Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 15, 2024
The Hindu belief that Lord Vishnu appears in various Avatars explains the evolution of life and the importance of righteous living.
The Rama Avatar, which is stated to be the First, Complete (Sampoorna) Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped as the Maryada Purushottam (The Best Among Honourable Men) manifesting Himself in the Ultimate Human Form, indicating the state of Enlightened Living.
His birthplace, Ayodhya acquired a more spiritual connotation with the reconstruction of a Temple which was destroyed during the Muslim rule more than 500 years ago.
Ram Lalla or Balak Ram (Young Ram) is the presiding Deity of the Temple, stated to be five years old.
The Rama Avatar is celebrated through the epic, Ramayana and Rama embodies the virtues of duty, honour and devotion. Born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, Lord Rama is revered for His adherence to Dharma (Righteousness) even in the face of adversity. His life’s journey includes exile into the forest, the abduction of Goddess Sita (His Wife) by Lankan King Ravana and the subsequent rescue mission, culminating in a great conflict. As well as a tale of heroism, Lord Rama’s story is a guide to leading a life grounded in principles and integrity.
The tale of Lord Rama will be demonstrated in Bharata Natyam dance format in Ayodhya Rama, an upcoming production, choreographed and directed by Anuradha (Anu) Ramkumar, Principal and Director of the Auckland-based Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances.
The Dance Drama, with Abhishek Ravi in the title role, along with almost 100 students of Anu, will be staged on Saturday, October 26, 2024 (6 pm) at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Newton. This is a Sold Out show, the proceeds of which will be donated to the proposed Sri Lord Venkateshwara Devasthanam (Temple) to be constructed in South Auckland.
Indra and Manasa Sirigiri, who are the principal promoters of the Temple with the guidance of a Board of Trustees and devotees of the Lord, are hopeful that the Resource Consent will be accorded soon to commence construction work.
Lord Venkateshwara: A Beacon of Divine Grace
Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji or Srinivasa, is a significant deity in Hinduism, particularly revered in South India.
His Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. Worshipped as a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, Venkateshwara is seen as the embodiment of compassion and mercy, bestowing his devotees with blessings and protection.
The origin of Lord Venkateshwara’s worship is steeped in the Hindu scriptures. According to legend, during a cosmic battle between Gods and Demons, Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the Universe descended to Earth to restore peace and prosperity. He took the form of Venkateshwara and resided in the Tirumala Hills. This Avatar is believed to have married Padmavathi, the daughter of a local King and an Avatar of Goddess Lakshmi, further cementing His bond with the earthly realm.
Lord Venkateshwara is typically depicted standing with four hands, one hand holding a Conch, another hand the Sudharshan Chakra and two hands in a blessing posture. His eyes are covered with a Thiru Namam (Tilak) indicating His protection over the Universe. Devotees of Lord Venkateshwara believe that the mere sight of His idol (Dharshan) can purify one’s soul and grant eternal happiness.
The Tirumala Temple follows a rigorous schedule of rituals, beginning at dawn and continuing late into the night. The most notable ritual is the Suprabhatam, an early morning prayer, followed by various other offerings. The Temple is also famous for its Laddu Prasadam (despite the current controversy), a sacred offering that devotees receive as a blessing.
The worship of Lord Venkateshwara transcends mere religious practice; it is a profound spiritual experience. Devotees undertake strenuous pilgrimages, often walking barefoot up the Hills to the Temple symbolising their devotion and penance.
The belief is that Venkateshwara’s blessings can solve life’s challenges, bringing peace and prosperity. In modern times, the faith in Lord Venkateshwara remains unshaken. People from diversebackgrounds and cultures visit the Tirumala Temple, seeking His Divine Grace. The Temple’sadministration runs numerous charitable activities, including hospitals and educational institutions, serving the community and embodying the deity’s compassion.
Lord Venkateshwara’s enduring presence in the hearts of millions showcases the timeless appeal of faith and devotion. Whether one views him as a historical figure, a divine entity, or a cultural icon, His influence is undeniable. Through centuries, Lord Venkateshwara has been a source of hope, strength, and solace, guiding devotees on their spiritual journey with His ever-watchful eyes and benevolent smile.
A Majestic Abode of Divinity
The Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, often referred to as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, is one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage sites in the world. Nestled in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, symbolising the epitome of devotion and spiritual solace for millions of devotees.
Historical Background
The origins of the Tirumala Tirupati Temple are shrouded in antiquity, with references found in ancient texts and inscriptions. The Temple’s history can be traced back to over two millennia, making it is a cornerstone of cultural and religious heritage. It is believed that the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties played pivotal roles in the temple’s development, with significant contributions from rulers like King Krishnadevaraya.
An Architectural Marvel
The Temple is an architectural marvel, showcasing the Dravidian style of architecture with intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and majestic halls. The main sanctum, known as the Ananda Nilayam houses the Deity of Lord Venkateswara adorned with precious jewels and ornaments.
The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail reflect the dedication and artistry of ancient artisans.
Economic and Social Impact
Apart from its spiritual importance, the Temple also plays a crucial role in the socio-economic landscape of the region. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust manages the Temple and is one of the wealthiest religious organisations globally. The Temple’s revenue is utilised for various charitable activities, including education, healthcare, and welfare programs, benefiting the local community and beyond.
The Tirumala Tirupati Temple continues to be a beacon of faith and devotion. Advances in infrastructure has made the pilgrimage more accessible, while technological innovations have streamlined the management of the Temple’s activities. Despite the passage of time, the Temple’s spiritual aura remains intact, offering solace and hope to millions.
