Itihyam of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala Hills

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavathas,

 

This is a description of Lord Venkateswara Swamy varu in English,

also called as 'Itihyam', meaning Sthala Puranam or the description

of the shrine. This is explained by the Cheif Priest or Pradhana

Archaka, while performing Harathi and simultaneously explanation

will go on. whenever President, Prime Minister, Cheif Minister,

Governor visits the Hill Shrine, apart from the usual temple honors

they can hear this Itihyam in the Sanctum.

 

" Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande Nastikinchanaat, Venkatesa Samo

devo nabhut nabhavishyati "

 

" The Sacred Seven Hills, The Presiding Deity Lord Vishnu is called

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji and is worshipped in 5 forms according

to our science of rituals called Vaikhanasa tradition, namely

Dhruva,Kautuka,Utsava,Snapana,Bali Beras.

This Silver idol named 'Bhoga Srinivasa murthy is one of the 5 forms

of Balaji, also known as Kautuka murthy in technical terminology.

This was donated by a Pallava queen around 1400 years ago.He takes a

sacred bath of Milk and Saffron during Thomala Seva early in the

Morning and He is put to bed during Ekantha Seva, the days final

ritual. Every Wednesday he is given a sacred bath with 1008 silver

pots called 'Sahasra Kalasabhishekam'.

The Main Idol, also called Dhruva Murthy, Goddess Lakshmi on the

right side of the chest and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. The

divine ornaments 'Srivatsam' and 'Kausthubham', Camphor Tilak on the

forehead with musk(or Kasturi Tilak) in the centre, The crown given

by Akasa Raja(The Diamond Crown),The Divine Discus 'Sudarsanam' and

the Divine Conch 'Panchajanyam'(studded with diamonds), (diamond ear

rings),Serpentine ornaments on the shoulders, the left hand

in 'Katyavalambitha Pose',the right hand 'Vaikunta Hastha' (studded

with diamonds)showing towards feet indicating total surrender,the

sword named 'Suryakatari' given by Surya Bhagavan to perish the

evil, the holy thread 'Swarna Yagnopaveetham', the divine Makara

Kanti in two steps,

 

the different garlands in the order

The garland of 108 coins holding 108 different names of Balaji

called 'Astottara Haram',

The garland of 108 tulasi leaves called 'Tulasipathra Haram',

The garland of 108 Goddess Lakshmi idols called 'Chaturbhuja Lakshmi

Haram',

The garland of 1008 names of Balaji on 1008 coins

called 'Sahasranama Haram' in 5 rows,

Salagrama Haras on both the sides,

(To the right side of Balaji's Idol) (Utsava Beram)The processional

deities Malayappa swamy with consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. All the

daily rituals like Kalyanotsavam and special rituals like

Brahmotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Jyestabhishekam, Pushpa Yagam are

performed to these idols.

(To the left side of the Balaji's Idol)

Another form of Balaji Snapana beram, Ugra Srinivasa Murthy with

Sridevi and Bhudevi. Comes out for procession once in a year on the

day of 'Kausika Dwadasi' before Sunrise,

THe Last form of Balaji called Darbar Srinivasa Murthy, or Bali

Beram. Every Morning after Thomala Seva Koluvu is performed in front

of this idol.In Koluvu 'Panchang', the Almanac and Hundi Collections

for the day are recited,

Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Lord Krishna with Rukmini.

