Swami is being worshipped by a number of Hindu devotees as Sri Venkateswara in the form of Idol. (Archamurthi)
The vow of Sri Swami to protect his devotees as Saviour and protector is efficacious (wonderful) He is also being praised as receiver of salutations at every step and also as a collector of interest from his devotees.
Slokam: “Mayaavee Paramanandam tyaktwa vaikunta muttamam |
Swami pushkarini teere Ramayasaha modate” ||
Lord Srimannarayana, inhabitant of Vaikunta, came down to Seshaachalam and settled on the bank of Swami Pushkarini permanently in order to get the living beings uplifted or surmounted from the ocean of world in which they are wavering. They have become the victims of various pains on account of this.
Swami is being worshipped by a number of Hindu devotees as Sri Venkateswara in the form of Idol (Archamurthi). The vow of Sri Swami to protect his devotees as Saviour and protector is efficacious (wonderful). He is also being praised as receiver of salutations at every step and also as a collector of interest from his devotees.
Such a great God of Gods, Lord Venkatesa, came into existence in a banyan tree of Malladi village, 9 km away from pilgrimage centre Amaravathi, situated on the bank of River Krishna, just in order to get his splendor and glory exhibited.
The story of appearance of Swami is quite amazing. It is nothing but virtue of the residents (inhabitants) of that village Malladi. The glory of Venkatesa, dwelling in the Banyan tree, is enormous (limitless). The life of devotees, getting salvation through serving Lord, is blessed.
Well… then, what is the reason for Sri Venkateswara Swami to get manifested in that Banyan tree?
How is He, i.e., Swami, accomplishing the desires of his devotees?
What services are being offered by devotees to him?
How does he give the fortune of having darshan of his divine Lotus feet?
You will get answers to this type of questions in this book-let. So… why delay? Let us move forward. Please open this book-let once. Also make others also to read it. Have darshan of Shri Venketeswara Swami, appeared himself in this Banyan tree. In other words, He is a self-existent being here and get blessed by Lord Srinivasa, inhabitant of Malladi, a place of pilgrimage.
May Lord Balaji Venkateswara shower his choicest blessings on you and your families.
Yours,
Dr. Narayanam Venkata Rambabu (Writer)
M.A. (Sanskrit) M.A. (Telugu)
B.Ed., Ph.D., Telugu Pandit
Ph.D. Awardee in Vaikhanasa Agama Sastra
Narsaraopet – 522 601
Sri Venkateswara Swami, a perceptible (visible) God of Kaliyuga, is incarnation of Almighty Lord who appeared on earth just to liberate the human beings from the clutches of Samsara (the world). The actions of Sri Swami are undepictable and inexplicable. It is beyond words to narrate the greatness (glory) of Swami.
Though Lord Venkateswara settled at Anandanilaya on Seven Hills, in order to fulfill the desires of devotees, his temples are constructed in various places and daily archanas are being offered there. Swayambhu Sri Venkateswara Swami’s temple, situated in a banyan tree, is one among them in Malladi village, 9 km away from Amaravathi, a well known pilgrimage, on the banks of holy river Krishna. The God of this temple is like a Kalpa Vriksha (a heavenly tree that grants any wish) fulfilling each and every desire of his devotee. Thus, He proves himself as the most influenced and powerful God in this world.
A mountain by name “Tirumalagiri” is situated near Jaggiahpet in Krishna district. A number of Mumukshu Sages (Sages who strive for final emancipation or salvation), influenced and impressed by the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this area, used to spend day and night here in penance. Maharshi Bharadwaj was one among the seven great sages, who once visited this mountain and prayed Lord Venketeswara to appear on this hill.
Impressed by his penance or meditation, Almighty God appeared in a “rocky anthill” in order to fulfill his desire. Later, Maharshi Bharadwaja spent his time in worshipping Lord Swami for few years and left for Himalayas. Subsequently, the people of nearby villages came to Swami with devotion and dedication and started worshipping. In this manner, Lord has become famous as a God of fulfilling the desires of devotees within no time.
