his path-finder for Divine Bliss and continued his charitable activities. Thus, Sri Mahalakshmi is present in His Bosom to make him Srimatha and Srinivasa. Dwibhuja vyuhalakshmihi syat badha padmasana priya Srinivasam ga madhyasta sutaram kesava priya Tameva saranam gacha sarvabhavena satvaram She is responsible for fulfilling all our desires and hopes. She is present in His Bosom as a small spot in His heart, as Srivatsa, symbolizing Her Benign Kind- ness. She is known as Lakshmi - “Lakshma” means a mark. Lakshmi is a symbol of Her infinite kindness. Hence, She is showing Her kindness to all the crea- tures in this world. CHAPTER-22 VYUHALAKSHMI AS ANANTHALVAN’S DAUGHTER Let us know the story of a great devotee called Ananthalvan, who is a contemporary of Sri Bhagavat Ramanuja (1017-1137) and his disciple. Ananthalvan reached the Holy Place called Tirumala, as ordained by his teacher to worship Swami with Fragrant Flow- ers. So, he wanted to develop a garden himself along with His wife. He dug a small tank with the help of his wife. As he felt it was a Divine Activity, he wanted himself to undertake the hard work by not involving any body other than his wife. However, Swami wanted to help His devotee in this activity and Appeared as a Small Boy to offer His Help. But, Ananthalvan re- fused His Help and drove away That Boy. However, He continued to Help His fervent devotee without his knowledge in Helping his wife in carrying the soil. Realizing this, Ananthalvan became angry and threw the crow bar at Him, by which He was injured in His Chin. Failing to control his anger, he ran after the Small Boy, who Disappeared into a small hut. When he went to have His Darshan, after a while, he saw Srinivasa’s92 Bruised Chin being attended to by the priests, who were telling among themselves, that Injury might have been caused by some devotee. On seeing Srinivasa, in the Tender Face of That Small Boy, he was spell- bound to realize that the Small Boy was none other than Swami Himself. There are many such marvellous tales in the life of this noble devotee: We can see the crow- bar used by Ananthalvan being hung on the northern side of temple’s main entrance (Mahadwara). It is also written as “Ananthalvan’s crowbar”. There is another tale of Holiness in the life of his devotee, which we should know: he developed a mar- velous garden with the most beautiful plants; such as tulasi, chrysanthemum, jasmine, lotus, roses, besides, kanakambara, machipatra, davanam, like this there were many many plants. Every day; he used to de- voutly make garlands with the most fragrant flowers and dedicate them to Him at the Thomalaseva. In those beautiful garlands, Swami’s Beauty become even more Splendid. Thus, Swami had a desire like this: “When the flowers themselves are so beautiful, the garden must be even more joyful. So I should visit that won- derful garden Myself”. So, He left for the garden after the completion of Ekanta seva. Spell- bound by its splendid beauty, beyond words, Swami and Sri Mahalakshmi experienced the supreme bliss of the garden. They were in a way, playful like children ex- 93 changing fragrant flowers. While Swami decorated Supreme Mother in Her hair-do, He Himself smelling their fragrance, threw the beautiful flowers around. Mother was no less delighted; marvelling Herself at the scintillating beauty and sweet fragrance of the flowers, She spent Her time in a very happy manner, forgetting Herself. Not only this, She shared Her de- light with Swami. While They spent Their time in su- preme delight that night, next morning, Ananthalvan became angry and frustrated on seeing the garden be- ing thus devastated. Scolding the people, who caused so much destruction to his garden, he decided to keep a watch of it, every night, but he failed to catch hold of those “thieves”, who went on taking away flowers. Feeling despaired, he prayed to Swami with a deeply beholden self: “Oh Swami! Venkateswara! I cannot protect my garden. I pray to You to protect the garden Yourself! Oh! Mother, at least You should save the garden”. Moved by His bhakta’s prayers, Swami and Mother decided to help him. On the ninth night, Ananthalvan was keeping a watch of the garden, by hiding himself behind the tulasi plants, he apprehended that somebody was moving around, Silently moving behind the plants, he vaguely saw two persons, a male and a female walking hand in hand in a joyful manner and beginning to take away flowers, and in a fit of uncontrollable anger, he caught hold of Both of Them.94 While They were grappling with him, the Male ran away, leaving behind the Female individual alone. Ananthalvan, feeling that at least he could catch one of Them, tied Her to the Sampenga tree and questioned ‘who are you?’ She told him half in fear like this: My dear son, I am like your mother, Leave Me Alone. My Husband destroyed the garden; He is a thief. Any way, you cannot catch Him and We will not come to your garden any more”. But, unmindful of Her prayer, he ran after Her Husband, who went round the temple in the Opposite Direction (Apradakshina) and finally dis- appeared at the garden. Believing that anyway, Her Husband would come there to take Her, He slept near the sampenga tree. Next morning, when the precious Golden Gates of Swami’s Temple were opened, the priests chanted Suprabhatha and were anxious in not seeing Sri Mahalakshmi in the Form of Golden Icon in Swami’s Bosom. As they were deeply disturbed, swami told the priests like this: “You do not at all worry about Alamelu Manga. She is at Present in a Human Form in Ananthalvan’s Garden, Tied to the sampangi plant there. You go there in a Ceremonious Manner, and tell Ananthalvan to bring Her in a Flower-Bedecked basket like a Bride, like Her father; He will convince Her. As they went and told Ananthalvan, the words of Swami’s words, that he was Divinely Blessed, and 95 prostrated before him for his pure devotion, he felt deeply Humble and he Apologized to the Mother and took Her in a Holy procession to the Temple and pre- sented Her to Swami. Immediately, She Disappeared from the flower - bedecked basket to Enter Swami’s Bosom. Then, Swami told his devotee like this: My dear uncle! Ananthalvan You have given your Daugh- ter, Sri Mahalakshmi (VYUHALAKSHMI) and per- formed your duty as Her father, you are my father-in- law who gave your daughter to Me in Marriage. So, your story will live Eternally”. Even today, after Brahmotsavams and Dhwajarohana, as a remembrance of the sampangi plant where She was tied, Sri Swami would go round the temple in Apradakshina (opposite direction) in a chariot to Ananthalvan’s garden. Thus, Ananthalvan’s story became eternal. Even now, his descendents par- ticipate in offering flowers to make their lives Holy. We can see this garden as also Samadhi in the south- western side of Swami’s temple. Born in 1053, he was 36 years younger to his guru and died after 84 years after spending all his life in giving flowers to Swami. He left for Heavenly Abode on Purvaphalguna (Pubba) star on “Thiruvadpuram day”, he achieved paramapadam. It is significant that it was on the same day that Godadevi was also born. On that day of his Samadhi, Srinivasa with His Consorts visit the Gar-96 97 den and Decorates it with Floral Garlands and Sathari(in vaishnava tradition, it is a thing resembling a crown, with Vishnu’s feet impressed on it. It is placed on the devotee’s head in the temples). Even today, that is how we see, how Swami remembering His devotee’s devotion and celebrates His love for His devotees. CHAPTER-23 ALAMELU MANGA’S KINDNESS Now let us know another story of another great devotee, who is the very Incarnation of Sri Venkateswara, that is, Tallapaka Annamayya, who is born as the Embodiment (amsa) of Swami’s Sword (that is Nandakayudha). He is also said to be the In- carnation of Sri Hari. He is so blessed that Swami used to give His Darshan to him to fulfil all his desires. Therefore, he got Swami’s Blessings for His Darshan to three of his generations and sanction Moksha (lib- eration) to the next generations and perform sevas, the sevas at His Divine Feet for all the generations of his family. He also won the Kindness of His Royal Consort Alamelu Mangamma. Hence, he is known as the Blessed Annamacharya (VARALABDHUDAN NAMACHARYA) and APPANI VARAPRASADI ANNAMAYYA. There are many, many interesting sto- ries, which create perennial devotion in us. There are at least two stories of devotion of his like how he grew from an ordinary boy to a Great Devotee of the Swami. First, there is this story of naturally born devotion to Swami from childhood, when, at the age of eight as a child, he was rescued by Alamelu Manga Herself, when he was tired and could not continue his journey to Tirumala. The second is a real life incident in his life when the Mother Herself gave evidence in sup- port of him for deciding the dispute between Jandras and Padmasalees. We came to know the first story through China Thiru Vengalanadhudu (who is also called Chinnanna), the grandson of Annamayya. He has also written many KAVYAS and is a learned man and the family deity (Kula Devata) for weavers. Annamayya lived in a small village called Tallapaka. The village is known as Tallapaka as the huts were covered with palmarin leaves. All the eighty houses in that village looked like Ashrams of the erstwhile Rishis. There is one small Chennakesava temple at the end of the village, built by Janamejaya Maharaj, while there is another temple, Siddeswaralayam, which appeared to be more like a palace, innovated by Pramada Ganalu. While both of these temples were ancient and of great value and significance, the walls of the Chennakeseva Swami temple and Crescent (Gopuram) show, on close observation, that it is a more98 99 ancient temple. The God Chennakeseva Swami em- bedded on two feet rocky pedestal, always appears to us in endless newness, shining and showering His Blessings on His devotees. We will be spellbound and drawn to a new world of Joy and Fulfilment on look- ing at the Shining Face of Chennakesava Swami. His shining black face is made brighter by the incandes- cent light of the nearby oil lamp. One day on a quiet afternoon, an important event took place when Annamayya entered the temple and sang a song with his natural flair; Chinna chembutho neellu seekaya yudakambu Allambu bellambu aratipandu Tenetho magina tiyya mamidi pandu Bangaru pidikillu panasatonalu Sogasina yougulu sojjelu kabjalu Chakkera mandaga lukkerallu Ariselu simmilu doselu kallosul Palakulelakul palapongu (A tumbler full of water, conciana water, Ginger, jaggery, fruit of banana, Sweet mango-fruit ripened-black with honey, So many handfuls of golden jack-tree carpels, Beautiful yangis, sojjas, kajjas, sugared flour, sugared mandagas, seasamunna-jaggery balls, Kollasuls, rice-flour biscuits, cardamom and cream) (The above said are South Indian eatables) Though he was black in colour, his appearance was bright and pure with a plait on his head and marks of vibhudi on his forehead and red cloth upto his knees and a small piece of cloth on his