Tirupati, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, carries centuries of myth, devotion, and historical significance. Located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati’s famous temple atop the seven sacred hills, known as Tirumala, attracts millions of pilgrims annually. While some visit to seek blessings, others delve deeper into the rich history, legends, and diverse traditions surrounding the Lord Venkateswara, worshiped at the temple.
The Legends Behind Tirupati: A Tryst with Divinity
Tirupati, or Thiru-Venkadam, derives its name from the Tamil words meaning “Holy Venkatam.” According to ancient Puranic legends, the word “vem” relates to “vomit,” symbolizing the act of purging sins at the base of the Tirumala hills. Before beginning the spiritual and physical ascent, pilgrims are said to metaphorically and literally rid themselves of their burdens and negative thoughts. This cleansing act ties into the spiritual journey to visit Lord Venkateswara, who chose these sacred hills as his dwelling after growing disillusioned with his heavenly abode.
Believers chant daily prayers like “Sri Vaikunta Viraktaya Swami Pushkarini Tatey,” emphasizing Venkateswara’s rejection of heaven in favor of Tirumala. For many, this parallels their own pilgrimage, a retreat from the stress of daily life to seek peace and spiritual solace in the hills.
Venkateswara: The Deity of Multiple Forms
The figure of Venkateswara is unique. While most consider him an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, many see aspects of other deities in him. Some legends describe him as a young man who falls in love and marries Padmavati, a princess linked to the earth and sky. Padmavati’s father, Akasha Raja, was believed to be a Chola king, symbolizing the union of the heavens and the earth through this divine marriage. Padmavati is also referred to as Alarmel Manga or Alamelu, evoking the imagery of the lotus, an enduring symbol in Indian culture.
The temple rituals honor Venkateswara’s multifaceted nature, blending Vaishnava, Shaiva, Kaumara, and Shakta traditions. This integration suggests that Venkateswara is not just Vishnu but also embodies elements of Shiva, Subramanya, and Durga. The presence of lion statues, sacred to Durga, guarding the inner sanctum, highlights this fusion.
The Chola Dynasty and Tirupati: Patronage and Devotion
Historically, the Chola dynasty played a vital role in the development of Tirupati as a major religious site. Chola kings, queens, and princesses, particularly from 1,500 years ago, were devoted patrons. The bronze “utsava murti” statues still in worship today were likely gifted by a Chola royal. At this time, Tamil devotional poetry flourished, and many “Alwars” – saint poets – wrote hymns dedicated to the Lord of Tirumala.
The temple architecture also reflects this deep-rooted connection. Early records suggest that the Lord’s statue was once visible from all sides, with the temple evolving over time to its current grandeur. One of the most sacred elements is the “Kulashekhara Padi,” a step named after the poet-chieftain Kulashekhara Alwar, symbolizing the intertwining of the divine and the devoted.
The Vijayanagara Empire and the Rise of Tirupati
Tirupati’s significance grew further under the Vijayanagara Empire. Emperor Krishnadevaraya, one of the most notable patrons, left his mark with over 200 inscriptions on the temple walls. The bronze statues of Krishnadevaraya and his queens stand in devotion at the outer enclosure, representing the ideal of royal patronage.
The Vijayanagara rulers not only supported the temple but also contributed to a broader cultural renaissance, patronizing poets and scholars of multiple languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit. This multilingual influence is still evident in Tirupati’s enduring appeal across regions.
The British Era and the Establishment of the TTD Board
During the colonial period, the East India Company (EIC) reluctantly assumed control of the temple after intervening in local disputes. A notable episode in the 1700s saw a Nawab’s relative attempting to plunder the temple, but the EIC dispatched sepoys to protect the site. Over time, British officials, recognizing the importance of Tirupati, enacted rules to prevent any desecration of the shrine.
In the 1920s, as part of broader reforms, the temple’s administration was placed under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, which still oversees the temple today. Under the TTD, numerous improvements were made, including pilgrim facilities, reforestation efforts, and the establishment of hospitals, universities, and other institutions funded by temple revenues.
The Poetic and Musical Legacy of Tirupati
Tirupati’s significance extends beyond its physical and religious importance. Its spiritual influence has inspired countless poets and musicians. The Alwars’ Divya Prabandhams and Andal’s Tiruppavai are still recited in the temple. One of the most globally recognized aspects of Tirupati is the Suprabhatam, a devotional hymn that begins the day in the temple, popularized by the iconic voice of MS Subbulakshmi.
Great composers like Annamacharya, Purandara Dasa, and Thyagaraja have immortalized Tirupati in their music. Annamacharya’s hymns capture the divine romance between Venkateswara and Alarmel Manga, while Purandara Dasa’s compositions celebrate the sanctity of the Venkatachala hills. Thyagaraja, known for his devotion to Lord Rama, also acknowledged the connection between Rama and Venkateswara, weaving together the threads of devotion across deities.
Tirupati Today: A Living Tradition
Today, Tirupati stands as a symbol of India’s rich religious and cultural tapestry. The temple continues to attract millions, with modern infrastructure blending seamlessly with ancient rituals. Despite occasional political interference in TTD board appointments, the temple has largely maintained its sanctity and tradition.
The temple’s impact on South India is profound, shaping regional identities, inspiring art, music, and even governance models. Pilgrims, regardless of their origin, find common ground in their devotion to Venkateswara, whose story, though rooted in the past, remains eternally relevant.
In conclusion, Tirupati is not just a temple; it is an enduring legacy of faith, history, and culture. The sacred shrine atop the seven hills continues to draw devotees from all over the world, embodying the timeless connection between the divine and the mortal, the local and the universal.