The Temple is a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion. Its rich history, architectural grandeur, and spiritual significance make it a revered landmark in the annals of religious heritage. As pilgrims continue to flock to this sacred abode, the legacy of Lord Venkateswara’s divine grace remains an eternal beacon, guiding souls on their spiritual journey.
The TTD is more than just an administration body. It is the heart that keeps the pulse of the Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple alive and thriving. Established to manage the Temple’s operations, the TTD has grown into a multifaceted organisation dedicated to the Deity and the devotees.
Historical Overview
The history of TTD dates back to 1933 when it was formally established under the TTD Act. However, the governance and patronage of the Tirumala temple began centuries earlier, with contributions from various dynasties such as the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagar Kings.
The British Raj also took an interest in the Temple’s administration, leading to the establishment of TTD to ensure transparent and efficient management. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes prominent people from various fields.
The Executive Officer, appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, oversees the daily operations. The Board and the Executive Officer work together to ensure that the Temple’s rituals, administrative tasks and charitable activities run smoothly.
Rituals and Religious Activities
One of TTD’s primary responsibilities is maintaining the sanctity and continuity of the Temple’s religious activities. From the Suprabhatam in the early morning to the Ekanta Seva at night, each ritual is meticulously planned and executed.
The annual Brahmotsavam Festival is a grand event that sees millions of devotees participating in the festivities, drawing the faithful from all corners of the world. Beyond its religious duties, TTD is deeply involved in various philanthropic activities. The organisation runs educational institutions, and hospitals and provides scholarships to students.
The TTD-run Sri Venkateshwara Central Library and Research Centre is a treasure cove of ancient manuscripts and rare books, making invaluable contributions to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
Pilgrim Services and Facilities
Catering to the millions of pilgrims is a herculean task. The TTD has developed a comprehensive system to ensure that devotees have a comfortable and spiritually fulfilling experience. Free meals, accommodation, medical services and transport facilities are among its services.
The TTD is also instrumental in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage associated with the Tirumala Temple. It supports various art forms including music, dance and traditional crafts. The annual Venkateshwara Sangeeta Nataka Kala Parishad Festival is a platform for artists to showcase their talents, keeping alive the cultural vibrancy of the region.
Recognising the importance of sustainable practices, the TTD has undertaken several green initiatives. The organisation has implemented waste management systems, solar power projects, and various other programmes. These efforts are aimed at preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Tirumala Hills.
These efforts are aimed at preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Tirumala Hills. The TTD stands as a monumental institution, embodying the spirit of devotion, service and cultural preservation.
The following is from our archives:
About the Programme
The programme, which will run for almost three hours, will commence with Saint Vishwamitra requisitioning King Dasaratha to send his eldest son Rama with him to the forest to protect sages against demons destroying their Yagna. The sage’s visit to Ayodhya, which occurs in Ayodhya Kanda, will take the dance drama through four other Kandas (Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundara and Yuddha), with every scene depicting the charismatic personality of Lord Rama.
Known as Maryada Purushottam (The Best Among Honourable Men), Rama set benchmarks for human dignity, behaviour, respect towards parents, elders and gurus, relationships, self-respect and honour and equally important, principles of good governance.
These qualities will be postulated with his innate professionalism by young Abhishek Ravi, under the guidance of Anu. After proving his prowess in Bharata Natyam, the young man, currently on his first professional contract as an Elite Dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruise will be flown to Auckland to perform as Lord Ram.
About Ayodhya Rama
Anu’s Ayodhya Rama will extol the qualities of Lord Rama as narrated by Sage Valmiki in his Valmiki Ramayanam. In its original version, Ramayanam comprises 24,000 Slokas or Verses divided into Seven Kandas (Cantos).
Known to occur under Raghuvamsa influenced by the Sun (and hence the Purity), Ramayanam comprises 480,002 words, less than 25% of the length of Mahabharatam, under Chandravamsa influenced by the Moon (and hence not so Pure).
It is wrong to assume that public interest in Lord Rama was ‘renewed’ with the opening of a new Temple built in Ayodhya and inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024. The Hindu Deity has been worshipped for hundreds of years in India and discourses on various Kandas and Chapters of the Great Epic are held in various cities in India in different languages throughout the year. It is also common for Hindus to read the Ramayanam with the same interest and fervour as the Bhagavad Gita in their homes.
About Sri Venkateshwara Temple
As a diverse nation promoting diverse cultures and faiths, New Zealand society has conscientiously allowed, encouraged and promoted varied places of worship. Hence, it is common to see a Catholic Church, a Hindu Temple, a Muslim Mosque and a Sikh Gurdwara in the same vicinity in several parts of New Zealand.
Unlike other religious practitioners, Hindus worship hundreds of Deities and ascribe Gods and Goddesses to various attributes such as Power, Wealth, Knowledge, Health and so on. Although Hinduism is often considered polytheistic because of its many Deities, it can also be considered monotheistic because each of these various is regarded as manifestations of the Creator or the Brahman. Shivites worship Lord Shiva in different forms such as Mahadev, Maheswar, Dakshinamuthy, Nataraj, Bhairava, Sarbeswar, Bholenath and Ardhanarishvara.
Lord Vishnu is also worshipped in various forms throughout India, of which Rama, Krishna and Venkateshwara are among the most popular Deities.