Malladi village is 9 km away from Amaravathi of Guntur District. The residents of this village were pious, religious-minded and mild. They used to worship God daily. Once it so happened that Malladi had become the victim of famine and drought. Not even grass (fodder) was available at that time. In this situation, a few inhabitants of Malladi drove the cattle to graze them near “Tirumalagiri” forest.
Once an unknown disease attacked the cattle and then the villagers prayed Lord Venkateswara to protect their cattle. As a result, the cattle were saved and also they became healthy.
From that day onwards, the inhabitants of Malladi developed faith in Tirumalagiri Venkateswara and started worshipping him every day. At the time of festivals and auspicious days, they used to visit Swami and get blessings; but River Krishna, which was in between Malladi and Tirumalagiri, had become an obstacle for their free movements. They used to face a number of problems to cross the river. The villagers started praying God Almighty with a request to settle down in their village.
In response to their humble request, Sri Venkateswara appeared in a Banyan tree existing in the fields of Batthineni Bollaiah by the side of Amaravati–Krosuru Road in Malladi village.
Battineni Bollaiah, a great devotee of Shri Rama, used to write the name of Rama a number of times (Rama Koti) and he used to spend his entire life by doing Rama nama Japam. He planted a Banyan tree in his fields. The tree started growing day by day and many passersby (travellers going on foot by road) used to relax in its shadow.
Many of us are aware of the terrible cyclone (typhoon) faced by Andhra Pradesh in 1976. Many people, including birds, animals etc., suffered a lot. Even the tree planted by Shri Bollaiah had become the victim of cyclone and got collapsed also.
The R & B Department arranged bidding in auction in order to get the tree removed. The bidders got the tree cut into pieces. After cutting 75% of it, the workers were unsuccessful in cutting the remaining part of the tree. Even though they used various tools, the workers left the remaining part as they could not cut it.
It was a shocking and surprising news to the inhabitants of Malladi when the half-cut tree stood up in its bed by itself at 12.00 pm on 22nd January 1977 in Abhijit Lagna (Magha Suddha Thadhiya). The people were amazed when they found that the soil found by its side covered the stem (base).
One Sri Tumaati Narasimhaiah, a farmer, who had an opportunity to witness the above amazing scene, was shocked and taken aback. Later, he rushed to the village in order to inform the villagers about this.
In fact, a few ladies and girls of that village had punakam (possession by Goddess) and said to villagers, as if Swami himself is informing, about his appearance in the Banyan tree and again He only made the tree come to its original position. Also he ordered his devotees to serve him and get liberated.
The inhabitants of the in and around villages, after knowing the glory of Swami, came to that Banyan tree. They started praising Swami with a thousand mouths. Two more Neem trees too came up on either side of that Banyan tree as if they both are queens of the Lord.
The day i.e., 22nd Jan. 1977 is a festival day to all devotees, especially to villagers of Malladi, since Swami appeared in the Banyan tree. They used to offer prayers with high regard and devotion to Swami on that day every year on 22nd January. It is being conducted even today as “Chettu Tirunallu”. Many people who approached Swami with trust and devotion experienced a lot of change in their lives. Their desires were fulfilled and their diseases were cured.
A number of pilgrims from other States also are visiting this place daily. This temple is being developed day-by-day and transforming into Vaikuntam. Of course, many programmes are to be taken up with the co-operation of devotees.
There are many devotees who left no stone unturned to develop this temple. Among them were, initially, Sri Tadikonda Subba Rao, and after him continued by Sri Tripuramallu Bulli Kotaiah and his son-in-law Sri Eluri Pardha Saradhi garu, native of Sattenapalli, Guntur Dist.
Sri Pardha Saradhi garu sacrificed his entire life to serve Lord Venkayya Swami… he started building the Temple and 80% of the work was completed by him only. The work was completed and Murthy Prathista was done by his wife and Founder Trustee Mrs. Eluri Mangayamma garu and sons. Sri Pardha Saradhi’s daughter Sri Chittiprolu Vijaya Laxmi and son-in-law Dr. Ch. Jaganmohan Rao, Columbus USA, have extended their full co-operation in developing the temple.