{ the description in brackets is used when there is diamond set is

adorned ( Vishesha Samarpana) }

 

And whenever Peetadipati's of Mutts, those Mutts having association

with this temple, they will receive temple honors. And the Itihyam

to them is explained in Sanskrit. The Satari of Lord is taken for a

procession in a Pallaki and the Peetadipathi is invited near Bedi

Anjaneya Swamy Temple by giving Satari, they are cordially invited

through Mahadwaram,

 

Then first a Harati is performed with Itihyam, It goes like this

 

" Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande Nastikinchanaat, Venkatesa Samo

devo nabhut nabhavishyati "

 

" Vidyut Koti Divaakaraabha manisam Sankham Gadaa Pankajam Chakram

bibrati indiraa vasumateem Samsobhi Parsva dvayam peetaambaram

kaustubham, kEyooraangada haara kundala dharam deeptham viswa

dharam vibhum,

Suchkra Sankham, Kati Varada Hastham, Swanaambaram Ratna Kireetam,

Sva Vaksha Vilasat Sreevatsa Chihnam Bhaje,

Pralamba SootrOtpala Maalya bhushanam, Namaamyaham Sree Venkata

Saila Naayakam "

 

Recently Srimad Ahobila Matam Swamy Desikan visited the Hill Shrine

and HH Swamy received this maryaada in the temple and HH Swamy also

participated in the Annamaachaarya Vardhanti Celerations.

 

After the Harati, the Swamy is given Theertham and then a Melchaat

Sesha Vastram of Lord Venkateswara is presented to the Swamy by

Periya Jeeyar of the temple, then Satari is given. Then the Matam

Harathi with fruits, dry fruits are given to the Lord, Then the

Peetadipati Swamy is invited inside the Sanctum and water is given

for Hasta Suddi, then the 'Aalavattam' or chaamaram is given to the

Swamy to perform the Chaamara Seva for a few minutes to the Almighty

then the Sishyas of Swamin are allowed to have Darsanam of Lord

Venkateswara, while the Swamy is sitting near KulaSekhara Padi

outside the Sanctum.

This is how a Peetadipati will receive the temple Maryaada.

[Guest guest]

SrI:

 

A dear Member of Oppiliappan Group,

SrIman RamakrishNa Dhkeekshit sent

the following mail about the Great Lord of

the Seven Hills , Lord VekatEswara

for the Group . I would like to share this

authentic information with you as the first of

the series on the customs and observances

at the Thirumala Temple from time to time .

 

SrI RaamakrishNa Dheekshit has Paramparai

Archakam Mirasu and has the parama BhAgyam of

touching and serving the Svayam Vyaktha ArchA

Moorthy and all other bhErams having their abode

inside the Garbha Graham . He is an authority on

SrI VaikhAnasa Aagamam used in the AarAdhanam

of the Lord at Thirumala ( VaikhAnaSEna Vidhinaarchitha

Paahda Padma ) .

 

It is our Bhaagyam to have postings from

this Archaka Swamy , whose family has been

serving the Lord for atleast 34 generations .

 

NamO SrI VenkatEsAya ,

V.Sadagopan

********************************

 

 

> Dear Bhagavathas,

>

> This is a description of Lord Venkateswara Swamy varu in English,

> also called as 'Itihyam', meaning Sthala Puranam or the description

> of the shrine. This is explained by the Cheif Priest or Pradhana

> Archaka, while performing Harathi and simultaneously explanation

> will go on. whenever President, Prime Minister, Cheif Minister,

> Governor visits the Hill Shrine, apart from the usual temple honors

> they can hear this Itihyam in the Sanctum.

>

> " Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande Nastikinchanaat, Venkatesa Samo

> devo nabhut nabhavishyati "

>

> " The Sacred Seven Hills, The Presiding Deity Lord Vishnu is called

> Lord Venkateswara or Balaji and is worshipped in 5 forms according

> to our science of rituals called Vaikhanasa tradition, namely

> Dhruva,Kautuka,Utsava,Snapana,Bali Beras.

> This Silver idol named 'Bhoga Srinivasa murthy is one of the 5 forms

> of Balaji, also known as Kautuka murthy in technical terminology.

> This was donated by a Pallava queen around 1400 years ago.He takes a

> sacred bath of Milk and Saffron during Thomala Seva early in the

> Morning and He is put to bed during Ekantha Seva, the days final

> ritual. Every Wednesday he is given a sacred bath with 1008 silver

> pots called 'Sahasra Kalasabhishekam'.

