The Fascinating Mythology of Tirupati

The Fascinating Mythology of Tirupati

Tirupati, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is known for its ancient and magnificent Sri Venkateswara Temple. The temple is considered one of the holiest and most visited shrines in the world, attracting millions of devotees every year. The mythology of Tirupati is fascinating and rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, descended on earth in different forms to uphold righteousness and protect the universe from evil. One such form was Lord Venkateswara, who is believed to have appeared on earth during the Kali Yuga, the current era in Hindu cosmology.

Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara was born to King Akasha Raja and Queen Kausalya in the Kali Yuga. He was named Srinivasa, and his divine qualities and grace soon earned him the love and devotion of the people. However, his stepmother was jealous of his popularity and plotted to have him exiled from the kingdom.

Srinivasa left his home and took up residence in a forest with his consort, Padmavati. It is said that the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, was so impressed by his devotion to Padmavati that she took up residence in his heart, making him even more radiant and divine.

Years passed, and Srinivasa became a renowned ascetic, known for his teachings on love and compassion. His reputation eventually reached the heavens, and the gods became jealous of his growing popularity on earth. They approached Goddess Lakshmi and requested her to bring Srinivasa back to the heavens, where he belonged.

Goddess Lakshmi agreed, but with one condition. She would only marry Srinivasa if he could pay off the debt of his previous birth. Srinivasa agreed and set off on a quest to raise the money needed to repay his debt.

He approached his friend Kubera, the god of wealth, who agreed to lend him the money, but with the understanding that Srinivasa would repay the debt in installments over a period of time. It is said that to this day, devotees donate generously at the Sri Venkateswara Temple to help repay the loan taken by Lord Venkateswara.

Another fascinating aspect of the mythology of Tirupati is the story of the seven hills on which the Sri Venkateswara Temple is built. According to legend, these hills were formed from the body of Adisesha, the serpent god who serves as Lord Vishnu’s bed.

It is said that Adisesha took the form of the hills to witness Lord Venkateswara’s wedding to Padmavati. The seven hills are named Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. The temple is located on Venkatadri, which is the most sacred of the seven hills.

The mythology of Tirupati is rich and fascinating, and the Sri Venkateswara Temple is a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of millions of devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. It is a place where ancient mythology comes alive, and the divine grace of the lord is felt by all who visit.