Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is also known as TTD. It is a management committee in tirumala which controls the pilgrims of tirumala-tirupati area. TTD is not only controlling the tirupati-temples but also participate in various social, religious, literary and educational activities within Andhra Pradesh and India

Background of TTD trust
In 1933 AD, the Madras government passed a special act, and empowered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) committee to control all the activities of temple in tirumala-tirupati area, through a commissioner appointed by the madras government. Again in 1951, the act which was passed in 1933, replaced by enactment whereby the administration of TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees and an executive officer was appointed by the government.
The Executive Officer is the chief executive of TTD. He controls all activities of TTD. It includes arrangement and record of collection of income and payment of expenses, safety of pilgrims and other related work with tirupati temple. Now-a-days, TTD employs about 14000 people to maintain the 12 temples and their sub-shrine under its control along with the execution of its social activities.

Objectives of TTD
The main objective of the TTD is to provide convenient facilities to the devotees of lord Venkateswara. All facilities which we show in tirumala- tirupati, these facilities are mostly provided by TTD. Other objective of TTD is given below.
1) TTD works towards preserving the serenity and sanctity of the sacred Tirumala-Tirupati area.
2) It participated in various social, religious, literary and educational activities within Andhra Pradesh and India.
3) TTD also provides aid to authors and subsidised equipment to other temples.
4) Provision for water supply, sanitary arrangements, roads and communications, lighting and electricity were also included.
5) To provide training to priests.

Address/ contact office :Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams,TTD Administrative Building,
K.T. Road, Tirupati 517 501,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
Phone No. : +91-0877-2230166 (Tirupati)
+91-0877-2277214 (Tirumala)
+91-0877-2228358 (Fax)
Email Address: ttdt@md3.vsnl.net.in

108 Names of Lord Venkateswara

We all known Lord Venkateswara is the main deity of Tirumal, Tirupati.
Lord Vekateswara is also known by other names.

1) Om Shri Ventakeshaya Namaha
2) OM Sreenivasaya Namaha
3) OM Laxmipataye Namaha
4) OM Anaamayaaya Namaha
5) OM Amruthamsaya Namaha
6) OM Jagadvandyaya Namaha
7) OM Govindaya Namaha
8) OM Shashvataya Namaha
9) OM Prabhave Namaha
10) OM Sheshadrinilayaya Namaha
11) OM Devaya Namaha
12) OM Keshavaya Namaha
13) OM Madhusudhanaya Namaha
14) OM Amrutaya Namaha
15) OM Madhavaya Namaha
16) OM Krishnaya Namaha
17) OM Sriharaye Namaha
18) OM Jnanapanjaraya Namaha
19) OM SreeVatsavakshase Namaha
20) OM Sarveshaya Namaha
21) OM Gopalaya Namaha
22) OM Purushotamaya Namaha
23) OM Gopeeshwaraya Namaha
24) OM Parasmyjyotishe Namaha
25) OM Vaikuntapataye Namaha
26) OM Avyayaya Namaha
27) OM Sudhaatanave Namaha
28) OM Yadavendraya Namaha
29) OM Nithyayavvanaroopavate Namaha
30) OM Chaturvedatmakaya Namaha
31) OM Vishnave Namaha
32) OM Achutyaya Namaha
33) OM Padminipriyaya Namaha
34) OM Dharapataye Namaha
35) OM Surapatye Namaha
36) OM Nirmalaya Namaha
37) OM Devapoojitaya Namaha
38) OM Chaturboojaya Namaha
39) OM Chakradaraya Namaha
40) OM Tridamne Namaha
41) OM Trigunashrayaya Namaha
42) OM Nirvikalpaya Namaha
43) OM Nishkalankaya Namaha
44) OM Niranthakaya Namaha
45) OM Niranjanaya Namaha
46) OM Nirabasaya Namaha
47) OM Nityatruptaya Namaha
48) OM Nirgunaya Namaha
49) OM Nirupadravaya Namaha
50) OM Gadhaadharaya Namaha
51) OM Shaarangapanaye Namaha
52) OM Nandakine Namaha
53) OM Shankhadarakaya Namaha
54) OM Anakemurtaye Namaha
55) OM Avyaktaya Namaha
56) OM Katihastaya Namaha
57) OM Varapradaya Namaha
58) OM Anekatmane Namaha
59) OM Deenabandhave Namaha
60) OM Aartalokabhayapradhaya
61) OM Akasharajavaradhaya Namaha
62) OM Yogihrutpadmamandhiraya Namaha
63) OM Dhamodharaya Namaha
64) OM Karunakaraya Namaha
65) OM Jagatpalayapapagnaya Namaha
66) OM Bhakthavatsalaya Namaha
67) OM Trivikramaya Namaha
68) OM Shishumaraya Namaha
69) OM Jatamakutashobhitaya Namaha
70) OM Shankamadyolasanmanjookinkinyadyakarakandakaya Namaha
71) OM Neelameghashyamatanave Namaha
72) OM Bilvapatrarchanapriyaya Namaha
73) OM Jagatvyapine Namaha
74) OM Jagatkartre Namaha
75) OM Jagatsakshine Namaha
76) OM Jagatpataya Namaha
77) OM Chintitarthapradaya Namaha
78) OM Jishnave Namaha
79) OM Daasharhaaya Namaha
80) OM Dhasharoopavate Namaha
81) OM Devakinandanaya Namaha
82) OM Shauraye Namaha
83) OM Hayagreevaya Namaha
84) OM Janardhanaya Namaha
85) OM Kanyashravanatharejyaya Namaha
86) OM Peetambharadharaya Namaha
87) OM Anagaya Namaha
88) OM Vanamaline Namaha
89) OM Padmanabhaya Namaha
90) OM Mrughayasaktamanasaya Namaha
91) OM Ashvaroodaya Namaha
92) OM Kadghadharine Namaha
93) OM Dhanarjanasamootsukaya Namaha
94) OM Ganasaralasanmadhyakasturitilakojjwalaya Namaha
95) OM Sachitandharoopaya Namaha
96) OM Jaganmangaladayakaya Namaha
97) OM Yajnaroopaya Namaha
98) OM Yajnabokthre Namaha
99) OM Chinmayaya Namaha
100) OM Parameshwaraya Namaha
101) OM Paramarthapradhaya Namaha
102) OM Shanthaya Namaha
103) OM Sreemathe Namaha
104) OM Dordhandhavikramaya Namaha
105) OM Paratparaya Namaha
106) OM Parasmaibrahmane Namaha
107) OM Sreevibhave Namaha
108) OM Jagadeeshwaraya Namaha

