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Tirupati is home to the most famous temple in the world dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity is Venkateswara, who represents the Kali Yuga avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
The name Balaji is a synonym for God. Hence, it is used by many people. But why is Lord Venkateswara called Balaji?
The Origin of the Name
Lord Balaji of Tirupati is a deity that is loved and revered by millions. His divine love story exemplifies the power of faith and devotion. He is also the protector of our souls and a symbol of hope. His abode in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is the center of worship and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world.
One such devotee was Hathiram Baba from the northern parts of India. He had a deep love for the Lord and would serve in the temple by doing all sorts of duties like brooming, cleaning, cooking, and even bringing water for various rituals. His dedication was so great that he used to wake up at midnight and play dice with the Lord! In fact, there is a sculpture of the two of them playing dice at the entrance gate of the temple.
Upon reaching the Tirumala hills, Hathiram Baba was unwavering in his desire to see Lord Venkateswara in His live form. He found solace under a tree’s shade on the hill and became deeply engrossed in his meditation. During this time, Lord Venkateswara in the form of a small boy appeared and disturbed his meditation. Hathiram Baba did not know that the small boy was none other than the Lord Himself and asked Him to go away. When he realized that the small boy was his Lord, he was overjoyed. He then started calling the Lord ‘Balaji’ (a suffix of ‘ji’ which means respect in Hindi). From that point onwards, North Indians have been referring to the Lord as Balaji.
The Story of Hathiram Baba
Tirupati is a major religious center in India and home to the world’s richest temple. It is a monument to faith, devotion and the fulfillment of divine promises. Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is a reincarnation of Vishnu and is worshiped by millions of Hindus worldwide with Balaji Chalisa. He is the God of wealth, prosperity and good fortune. His consorts are Goddess Lakshmi and Princess Padmavathi.
In his quest to see Lord Venkateswara in a live form, Hathiram Baba arrived at the Tirupati temple gates only to realize that it was closing time and he would not be allowed in. Disappointed, he climbed the hill’s summit and was about to jump off when a small boy interrupted him. This small boy was none other than Lord Venkateswara Himself in the form of a child. Hathiram Baba was delighted and he lovingly referred to the Lord as Balaji from that point onwards.
The priests of the temple did not believe this and they imprisoned Hathiram Baba. However, the next morning when they opened up the locked doors they were surprised to find that Hathiram Baba had consumed ten kilos of rice and ten bundles of sugarcane and had trumpeted like an elephant in the cell! This story of Hathiram Baba’s game with the Lord is depicted on the walls at the entrance of the Tirupati temple.
The Story of Srinivasa and Padmavati
The legend of the marriage of Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavati is an important part of Tirupati’s culture. It is a story of divine love and devotion that transcends time and space. The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Venkateswara is called Balaji because of this legend.
Princess Padmavati lived in the palace of her father Akasha Raja and was very beautiful. As she grew older, her beauty and talent became even more apparent. This made the king and queen worried that she would not be able to find a suitable husband. They asked the sage Brihaspati about this issue. He assured them that their daughter would be married to a great warrior soon.
As the time passed, Vakuladevi, who was a soothsayer by profession, came to the palace to speak with the queen about the prediction of the sage and the arrival of a messenger from Srinivasa. The Queen accepted the message and sent her maidservants to call for the lord.
Srinivasa arrived in a procession, dressed in a rich attire that befitted the bride groom. He was accompanied by his devotees and was led to the palace of Akasha Raja. The wedding took place and the couple was happy forever after. This is why it is believed that the shankh of Lord Venkateswara is on his left shoulder and not on the right one.
The History of Tirupati
Tirupati is a spiritual haven that attracts devotees from all over the world. Its majestic temple architecture, ancient inscriptions, and beautiful idols create a mystical experience for those who visit the place.
According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu, out of love for his devotees, incarnated as Venkateswara in this Kali Yuga to help the living beings in this world. He is the preserver of the universe and represents the function of sustenance in creation. He also destroys the sins of human beings.
The famous Tirupati temple is one of the richest and most visited temples in India. Its sanctum seva, known as the “Sri Venkateswara Swami” is revered by millions of Hindus all over the globe. In the past, the city was ruled by many rulers including the Pallavas in the 9th century, Cholas in the 10th century and Vijayanagara from 14th to 15th centuries. The temple is also home to one of the rarest geological formations in the world, a natural stone arch.
Tirupati is also famous for its Garuda Seva, a nine-day festival that commemorates the appearance of Lord Venkateswara on earth. The devotees who witness this spectacular event are believed to gain good fortune and spiritual merit. In addition, Lord Venkateswara is often seen with his two wives, Goddess Lakshmi and Princess Padmavati.