shoulder and the holy thread hanging from his shoulder. He was carrying fruits and specially made eatables in a copper plate with a copper tumbler in his right hand. His song, though irregular, was mellifluous as his voice was pure and good to listen. After singing his usual song, he murmured the following words as if he was speaking to the Benign Deity: “Oh God! My dear small child Chennakesava! Since my father is away and nobody would feed you, I have brought my offerings for you. Take bath as usual and accept my offerings”. With these words, as he failed to perform Abhishekham to the Deity, (as he is too short to touch the Deity, which is on a higher pedestal) he requested Swami to bend His Head a little so that he could perform the Abhishekam. Accordingly, Swami with His ever Gracious Smile bent His Head so that Annamayya could perform the Abhishekam and make the markings (namalu) on His Face and Feed Him with Devotion and purity of mind. As He Accepted Annamayya’s offerings, Annamayya’s mother became furious with him for being reckless and irresponsible in not helping his brothers in their work and telling a lie that Swami Himself Accepted All His Offerings. His father too, finding fault with100 101 Annamayya, beat him and gave him a cruel punish- ment that he should go to the field and bring grass for the cattle. Poor Annamayya! Not knowing what to do, became deeply sad. But, even in this sorrowful mood, whenever he thought of how the Swami accepted his offerings made him truly joyful in his head and heart. He is a devotee par excellence, born to Serve God. It is sad that while others admired his sweet songs for God, his parents and others at home were punishing him cruelly. Even he was praying to the God of Seven Hills, he cut his finger, as he was cutting the grass and blood was oozing out from the wound. In that sad moment of bitterness towards to his people at home, a sweet song flowed out of his Iips in an unpremedi- tated manner, eulogizing Sri Venkateswara as The Only True God: Taga bandhuvula tanaku, dallulunu dandrudulunu Vagalabettuchu tiruyuvare kaka Migula veerula pondu melanuchu harinatma Dagilinchaleka chintaparudanaithi Anta hitula tanaku annalunu dammulunu Vantu vasiki benagu vare kaka Antaratmudu venkatadreesu goluva kitu Santakutamula yalajadiki lonaite (No kinsmen are they, nor mothers nor fathers, But Lingeres me woes; I thought they brought me bliss, ignored Hari and bought me sorrows. Are brothers, and younger, my well-wishers indeed! Who bargain and gain their lot of legacy amain; Rejecting service of Lord Venkatesa, the soul of my soul, I was upset by the world’s vanity fair). Becoming unhappy with all his relatives, he iden- tified all his mind and self, spirit and desire with Sri Venkateswara and prayed to Him to fulfil his fervent devotion to Swami. Surrendering himself, in True Bhakti, he prayed to Swami to lead him towards Him- self. Swami, with His Kindness for His BHAKTAS led Annamayya towards the Seven Hills, which is ver- ily the Abode of Eternal Joy of the rarest kind. In the meanwhile, a procession of BHAKTAS was passing that way before Annamayya. They were doing Bhajans and Uttering Swami’s “Govindanama” like this: Govinda! God of Seven Hills! Venkataramana! Govinda! Our Protector, Govinda! Edukondalavada ! Venkataramana ! Govinda ! Aapad bandhava Govinda ! Adugadugu dandala vada Govinda ! Govinda ! Lord of Seven Hills ! The Lord who ends our trouble! Govinda !102 103 Kinsman of the needy! Govinda ! The Lord that’s saluted at every forward step! Govinda.! Annamayya felt that procession consisted of Rishis like Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathkumar, Sanatsujata in their disguised form, chanting Swami’s name. In that procession, while some were playing musical instru- ments like Chirutalu, others were playing Mrudanga and some were carrying lights shining on ‘garuda stambha’,(post erected in a temple with bells on it) some others were wearing yellow and saffron dress. Some devotees in a mood of devotional frenzy were dancing, with tinkling bells round their ankles. All in all, all those devotees were in truly impassionate de- votional frenzy. Annamayya forgot the injury to his finger and (they endeared devotees themselves with an invitingly pleasant smile towards him), finding enough love and affection in them, he prostrated be- fore them and in utter obedience, enquired about them where were they going. They told him that they were going to the Abode of Sri Venkateswara to make their lives worthy of His Benevolence. Their lives would become Pure and Holy. They found out from him about the injury. Annamayya told them with great joy that songs of Swami come out of him in a spontaneous, unpreditated manner and his relatives, thought that he was but a mad man and he cut his hand while cutting the grass. While he was saying this, to his surprise, he found that, the injured hand became normal. He, thus, realized that they were not ordinary people, but Rishis and Holy men. Expressing their happiness, they told him that His name has significance as it symbolizes the incarnation of Parabrahmas. They asked him to follow them to Venkatachala Kshetra, so that he could also reach the Divine Feet of Seshadri. He is the only means of wishing our welfare, and none other. He is closest to our mind and spirit and friend and Abode of all our happiness.Thus, they asked to go with them to the Abode of Seven Hills, without any further thought. Following them obligingly, he also started chanting with great fervour the Names of Lord Venkateswara, as “Govinda” and followed them in the Hilly path of Tirumala and in a spontaneous manner he sang like this: Vedukondama venkatagiri venkateswaruni Aamati mokkulavade Aadidevude vadu Thomani pallala vade durita durude || Vedu || Vaddi kasula vade vanaja nabhude, puttu Goddu randraku biddela niche Govindude ||Vedu || Elami gorina varaliche devude vadu Alamelmanga sri venkatadri nadhude || Vedu || Let’s pray the Lord of woeless Hill The Lord who cuts off hardships104 He’s the First-ever God, prayed in troubles; He’s the sinless one whose plates offer eternal success; The one with the navel-lotus, pleased with interest paid; The one who blesses barren women with children; The one who grants all prayed for boons; The Lord of Woeless Hill and Alamelu Manga. Singing along with them mellifluously, he reached Tirupati, and he was taken care of with great affection by Namala thatha who is the Eldest of the troupe and inspired him with these words: “my dear son, Annamayya! Sri Padapuri is the name of this place and the big tower you are seeing belongs to Sri Govindarajaswami: this place is also known as Govindarajapatnam after Him. He is said to be the Elder brother of Sri Venkateswara Swami, as it is lo- cated at the Feet of Srinivasa, This place is known as Sri Padapuri. This is Gangamma temple, Gangamma thalli is the village Goddess. All of us should pray to Her before entering the village. So, you should also pray to Her for Her Kindness, so that She will remove all the obstructions in our journey”. Then, all the devo- tees prayed to Gangamma thalli. He continued to de- scribe the Glory of the Seven Hills in the following words: “We find in that direction, Hills in Serpentine curves. They are the Holy Seven Hills where Swami has His Abode. That is one place, where all the people go in thronging multitudes and we should also go there 105 to seek His Blessings!”. They reached Alipiri on their journey as the first step. Annamayya, appreciating nature’s bounty lost himself in enjoying the quiet se- renity of the atmosphere and thought to himself like this: “What a wonderful spectacle, Hills, Rills, Gar- dens, Temples and Golden Towers! It is exactly what my mother Lakkamamba described all these Hills in a number of tales; the Hills are slowly curving like snakes. It looks as if these Hills are like Adiseshu in Vaikuntha bearing Sri Venkataramana Swami”. Again, in a mood of spontainity he sang another song, filled with bhakti: Lo ! behold! yon is Hari’s Abode Ten thousand Sesha’s hoodspread glories All the devotees accompanying him were also taken into a ecstatic mood by dancing and singing along with Annamayya, who was dancing in a Divine Spell of Joy. He sang in praise at the Divine Feet of Swami in Alipiri like this: Adivo alladivo Sri Harivasamu Padivela seshula Padagala mayamu While he lost himself in his world of appreciation of God’s creations by worshiping Sri Lakshminarasimha and enjoying by seeing other small Hills like Chinna ekkudu, Pedda ekkudu, Gali Gopuram, Muggubavi and Dova Narasimha, he was106 left behind by others who continued their journey, un- mindful of his absence along with them. Then, a di- vine event took place: nothing in this Universe hap- pens without Divine intervention; this is true, in ev- ery case. While he was thus continuing his journey, he felt unmatched to the task ahead: he felt the pangs of thirst and hunger and while he was trying to cross a fairly big Hill, popularly known as ‘Mokalla Parvatham’ he felt weak and tired and collapsed in one corner, even while chanting the name of Swami as “Govinda!” Then, he heard the quiet, Serene Voice from somewhere: “Oh My Dear son, Annamayya! Get up and sit right”. Even as he woke up, and finding none around him, he was still in the spell of That Di- vine Voice as once again he heard those sweet, affec- tionate words, Full of Tenderness and Inexpressible Love coming from the depth of one’s sentiment. He felt that those words were uttered by his mother. In a deeply impassioned plea, he prayed to rescue him. She was like his mother. Then, that “Divine voice” which is none other than the"voice” of Alamelu Manga ad- vised him to remove his footwear (as it is not good to climb the Divine Hills with footwear) to see Her. For, that Tirumala Kshetra is the Holiest and Purest of all places. All the Hills are Full of Salagramas, as Swami Himself is a representation of Salagramas: 107 She brought to him the graceful food That Hari and She herself had together eaten, And fed him with its several tastes, And consoled him as he was fully refreshed Then a miracle presented itself before him: he could see the scintillating presence of the Mother in- viting him to Herself with Her Benign Smile. She Appeared in all Her Divine Beauty like this: Her face was shining like a Full Moon, White and round with Black locks of hair fluttering on it, and wide eyes. Decorated in Magnificent Ornaments, as the Red kumkum shining on Her Forehead between the two eyebrows like Resplendent Sun in shape and brilliance, She had Nose stud, Ear rings, Waist chain (Vaddanam), Diamond straps on Her two shoulders, many chains and many Diamond- studded ornaments - Green Bangles, Anklets, Reddish yellow (sindhurapu colour) saree. She is none other than Adilakshmi Herself! He was lost in deep Devotion and Admiration, beyond words - as he looked at Her in an animated manner - he was naturally speechless; as he looked around, he found that they were not mere lifeless inanimate stones and Hills but Holy Places of Divine