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Ninth Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is Pallaki Seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam

On the last day, Pallaki Seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam in the morning and Dhwajavarohanam are performed in the evening.
The processional images are anointed with oil, turmeric powder and other auspicious ingredients and Abhishekam is performed. Sudarsan Chakram is given a bath in the Swami Pushkarini. The Garuda flag is then lowered.

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Eighth Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is Rathotsavam

On the penultimate day, Rathotsavam is celebrated, in which the Lord is seated in a ratham (chariot) and taken in a procession in the morning.
It is believed that those who witness Rathotsavam will not be reborn (rathostham kesavam dristva punarjanma na vidyate).
The idols of Daruka (the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna) and the four horses (Saibyam, Sugreevam, Meghapushpam and Valahakam) are placed before the decorated idols of the Lord and his consorts. This symbolises that the lord’s charioteer is driving the chariot.
The chariot is pulled along by devotees, who chant Govinda!, Govinda! This is the only opportunity that devotees get to be of service to the Lord during Brahmotsavam.
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the deities are taken in the Aswa (horse) Vahana.
Horses formed one of the four wings (ratha, gaja, turanga and pada) of the military forces in ancient times. Aswam, a symbol of energy, means 'one who runs fast'.
Lord Venkateswara travels on a horse when he goes for paruveta. According to Hindu mythology, the horse was born along with Sri Mahalakshmi, Airavatham and Amritam during Sheerasagaramadhanam.

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Seventh Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is on Suryaprabha Vahana


On the morning of the seventh day, the Lord rides on Suryaprabha Vahana (Sun chariot).
Surya (the Sun), the son of Aditi, is another form of Lord Vishnu (Surya Narayana).
Hindu mythology supports the heliocentric theory, and believes that Lord Vishnu is the centre of the universe (dhyassada savitrumandala madhyavarthi). To symbolise this, Lord Venkateswara uses the Suryaprabha (light of the Sun) Vahana.
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord is taken in the Chandraprabha Vahana (moon-shaped vehicle) around the brightly-lit streets of Tirumala.
Chandra means the Moon, which is considered cool and pleasant. According to Hindu mythology, Chandra is the commander of the mind (chandrama manaso jataha). He is also the king ofaushadha (medicine).
It is believed that riding in the Chandraprabha Vahana is a soothing experience for the Lord. The Lord's contentment will bring peace to devotees' minds and result in a good crop.

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Sixth Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations on Gaja Vahana

On the morning of the sixth day, the deities are carried on a beautifully-decorated Hanumad Vahana.
Hanuman was one of the greatest devotees of Sri Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman served the Lord so faithfully, that even the Lord could not thank Hanuman enough. Devotees believe that they are indeed blessed if they catch a glimpse of the Lord on Hanumad Vahanam.
Unjal Seva is not performed on the sixth day. Instead, Vasantotsavam (spring festival) is celebrated.
In the night, the Lord is mounted on the Gaja Vahana.Gajam (elephant) is also called the samajam(born from Samaveda). It symbolises wealth (gajamtam aishwaryam). It also symbolises the Airavatam – the vehicle of Devendra, the head of the heavens in Hindu mythology. It also can be attributed to the elephant in Gajendramoksham (story from the Mahabhaghavatam), which is saved from a crocodile by Lord Vishnu.
Therefore, the Lord is taken in a procession seated on a Gaja Vahana during Brahmotsavam.

