Tirumal, also known as Tirupati Balaji or Vekateswara, is a major form of Lord Vishnu, worshipped especially in South India. Tirumala is the presiding deity of the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, situated on the Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most important and richest temples in India, visited by millions of devotees every day.
Introduction to Tirumala (Vekateswara)
Lord Tirumala is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu, who descended to liberate people from the miseries of Kali Yuga. His name "Vekateswara" is a combination of two words: "Vekate" meaning "sin" and "Iswara" meaning "God". Venkateswara means the god who liberates devotees from sins. This form of Tirupati Balaji is especially believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and blessings to the devotees.
Worship and Importance of Tirumala
Lord of Kali Yuga: Tirumala is worshipped as the Lord of Kali Yuga, who relieves the devotees of their sufferings in this age and shows them the path to liberation. Worshipping Tirupati Balaji gives a person mental and material pleasures.
Tirupati Balaji Temple: Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the richest temples in the world and the donations offered by devotees here are unparalleled. This temple is situated on a chain of seven mountains, called "Tirumala".
Saptagiri Mountains: Tirumala Mountains, where the temple of Lord Tirumala is situated, is situated on Saptagiri (seven mountains), which are believed to symbolize the seven parts of Lord Tirumala's body. Devotees believe that climbing these mountains and having darshan of Tirupati Balaji frees them from sins.
Center of charity and service: Charity and service have special importance in Tirupati Balaji temple. Baldan (tonsuring), special prasad, and donation of money are prevalent here. It is also seen as a center of religion, where devotees do charity and service to fulfill their wishes.
Stories related to Tirumala
Story of Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavati: According to a major legend, Tirumala was married to Goddess Lakshmi, but due to an incident, Goddess Lakshmi got angry and went to Earth. After this, Tirumala married Goddess Padmavati. This legend is associated with two major festivals of Tirupati Balaji: Brahmotsava and Pavitrotsava.
Protector of Kali Yuga: According to another legend, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Tirumala in the form of Tirupati Balaji for the protection and welfare of devotees in Kali Yuga. He removes the sins of devotees and shows them the path to salvation.
Appearance of Tirumala
Lord Tirumala has a distinctive and divine appearance. He is adorned with a high crown, gold ornaments and jewels. His dominant hand is in a blessing pose, blessing devotees with peace and prosperity. His other hands hold a conch and a chakra, which are symbols of Lord Vishnu.
Benefits of worshipping Tirumala
Prosperity and peace: Worshiping Lord Tirumala gives a person prosperity, mental peace, and freedom from all sorrows.
Destroyer of sins: Tirumala is worshipped as the destroyer of sins and protector of devotees. By worshipping him, a person gets freedom from his sins and attains the path of salvation.
Fulfillment of wishes: Devotees believe that Tirupati Balaji fulfills all their wishes. By worshipping him, a person gets family happiness, financial stability, and mental balance.
Tirumal or Tirupati Balaji is considered as the protector of Kaliyuga and the savior of devotees in the form of Lord Vishnu. Worshiping him not only grants a person material prosperity but also paves the way for spiritual advancement and salvation. The temple of Tirupati Balaji and his divine presence is the center of immense reverence and faith for the devotees.