> The Main Idol, also called Dhruva Murthy, Goddess Lakshmi on the

> right side of the chest and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. The

> divine ornaments 'Srivatsam' and 'Kausthubham', Camphor Tilak on the

> forehead with musk(or Kasturi Tilak) in the centre, The crown given

> by Akasa Raja(The Diamond Crown),The Divine Discus 'Sudarsanam' and

> the Divine Conch 'Panchajanyam'(studded with diamonds), (diamond ear

> rings),Serpentine ornaments on the shoulders, the left hand

> in 'Katyavalambitha Pose',the right hand 'Vaikunta Hastha' (studded

> with diamonds)showing towards feet indicating total surrender,the

> sword named 'Suryakatari' given by Surya Bhagavan to perish the

> evil, the holy thread 'Swarna Yagnopaveetham', the divine Makara

> Kanti in two steps,

>

> the different garlands in the order

> The garland of 108 coins holding 108 different names of Balaji

> called 'Astottara Haram',

> The garland of 108 tulasi leaves called 'Tulasipathra Haram',

> The garland of 108 Goddess Lakshmi idols called 'Chaturbhuja Lakshmi

> Haram',

> The garland of 1008 names of Balaji on 1008 coins

> called 'Sahasranama Haram' in 5 rows,

> Salagrama Haras on both the sides,

> (To the right side of Balaji's Idol) (Utsava Beram)The processional

> deities Malayappa swamy with consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. All the

> daily rituals like Kalyanotsavam and special rituals like

> Brahmotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Jyestabhishekam, Pushpa Yagam are

> performed to these idols.

> (To the left side of the Balaji's Idol)

> Another form of Balaji Snapana beram, Ugra Srinivasa Murthy with

> Sridevi and Bhudevi. Comes out for procession once in a year on the

> day of 'Kausika Dwadasi' before Sunrise,

> THe Last form of Balaji called Darbar Srinivasa Murthy, or Bali

> Beram. Every Morning after Thomala Seva Koluvu is performed in front

> of this idol.In Koluvu 'Panchang', the Almanac and Hundi Collections

> for the day are recited,

> Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Lord Krishna with Rukmini.

> { the description in brackets is used when there is diamond set is

> adorned ( Vishesha Samarpana) }

>

> And whenever Peetadipati's of Mutts, those Mutts having association

> with this temple, they will receive temple honors. And the Itihyam

> to them is explained in Sanskrit. The Satari of Lord is taken for a

> procession in a Pallaki and the Peetadipathi is invited near Bedi

> Anjaneya Swamy Temple by giving Satari, they are cordially invited

> through Mahadwaram,

>

> Then first a Harati is performed with Itihyam, It goes like this

>

> " Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande Nastikinchanaat, Venkatesa Samo

> devo nabhut nabhavishyati "

>

> " Vidyut Koti Divaakaraabha manisam Sankham Gadaa Pankajam Chakram

> bibrati indiraa vasumateem Samsobhi Parsva dvayam peetaambaram

> kaustubham, kEyooraangada haara kundala dharam deeptham viswa

> dharam vibhum,

> Suchkra Sankham, Kati Varada Hastham, Swanaambaram Ratna Kireetam,

> Sva Vaksha Vilasat Sreevatsa Chihnam Bhaje,

> Pralamba SootrOtpala Maalya bhushanam, Namaamyaham Sree Venkata

> Saila Naayakam "

>

> Recently Srimad Ahobila Matam Swamy Desikan visited the Hill Shrine

> and HH Swamy received this maryaada in the temple and HH Swamy also

> participated in the Annamaachaarya Vardhanti Celerations.

