Venkateshwara

Venkateshwara: The Lord of the Seven Hills

Introduction

Venkateshwara, also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Venkatachalapati, is a prominent form of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti). He is primarily worshipped at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, one of the most visited and wealthiest religious sites in the world. Venkateshwara is revered as the supreme deity, embodying divine grace and bestowing boons upon his devotees. He is often depicted as a dark-complexioned, youthful figure adorned with opulent jewels and standing in a posture that symbolizes granting wishes and protection. Venkateshwara’s significance lies in his role as a compassionate and accessible deity who fulfills the desires of his devotees while guiding them towards spiritual liberation.

Key attributes include his association with wealth, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. His iconography reflects these attributes, featuring symbols of power, sovereignty, and divine beauty. His presence is deeply intertwined with the concept of dharma (righteous conduct) and moksha (liberation).

Etymology and Names

Meaning and Origin of the Name:

The name “Venkateshwara” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Venkata” and “Ishwara.” “Venkata” refers to the Venkata Hills (also known as the Seshachala Hills), where the Tirumala temple is located. “Ishwara” means “Lord” or “Supreme Being.” Therefore, Venkateshwara literally translates to “Lord of the Venkata Hills.”

Other Names and Titles:

Venkateshwara is known by numerous names and titles, each carrying its own significance:

• Srinivasa: This name signifies “abode of Lakshmi (Sri),” indicating that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, resides in him.
• Balaji: This term is a popular and affectionate name, meaning “young lord” or “child lord,” reflecting his youthful appearance and approachable nature.
• Venkatachalapati: Meaning “Lord of Venkatachala,” further emphasizing his connection to the sacred hills.
• Govinda: One of Vishnu’s thousand names, this name means “protector of cows” or “the one who gives pleasure.”
• Saptagiri Vasa: “The one who resides on the seven hills,” a direct reference to the location of the Tirumala temple.

Mythological Origins

Birth or Manifestation Stories:

Several mythological narratives describe the origin of Venkateshwara. The most prevalent story involves a quarrel between Lakshmi and Saraswati, the consorts of Vishnu and Brahma respectively. Upset by the conflict, Vishnu left Vaikuntha, his divine abode, and descended to earth, taking refuge in an anthill on the Venkata Hills. Lakshmi, concerned for her husband, informed him that he was a poor Brahmin and should go to the king to seek help in his financial woes.

Lakshmi then informed the King of the story, who then offered to give all the wealth he had to his debt to Kubera, Lord of wealth. Lakshmi explained that she was hidden as a cow and calf and that he should offer both of them to the Lord. The Lord blessed the King and said that he would reside there forever.

Lineage:

Venkateshwara is considered an avatar of Vishnu, making his lineage directly traceable to the primordial god. Vishnu’s parents are typically considered to be Ksheerasagara (the cosmic ocean) and Lakshmi. His siblings include other avatars like Rama and Krishna. As an avatar, Venkateshwara inherits Vishnu’s divine attributes and powers.

Major Scriptures and References

Mentions in Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics:

While direct and explicit mentions of Venkateshwara are less frequent in the early Vedic texts, his association with Vishnu connects him to the broader Vedic tradition. His prominence arises primarily in later Puranic literature.

• Puranas: The Bhavishya Purana and the Skanda Purana contain detailed accounts of Venkateshwara’s descent to earth and the establishment of the Tirumala temple. These texts narrate the legends surrounding his marriage to Padmavathi and his interactions with various sages and devotees.
• Venkateshwara Mahatmyam: This text, part of the Skanda Purana, specifically details the greatness and significance of Venkateshwara and the Tirumala temple.
• Ramayana and Mahabharata: While not direct mentions, the epics allude to the sanctity of the Venkata Hills and their association with Vishnu. The concept of Vishnu incarnating to restore dharma is central to both epics, aligning with the narrative of Venkateshwara as an avatar.

Primary Source Texts and Hymns:

• Annamayya Keertanalu: The devotional songs composed by Annamacharya, a 15th-century saint, are a primary source of information and reverence for Venkateshwara. These songs, known as Keertanalu, extol his virtues, narrate his stories, and celebrate his presence at Tirumala.
• Venkateshwara Suprabhatam: A collection of Sanskrit hymns recited in the early morning to awaken Venkateshwara, expressing devotion and seeking his blessings.

Roles and Functions

Cosmic Roles:

As an avatar of Vishnu, Venkateshwara assumes the role of preserver in the cosmic order. He maintains balance in the universe, protects the righteous, and restores dharma when it declines.

Association with Dharma, Karma, Moksha:

• Dharma: Venkateshwara’s presence at Tirumala serves as a constant reminder of the importance of righteous conduct. Devotees seek his guidance in upholding dharma in their lives.
• Karma: It is believed that worshiping Venkateshwara can alleviate the effects of negative karma and pave the way for a more favorable future.
• Moksha: Ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death is a primary goal of many devotees. Venkateshwara is seen as a compassionate guide who can lead individuals towards moksha through devotion and surrender.

Avatars and Manifestations

Venkateshwara is considered an avatar of Vishnu. While he is not explicitly listed in the traditional Dasavatara (ten avatars of Vishnu), he embodies the same divine essence and purpose of upholding dharma and protecting devotees. His manifestation on the Venkata Hills is itself considered a specific incarnation to fulfill the prayers of devotees in the Kali Yuga (the current age).