Currently the temple is maintained by Founder Trustee Mrs. Eluri Mangayamma and sons. It is the desire of the villagers that this development should be continued and its financial position should be more improved and it should turn into a place that fulfills the desire of devotees.
The banyan tree is mentioned in many scriptures as a tree of immortality. Its aerial roots grow down into the soil forming additional trunks and therefore it is called Bahupada, the one with several feet (Bahu – several, Pada – feet). It symbolizes longevity and represents the divine creator, Brahma. We find this tree invariably planted in front of many temples. The numerous stems of the banyan tree are regarded as the home of gods and spirits.
The Rishis and Munis (Sages and Seers) sat under the shade of this tree to seek enlightenment, held discourses and conducted Vedic rituals. In Hindu mythology, the tree is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that provides fulfillment of wishes and other material gains. It symbolizes Trimurti – Lord Vishnu is believed to be the bark, Lord Brahma the roots, and Lord Shiva the branches.
The banyan tree is said to have nourished mankind with its ‘milk’ before the advent of grain and other food. According to the Agni Purana, it symbolizes fertility and is worshipped by those who want children. For the same reason, it is never cut. Even its leaves, which are used as cattle fodder, are broken only when there is a famine. It is believed that if the tree is cut, a goat should be sacrificed in atonement.
The Puranas tell the story of Savitri, who lost her husband a year after their marriage. He died under a banyan tree and by worshipping it, Savitri was able to follow Yama – the Lord of Death himself – and win back her husband’s life as well as secure prosperity and progeny. This powerful legend has made Savitri an ideal of Indian womanhood and established the Vat-Savitri Vrata.
On the full-moon night in the month of Jyeshtha (June), all married women fast and circumambulate the banyan to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. According to the Vishnu Purana, during the deluge at the end of an epoch or Yuga, Lord Vishnu sleeps on a banyan leaf. It also compares Lord Vishnu to the seed of the banyan: just as a huge tree originates from and is contained in one little seed, the entire universe is reduced to its germ after these periodic deluges. This germ is contained in Vishnu, who then recreates the universe.
Another legend states that this tree is believed to have originally been situated in Vasuki’s garden. Amba or Mother Earth wanted it for her children. After a fight with Vasuki and by invoking Lord Shiva’s help, Amba managed to obtain it.
This tree is also sacred to the Buddhists. After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha is believed to have sat under a banyan tree for seven days, absorbed in his newfound realization. The worship of the tree is also represented in a Buddhist sculpture with its long hanging roots dropping gold pieces in vessels placed below.
The Elders say that Sri Mahavishnu appears on leaf of Banyan Tree only (Vata Patra Sai) at the time of destruction (Pralayam). The leaf of Banyan tree is the basis (Adhaara) of Sri Mahavishnu himself. Therefore, it is beyond words to narrate the greatness (glory) of the Banyan Tree.
There are many trees attached (linked) with Indian culture. Among them, there are five famous trees called as “Pancha Ksheera Vrukshas”. Of course, there is also a Banyan tree in those famous five Ksheera Vrukshas (Milky Trees). The remaining four trees are ficus tisela (Juwwi – a kind of fig tree), Ficus religiosa (Peepal tree), Ficus glomerata (Medi – species of fig tree) and Jonesia asoka (the Asoka tree). Varaha Mihiracharya opined that wherever these trees exist, there will be plenty of water including various crops in large quantity. Therefore, the Banyan tree is a unique and matchless great tree among all trees.
The Banyan tree is also one among Pancha Pallava trees i.e., Ravi, Medi, Marri, Juwwi and Mamidi (Ficus tisela, Ficus religiota, Ficus glomerata, Banyan and Mango). All these five pallavams are used in sacred water kalasam (jar containing water, offered and worshipped as a preliminary to a main ceremony).
Our ancestors used to grow those trees in groves. These help us to maintain good health. These groves are
considered one among seven offsprings (children). These trees supposed to be grown as groves are:
1) Ravi (peepal)
2) Maredu (bael fruit tree / Aegle marmelos)
3) Banyan
4) Asoka (Jonesia asoka)
5) Medi (species of fig tree).