Presence. They are Narasimha Salagramas (a kind of sacred stone, a species of black ammonite worshipped by the Vaishnavas). They are Hills where Sri Vishnu is Present. He prayed to Her with folded hands and fell108 at Her Feet. Then the Mother in Her Kind Benevo- lence gave him Swami’s prasadam, consisting of a number of delectable eatables, made up of ghee and other sweet and fragrant ingredients. He is so blessed and fortunate that none other than the Mother Fed him with Her own Hands with Fondling love in Small Morsels. Naturally he forgot his own mother Lakkamamba as she led him towards the Holy Tirumala Kshetra, the Abode of God of Gods, Srinivasa. Then, Annamayya like a small child, innocently prayed to Her to tell him about Her and where does She live like this: “Oh Mother! You told me that You are Alamelu Mangamma and that You are the Royal Consort. Where do You live and from where do You bring these Prasadams?” To this innocent inquiry, the Mother replied thus: “Oh my very dear son Annamayya! I am the Royal Consort of Venkateswara, who is known for His Eternal Grace and Kindness towards All His Ardent Devotees. I am known as VYUHALAKSHMI as I live in Swami’s Bosom and He is called Sri-nivasa because of My presence in Him. He has descended from Sri Vaikuntha in His Incarna- tion from Vaikuntha on to This Earth. He is the True Benefactor to all His devotees, never failing to listen their woes and fulfilling all their desires like ‘Kalpavruksha’ and ‘Kamadhenu’ and ‘Chintamani’. As 109 We have come from Vaikuntha only for fulfilling the desires of Our devotees, We are One and the Same, Indivisible and Unified, Our pleasure is in eternally fulfilling our devotees’ wishes. But, you should also know about yourself! Sri Venkateswara has Five Weap- ons (panchayudhalu) as Sudarsana Chakra, the wheel, Panchajanya, the sankham, Kowmuda, the Gada Mace, as Sharanga the bow, Nandakam the sword. You are none other than the incarnation of sword Nandaka and hence you are a part of Our activity of Loka kalyana. You are as eternal as Your divine representa- tion. Therefore, be aware that you are the representa- tion of God Himself! You have a divinely ordained role in the welfare of humanity, that is Loka Kalyana. As Nandaka Sword (Nandaka Khadgam), you had the rare, divinely sanctioned fortune of being a witness to the Acts of the Swami for Loka Kalyana, by destroy- ing the evil and perpetuating virtue, His Noble Deeds and His love for Humanity, as Nandaka Sword in your earlier incarnation. In this incarnation as Annamayya, I Ardain you to spread and popularize Swami’s Di- vine Acts and Songs (Keertanas) of Love with your thrikarana - in your mind, heart and soul for the ap- preciation of all people and God Himself. Your ardained desire should be to inculcate the spirit of Sri Venkateswara Swami in all the people; in particular, among the Telugu people and win their appreciation.110 111 All your impassioned keertanas should be as Holy as Vedas and should become the ultimate Truth”. With these words, the Mother Blessed him with Her Kind- ness by sanctioning him enough strength for his mis- sion. Fortunately, for us, this is, indeed, a great mo- ment in his journey towards fulfilling His, attachment to Swami since his childhood. From then onwards, his very word became as Eternal Parabrahma, as ‘Om kara’ naturally originated from his voice, it became the very symbol of Omkara. His very first utterance is about Alamelu Mangamma Herself. He sang with deep devotion like this: Yogyata leni kashtuda neyogyada nannita jada garbhani Rbhagyuda nee kripamatiki braptuda no yalamelu manga na Bhagyamu nee grupakaruna brapyamu kavu matanchu sare nee Bhagyavati siromanini brastuti seseda venkateswara ! Atade neevu, nee vanaga naatudu, nee paluke talapanga Natani palku, nee hridaya matade, po yalamel manga nee Chetide sarvajantuvule jeevana mantayu nanchu nannuni Vratamu sannutinchu nanivarana nee sati Venkateswara! Mangala mammakun sakala mangala mambuja netrakun jaya Mangala mindira sati ki me Alamelmangakun Mangala mandu nee mariyu mangala mandunu devaloka di Vyanga nella mee satiki naratu litturu Venkateswara ! Good for nothing am, I born to bear hardships; Fit for nothing am I, unblest from mother’s womb, Yet am I by Alamelumanga taken kindly; My blissful blessing thy kindness is, O Mother! Protect me ! Saying so I pray this Goddess O Lord Venkateswara ! again, again, yet again. Thou art He and He is thee: They word is His O Alamelumanga ! He is they heart, indeed ! The life of living things all but in thy sway: So Sages praise thy impassable spouse, O Venkateswara! Victory be to Mother, the Lotus-eyed! Victory to Indira ! Victory to Alamelumanga! Victory! Victory ! shout I: Victory ! Victory Heaven’s Goddesses echo, saluting thy spouse, Venkateswara!112 113 He complied a sathaka consisting of 100 poems to express his bhakti with a deep fervour as AASUVU. Alamelu Manga blessing him praised his efforts in worshiping Swami and wanted him to continue to serve Him with bhakthi and in enlightening the world about His Magnificence and Divinity. She showed the Divinely Bright and Shining and Marvellous Hills of Sri Venkateswara and told him like this: “I want you to visit there and serve Tirumalagirivasa and make others also blessed by making them listen to your songs on Him. He reached the Abode of the Swami by sing- ing joyfully songs in His Praise. This is not only a truly Blissful Moment in Annamayya’s life, but also in the world of Telugu poetry. Telugu people are blessed by his evocation of Swami’s Greatness and Divine Bliss: Kattedura vykunthamu kanachaiana konda Tettelaya mahimale Tirumala konda ! Vedamule silalai Velasinadi konda Yedesa punyarasule yerulainadi konda Gadili Brahmadi lokamula konala konda ! Sri devudundeti seshadri ee konda Sarva devatalu mrugajatulai charinche konda Nirvahinchi jaladhule nittacharulaina konda Purvidapasule taruvulai nilichina konda Purvaputanjanadri ee podavati konda Varamulu kotaruga vakkaninchi penche konda Paragu lakshmikantu sobanapu konda Kurisi sampadalella guhala nindina konda Virivainadidivo Sri Venkatapu konda Before our eyes is Vaikuntha on this hill; Miracles heaped up on this Tirumala hill, This Hill is shaped with stones as Vedas, Virtues heaping up and flowing all around. This hill does edge on worlds like Brahma’s; This hill is Seshadri, the abode of lakshmi’s Lord. This hill is where all gods in animal forms wander; This hill is shaped of oceans risen to heights. This hill is whereon hermits stand like trees; This tall hill is but Anjanadri of yore. This hill is stored up boons that grow; This hill is auspicious to Lakshmi’s Lord. The caves of this hill are filled with reassures; This hill of plenty is here that suffering ends. CHAPTER-24 ALAMELU MANGA GIVING WITNESS Let us know a real life incident which took place in the most joyous and Holy Abode of Padmavathi. In the ancient times, in the Andhra desha, there were114 many people belonging to many cultures and profes- sions, leading a happy life by practising noble values with mutual respect and affection for each other. Among them, one such caste of people were weavers, who belonged to two sects, namely Padmasali and Jandra. At the beginning, they were only one caste, but in course of time, while some people were drawn towards Vaishnavism, others worshipped Lord Siva. Padmasalis followed Vaishnavism, while Jandravaru followed Saivism. Unfortunately, because of that dif- ference in their religious interests, animosities arose between them; as a result, Padmasalis belonged to Kudi Kulam, Jandras (Devangas) belonged to Edama Kulam. Bhavanarishi became the main deity for Padmasalis while for the people of the Jandra sect, Pancha Maharshi was their main deity. Now, let us know the legendary tale of how the dispute between them was resolved by Chinnanna, Annamacharya’s grandson. Brigu Maharshi, one of the offspring of Lord Brahma was also known as one of Nava Brahmas. He married Khyathi, the daughter of Dakshaprajapathi and had two sons called Dhata and Vidhata and daughter called, Lakshmidevi. Dhata gave birth to yogi called Mrukandudu. Markandeya, the son of this Mrukandudu was bachelor, greatly devoted to the pu- rity of mind and life. While this Markandeya was per- 115 forming the Holy Ritual of Fire, two noble persons called Pancha Maharshi and Bhavana Maharshi rose from the fire pit (Homagundam). The people of Jandra sect belonged to the kin of Pancha Maharshi. Bhavana Maharshi marrying Bhadravathi, the daughter of Sun God got hundred sons, who became famous by pro- ducing clothes for all the Gods and asuras and hu- manity; they belonged to the mother-in-law’s side of Lord Srihari and the maternal side of Lakshmidevi. While they were leading a happy life in mutual coop- eration, and following same profession, unfortunately, differences arose in course of time and they became almost totally divided due to the sectarian religious interests each of them followed. These people lived in places like Tirupati, Thiruchanur, Yogi mallavaram, Narayanavanam, besides some other places. New dif- ferences cropped up during the 16th century, around the year 1541. Their differences were due to the fact that each of these two sects (Padmasali and Jandra) believed that Sri Mahalakshmi belonged to their par- ticular sect and it became an insurmountable issue be- tween them. They decided to solve that problem ami- cably in the presence of elderly and knowledgeable people. They sought the help of one famous man called Tallapaka China Vengalanadhudu, who was the grand- son of Tallapaka Annamacharya. He was also known as Chinnanna. Thus, he agreed to solve their problem,116 117 they entrusted this job to him to deliver justice to them to their satisfaction, as they had full faith in his ca- pacities for correct judgment. Chinnanna dwipada keragunu Pannuga bedatirumalayya padamuna kerugun Minnandi morase sarasim Ganna kavitvambu padya gadya srenin Chinnanna, a great devotee of Swami at Tirumala for generations together with Trikarana was a famous member who belonged to the family of poets of Tallapaka. He enthralled with his poetic genius on sections of the society, the ignorant,as well as, the wise, alike. It is believed that since his childhood, he was fortunate of being fed by Alamelu Manga. As he was thus breast fed by Her, he got strength in his physical and imaginative self. Being inspired by Her, he wrote mellifluous poetry and kavyas, such as Ashtamahishi Kalyanam, Paramayogi Vilasam and Usha Kalyanam; besides these, he also wrote couplets on the life of Annamacharya, and the life of his father, Pedathirumalayya and his own life. Because of his eternal popularity of his poetic genius and its ability to appeal to all classes of people, he commanded a lot of respect and deep devotion of people and most im- portant, it is believed that he would talk to Alamelu Mangamma. When he prayed to Her with devotion, She responded to his call with Her benign smile and took him into Her fold and fondled him with Mater- nal Affection. As She showed Her Maternal love and