The Lord Venkateswara Temple, a sacred and spiritual place, must be protected from becoming non-secular.

Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji, Srinivasa, or Govinda, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. His significance in the Puranas is deeply rooted in the preservation of dharma, protection of devotees, and granting of moksha (liberation). The stories related to him appear primarily in the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, and Venkatachala Mahatmyam. This document provides a comprehensive exploration of his divine role, direct slokas from scriptures, and the spiritual symbolism of the seven hills.

Anti-Hindu activities affecting the sanctity of the Lord Venkateswara Temple

Over the last few years, the sanctity of Balaji Temple has been eroded by the government's anti-Hindu activities.

*   Tirumala Laddu, the most popular prasadam, is tainted with animal fat and other oils with unknown materials, to the anguish and outrage of Hindus.

*   Mumtaj Hotel was given permission to be built at the footsteps of Seven Hills, which would have turned the city into a sin city.

*   Lulu Mall was to be given permission, which may change the geographical makeup of the sacred city.

*   Permission was given to the Tablighi Jamaat gathering with 7,000 Muslims to talk about the teachings of Mohammad that may provoke the sentiments of Hindus.

*   Refuse to take the proper methods to identify more than 4,000 concealed Christians working at the institutions funded by TTD.

*    Appointment of Christians to the top positions in TTD and other Hindu Temples across the State.

*    Constant abuse of TTD funds by diverting to the treasury of the State government, local municipalities, and other projects unrelated to Balaji Temple needs.

*    The TTD officials detected theft during the earlier government regarding the Parakamani counting. People who were counting money started stealing amounts of up to 100 crores from the richest Temple.             

*    Rampant abuse of alcohol in Tirupati is affecting the safety of the people, the welfare of the families, and the spiritual experience of pilgrims.

These and other anti-social, anti-Hindu, anti-sacred acts must be neutralized. Andhra Pradesh is fortunate to have the Lord Venkateswara Temple in our state, and we should take great pride in having it. Steps must be taken to protect the sanctity of the most sacred place on earth, as described in several scriptures. Political appeasement, purported interest in economic development, and vote-bank politics must be halted within a 20-30-mile radius of Tirumala and Tirupati.

Also, we should never forget the faith of the devotees who come from across the globe, devotees who walk thousands of kilometers, devotees who climb 3550 steps from Alipiri leading to Tirumala hills, the belief that Lord Venkateswara is considered as Kaliyuga Devudu (God of Kaliyuga), the miraculous experiences of devotees, and the sacredness of the seven hills, and many other memorable incidents.

Below, one can find the importance, significance, and sanctity of Tirumala–Tirupati in various scriptures.

1. Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

According to the Puranas, Lord Venkateswara is a form of Lord Vishnu who descended to Earth during the Kali Yuga to protect humanity. The Varaha Purana narrates that Vishnu manifested on the Tirumala hills to guide people through the spiritual darkness of Kali Yuga, characterized by ignorance and adharma. His presence symbolizes compassion and forgiveness, offering salvation to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender.

Key Verse:
"Kali Yuga pratyaksha daivam, Govinda Hari Govinda"
Meaning: In Kali Yuga, Lord Venkateswara is the living manifestation of God.

2. Venkatachala Mahatmyam – Glory of Tirumala Hills

The Venkatachala Mahatmyam, a section found in the Varaha Purana, explains why Tirumala (Tirupati hills) became sacred. Mother Earth (Bhudevi) pleaded with Lord Vishnu to descend to Earth to alleviate the suffering caused by the sins of the Kali Yuga. Vishnu appeared on the Seven Hills (Saptagiri) and resided there as Venkateswara, making Tirumala a spiritual center. This sacred geography represents the seven heads of Adi Shesha, the divine serpent.

3. The Story of Padmavati and Lakshmi

The Padma Purana describes the divine marriage of Lord Venkateswara and Padmavati, the princess and incarnation of Bhudevi (Mother Earth). When Goddess Lakshmi left Vaikuntha due to a misunderstanding with Vishnu, he incarnated on Earth as Venkateswara. Lakshmi later took birth as Padmavati. Their marriage signifies the union of divine energy and matter, ensuring the sustenance of the universe. This event is celebrated annually as Brahmotsavam at Tirumala, symbolizing cosmic harmony.

4. Lord as the Granter of Moksha

The Brahmanda Purana glorifies Lord Venkateswara as the Supreme Protector who forgives sins and grants liberation. Worshipping him helps devotees overcome the binding effects of karma. This aligns with the belief that in Kali Yuga, simple devotion (bhakti) is the easiest path to liberation.

Scriptural reference:
"Kalau Kesava Kirtanat" – In Kali Yuga, chanting the name of Vishnu brings salvation.

5. Significance of Wealth and Service

The story of Lord Venkateswara also emphasizes service and offering (Seva and Dana). When Vishnu descended as Venkateswara and prepared for his divine wedding, he required wealth. Kubera, the god of wealth, lent him a massive amount of wealth, which devotees symbolically repay today through offerings at Tirumala. This represents karma yoga – surrendering the fruits of one's labor to the divine.

6. Universal Relevance

The Puranas highlight that worshiping Lord Venkateswara is not limited to any sect or group. In Kali Yuga, he is accessible to everyone through bhakti (devotion) and nama sankeertana (chanting his name). His temple at Tirumala symbolizes inclusivity, where millions of devotees from diverse backgrounds come together.

7. Titles and Symbolism

Venkateswara: 'The Lord who destroys sins' (Vem – sins, Kata – destroyer, Ishwara – Lord).
Balaji: The protector and caretaker of the world.
Govinda: The one who guides and sustains beings.

The seven hills represent spiritual ascent through seven virtues:
1. Dharma (Righteousness)
2. Jnana (Knowledge)
3. Vairagya (Detachment)
4. Shraddha (Faith and Devotion)
5. Shanti (Peace)
6. Prema (Divine Love)
7. Moksha (Liberation)

A few more Slokas from the Scriptures

Varaha Purana, Canto 1, Chapter 61

Śrī Venkaṭeśāth paro devo nāsthy anyoḥ śaraṇam bhuvi |
Venkaṭeśa samo devo nāsthi, nāsti maheṭale

Meaning: There is no other Lord like Venkateswara to seek refuge in for protection, and no other god equal to him on Earth.

Skanda Purana, Venkatachala Mahatmyam, Adhyaya 18, Verse 2

śrīveṃkaṭeśvaraṃ devaṃ yaḥ paśyati sakṛn naraḥ |
sa naro muktim āpnoti viṣṇu–sāyujyam āpnuyāt ||

Meaning: Whoever sees Lord Venkateswara even once attains liberation and union with Vishnu.

Padma Purana, Sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍa 1.34.142

veṃkaṭe cānnadātā ca śaṃbhuś caiva kratusthale |
laṃkāyāṃ ca pulastyo ’haṃ kāśmīre haṃsavāhanaḥ ||

Meaning: At Venkata, I am the giver of food and sustenance, reflecting divine support for devotees.

Conclusion

The Puranas depict Lord Venkateswara as the compassionate protector of humanity in Kali Yuga. His temple at Tirumala stands as a beacon of hope, dharma, and spiritual transformation. Through devotion—chanting his name, offering prayers, and surrendering to him—devotees can overcome challenges and attain spiritual liberation. Every Hindu should be aware of the glories of Lord Venkateswara and the potential danger of ruining the sanctity by the selfish politicians, and also the commitment of other faiths to wipe out Hinduism in India. It is the Dharma of every Hindu to protect and preserve the sanctity of Tirumala–Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, who is considered the Lord of Kali Yuga.