There is also Banyan tree in these five trees. Thus we can understand the importance of Banyan tree.
There is Banyan tree also among seven samidhas (firewood for a sacrifice) and five twaks. We are using these all in Homas (sacrifice performed by casting ghee and other objects on a fire accompanied by recital of Prayers from the Rigveda) and in the preparation of Ayurvedic Medicines.
The Banyan tree is also known as Nyagrodha which means a “tree which takes birth again and again”. Even human beings get rotated in the wheel of birth and death. They will be born and die, born and die again and again. We are similar to Banyan tree. No sooner Swami enters in us than our body gets filled with divinity and divine wealth. Therefore entering the Banyan tree, the God indirectly preaches us to convert our hearts into Banyan tree so as to enable Him (the God) to reside there.
“The trees preach and teach us sacrifice.” So, it is the aim of Swami that people should develop humanity in themselves and serve others like the Banyan tree. Sri Swami is preaching the same, entering the Banyan tree.
There are 108 (one hundred and eight) Sri Vaishnava temples in India which are also called as ‘Divya Tirupathees’. Sri Venketeswara temple of Tirumala is one among them and it is considered as ‘Pushpa Mandapa’, one of the four types of Mandapa (pillared hall or covered veranda in a temple). It is one of its kind.
The names of Tirumala Srinivasa are numerous and countless. He is known as a God who responds to his devotees when he is called. Sri Swami is praised as “Sahasra naamne purushaya saswate”. Whatever desire one may have, it will get fulfilled if he or she worships Sri Swami with Ashtottara Sata Sankhya (number). Please chant the names of Swami, that makes you successful. Get the result soon. May your desire get fulfilled.
All types of wealth undoubtedly become yours if you are blessed by Mother Sri Maha Laxmi, queen of Sri Mahavishnu. Sri Laxmi is inseparable from Lord Vishnu. She is the mother of entire universe and provides the devotee with every type of boon. If she blesses us, then it will be considered as we are blessed with every boon.
What is required to be done if one expects Her mercy? Please read the ‘Daaridra Mochana Stotra’, a very powerful stotra imbued with glory. Lord Siva told mother Parvathi directly this Sri Laxmi Ashtottara Sata Naamaavali. Please chant this and get blessed with entire wealth. May your desires be fulfilled!
Chanting the name of Hari protects us from every sin. There is a proverb “Kalov Samkeertanam Kesavam”. There is no other device to people of Kaliyug, who lost both physical and mental powers that are required for Japa (chanting) and Dhyaana (Meditation), other than Nama Smarana (chanting the name of Almighty God). The elders say “Nama smarad anyopayam, nahi pasyaamo bhavatarane” – To cross the ocean of world there is no other means other than Nama smarana.
It is said that – take timely meals, though you may have hundred jobs (keep them aside and eat). Have bath in time, keeping aside thousands of your other works. Donate to needy by giving up your lakhs of works and praise Lord, stopping crores of personal works.
Slokam:
Satam vihaya bhoktavyam
Sahasram snaanamacharet |
Laksham vihaya daatavyam
Kotim tyaktwaa Harim bhajet ||
Therefore, come, let us sing loudly the names of Govinda, the Super soul. They are sweetest. One can know about him only with the help of Vedas. Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!
All the Pujas (worships/adorations) of Swami, from dawn to dusk, are being carried out as per Vaikhanasa Bhagawat Sastra.
A special Tulasi decoration seva will be offered to Swami on Saturday. The Tulasi (Sacred basil / Ocymum sanctum) will be arranged from the garden of Tulasi of Swami for this service. The garlands of Tulasi will be offered grandly to Swami. At that time, Swami is worth seeing – one cannot describe his beauty.
Sri Swami likes Ekadasi thidhi – one of Vishnu panchaka days – very much. A number of devotees, observers of Ekadasi vrata, attained Sayujya (ultimate union with deity) and have become famous in the history. Bhishma, Rukmangada, Ambareesha etc. performed these Ekadasi pujas and got liberated. The Ekadasi pujas of Swami will be performed splendidly.