affection to him, he was playful in Her moods with Her. As She breast fed him, he would play around with Her as an infant child and cared Her gently with his tender hands. She also protected him at all times with great care and loving concern. His reputation grew and many things about his pure devotion and associa- tion with Alamelu Manga became a popular legend. As he in himself became an institution of justice and epitome of spiritual wisdom and a preceptor, unparal- leled in his gnana and capacity for instructing others, both the sects, the Padmasalis and the Jandras rightly chose him to deliver justice concerning the question, to which sect does Sri Mahalakshmi belong. Thus, they approached him with offerings of flowers and fruits in golden plate and prayed to him to solve their prob- lem. They explained their problem in an explicit man- ner and he agreed to do justice to them. The place and time of his judgement were also decided. It was to be on the full moon day (Poornima) of the year Shubhakritha and the month of Karthik at eleven in the morning in the auspicious time of Chandrahara. It was the divine moment of Her intervention that people remembered and celebrated with unimaginable won- der and deep reverence. It was on Thursday, October118 23, 1541, the Holy Place and the seat of justice on that day was in the front yard of the Temple of Alamelu Manga. Let us now know how at that Holiest of mo- ments that Alamelu Manga Herself gave witness to the fact that She belongs to the sect of the Padmasalis, in the presence of Chinnanna. It was a moment of great marvel and wonder and awe that the Goddess Herself became a witness. ALAMELUMANGA PATNAM It was a small though beautiful place, made el- egant by a water tank, with water in it shining like a mirror. It was indeed a truly beautiful sight, feast to the eyes, to see Lotus Flowers blooming in it. There- fore, it is called ‘a pond of Lotus’ by illiterate people, while learned people praising the wonderful spectacle, called it ‘Padmasarovara’, from which Alamelu Manga originated. To describe its prepondent beauty- as the black bees were humming with their beautiful sound, the shadows of the huge ficus trees were reflected in it shining, distilled water, parrots and cukoo birds were singing with their soul - filling chirping sounds, there were the homes of Sri Vaishnava pandits and other preceptors surrounding the Pond. Behind these homes, people of other communities like Vysya, Padmasali 119 and Jandra, Telaga, besides other communities lived there. On the eastern side of the pond, there is the temple of Sun God, while on the Western side, there is the Temple of Suryanarayana Swami, whose Deity was supposedly installed by Lord Srinivasa Himself. Hence, that shrine was also called Bhaskara kshetra. It was there, in that place that, Sri Venkateswara made Penance for 12 years for the sake of Sri Mahalakshmi, who deserted Him and came to This Earth in a huff. As Sri Mahalakshmi Appeared in a Thousand Petalled Golden Lotus, She is known as Padmavathi and the Pond is known as Padmasarovara. On the southern side of this temple of the Sun God and the south-east- ern side of the beautiful pond, a temple is Shining in All Glitter and Beauty, that is the Temple of Sri Padmavathi. She gives Her darshan to Her devotees in the posture of “ARCHAMURTHI”, facing east- wards in This Temple. She always sanctions the de- sires of Her devotees. On the southern side adjacent to Her Temple, there is the Temple of Sri Krishna and Balarama. The devotees continuously throng Her Temple. While some devotees visit Her Temple be- fore going to Tirumala for His Darshan and Benedic- tion, others visit This Temple, following their visit to Tirumala. Some devotees making This Place their homes, worship Her. Always, the Temple is full of busy activity.120 Located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi river, it is known as Tiruchanur or it is called as Alamelu Manga Patnam. As Suka Maharshi built his Ashram, there it was known as Sri Sukapuram and in course of time it came to be known as Tiruchanur. It is called Chiruthanoor by illetrate people. All the devotees chant their prayers in the following manner with fervour and profound sentiment and purity of mind: “Oh Goddess, Mother of the Universe! Alamelu Mangamma! You are the Royal Consort of Srinivasa and all the Thrimurthis chant Your Holy Name. We worship You here as the ARCHAMURTHI! You are also the VYUHALAKSHMI of Sri Venkateswara! As we pray to Him, we pray to You to carry our prayers and de- sires to Him. We pray to You to make Him fulfil our desires”. Thus, accordingly, Alamelu Mangamma, the Embodiment of KARUNA, after first listening to the prayers of Her devotees, carries them to Him as She is present in His Bosom as ARCHAMURTHI. She also makes Him fulfil their desires. She sees that He fulfils all their prayers and wishes. Thus, She makes the de- votion of His bhaktas increase for ever. She makes Him fulfil all their desires and wants. She Blesses the barren couple with children and Wealth for the poor people; whatever Her ardent devotees pray for, She gives them in Plentitude. She sanctions them good thoughts and noble actions. Sri Venkateswara is also 121 anguished for Her Kindness. He can fulfil the prayers of the devotees with Her Abundant Kindness. So, to seek Her kindness, He performed Penance for twelve years in Tiruchanur and finally when She sanctioned Her Grace, He became a fulfilled self. She Blesses all the devotees, alike, unmindful of their virtues or defi- ciencies. As Her love is Universal to any devotee, who- ever prays with true bhakti. She is praised as “Affec- tion is Her Shining Divinity” (Vathsalyadi Gunojwalam). Deeply felt by His Penance, She even forgot Her anger in leaving Vaikuntha, such is Her Noble Heart! She took birth in This World as Padmavathi to fulfil His desire by taking Her Avatara in Tiruchanur. She is present as VYUHALAKSHMI in the Lotus Bosom of Swami in Enshrining the val- ues of “Loka Kalyana” in This World. It was on That Day, a Miracle was going to take place in the Holy Temple of Sri Padmavathi. The at- mosphere was agog with activity. All around in the Temple and in Padmasarovara, the whole place was Shining with Divinely Lit Brilliance. All the people’s minds were filled with expectation and anticipation of a Celestial Event, unknown and unheard of in hu- man history, that is the Goddess Herself would give witness to the dispute! Whatever may be Her Judge- ment, listening to Her Divine Voice is a blessed expe- rience for everybody. It is Mother’s Voice. As all the122 streets, and spaces were overcrowded, it was like busily plying, honeybees, restlessly disturbed, as their beehives were destroyed, the most learned people like Vaishnavacharya, Jeeyars,Vedic scholors, yogis, sadhus and holy men and young and old, alike, priests, servants - all are waiting with anticipation to listen to Her Divine Voice. All of them - rich and poor, people from all the social sections, including Padmasalis and Jandras reached that Holiest Place! The minds of all those people were filled with a profound sense of wonder and curiosity. All the bhaktas wanted to see Her and listen to Her Eternal Voice! On That Day, the Deity was Specially made up All Shining and Glitter- ing in all too Shining Brilliance. Decorated with the Glittering Crown, radiant with Studded Diamonds, She is giving Her Benevolent Presence. All the devotees were spell bound and are seeking Her Blessings. Her Arms were also Shining with Navaratnas. With im- pressive kumkum on Her Forehead, She is our First Mother. All Her devotees were filled with inexpressible delight. Each of Her decoration on Her Divine Self symbolized the joy of Her devotees! Each of the par- ticle of the God symbolized the future prosperity and fulfilment. The Emanating light of Her Shining Orna- ment is a Pathfinder. All the devotees were invoking Her Greatness in this manner: “Oh Mother of the Uni- 123 verse! You are residing in the Bosom of Sri Mahavishnu; the destroyer of asuras, Madhukytabha. Oh! The Dearest Companion to Venkateswara! Oh Mahalakshmi! Let all the best things befall on You! With Your Darshan, all our lives become fulfilled in this world and elsewhere. The forecourt of the Temple was filled with the feeling of Holiness on that memo- rable occasion, as where all the people were waiting to listen to Her Judgement. A replica of Her Deity (UTSAVAMURTI) in the Golden Palanquin was kept on a pedestal. She was Bedecked in crimson saree with the spreading of all the Fragrance all around. Garlands with New Flowers and Shining golden Ornaments made Her Appear even much Brightly. All the priests were chanting the mantras with devotion invoking Her Blessings. Also, the chantings of Vedic Mantras along with the mellifluous songs of the bhajantris made the atmosphere Pious and welcome to the occasion. In the midst of the forecourt, a noble man was seated facing the northern side. His hands were shin- ing with bands and bedecked with diamonds; there were Makarakundalalu in his ears, soft silk turban was adorning his head. Though he appeared to be black in complexion, his face was radiating with a rare divine splendor. Dignified and solemn on the occasion, he was none other than Tallapaka Tiruvengalanadhudu, who was also known as Chinnanna. His mind was124 filled with a transcendintedly quiet mood! All the people were whispering to themselves about the great- ness: he would make Alamelu Mangamma give wit- ness, he is fed by the Holy Mother in his childhood. Even his mere utterance made Her give Her blessings. All the people were paying their respects to him as he gave his blessings to them. Even as he appeared to be blessing people, he was looking deeply inwards, in- voking Her Divine Blessings. The two sects of Padmasalis and Jandras were seated in front of Chinnanna, joyfully waiting in anticipation to listen to Her Judgement. In that supremely surcharged mo- ment, filled with rare devotion and divine fervour, exactly at around Eleven o’ clock in the afternoon on Thursday, on Karthika Purnima, the Divine Event Truly occurred. A Thundering Sound of Bells pierced the silence from the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple. It was like the sound of the temple bells rung by the priests at the time of rituals. That thunderous sound, was however, Unique and could not be heard at all again! The priests were offering naivedyas and light- ing camphor to the Supreme Deity and Universal Mother and showing them to all the devotees who were in quiet anticipation of some Celestial event. There was the Harati and the devotees were chanting the names of Govinda with a crescendo and accepted prasadam with devotion. The Temple forecourt was 125 reverberating with the chanting of the names of “Lakshmi Venkata Ramana Govinda Govinda”. The elders of the Padmasali sect as well as Jandra sect, after prostrating and offering their respects to Chinnanna spoke to him like this; “You are a blessed person! You belong to the family of Annamacharya with the spark of Nandaka