The mention of ‘Tirumala Balaji’ gives a distinctive vibe that enwraps the soul in harmony, and bestows a spiritual enchantment that is sure to enrich your life.
The iconic temple that pays an ode to the human incarnation of Vishnu, sits on top of the sacred 7 hills that carry a glorious heritage in every fold.
Many legends – One divine deity!
As far as legends go, there are many captivating ones that lead to the creation of the Tirumala hills and the powerful deity residing there.
They are found in ancient scriptures like Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa Purana, Brahmottara Purana and Skanda Purana. All these beautiful puranas describe the sanctity and enchantment surrounding the almighty Lord and the temple.
Here we bring you 3 charming legends
The legend of Kaliyuga Vaikuntha
Revered as the lord of the 7 hills, lord Balaji is seen as a human incarnation of lord Vishnu.
As per Hindu scriptures, lord Vishnu took human form to save mankind from the sins and discord rampant in the kaliyuga. He took up residence at Tirumala, and his beloved perch Adi Sesha turned into 7 hills to be at the foot of his master.
So, Tirumala temple is also called as a Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the lord himself is revered by the meaningful name Kaliyuga Pratyaksha Deivam.
The legend of Adi Varaha
When the earth got caught up in a raging fire and slipped to the patala loka during the 8000 yugas, all mankind were forced to seek refuge in the Janaloka.
Vishnu assumed the incarnation of a wild boar and fought a fierce duel with the demon king Hiranyaksha, to bring the earth up from Patala loka. As lord Brahma proceeded to recreate the universe, Adhi Varaha expressed his desire to stay on earth to protect mankind.
Bhoodevi, an incarnate of the celestial goddess Lakshmi, wished that she and her beloved should reside together on earth. Considering her earnest wish, Varaha asked Garuda, the divine eagle, to fetch the mountain Kridachala (resembling adi sesha) from the heavenly abode of Vaikuntha.
Garuda brought Kridachala and placed it on a sacred spot chosen by Lord Varaha himself – towards the east of the divine Pushkarini.
As Garuda stood in his divya vimana of Kridachala, his majestic demeanour was a sight to behold. The sacred sages requested the fierce looking Adi Varaha to revert to his serene looks. And, he did.
To this day, he reigns over the 7 hills, and answers the prayers of his devotees.
The legend of Srinivasa & Kubera
Lord Venkateswara was born as Srinivasa, a prince in the Surya Dynasty. He fell in love with Princess Padmavathi, the beloved daughter of the King of 7 hills.
Legend goes that the king demanded a hefty dowry – so high that Srinivasa, a prince himself, couldn’t afford it. So, he took a loan from a wealthy merchant named Kubera, under the condition that it is paid back with interest. And, he couldn’t keep his word.
So to repay the loan, Srinivasa took up residence in the hills. As a lord incarnate, he was soon surrounded by a melle of devotees who showered him with love and wealth. Eventually, he repaid the loan in full.
As his devotion and perseverance made a mark in the minds of his devotees, the hill he resided in was reverently called as Tirumala (Sacred Hill)
To this day, Tirumala is a beacon of hope for people who seek spiritual salvation. Each legend of Tirumala is a timeless tale that continues to inspire and enlighten millions of devotees. It just shows that the almighty comes to help at times of need.
Every version reminds us of the power of faith, devotion, and dedication. Let’s take time to appreciate the almighty Lord Venkateswara for being a guiding light for us to face the trials and tribulations of Kali Yuga! He is a shining beacon who shows us the way to navigate the journey called life!
A pilgrimage to Tirupati is a wonderful way to enrich your life with positivity and harmony! It is a beautiful opportunity to unwind and let your mind embrace spiritual salvation and enlightenment.