>

> After the Harati, the Swamy is given Theertham and then a Melchaat

> Sesha Vastram of Lord Venkateswara is presented to the Swamy by

> Periya Jeeyar of the temple, then Satari is given. Then the Matam

> Harathi with fruits, dry fruits are given to the Lord, Then the

> Peetadipati Swamy is invited inside the Sanctum and water is given

> for Hasta Suddi, then the 'Aalavattam' or chaamaram is given to the

> Swamy to perform the Chaamara Seva for a few minutes to the Almighty

> then the Sishyas of Swamin are allowed to have Darsanam of Lord

> Venkateswara, while the Swamy is sitting near KulaSekhara Padi

> outside the Sanctum.

> This is how a Peetadipati will receive the temple Maryaada.

>

>

>

> ---

>

> Oppiliappan Koil Varadachari Sadagopan

> http://www.sadagopan.org

[Guest guest]

SrI:

 

Dear Members :

 

This important posting in Oppiliappan Group is being

shared with you as Thirumalai Lord's PrasAdham coming to us

from Paramparya Archakam Mirasu , Sri Ramakrishna Deekshithulu,

PradhAna Archakar of ThiruvengadamudayAn . He has the MahA BhAgyam

of performing AarAdhanam and other Kaimkaryams to

the Lord of Saptha Giri . For 34 generations , His family

has had this BhAgyam . Inspite of His busy schedule

serving the Lord Sri Ramakrishna Deekshithulu has kindly agreed

to share with his rare knowledge as antharanga Kaimkaryaparar

for the Lord celebrated by AzhwArs and AchAryAs from

time immemorial .

 

The Sundarasimham and Ahobilavalli teams have covered sofar :

 

1) Annotated cmmentaries on SrI VenkatEsa AshtOttharams

( form Varaha and BrahmANda PurANams) ; Varaha PurANam

version is used evey day at the sannidhi of the Lord :

 

2) SrI VenkatEsa Sahasra Naamams used every day

at the

 

3) AzhwAr Paasurams on Lord VenkatEsa ( in preparation)

 

4) SrinivAsa KalyANam in pictures

 

Sriman RamakrishNa Dikshitulu will be sending us

soon a scholarly and authentic article on

VaikhAnasa Worship at Thirumala , which

will be released as an ebook in Sri Hayagrivan

series .

 

NamO SrI VenkatEsAya ,

V.Sadagopan

 

 

 

 

-

" ramakrishnadeekshit " <Ramakrishna.ad

<Oppiliappan >

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 9:01 AM

Itihyam of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala Hills

 

 

Dear Bhagavathas,

 

This is a description of Lord Venkateswara Swamy varu in English,

also called as 'Itihyam', meaning Sthala Puranam or the description

of the shrine. This is explained by the Cheif Priest or Pradhana

Archaka, while performing Harathi and simultaneously explanation

will go on. whenever President, Prime Minister, Cheif Minister,

Governor visits the Hill Shrine, apart from the usual temple honors

they can hear this Itihyam in the Sanctum.

 

" Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande Nastikinchanaat, Venkatesa Samo

devo nabhut nabhavishyati "

 

" The Sacred Seven Hills, The Presiding Deity Lord Vishnu is called

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji and is worshipped in 5 forms according

to our science of rituals called Vaikhanasa tradition, namely

Dhruva,Kautuka,Utsava,Snapana,Bali Beras.

This Silver idol named 'Bhoga Srinivasa murthy is one of the 5 forms

of Balaji, also known as Kautuka murthy in technical terminology.

This was donated by a Pallava queen around 1400 years ago.He takes a

sacred bath of Milk and Saffron during Thomala Seva early in the

Morning and He is put to bed during Ekantha Seva, the days final

ritual. Every Wednesday he is given a sacred bath with 1008 silver

pots called 'Sahasra Kalasabhishekam'.

