PURaTaSsI

Compiled by Pandit Sachin Singh

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Shree Natha Dham

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The Katha of lord Venkateswara

Kalyanam (Marriage and avtaar)
The rishis headed by Kasyapa began to perform a sacrifice on the banks of the Ganges. Sage Narada visited
them and asked them why they were performing the
sacrifice and who would be pleased by it. Not being able
to answer the question, the rishis approached Sage Bhrigu. To reach a solution after a direct ascertainment of
reality, Sage Bhrigu first went to Satyaloka, the abode of
Lord Brahma.
At Satyaloka, he found Lord Brahma, reciting the four
Vedas in praise of Lord Narayana, with each of his four
heads. Lord Brahma did not take notice of Bhrigu offering obeisance. Concluding that Lord Brahma was unfit
for worship, Bhrigu left Satyaloka for Kailasa, the abode
of Lord Shiva.
At Kailasa, Bhrigu found Lord Siva spending his time
pleasantly with Parvati and not noticing his presence.
Parvati drew the attention of Siva to the presence of the
sage. Lord Siva was furious at Bhrigus intrusion.
At Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu (also called Srimannarayana)
was reposing on Adisesha with Sri Mahalakshmi in service at His feet. Finding that Srimannarayana also did
not notice him, the sage was infuriated and he kicked the
Lord on His chest, the place where Mahalakshmi resides.

At once, Lord Vishnu hastened to apologise to the

angry sage and pressed his feet to allay the pain caused
to Bhrigus leg. Thereupon, the sage decided that Lord
Vishnu was the most supreme of the trimurthis and told
the rishis the same. Thereupon, they decided that Lord
Vishnu was the fruit of the yaga.
Sri Mahalakshmi was angered by the action of her Lord
in apologising to Bhrigu who committed an offence. She,
therefore, left Vaikuntam without heeding the entreaties
of the Lord.
At the commencement of the current Sveta Varaha
Kalpa, the whole universe was filled with water and the
Earth was immersed in it. Lord Vishnu assumed the form
of a white boar (Sri Varaha) and dived into the water to
lift the Earth. He slew the demon Hiranyaksha who was
obstructing Him and rescued the Earth.
Brahma and the other Devas praised Sri Varaha for
saving the Earth by chanting the Vedas and showering
flowers on Him. Lord Vishnu decided to stay on Earth
in the form of Sri Varaha for some time, to punish the
wicked and protect the virtuous. The place then came to
be known as Varaha Kshetra and the Varaha Kalpa commenced.
After the departure of Mahalakshmi, a forlorn Lord Vishnu left Vaikuntam and took abode in an ant-hill under a
tamarind tree, beside a pushkarini on the Venkata Hill.

Taking pity on Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Lord shiva

decided to assume the forms of a cow and its calf to
serve Him.

the lotus, the King found a female child in it.

Surya, the Sun God informed Mahalakshmi of this and

requested her to assume the form of a cowherdess and
sell the cow and calf to the king of the Chola country.

Akasa Raja was happy to find the child. He carried it to

his palace and gave it to his Queen. At that time he heard
a voice from above which said, Oh! King, tend to it as
your child and fortune will befall you. As the child was
found in a lotus, the king named her Padmavati.

The king of the Chola country bought the cow and its
calf and sent them to graze on the Venkata Hill along
with his herd of cattle. Discovering Lord Vishnu on the
ant-hill, the cow provided its milk, and thus fed the Lord.

In course of time, Princess Padmavati grew up into a

beautiful maiden and was attended to by a host of maids.
One day, while she was spending her time in a garden
picking flowers with her maids, Sage Narada approached

