Venkateswara (also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, Govinda, and Venkatachalapathi) is a major form of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The most famous temple of Venkateswara is located in Tirumala in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, known as Tirupati Balaji Temple. This place is a major center of faith and devotion for millions of devotees, and is worshiped as the "God of Kali Yuga".
Introduction to Venkateswara
Incarnation of Lord Vishnu: Venkateswara is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who appeared on earth to establish Dharma and protect devotees. He is worshipped especially in South India, but his devotee community is spread throughout India and around the world.
Tirupati Balaji Temple: The Venkateswara Temple, located on the seven hills of Tirumala, is one of the richest and most famous temples in the world. Every year lakhs of devotees come here for darshan, and this place is considered to be extremely sacred and powerful.
Story of Venkateshwara
The main story of Venkateshwara is related to his incarnation on earth. According to mythology, when unrighteousness and incest increased in the world, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Venkateshwara. According to the story, he separated from Goddess Lakshmi for some time and lived in the Venkatachala (Tirumala) mountains. Later he married a princess Padmavati on earth, who was an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
According to this story, Venkateshwara listens to every prayer of the devotees and fulfills all their wishes. This is why devotees worship him with reverence and devotion.
Appearance of Venkateshwara
The appearance of Venkateshwara is extremely divine and gentle. He is depicted standing in a stable posture, having four arms. He holds a conch (symbol of the sound of the ocean) and a chakra (symbol of Dharma and truth) in his hands. His eyes are closed, indicating meditation and peace. He is highly decorated and new ornaments and clothes are offered to his idol every day in his temple.
Venkateswara Puja and Significance
God of Wealth, Prosperity and Moksha: Worshipping Venkateswara blesses devotees with wealth, prosperity and salvation. By his grace, all the sufferings of life are removed and one attains mental peace and spiritual advancement.
Worship at Tirupati Balaji Temple: Thousands of devotees visit Tirupati Balaji Temple every day. The temple is famous for its well-organized and elaborate worship rituals. Devotees wait for hours in long queues to have darshan of Balaji here, but their darshan gives them a feeling of immense peace and satisfaction.
Tradition of Keshdan: Many devotees offer their hair to express their gratitude to Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati. This is called "Keshdan", and this practice symbolizes the complete dedication and devotion of the devotees.
Venkateshwara and Festivals
Brahmotsava: Brahmotsava held annually in Tirupati is the most prominent festival of Lord Venkateshwara. It lasts for nine days, in which Rath Yatra, special puja rituals and other religious programs are organized. During this time lakhs of devotees gather in Tirumala.
Vaisakhi and Magha Purnima: On these special occasions also, Venkateshwara is worshipped with great pomp and show. During these festivals, special puja rituals are performed in the temple and Lord Venkateswara is decorated with special ornaments.
Benefits of Devotion to Venkateswara
Relief from Troubles: Worshipping Venkateswara frees the devotee from troubles and sufferings of life. He listens to every prayer of his devotees and paves the way for peace and happiness in their lives.
Wealth and Prosperity: Venkateswara is worshipped as the god of wealth and prosperity. Devotees attain wealth and economic prosperity by his grace.
Spiritual Advancement and Moksha: Worshipping Venkateswara helps a person attain spiritual advancement and ultimately Moksha. By his grace, the devotee is freed from the bonds of life and merges with the Supreme Being.
Venkateshwara is the divine form of Lord Vishnu, who listens to every prayer of the devotees and provides them happiness, peace, prosperity and salvation. Tirupati Balaji Temple is a symbol of exclusive devotion and reverence towards him, where millions of devotees from all over the country and abroad come to worship him. By devotion to Venkateshwara, devotees get mental and spiritual peace and are able to overcome the difficulties of life.