Swami was born in Sravana star. On this day, the holy bath (Abhisheka) programme will be conducted very grandly to Lord Venkataswara along with his queens Sri, Bhu and Neela. Both the organizers and viewers of this seva (kainkarya) are blessed or fortunate.
Both Siva and Kesava like this Karthika maasa. This comes before Uttarayana Punyakalam. Therefore, it is equal to very early morning before dawn (Brahma Muhurtham) and considered as a very holy month. Sri Damodara Swami is the presiding deity of this Karthika masa, another form of Lord Vishnu. The devotees worship Lord Venkateswara in a special manner with total devotion and dedication in this month.
Satyanarayana Vrathams will be performed in this month collectively. Thus social amicableness (harmony) will be formed and mutual love develops and in turn the integrity will be strengthened.
Mother Goda performed ‘Margali Vratham’ in order to win the heart of Swami Ranganatha, as inspired by ‘Katyani Vratham’, conducted by Gopikas during Dwapara Yuga during this month only. Thus, this month is considered as a holy month. Muggu (Rangavalli) [ornamental pattern drawn on the ground with white flour, especially at a house entrance] will be drawn at house entrance in this month only. Various prasadams (food offered to a deity and subsequently distributed to devotees) are prepared (like Pulihora = lemon rice, Chakkera Pongal = sweet rice, Dadhyodanam = curd rice and Katta pongal = dish made of rice and green gram) and will be offered to God and later they will be distributed among devotees.
All these prasadams will strengthen us both physically and mentally. The food offered in this month is equal to food offered throughout the year and the result also is equal. This Dhanurmasa service (Kainkaryam) needs to be improved with the co-operation and co-ordination of devotees.
Slokam:
Swochhishta maalika gandha bandhura jishna ve |
Vishnu chitta tanujai Godai nitya mangalam ||
Swami Ranganatha liked the garland kept by Goda in her plaited or braided hair. She is also a “robber”, stealing the heart of God Ranganatha. The marriage ceremony of Goda and Ranganatha will be celebrated very grandly on Kanuma festival in a befitting manner.
“Chettu Tirunalla” will be celebrated on 22nd January every year. It is the day when Swami appeared in banyan tree. The people of in and around villages come to this tree, offer pongals (rice with milk and dall, presented to a deity by persons/devotees) along with their offerings. The entire village Malladi will be resounded with many spiritual and cultural programmes.
Brahmotsavams of Swami will be celebrated once in a year wonderfully, in a befitting manner. It is essential to organize these utsavams (celebrations) systematically.
There are various other deities also in the precincts of this temple. Special pujas are being offered to them also on special days.
Lord Ganesa is near the entrance of this temple itself. Special pujas (worships) will be performed to this deity as per the wishes of devotees. Especially on Vinayaka Chavithi day, these special pujas will be offered to Lord Ganesha with total devotion.
Snapana will be performed on Prati Poorvabhadra day, the birth star of Sri Hanuman, with Manyusukta Parayana. The deity will be decorated in a special manner followed by distribution of prasadam.
“Grahaayatta Lokayatra” – It means the human life is controlled by these planets (Grahas). The devotees perform worships (Pujas) to these Grahas in Navagraha Mantapa of this temple precincts, to the extent of their ability, especially on Sani Trayodasi day. If one worships the planets, the cows, the kings and the Brahmins, he or she will be blessed. If they are degraded, he or she will become victim of their anger. Therefore, worship of Navagrahas is essential for human beings.
Slokam:
Grahaa Gavo Narendrascha
Brahmanaascha Viseshateha |
Pujitaha Pujayanti evam
Nirdahanty avamanitaha ||
This Murthy was installed (Prathista) by Sri Tirumala Tirupathi Vikasanapeetam pundits. This is one of the great incidents of this temple.
(Devotional details of Garudalwaar are honored and implied as part of the temple complex.)
(Namo Venkatesaya)
Founder Trustee
Eluri Mangayamma
Lord Sri Vishnu’s Dasavatharas in each Yuga appear to protect us and save us. To prove this, Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami appeared in the form on Banyan Tree in 1976… There is no end for Lord Sriman Narayana’s miracles…..
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