The triumph of faith

The reader is presented the flavour of Tirumala, a curious combination of myth and reality, a remnant of geological, historical and legendary events of the past preserved in a remote sanctuary atop a hill, and how it finds relevance in the present day, says SUDHAKSHINA RANGASWAMI.

HE crowd that throngs the temple of Balaji, as Lord Venkateshwara is popularly known, for darshan, managing to get just a glimpse of the deity after waiting patiently for hours, is testament to the triumph of faith in this decadent age. This phenomenon is sure to confound even the diehard sceptic. The Tirumala-Tirupati temple has become the pivot of contemporary Hindu religion due to the immense popularity Lord Venkateshwara enjoys. The pan-Indian nature of Tirumala, reflected in the devotees it attracts from all over the country, is a pointer to the socio-cultural unity this temple embodies.

A wealth of literature has grown over the centuries on both the deity and the temple. Besides the ancient Sanskrit, Telugu and Tamil literature, there are also substantive inscriptions, epigraphical records and the Agamic tradition which attest to its sanctity and antiquity. The Srivaishnavas regard this temple as a Divyadesa, one of the 108 Kshetras sanctified by the Azhwars in their hymns. Along with Srirangam and Kanchipuram, it is one of the three pilgrimage centres important to this sect.

There are differences of opinion whether the deity at Tirumala is Vishnu, Siva, Sakti or Skanda. Suffice it to say that the various forms, according to Hinduism, point to the Supreme Brahman and hence it is pointless to extend this debate as each devotee beholds his Ishtadevata in the idol and worships the deity as the Kaliyuga Varada who answers the prayers of all devotees.

It is this spirit of faith and devotion which has spurred Dr. Nanditha Krishna, a scholar in ancient history culture who has specialised in Hindu iconography and ethno-archaeology, to "present to the reader the flavour of Tirumala, a curious combination of myth and reality, a remnant of geological, historical and legendary events of the past preserved in a remote sanctuary atop a hill, and how it finds relevance in the present day", as she sums up her objective in her preface.

The result is a visual treat for the laity as well as a connoisseur. The unfolding saga is richly illustrated with beautiful photographs and drawings in the Tirupati style, a school of art synonymous with Kalamkari painting, which is extremely popular in the region of Tirupati-Kalahasti, executed by artist, Mr. Y. Venkatesh, who has captured the imagery of the text with matching professional competence.

In the introductory chapter, she weaves the mythology and the history of the temple to present an informative account of the manifestation of the Lord of Tirumala and how the temple, which was later constructed for the deity, grew into a famous centre of pilgrimage over the centuries. She delves into the legends associated with the Lord in the following one. This backdrop serves to heighten the devotion of the reader which is essential to capture her mood and her account flows with consummate ease.

The third chapter explains the importance of the Tirumala hill which is believed to be as sacred as Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of Vishnu, and also the significance of the different names by which it is known such as Venkatadri, Vrishabhadri, Seshadri and Anjanadri. The sacred tank, Swami Pushkarini, and the different holy Teerthas in the form of lakes and waterfalls dotting the hills are dealt with in detail describing the sanctity associated with them, in the ensuing chapter.

Balaji being a form of Vishnu, the protector among the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Siva) a discussion about Him becomes central to this exercise. Chapters five and six trace the reference to this deity right from the earliest source, the Rig Veda, His depiction in image form, His major incarnations and other manifestations especially as Archa in temples, the most accessible form of the Supreme Being to the devotee. The transition to the main theme is thus effected gradually in the chapters that follow.

The origin of the deity at Tirumala is still shrouded in mystery and much of the details have been documented after taking into consideration all literary, hagiographic, scriptural, archaeological, epigraphical and historical evidences available. It is by interweaving these facts and myths that abound that she relates the story of Balaji-Venkateshwara in the chapter "Origin, History and Administration of the Temple" and goes on to give the iconography of the idols, the architectural features of the temples of Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur, the rituals and offerings in the form of Sevas performed in them and the prayers traditionally chanted, in the subsequent chapters. The book reveals the devotee in this meticulous scholar and serves to whet the reader's appetite to learn more about this popular deity from original sources.

Balaji Venkateshwara - Lord of Tirumala-Tirupati - An Introduction: Nandita Krishna, Published by Ms. Jean Trindade for Vakils, Feffer and Simons Ltd., Hague Building, 9, Sprott Road, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, Rs. 295.

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