Khadga. You are his much revered grandson and you are also Blessed with the Divine Grace of Alamelu Manga, like him. You are Blessed being fed by Her and your word will be fol- lowed by Swami and Alamelu Manga. In particular, Padmavathi will gladly accept whatever you tell Her; your utterance and Her divine sanctity of your prayer are inalienable! Your blessings are none other than Mother’s Blessings! So, we pray to you to seek for our sake, Her Judgement in resolving our dispute. We belong to the weaving community. It is mentioned in Puranas that Sri Mahalakshmi was born in our two sects. She is our sister-in-law. We are living in Narayanavanam, Tiruchanur, besides some other places. We are offering saree woven by us to Sri Mahalakshmi. However, as we were offering the saree over the years, there was a dispute between our two sects, who should offer the saree first to Her. There- fore, we pray to you, Learned Chinnanna, Oh! to de- cide to which sect does She truly belong! We swear by your decision and we offer the saree to Her in all126 the Holy Temples at many places and offer other gifts, due to Her from Her maternal side. So, we believe that you can make Her utter the truth to which sect does She belong! This is our humble prayer to you! So, be kind to us in resolving this problem between our two sects. There was a mood of rich and profound silence—the air was filled with anticipation of some Celestal event. Prostrating before the Universal Mother and praying to Her with pure devotion, he advised the devotees like this; “Today is the Holiest and Memorable day. It is a Day of Great Rejoicement and fulfilment for all of us in Tiruchanur. We are here now to listen to Her Celestial Words. So, all of you pray to Her in solemnity and silence and recount the Divinely Supreme Deity before your eyes! Let good things befall on all of us!” Then, doing a dhyana of Her, he sang a “sankeertana” of Annamacharya, about Alamelu Mangamma: He also prayed Her like this: “Oh Alamelu Manga! Your blemishless presence makes Swami’s eyes sparkling with Celestial Bright- ness and being present in His Bosom as “VYUHALAKSHMI”, You are protecting all Your devotees. With Your quiet Presence and Showing Love and Affection to Him, You have made Him Your Be- loved Companion, forever. With Your words of Love, You are living in His Bosom like a Royal Consort”. He also invoked His blessings. 127 Praising Their qualities are always protecting the devotees, who pray to Them with devotion, he sang another Annamacharya’s poem: Oh Universal Mother! You and Srinivasa are inalienable self. Your utterances are nothing but His utterances. All the Rishis and noble men seek Your KARUNA And You gave us the pleasure and power of pure utter- ance. You are always present in my mind and in every word I utter! And Oh Mother! You have fed me with Your milk in my childhood! Oh Universal Mother! You Know Everything. You are a Sarvagna. Accept me with all the good and bad in my utterances, Show Kindness on me. I am plead- ing with You for an answer to the problem of these devotees, belonging to the Padmasali and Jandra sects. They spend all their lives only in Your service. They are weavers and with their noble service, they are do- ing a lot of good to society. But, as they are living happily by Your KARUNA, a dispute arose between them: that both of them are claiming that You belong to their sect and that each of them want to offer their devoutly woven saree, besides fruits and other pre- cious things to You first. As a result, animosity and128 hatred developed between them. Hence, they are pray- ing to You to resolve their problem”. Oh Our Beloved Mother! You know that their Bhakti towards You is great. They have come to me to settle their dispute. So, I pray to You, to let us know to which sect You belong from Your maternal side and from whom would You desire to accept the first offerings”. With these words of devotion to the Mother, Chinnanna went into dhyana as the atmosphere was filled with expectant silence of a Celestial event. After a few moments of hope and expectation in people’s minds, a Melliflu- ous Voice pierced through darkness; it was resonating with rare energy everywhere in Tiruchanur. As the voice, which was vibrating with Supreme Power and energy came to an end, A Transcendental Light fol- lowed. As people were awaiting for the final word of the Mother in rapt attention, their minds were filled with rapture, when they heard the following words of the Mother: “I belong to the Padmasali sect on My Maternal side; hence, in all My Shrines and special occasions and festivals, the people of Padmasali sect should first perform all the rituals and Holy practices and tradi- tional customs, to Me and the people of the Jandra sect are not involved in this. They can, however, fol- low all the rituals and customs after the performance of Padmasalis”. 129 All the people listened to these Unique Celestial Voices in rapture, as Her words reverberated all over. Her words were like the Mantras. And everbody won- dered if such things really happen in Kaliyuga. All in all, it was a divinely sanctioned “moment”! With the rapturous chanting of “Govinda namas”, the mood be- came fervently Devotional. From then onwards, on Mother’s Karthika Brahmotsavams, the Padmasalis offer the saree, woven by them. Also, in Narayanavana Brahmotsavam and at the time of Dhwajarohana, they follow these ritual and traditional customs. As they listened to Her voice, chanting Her Names, they dis- persed after showing their reverence to Chinnanna. PADA KANUKA SASANAM Afterwards, out of great reverence and profound bhakti and immense gratitude, the devotees of the Padmasali sect presented ten thousand varahas at His feet along with a ‘danasasanam’. In addition, they also took a Holy oath that every year they would give one Golden coin from each weaving loom to Chinnanna for performing all the Dharmic programmes. As they wrote this oath in this sasanam, this is known as ‘Padakanuka sasanam’ and this sasanam is written on two copper plates. The first plate, which is of 11 ½ inches in length and 8 inches in width shows the pic- ture of Srivenkateswara’s Original Deity in the first130 131 page; the second page describes the sasana. The sec- ond plate, which is of 11½ inches in length and 8 1/16 inches of width, on its first page describes the devel- opments after the sasana in the first plate, while upto half of the second page describes the Sasana and the picture of Alamelu Manga. Each of these plates have a thickness of 1/16 inches. We can find both these plates in T.T.D. Museum.descendants of Tallapaka poets have received All the Bessings of Sri Hari and Alamelu Manga and they inturn have distributed it through their poetry. The Telugu people are indebted to Tallapaka poets. Chinnanna by adding ten thousand varahas to the ten thousand varahas presented to him by Padmasali and with these twenty thousand varahas, he bought a mine of the slate rock called Allagattu, which is on the eastern side of Chandragiri and donated it to the nation. He wrote in the following manner in the same Sasana; “whoever wants to build a temple by utilizing the stone from this mine, half of the Punya (Dharma) belongs to Chinnanna, while one fourth of it belongs to the donors of the temple and the remaining to the Padmasalis”. In this manner, a great real life legend comes to an end.Now, let us know the story of another great devo- tee, whose life is an example of a true “bhakti”. She is Tarigonda Vengamamba. Her story is a saga of pure and selfless devotion, with total surrender to Sri Venkateswara. She lived about 250 years ago. She spent all her life in worshiping Him by presenting garlands, made up of bacillus (tulasimalalu) and sing His songs in great joy. Unmindful of the world around Her, she had only one awareness that is to continu- ously sing Sankeertanas with Trikarana. In this legend of great marvel and bhakti, we come to realize that Chinnanna is gifted with a divine po- etic inspiration by virtue of Alamelu Manga feeding him in his childhood. Sri Venkateswara also Blessed him with Makarakundala. Thus, while Annamayya was Blessed by Alamelu Manga, Chinnanna was also blessed by Her. It is, indeed, our good fortune that the CHAPTER-25 VYUHALAKSHMI’S KINDNESS TO VENGAMAMBA She lived in a small village called Tarigonda, near Vayalpadu in Chittoor District. Born to Kanala Krishnayya and Mangamma with the blessings of Sri Venkateswara, she was named as Venkatamma and in course of time, she came to be known as Venkamma. Since her childhood, she spent all her time in perform- ing bhajans in His name. As she involved herself in such with deeply religious activities since her child- hood, her parents wondered whether she was, indeed132 in a true state of bhakti or was it madness and they decided that, perhaps, her marriage could make her “sane”. However, she refused to be married to a hu- man self, as she believed that none other than Lord Venkateswara was her divinely chosen companion. Fi- nally, in any case, she was forcibly married, very much against her will, to Injeti Venkatachalapathi, who be- longed to the neighbouring village. As destiny will set, unfortunately her husband passed away even be- fore she set out for her married life. But, unmindful of this, she continued to wear flowers and bangles and telling everybody that her husband was Lord Venkateswara Himself. Also, at that time, she took a Upadesa from her preceptor, called Rupavatara Subramanyam and from then onwards, she was in con- stant ‘dhyana’ of Sri Venkateswara. The people of that village, did not like her behaviour and gave her enough trouble, with their pungent words. Unable to bear their vitriolic utterances she had to leave for the shrine of Tirumala, leaving behind her parents in the village. HER LIFE IN TIRUMALA Her life in Tirumala is a saga of true devotion. Unmindful of many difficulties of lack of shelter and enough food to eat, she continued to live in her world of bhakti for the Swami. She was biding her life by feeding herself with Swami’s prasadam given by the 133 priests and taking shelter under the trees or in small temples. Swami deeply moved by her fervent devo- tion, used to talk to her and listen to her songs in rap- ture and sometimes dance to them. Swami was lov- ingly looking forward to see her; He accepted with love her offerings of flowers or fruits. But, in any case, she never told Swami of her difficulties. However, fi- nally, unable to bear her sufferings, any longer, she prayed to Swami to rescue her from that suffering like this: “Oh Swami Lord of the Seven Hills! Venkata Ramana! You are the only being related to me! To whom can I express my sorrows, except You? So, I pray to You to understand my sorrowful condition! Here, there is no shelter for me to protect myself from sun and rain. I am taking shelter only under trees or a small temple, suffering in cold and rain. How can I fulfil my deepest desire of praying to You? I will never leave You, whatever my difficulties may be! Hence, Swami! Lord of the Universe! I