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Fifth Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is Mohini Avatarotsavam

On the fifth day, Mohini Avatarotsavam is celebrated to commemorate the Lord's incarnation as Mohini, in the morning
According to legend, the Devatas and the Demons performed Ksheerasagaramadhanam that resulted in amrit (nectar which when consumed grants immortality) and other sacred qualities. The Devatas and the Demons fought for possession of the Amrit. Lord Vishnu then assumed the form of Mohini (a beautiful woman) and procured the Amrit for the Devatas.
The Lord is dressed like Mohini, and He is
taken in a procession in a Pallaki (palanquin).Lord Krishna is also taken in the same procession. This is to celebrate the assistance rendered by Lord Vishnu to the Devatas during Ksheerasagaramadhanam.
After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord and his consorts are seated on Garuda Vahana. Lord is decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranaramala that day.
According to the ancient Hindu texts, Garuda, the king of birds, is a replica of the Vedas (vedatma vihamgeswara), while Lord Vishnu is the God of the Vedas. Therefore, the Lord sees Himself in Garuda. In the Vaishnava Puranas, Garuda is also called periyatiruvadi, meaning the first devotee.
Therefore, Lord Venkateswara selected Garuda as his vehicle for the most important day of the Brahmotsavam. Garuda Vahana is the greatest of all the Vahanas. A large number of pilgrims visit the temple on this day.

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Fourth Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is Kalpavriksha Vahana

On the fourth day, the deities are carried in a Kalpavriksha Vahana in the morning.
Kalpavriksham is a tree that is believed to grant boons and fulfil devotees’ wishes. The vehicle shaped like the Kalpavriksham signifies that the Lord grants boons and fulfils the wishes of his devotees.
In the night, after the Unjal Seva, the deities are carried in a Sarvabhoopala Vahana.
Sarvabhoopala means 'all the kings of Mother Earth'. According to the Hindu religion, kings, like Lord Vishnu, should always protect their people (na vishnuhu prithivi pathihi).
To thank Lord Vishnu for his ideals and pray to him, the kings take the form of the Sarvabhoopala Vahana on the fourth day of Brahmotsavam.

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Third Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is Simhavahana


On the morning of the third day, the deities are carried on the Simhavahana.
Simha (lion) is a symbol of regality and power. According to the Bhagvad Gita, the Lord is the Simha among animals (mriganamcha mrigandroham). The Lord is also called Hari (which in turn means Simha) and Hari sits on Simha. In other words, we have the phenomenon of the Lord sitting on Himself.
It is also believed that the Lord assumed the form of Narasimha (half man and half lion) to kill the demon Hiranyakasipu. Therefore, Lord Venkateswara uses the Simha as his vehicle on the third day of Brahmotsavam.
In the night, Unjal Seva is conducted. The deities then ride in the Mutayalapandiri Vahana, which is decorated with a pearl canopy. Mutyam (pearl) is a symbol of purity and royalty.

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Second Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations in Tirumala


On the second day, the Lord is taken around the streets of the temple on the Chinna Seshavahana in the morning.
In the night, the deities are taken to the Uyala Mandapam for the Unjal Seva. They are then taken around the streets of Tirumala on the Hamsavahana.
Hamsa or swan means ‘pure’. Hamsa is believed to have a high intellectual capability, and can distinguish the good from the bad. In addition, Hamsa is visually appearing. It is for these reasons that Lord Brahma uses Hamsa not only as his vehicle, but also to chant the Vedas (the Vedas are believed to have emanated from the soul of Vishnu).

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First Day Brahmotsavam Celebrations is Dhwajarohana

On the first day, Dhwajarohana is conducted by hoisting the Garudadhwaja (flag with the emblem of a black garuda), near the Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham.
A spectacular procession of Lord Venkateswara on the Pedda Seshavahana is taken around the four streets of the main temple from 2200 hrs till midnight.
The meaning of Sesha is ‘to serve’. Adi Sesha is a thousand-headed serpent, on whom Lord Sri Maha Vishnu rests in his abode, Vaikuntam.
Tirumala Hills, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, is believed to be the manifestation of Adisesha. In commemoration of this event, the Lord is carried in a procession around the streets of Tirumala on the Seshavahana (vehicle shaped like Adisesha) during the first two days of Brahmotsavam (Pedda Seshavahana and Chinna Seshavahana). 

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Brahmotsavam in Tirumala is celebrated for 9 days


Day
Morning
Evening


Ankurarpana and Senadhipati Utsavam are celebrated on the day preceding the first day of Brahmotsavam.
FirstDwajarohanamPedda Sesha Vahanam
SecondChinna Sesha VahanamHamsa Vahanam
ThirdSimha VahanamMutyapu Pandiri Vahanam
FourthKalpavriksha VahanamSarva Bhoopala Vahanam
FifthMohini AvataramGaruda Seva
SixthHanumantha VahanamSwarna Ratham, Gajavahanam
Seventh Suryaprabha VahanamChandraprabha Vahanam 
EighthRathotsavamAswa Vahanam
NinthPallaki Utsavam, ChakrasnanamGolden Tiruchi Utsavam, Dwajavarohanam

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