The Main Idol, also called Dhruva Murthy, Goddess Lakshmi on the

right side of the chest and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. The

divine ornaments 'Srivatsam' and 'Kausthubham', Camphor Tilak on the

forehead with musk(or Kasturi Tilak) in the centre, The crown given

by Akasa Raja(The Diamond Crown),The Divine Discus 'Sudarsanam' and

the Divine Conch 'Panchajanyam'(studded with diamonds), (diamond ear

rings),Serpentine ornaments on the shoulders, the left hand

in 'Katyavalambitha Pose',the right hand 'Vaikunta Hastha' (studded

with diamonds)showing towards feet indicating total surrender,the

sword named 'Suryakatari' given by Surya Bhagavan to perish the

evil, the holy thread 'Swarna Yagnopaveetham', the divine Makara

Kanti in two steps,

 

the different garlands in the order

The garland of 108 coins holding 108 different names of Balaji

called 'Astottara Haram',

The garland of 108 tulasi leaves called 'Tulasipathra Haram',

The garland of 108 Goddess Lakshmi idols called 'Chaturbhuja Lakshmi

Haram',

The garland of 1008 names of Balaji on 1008 coins

called 'Sahasranama Haram' in 5 rows,

Salagrama Haras on both the sides,

(To the right side of Balaji's Idol) (Utsava Beram)The processional

deities Malayappa swamy with consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. All the

daily rituals like Kalyanotsavam and special rituals like

Brahmotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Jyestabhishekam, Pushpa Yagam are

performed to these idols.

(To the left side of the Balaji's Idol)

Another form of Balaji Snapana beram, Ugra Srinivasa Murthy with

Sridevi and Bhudevi. Comes out for procession once in a year on the

day of 'Kausika Dwadasi' before Sunrise,

THe Last form of Balaji called Darbar Srinivasa Murthy, or Bali

Beram. Every Morning after Thomala Seva Koluvu is performed in front

of this idol.In Koluvu 'Panchang', the Almanac and Hundi Collections

for the day are recited,

Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Lord Krishna with Rukmini.

{ the description in brackets is used when there is diamond set is

adorned ( Vishesha Samarpana) }

 

And whenever Peetadipati's of Mutts, those Mutts having association

with this temple, they will receive temple honors. And the Itihyam

to them is explained in Sanskrit. The Satari of Lord is taken for a

procession in a Pallaki and the Peetadipathi is invited near Bedi

Anjaneya Swamy Temple by giving Satari, they are cordially invited

through Mahadwaram,

 

Then first a Harati is performed with Itihyam, It goes like this

 

" Venkatadri Samam Sthanam Brahmande Nastikinchanaat, Venkatesa Samo

devo nabhut nabhavishyati "

 

" Vidyut Koti Divaakaraabha manisam Sankham Gadaa Pankajam Chakram

bibrati indiraa vasumateem Samsobhi Parsva dvayam peetaambaram

kaustubham, kEyooraangada haara kundala dharam deeptham viswa

dharam vibhum,

Suchkra Sankham, Kati Varada Hastham, Swanaambaram Ratna Kireetam,

Sva Vaksha Vilasat Sreevatsa Chihnam Bhaje,

Pralamba SootrOtpala Maalya bhushanam, Namaamyaham Sree Venkata

Saila Naayakam "

 

Recently Srimad Ahobila Matam Swamy Desikan visited the Hill Shrine

and HH Swamy received this maryaada in the temple and HH Swamy also

participated in the Annamaachaarya Vardhanti Celerations.

 

After the Harati, the Swamy is given Theertham and then a Melchaat

Sesha Vastram of Lord Venkateswara is presented to the Swamy by

Periya Jeeyar of the temple, then Satari is given. Then the Matam

Harathi with fruits, dry fruits are given to the Lord, Then the

Peetadipati Swamy is invited inside the Sanctum and water is given

for Hasta Suddi, then the 'Aalavattam' or chaamaram is given to the

Swamy to perform the Chaamara Seva for a few minutes to the Almighty

then the Sishyas of Swamin are allowed to have Darsanam of Lord

Venkateswara, while the Swamy is sitting near KulaSekhara Padi

outside the Sanctum.

This is how a Peetadipati will receive the temple Maryaada.

 

 

 

---