pray You to provide me shelter for ever to live at Your Holiest of Pres- ence; also provide me facilities for getting some food. I will no longer pray to You for anything more”. She prayed to Him with great fervour and deep feeling. Even while she was telling those words, she naped and then went into deep sleep, in which she had Swami’s Darshan. It was a moment of Divine vision.134 She had His Darshan in all His Glory. She envisioned Swami like this; melodiously tinkling anklets on His Golden Feet; Shining Golden cloth round His loin with the golden Nandaka Khadgam hanging from it; Thread round His waist; the right hand assuring His grace; (varada hastham) left side on His waist (Kati Hastham); Sankha Chakralu on His other hands! Shin- ing Mani Kousthubham on His Chest; golden chains on His neck, Vyuhalakshmi brilliantly shining in His Bosom! His Forehead, with mark (namam) of cam- phor! Golden Crown Studded with Diamonds. He had All Benign Smile with Golden Earlobes. She is, in- deed, blessed to have His Darshan. Blessing Her, Swami, who is known for His Love and Affection for His devotees, spoke to Her like this: I am happy to know that you want to live to pray to Me in this Seshachala Shrine! You are asking for shelter and some food to eat. But, I want to tell you one thing: I may be the Lord of the Seven Hills. All these Seven Hills do belong to Me. There is no doubt. Sri Mahalakshmi is present in My Bosom as VYUHALAKSHMI. She is not only My Royal Consort, but also the Mother of the Universe. Only because of Her I am known as the God in this Kaliyuga (KALAU VENKATA NAYAKAHA), Granting prayers of all My devotees. My kind deeds to My devotees are known to them only because of fear. Hence, I want you to pray to Her 135 for fulfilling Your desires”. With those words, her dream lapsed. She found herself in a deep trance after His Darshan. It is, indeed, a Marvel. She went wor- shiping Alamelu Manga, the Universal Mother in this manner: “Oh Mahalakshmi! the Most Beloved of Vishnu Bhagavan! Your Transcendental Presence is found in all the living and non-living things, alike. Your Divinity is enshrined in all things! You are the Originator of all knowledge! I pray to You in all de- votion to make me see Your Benovolent Presence! You are His Royal Consort and You sanction all our de- sires! You are the source of all creation! You drive away all our fears! You are the Embodiment of all the Wealth in This world. Always, Your Dignity and Ardour are flawless. I pray to You to provide me Your Darshan”. She continued her prayer to the Most Be- nevolent Mother in this manner: “Oh Mahalakshmi! Everybody from the most ordinary people like me to Swami crave for Your Divya Darshan and for Your Grace! Even Swami craved for Your Divya Darshan not for one day or two days but for 10 years in Kolhapur and afterwards for 12 years near Padmasarovaram and prayed to You to win Your Grace. He then became Srinivasa, with Your Presence in His Bosom, and sanctioning All Wealth and Happiness to the devotees. I am praying to You, Oh Mother! as I am ordained by Swami. As You are Granting Infinite Grace136 137 to the devotees, we are all praying to You to pardon our sins and grant our prayers. Swami and You are one and the same, in helping the devotees in their dif- ficulties. You are the Deity of Kaliyuga and none can equal in Your Benevolence! Whatever Praise we give to You is inadequate. Hence, I pray to You to fulfil my desire in providing permanent shelter to me on this Venkatachala, the Holiest of Shrines. She praised Her in this Sankirtana: May I stay here ? Mother ! Do you take care of me ? Alamelumanga ! I don’t know why, but thy lord told me To beg permission of thee and stay here: Accept me with kind of compassion : I come To stay desirous of soul’s liberation. I can’t across countries roam; I can’t with dualists argue much; I can ’t adore the kings of kingdoms: I can’t amass wealth for giving alms. I can’t my body tire; hardships I can’t bear; what can I do? I can’t stand among assemblies of men; Here I shall stay doing thy marvellous will. Shall I reach for the prop seshachala’s Lord Who is but Narasimha of Tarigonda? Kindly speak out: I meditate upon Thy felt, the ultimate heaven of all. (This song was sung extempore by Tarigonda Vengamma herself) With these words of Vengamamba, the Universal Mother showered Her Blessings and granted her prayers and gave her Darshan. As Alamelu and Swami are one and the same in protecting the devotees, Alamelu Manga takes the side of the devotees to make Swami accept their prayers. After listening to her prayer, Swami and Alamelu Mangamma decided to grant her desires by providing shelter in the precincts of the Temple itself, so that she can devote all her life in Their dhyana. Swami asked Atmaram Das, His per- sonal devotee in his dream to look after the needs of Vengamamba for shelter and succour. This Atmaram is one of the devotees of Hathiram Bavaji, who played dice with Swami. Hathiram Bavaji himself was one of the Swami’s great devotees. Being greatly pleased with Swami’s words, Atmaram Das met Vengamamba and told her most obediently like this: “Oh devoted mother, Lord ordained me to look after you by pro- viding shelter and I request you to kindly accept my service to make me happy. You can devote all your life in His dhyana”. Thus, a small thatched hut was built on the north-eastern side of the temple in the path of Mahapradakshina, beside the Lord’s rock138 chariot. From then onwards, she is provided with ma- terial for preparing food by Vakuladevi. This episode took place in 1843 - 1933 during the reign of Mahants. Thus, she spent the rest of her life in worshiping Swami and entered into Samadhi, by seeking Unifi- cation with the Almighty. She used to spend all her time in presenting garlands made up of bacillus in the morning and involving herself in her literary activity in the afternoon, while in the evening, she offered Karpura Neerajanam in the evening. She spent the night in satsang with Swami and His dhyana. Swami was Greatly Happy to receive the service called Muthyala Harathi (which is an aarathi of camphor). She grew a flower garden to make the garlands and offer them to Him. She spent her time in His dhyana or writing literary works of great value and worth. It is a belief among people that Swami would spend His time in listening to her words, after Ekanta seva. She also excelled herself as a poet. She wrote NRUSIMHA SATHAKAM, NARASIMHA VILASA KATHA, RAJAYOGA SARAMRUTHAM, BALAKRISHNA NATAKAM,SRIKRISHNA MANJARI,RUKMINI NATAKAM, GOPI NATAKAMASTANGAYOGA SARAM, MUKTIKANTHA VILASAM, VENKATACHALA MAHATMYAM, DWIPADA BHAGAVATAM, VASISTA RAMAYANAM, RAMA PARINAYAM, JALAKREEDA VILASAM, VISHNU PARIJATHAM, SIVANATAKAM, besides 139 many other works of great profundity and pure devo- tion. In her innumerable keertanas and songs in a spantaneous manner, she always believed that Lord and Sri Narasimha swami are inalianable and they are one and the same. Thus, she led a fruitful life of a great devotee dedicating herself to His service, and entered into a state of Samadhi in her living self on Sravana Suddha Navami in the year 1817. It is a wide- spread belief that from then onwards, she would enter the Temple through the underground tunnel to offer her Karpura Harathi (aarthi of camphor) to Swami every night after His Ekanta seva. Now also, we can see Samadhi in Tirumala on the northern side of the Temple. We can also find that Karpura aarthi is of- fered everday to Swami after the Ekanta seva as this is the last service to Him. MUTHYALA HARATHI Ekanta seva is performed as the last service to Swami. Ekanta seva means the service to Put Him to Sleep. A Deity called Manavallappa Perumal (mean- ing “always a bridegroom”) is kept on the Golden Cot, hung with silver chains. At that time, the arathi called Muthyala Harathi of Tarigonda Vengamamba is of- fered to Him. Afterwards, the same harathi is given to Bhoga Srinivasamurthi. As Swami is Shining and Swinging in Divine Brightness in the Golden Cot, a140 141 quiet song of rare mellifluence is sung by the family members of Tallapaka Annamacharya using the DANDA. They sing the song “Jo Achyuthananda, jojo Mukunda! Rave Parmananda Ramagovinda” to put Swami to Sleep. Thus, while receiving harathi of Tarigonda Vengamamba on one side and listening to the mellifluous song of Tallapaka Annamacharya, on the other side, He will resume His Yoganidra (Eternal Sleep)-and this scene one has to see for oneself its splendor and magnificence, as any amount of words fail to give full expression to it. Like this, the karpura harathi (aarthi of camphor) is offered to Swami and VYUHALAKSHMI in His Bosom every day. Swami is always Shining in His Celestial light as the devo- tees go into rapture and Swami gives His Blessings to them. Now let us listen to one of the songs of Mangala Harathi of Tarigonda Vengamamba to Swami and His Royal Consort: MUTHYALA HARATHI Maruvula dee birudu niratamani pathini Emaraniyya nalamelu mangammaku Jaya mangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || Ananda nilaya mandanisambu pasiyinchi Deenulanu rakshinchu devunakunu Kanukala nonagurchi ghanamuga vibhuni sa- Nmaninchu Alamelu mangammaku Jayamangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || Paramosaga na vantu narulakani vykuntha Maracheta chupu jagadatmunakunu Siri losaga tanavantu siddhamani nayakuni Uramapai koluvunna sarathi sutaku Jayamangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || Telivito mudupulitu temmu temmani parusha Nalikinchi ki konedi Achyutunaku Elami pakambu jeyinchi andarakanna Malaya kepudosage mahamataku Jayamangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || Sri Punnagadri vara sikharagra vasunaku Papandhakara ghana bhaskarunaku Aa paramatmunaku nityana payiniyaina Ma pali Alamelu mangammaku Jaya Mangalam nitya Subha mangalam || Jaya ||Tarachina dharma satramulakunu, phalapushpa Bharita sringaravana panktulakunu Muruvoppu ugranamulaku, bokkasamulaku Sarasambulagu pakasalalakunu Jayamangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || Sarananna dasulaku varamittunani birudu Dhariyinchi yunna paradaivamunakuAhivyri mukhya vahanamulaku, godugulaku Rahi noppa makara toranamulakunu142 143 Bahuvidha dhwajamulaku, patuvadya vitatulaku Vihita satkalyana vedikalaku || Jaya || Darachakra mukhya sadhanamulaku, manimaya Bharana divyambara pratatulakunu, Karacharana mukhyanga gana sahitamai, subha Karamaina divya mangalamurtiki || Jaya || Kalita sugnanadi kalyana gunamulaku Balamoppu namita prabhavamunaku Valagonina sakala parivara devatalakunu Chelagi panulonarinchu sevakulaku || Jaya || Alaraga Brahmotsavadulai santatamu Valanoppu nityotsavambulakunu Palu pondu viswa prabhutva mulambunaku Naluvondu vara vimanambulakunu || Jaya || Araya tarigonda Narahari yaguchu nandariki Varamu losage srinivasunakunu Mariyuchunna viswathomukhunitlu bhariyinchi Sirula velayuchunundu seshadriki || Jaya || Jayamangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || Jayamangalam nitya Subhamangalam || Jaya || To the Lord that dwells on top of Seshadri, Who is like sun in dispelling the darkness of sin; Who is the soul of souls; and to Alamelumanga, Our Prop ever present and everlasting, Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory to be them, ever-victorious glory! To the god that hears the little to grant The wishes of devotees of self-surrender; To his queen who goods him ever and again, To keep up his tittle, to mother Alamelu Manga; Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory! To the god who dwells in the abode of bliss And always protects the helpless sufferers; To mother Alamelu Manga who always honours Her lord with gifts of several kinds; Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory! To the soul of universe who Is avowed To liberate men and puts vaikuntha in their palms; To his Lady Presiding his heart who is avowed To bestow wealth on them; Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory ! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory ! To Achyuta who beackons vows to be wisely paid And harshly collects them from his devotees; To the great mother who tirelessly cooks and serves Food for all unmindful of time and tide;144 145 Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory !Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory! To the wonderful, strange mandapas, Streets and divine theerthams; To the great cupolas, campuses And everlasting golden towers; Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory!To the brahmotsavams and all festivals That daify are performed ever and anon; To the Root of the sway of the Universe And to the many grand palacial abodes; Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory! To the densely strewn inns and groves Filled with beautiful flower and fruit; To the pantries, treasure-houses And kitchens filled with tasteful dishes; Glory be them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory!To srinivasa who grants boons to all In Narahari’s image of Tarigonda; To seshadri who gracefully bears The All-pervasive and showers pleasure on all; Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory! To the mounts like garuda and the pairasols To the festoons of cloth with crocodiles impressed To the many flag-staffs and musical instruments And to the platforms of vedic weddings Glory be to them, ever-auspicious glory! Glory be to them, ever-victorious glory! To the toods and weapons like sankha and chakra; To the many ornaments diamond studded and fine clothings; To limbs like hands and legs and often graceful parts Of the lord’s divine and auspicious form; CHAPTER-26 CELEBRATION OF ALAMELU MANGA’S GLORIOUS FESTIVALS Now, let us know the many Holy Rituals per- formed for Alamelu Manga, who is also known as Swatantra Veeralakshmi, besides Padmavathi (as She was born in the Thousand - Petalled Golden Lotus). As festivals are performed and divine processions are carried out for Swami in Tirumala, according to Vaikhanasagama Sastra, for Alamelu Manga, also,146 Daily Rituals and Festivals are performed, according to Pancharathragama Sastra. 147 FESTIVALS OF THE STARS (Nakshatrotsavalu) Every month, on Uttarabhadra and Ekadasi, there is Abhishekam to the Altarego (Utsava Murthi). DAILY RITUALS The day begins with Suprabhata Seva followed by Sahasranamarchana and offering naivedya. In the evening, we have the Ritual of Marriage of Padmavathi (Padmavathi Parinayam) and Unjal Seva. The day’s Rituals come to an end with Ekanta seva. WEEKLY RITUALS A special festival is celebrated on certain week days and the devotees can participate in this seva by paying money. Other festivals are celebrated in the following manner: Monday-Astadala Pada Padmaradhana; Thursday - Thiruppavada, Friday - Abhishekam to Mother’s Main Deity and Lakshmi Puja before the Marriage Festival (Kalyanotsavam). Every Friday, after the daily ritual of marriage, Alamelu Manga will go to the garden, where Abhishekam with turmeric and sandal wood powder is performed to Her and all the devotees can see this festival. After this Abhishekam and Unjal Seva, the festival of the vil- lage takes place; Saturday - at 6.30 in the morning, there is a Seva offering of flowers (Pushpanjali) to the Main Deity. ANNUAL FESTIVALS On the auspicious day of Ugadi, festivals begin with reading of Almanac (Panchanga Sravanam) in the forecourt of the Temple. Other festivals take place in the rest of the year in the following manner: on Vaisakha Purnima, Vasanthotsavam is performed for three days; on full moon day - festival of the Golden Chariot takes place. In Jyesta masa, on full moon day the Boat Festival takes place for five days in the Lo- tus Pond; like this, on the first day on Ekadasi, for Srikrishna swami; on the second day on Dwadasi, for Sri Sundararajaswami and on the remaining three days, for Sri Padmavathi. Every year on Bhadrapada Pournami, for three days, the Holy Festivals take place; the Brahmotsavams take place for ten days; every day morning and evening, Service on the Chariot (Vahanaseva) takes place. A day before the beginning of these BRAHMOTSAVAMS, Laksha Kumkumarchana takes place. Every year, in Pushya masa, in Tamil Almanac, in the Thaimasa, every Fri- day, Special Rituals take place for the Deity. On that day, the married women are presented the yellow148 149 threads (made up of turmeric) as Deity’s prasada, to symbolize their mangalyas.day, Abhishekam is performed to Her as also regular Rituals take place for Her thrice a day. VYUHALAKSHMI IN TIRUMALAKOLHAPUR In Tirumala, along with the Daily Rituals, and Services and prayers for Swami, for Alamelu Manga, (for VYUHALAKSHMI in His Bosom) also the Ritu- als and Services take place. Every day, after the Ritual of Sahasranamarchana or Ashtottara satanamarchana, for Her also, the Ritual of Chaturwimsati Namavali, consisting of invocation of 24 Holy Names of Her takes place. Also, especially on Friday, after Swami’s Abhishekham, Abhishekham with the Holy Turmeric water for Her follows, with great delight. Every year on Panchameetheertham, Pasupu (Turmeric) and kumkuma offered to Her are given to Tiruchanur Padmavathi, as ‘Saare’.The Holy Shrine of Kolhapur is in Maharastra. It was Here that Swami went on a Penance for 12 years for getting Sri Mahalakshmi’s Grace, as she left Srivaikunta in a huff. This Shrine is one of the Eigh- teen Seats of Worship (Sakthi Peethalu). Here, She is worshipped in Holy processions and festivals. Every year on the Pournami of Chaitramasa, the festival of Chariot (Radhotsavam) takes place with Great Aplomb and Felicity. Also, on Vaisakha Suddha Triteeya, i.e., is Akshaya Thrithiya, Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva) takes place with Great Gaiety and Joy. In Aswayuja masa during Navarathri festivals, processions take place in a grand manner on Durgashtami day, She appers in all Her Grandeur and Beauty with the offerings of saree sent from T.T.D. Every year Surya Kiranotsavam is celebrated twice every year on January 31st, Febru- ary 1st and 2nd and November 9th, 10th and 11th”. On those days, on the first day during the sunset, sun’s rays fall on Her Divine Feet on the second day on Her Bosom and on the third day on Her Golden Crown. NARAYANA VANAM This is the Divine Place where Swami married Padmavathi. She is also known as Padmavalli, Pad mini, Vedavati and Vedalakshmi. There are no festi- vals for Her. She appears to us in all Her Splendid Beauty as the Royal Queen. She does not go out of Her Shrine and takes immense pleasure on the many Glorious Festivals. Holy Rituals are performed for Her, according to the Vaikhanasagama tradition. On Fri- Now let us chant Her prayer: Namam tyajethah Sritakalpavalli Sadbhakti chintamani kamadheno150 151 Viswasya Matha rbhava suprasanna Gruhe kalatreshu cha putravarge “Oh Mahalakshmi, Universal Mother! You always sanction our prayers like Kalpavriksha and Kamadhenu and Chintamani by evoking bhakti in our minds. Oh our dearest Mother! We pray to You to be always with us to give happiness to all of us in this world”. CHAPTER-27 SRI SURYANARAYANASWAMI TEMPLE (TIRUCHANUR) This Holy Temple in Tiruchanur is about 20 feet towards the western side of Padmasarovaram. Main- tained by T.T.D. the Deity of Sri Surya Bhagavan was established by Sri Venkateswara Himself, when He was on Penance for 12 years for the Grace of Sri Mahalakshmi, who was at that time in the Kolhapur temple. He heard an invisible and unbodied voice which told Him to come to Venkatachala and make Padmasarovaram and go on Penance for Her Grace there. Accordingly, He established Padmasarovaram and installed in them Golden Lotuses from Heaven to make them always in Full Blossom. He established Sun God. After 12 years of His untiring penance, Sri Mahalakshmi was Born in the Thousand-Petalled Golden Lotus as Alamelu Manga. So, this Shrine of Sun God called Bhaskarakshetra is ancient and it has three parts, namely forecourt, Artha Mandapam, and Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Gudi). If we look at the marble inscription on the eastern side of frontcourt, we find the following description of the installation of the deity of Sri Suryanarayana Swami in the year Akshayanama, Nija Jyeshta Suddha Navami Friday (i.e., on April 23, 1866). The new De- ity of Sri Suryanarayana Swami was installed by Dharmadasuji Mahanther, who was the disciple of Sri Mahanthu Sevadasuji of Maharajasri Hathee Ramji Math. But, it is not clear whether the Deity installed was the old one or the new one. After the front court of the Temple, we come across spacious and long Ardhamandapa, which is also used as the pathway for Pradakshina. The devotees can worship the deity from this Ardhamandapa; the Sanctum Sanctorum is 8 ft long and 8 feet wide. In this Holy Sanctum Sanctorum, we can see Swami’s marvelous Deity, Swami appears to us with lotus flowers glittering in his two arms and golden crown on his head and gold ornaments and the holy thread. He is seated on the lotus pedestal. The Deity also shows Swami wearing angavastra from waist to his feet. The feet have anklets. On the Sanc- tum sanctorum, there is Kalasa gopuram. All the pil-152 lars and Deity make us notice its antiquity. Besides Swami’s main Deity, we can also see his Altarego which is about 3.5 feet in height and the idol of Bhogamurthi-these are the replicas of the main Deity and they are used in the festivals. This temple does not have the traditional Dhwaja Sthambham or seat of sacrifice (balipeetham). The Daily Rituals take place thrice a day by following the Vyakhyayana Sastra. Ev- ery Sunday at 8 in the evening, Abhishekam is per- formed for the Main Deity; in this Ritual, cowmilk, curds, honey and coconut water and sandalwood pow- der and other materials are used. After the Abhishekam, sweet pongal is offered to Swami with devotion and the devotees can participate in this ritual by paying the requisite money. Besides, on the Hastha nakshatram of every month, which is Swami’s day of incarnation, Abhishekam is performed for the altarego and after this, this altarego is taken in a procession in the streets of Tiruchanur in a palanquin as a village festival. On