Symbols and Iconography

Typical Depictions:

Venkateshwara is typically depicted as a standing figure with a dark complexion, representing the deep cosmic ocean from which Vishnu emerges. He is adorned with elaborate jewelry, including a diamond crown, necklaces, armlets, and anklets. He wears a sacred thread (yajnopavita) and a girdle around his waist.

Symbolic Meanings:

• Dark Complexion: Represents the all-pervading nature of the divine and the mystery of the universe.
• Standing Posture (Samabhanga): Signifies his readiness to bestow blessings and answer the prayers of his devotees.
• Upper Right Hand (holding Chakra): The Sudarshana Chakra, a spinning disc-like weapon, symbolizes his power to destroy evil and protect dharma.
• Upper Left Hand (holding Shankha): The Panchajanya Shankha, a conch shell, represents the sound of creation and the victory of good over evil.
• Lower Right Hand (Varada Mudra): The hand gesture of granting boons and fulfilling wishes.
• Lower Left Hand (Kati Mudra): Resting on the hip, suggesting that he is easily accessible to his devotees and that liberation is attainable through surrender.
• Eyes: His piercing eyes represent his divine gaze that penetrates the hearts of his devotees and understands their deepest needs.
• Lakshmi on Chest: Symbolizes prosperity, auspiciousness, and the divine feminine energy that complements the masculine.

Temples and Worship

Famous Temples:

• Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh, India: The most important and famous temple dedicated to Venkateshwara. It is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus worldwide.
• Other temples: Many temples dedicated to Venkateshwara exist throughout India and in countries with a significant Hindu diaspora, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Common Rituals, Festivals, and Prayers:

• Suprabhatam: The morning awakening ritual involving the recitation of hymns.
• Archana: Offering flowers, incense, and other sacred items to the deity.
• Abhishekam: Sacred bathing of the deity with milk, water, and other substances.
• Brahmotsavam: A major annual festival celebrated at Tirumala, featuring processions, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies.
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi: A holy day dedicated to Vishnu, observed with special prayers and rituals at Venkateshwara temples.
• Offerings: Devotees offer various items as expressions of devotion, including hair, money, and food.

Role in Daily Worship:

Many Hindus worship Venkateshwara daily through prayer, chanting, and offerings. His image is often kept in home shrines, and devotees seek his blessings for success, prosperity, and well-being. Reciting the Venkateshwara Stotram is a common practice.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Literature, Art, Dance, and Music:

• Literature: The legends and stories of Venkateshwara have inspired numerous literary works in Sanskrit and regional languages, including poems, plays, and devotional compositions.
• Art: Venkateshwara is a popular subject in Hindu art, with countless paintings, sculptures, and depictions in various media. The iconography of the Tirumala temple has become a standard representation of the deity.
• Dance: Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi often incorporate stories and themes related to Venkateshwara, expressing devotion through graceful movements and expressive gestures.
• Music: Carnatic music, a South Indian classical music tradition, is deeply intertwined with the worship of Venkateshwara. Composers have created numerous devotional songs in his honor, which are performed in temples and homes. The Annamayya Keertanalu are a prime example.

Representation in Modern Media:

Venkateshwara has been portrayed in numerous films and television series, often depicting his mythological origins and the sanctity of the Tirumala temple. He is also featured in calendars, posters, and other forms of popular culture.

Comparative Theology

Comparisons with Other Deities:

• Vishnu: Venkateshwara is considered a form of Vishnu, sharing the same divine essence and attributes. However, Venkateshwara’s prominence in South India and his accessibility to devotees give him a distinct identity.
• Balaji and Vishnu: The story of how Venkateshwara became Balaji is linked to Vishnu, who had to give money to Kubera to perform the goddess’s marriage. Lakshmi then offered to pay for the debt and now devotees come to the temple to pay for the debt of the Lord.

Interpretations in Different Hindu Traditions:

• Vaishnavism: Venkateshwara is primarily worshipped within the Vaishnava tradition, which emphasizes devotion to Vishnu and his avatars.
• Shaivism: While primarily Vaishnava, Venkateshwara is also respected by Shaivas (devotees of Shiva), who recognize his connection to the supreme Brahman.
• Shaktism: Shaktas (devotees of the divine feminine) acknowledge the importance of Lakshmi as Venkateshwara’s consort, recognizing the interplay of masculine and feminine energies in the divine.

Philosophical Interpretations

Interpretations by Different Schools of Hindu Philosophy:

• Vedanta: Advaita Vedanta sees Venkateshwara as a manifestation of the formless Brahman, the ultimate reality. Vishishtadvaita Vedanta interprets him as a qualified Brahman, possessing attributes and a distinct personality. Dvaita Vedanta views him as a distinct entity, eternally different from the individual soul.
• Samkhya: Samkhya philosophy distinguishes between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). Venkateshwara is seen as a manifestation of Purusha, representing the conscious principle that interacts with the material world.
• Bhakti: Bhakti yoga emphasizes devotion and surrender to a personal god. Venkateshwara is revered as a compassionate and accessible deity who responds to the prayers of his devotees, guiding them towards spiritual liberation.

Role in Spiritual Practices:

Worship of Venkateshwara is considered a powerful spiritual practice. Devotees believe that by surrendering to him, they can overcome obstacles, purify their minds, and attain divine grace. Chanting his names, reciting hymns, and visiting his temples are all considered conducive to spiritual growth.