all the Auspicious Days, such as Makara Sankranthi, Ratha Sapthami, Abhishekhams are per- formed for the Main Deity as well as for the Altarego. Every year in Dhanurmasa, for a month, rituals take place from early in the morning from 5 o’ clock. Sri Suryanarayana Swami has a very important role in the Avatar of Lord Srinivasa, as a bridge between Lord Srinivasa and Sri Mahalakshmi, at the time of Their marriage. At that time, Sri Mahalakshmi was staying 153 in Kolhapur and as ordained by Swami, He brought Her to the marriage. Also, He was present in Tiruchanur to make the Golden Lotuses always blos- som with his rays, as his deity was installed by Sri Venkateswara Himself. Thus, he became responsible for the presence of Alamelu Manga in the Thousand Petalled Golden Lotuses in Padma Sarovaram and for the incarnation of Padmavathi. From then onwards, it gained great importance as the Shrine of the Sun God (Bhaskara Kshetram). When the devotees visit this Shrine, their pilgrimage becomes complete. CHAPTER-28 SRI KRISHNASWAMI TEMPLE IN TIRUCHANUR This temple is located between Alamelu Manga Temple and Sri Sundararajaswami temple. It is oppo- site to the Mukhadwara of Sri Mahalakshmi Temple. This is the ancient temple and of great value and sig- nificance. This is known in the ancient inscriptions as Alagiya Perumal, meaning beautiful deity. As we en- ter the compound, we come across Sri Krishnaswami temple and about 10 inscriptions are found in this temple in Tirupati and Tiruchanur. The first inscrip- tion belongs to the year 1221 of 3rd Raja Raja Chola and the last inscription in the series belongs to the year 1552. It is found in the inscriptions that the temple154 was built at the beginning of 12th century. Pakkeeran, a devotee, bought a piece of land and grew crops in it and by selling them, donated the money he got from it. Hence a festival is held every year in his name. Afterwards in 1467 Sthanathar ordered Vijayanagara king Saluva Narasimharayalu that he should send but- ter to Krishna who is Alagiya Perumal. It is also men- tioned in the inscription that Saluva Narasimharayalu himself donated for this temple. In 1541, it is found in the inscription that Sattalur Srinivasa Iyangar gave 2770 narpanam as gift for use in service and for offer- ings at the Theertha Vari Festival which was celebrated at the end of Adi Brahmotsavam. In 1552, Ramaraju Kodandaraju gave a donation for the offering to Srikrishna at Paruveta. This temple, which is consid- ered to be more ancient than Padmavathi Temple. It is built in four parts: The pillars on the north-eastern and south-eastern side were built in the Chola style of sculpture, others show the Vijayanagara style of sculpture; this is the definite opinion of the researchers. MAHA MANDAPAM There are sixteen pillars. Four of pillars, in each of the four rows of pillars, each with a height and length and width of 24 feet on eastern, northern and southern sides. While the pillars on the north- eastern and south -east were built in the Chola style of sculp- 155 ture, others show the Vizayanagara style of sculpture; this is the definite opinion of the researchers. SNAPANA MANDAPAM As we enter the temple after the Mahamandapa, we have the Snapanamandapa, which is a marvelous creation, making us believe that truly it is the Main Entrance. It is 24 feet in length and 8.6 feet in width. It has two rows of rock pillars, each row consisting of four pillars. With the iron construction on the north- ern and southern side and a wall in the eastern side, this mandapam is believed to have been formed. It is believed that in the past, this mandapam was part of the main entrance (mahamandapam). INNER TEMPLE( ANTHARALAM) After the Snapanamandapam, we enter the inner temple, which is 24 feet in length and 5.5 in width. We find on the northern side towards the north-west, the brass-made festival Deities of Sri Venugopala Swami with His consorts, Rukmini and Sathyabhama on a pedestal; these Deities can be found facing the eastern side. Sri Venugopala swami is shining with Chathurbhuja - with His Sankhu and Chakra on His two arms above, playing the traditional flute in His hands below. Every month, after the Abhishekam, on the Rohini, these festive Dieties are taken on a pro- cession in the streets of Tiruchanur. On Sri156 Krishnastami festival day, every year; after the tradi- tional rituals of Abhishekam and Archana, they are taken in a procession. SANCTUM SANCTORUM After the inner temple, we enter the Holy SANC- TUM SANCTORUM, where we find, towards its western side and facing eastwards, the two Deities of Sri Krishna and Balaram on a two-feet pedestal. Lord Sri Krishna, seated on the lotus is spreading his two arms in a posture of assurance (VARADA BHANGIMA). Beside Swami’s Diety, the Diety of Sri Balaram is installed; latter folded his left leg, while spreading his right leg. He kept His left hand on his left knee, while his right hand is kept on the-floor. It appears as if he is in a resting posture. Both the Dei- ties of Balaram and Sri Krishna have crowns over their heads. Now, we should know some stories, which are in circulation, about them. One story is like this: during the epic Kurukshetra war, Balaramudu, unwilling to support either Pandavas or Kauravas, in a mood of resignation went on a pilgrimage. After the comple- tion of the war in 18 days, Lord Sri Krishna, going in search of his elder brother reached the hermitage of Sri Suka Maharshi. On the request of the Maharshi he agreed to rest there and in that serene atmosphere went 157 into dhyana in lotus posture. Then, Balaramudu, after completing his pilgrimage felt happy to see his younger brother, Lord Srikrishna and he sat on the pedestal without removing his footwear, in an expansive mood of joy, on seeing his younger brother. Lord Krishna told him that they were in the Holy Shrine in the Seven Hills and requested him to stop his pilgrimage. Balaramudu accepted this and wanted to have the darshan of Suka Maharshi, who gave them a boon that since they visited his ashram, they would have the benefit of visiting all the Shrines. As a sign of their visiting the ashram, it is believed that, the Deity was installed in the posture of their giving a holy mes- sage. In the Sanctum Sanctorum we also have the an- cient brass idols of Little Krishna and Little Lakshminarayana Swami. On top of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the tower was built. In the four directions of this tower, there is sculpture of the lions. On top of this tower, Golden plaque is installed. In this temple, rituals take place, according to Pancharathragama Sastra. The rituals in this temple, thrice a day, take place before the rituals in Padmavathi temple. Every month, on Ashtami tithi, Abhishekham and other ritu- als take place for Lord Sri Krishna and Balarama. In a similar way, every month on Rohini Nakshatra, Abhishekam and other rituals take place, followed by the practice of taking the festive Deities in a proces-158 159 sion in Tiruchanur streets. Every year, on Sri Krishna Ashtami, in Rohini Nakshatra-rituals are performed in a grand manner. As a part of the boat festival of Padmavathi, in Shining Lotus Pond (Padma Sarovaram) for five days, Sri Krishnaswami’s boat fes- tival is celebrated. These festivals take place in such a manner that they are completed by the full moon day (pournami) of the month of Jyeshta. In this festival, Swami along with Sri Rukmini and Satyabhama ap- pear in all their splendid beauty. CHAPTER-29 SRI SUNDARA RAJA SWAMI TEMPLE This temple is in the same compound of Sri Padmavthi Temple towards the southern side of Sri Krishna swami temple. The Deity, facing eastwards is installed on a pedestal of 4 feet height. Swami in this temple is variously called Sri Sundararaja Swami and Sri Varadaraja Swami. The Deity is also famously known as Sri Sundararaja Swami. In 1541 inscription, Varadaraja Swami temple festival is celebrated. In a similar way, the Varadaraja Swami Brahmotsavams and ‘Vidayyarri’ festival are also mentioned in the 1547 inscription. Since there is a mention of boat festivals and the Adhyayanotsavam in this inscription, it is be- lieved that this temple was built in 16th century. There are four parts in this temple: 1. Main entrance (Mahamandapam) (2) Fore court (Mukha mandapam) (3) inner temple (Antaralam) : 4. Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhalayam). This temple is built on an elevated rock pedestal. It has, on the upperside three parts Padma pattika, thripattika and Galapattika. In the main entrance (mahamandapam), three rows of four pillars each are found; there are however only two pillars in the first row and there are 14 pillars altogether with Vijayanagara style of construction. There are two en- trances from the main entrance towards inner temple (Antaralam) and the idols of Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the entrance of inner temple. In the inner temple, in the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a wall and the entrance door is decorated. In the middle portion of the Sanctum Sanctorum, we have Sri Sundara Raja swami’s Deity in standing posture. He has four arms: while the upper two arms have Sudarshana Chakra and Panchajanyam, the lower right arm is in the pos- ture of assuring His devotees, the left arm is spread in the lower direction. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, we have the festive idol of Sri Sundararaja Swami, with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in the three feet high brass idols. Facing Sri Sundara Raja Swami outside the main entrance, we have Garuda Mandapam. In this mandapam, we have the idol of Garutmanta in his out- stretched wings, in the standing posture and this idol is very ancient.160 Rituals thrice a day are performed according to Pancharathragama sastra. Every month on Uttarabhadra Nakshatra, which is Swami’s day of in- carnation, rituals and Abhishekam are performed, fol- lowed by village fetilval in the evening in Tiruchanur. Every year on Jyesta masa Pournami, for Swami’s fes- tive idols, boat festivals are performed on the second day of the five-day boat festival of Sri Padmavathi in the Padmasarovara. Every year in Jyesta masa, for three days, Abhishekam and Archana are performed for this Swami’s festive idols as well as for the Main Deity. On each carrier, every evening, on the day of incarna- tion of Swami on Jyesta masa, Uttarabhadra Nakshatra, in 1906, under the leadership of Mahantu Prayagadasji, Sri Swami’s Sanctum Sanctorum and degenerated tower are renovated by installing a golden kalasa, be- sides temple’s festival of Maha Kumbhabhishekam are performed. From then onwards, festivals take in a glo- rious manner. In 2006, in Jyesta masa festival of Swami’s incarnation took place. Swami, shining with His Consorts and Sankha-chakra and assuring hand (Varada hastam), like Lord Venkateswara Himself, always with the benign smile- one has to see for one- self, and seek His blessings. Namah sakala kalyana Karine karunat mane Srivatsa vakshase tasmai Lakshmi Narayanatmane