Meanwhile, at the palace, the cow was not yielding any

milk. To find out the cause of lack of milk, the cowherd
followed the cow, hid himself behind a bush and discovered the cow emptying her udder over the ant-hill.
Incensed over the conduct of the cow, the cowherd
aimed a blow with his axe on the head of the cow. However, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill to receive the
blow and save the cow.
When the cowherd saw the Lord bleed at the blow of his
axe, he fell down and died of shock.
On the death of the cowherd, the cow returned, bellowing in fright and with blood stains all over her body, to
the Chola King. To find out the cause of the cows terror,
the King followed her to the scene of the incident.
The King found the cowherd lying dead on the ground
near the ant-hill. While he stood wondering how it had
happened, Lord Vishnu rose from the ant-hill and cursed
the King saying that he would become an asura because
of the fault of his servant. The King pleaded innocence,
and the Lord blessed him by saying that the curse would
end when the Lord was adorned with a kireetam presented by Akasa Raja at the time of His marriage with Sri
Padmavati.
Thereafter, Lord Vishnu or Srinivasa, decided to stay in
Varaha Kshetra, and requested Sri Varahaswami to grant
Him a site for His stay. His request being readily granted,
Srinivasa ordained that a pilgrimage to His shrine would
not be complete unless it is preceded by a bath in the
Pushkarini and darshan of Sri Varahaswami, and that
puja and naivedyam should be offered to Sri Varahaswami first.
Yasoda brought up Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki, in his
early years. However, Yasoda was not blessed to witness
the marriage of Sri Krishna with Rukmini and she felt
very sad. Sri Krishna promised to fulfill her desire in her
next birth as Vakuladevi in his next avatara as Srinivasa.
In Rukminis next birth as Vakuladevi, she was serving
Lord Varahaswami when He sent her to serve Srinivasa.
Sometime later, a King named Akasa Raja who belonged
to the Lunar race was ruling over Thondamandalam. He
had a brother named Thondaman. Akasa Raja had no
heirs, and therefore, he wanted to perform a sacrifice. As
part of the sacrifice, he was ploughing the fields when his
plough turned up a lotus in the ground. On examining

her. Assuring her that he was her well-wisher, he asked

her to show him her palm to read her future. He foretold
that she was destined to be the spouse of Lord Vishnu
himself.
At this time, Lord Srinivasa, who was hunting, chased a
wild elephant in the forests surrounding the hills. In the
elephants pursuit, the Lord was led into a garden, where
Princess Padmavati and her maids were picking flowers.
The sight of the elephant frightened the Princess and her
maids.
But the elephant immediately turned around, saluted the
Lord and disappeared into the forest.
Lord Srinivasa, who was following on horse back, and
saw the frightened maidens, who accosted Him with
queries. Lord Srinivasa gave the maids details about his
birth and parentage. He, in turn, enquired after their
princess, her birth and parentage.
When the maids informed Lord Srinivasa that the princess was Padmavati, foster daughter of Akasa Raja, He
expressed his interest in her. However, He was repulsed
with stones thrown at Him by the maids. He returned to
the hills in haste, leaving His horse behind.
When Lord Srinivasa returned, Vakuladevi brought him
his usual dinner comprising various delicacies. However,
she found him lying on his bed, pining for his love. When
she enquired about the cause, the Lord informed her that
unless he married Princess Padmavati, he would never
be well again. Vakuladevi then asked Him to tell her all
about the Princess. The Lord then narrated the story of

her (Padmavatis) previous birth and his promise to wed

her.
In olden times, Lakshmi, in the form of Vedavati, was
staying in an ashram in the forests. At that time, Ravana,
the lord of Lanka tried to tempt her. In anger, Vedavati
cursed him saying that she would bring about his death.
To show how true her words were, Vedavati walked
into the fire, but Agni, the Fire God rescued her. He took
Vedavati to his house and entrusted her to his wifes
care. When Ravana was about to carry away Sita from
Panchavati, in the absence of Rama and Lakshmana, Agni
appeared and offered Vedavati to Ravana as the real
Sita who was kept with him by Rama to evade Ravana.
Ravana was tricked into thinking that Vedavati was the
real Sita.
Ravana took Vedavati to Lanka thinking she was the real
Sita, while Agni took Sita to his house and asked his wife
Swahadevi to look after her. After the destruction of
Ravana, Vedavati entered the fire when rejected by
Rama. Then, Agni, offered the real Sita to Rama. Rama
then questioned her as to who the other lady by her side
was.
Sita informed Rama that the lady was Vedavati who
endured Ravanas torture for ten months in Lanka for
her sake. Sita requested Rama to accept Vedavati also as
his spouse. But Rama declined her request saying that
he believed in having only one wife during his life time.
However, He promised to wed her in her next birth as
Padmavati, born as the daughter of Akasa Raja, when
Rama himself would take the form of Srinivasa.
After listening to Srinivasas story of how he had promised to marry Vedavati in her next birth as Padmavati,
Vakuladevi realised that Srinivasa would not be happy
unless he married Padmavati. She offered to go to Akasa
Raja and his Queen and arrange for the marriage. On the
way she met the maid-servants of Padmavati returning
from a Siva Temple. She learnt from them that Padmavati was also pining for Srinivasa. Vakuladevi went along
with the maidservants to the Queen.
Meanwhile, Akasa Raja and his queen Dharanidevi were
anxious about the health of their daughter, Padmavathi.
They learnt about Padmavathis love for Srinivasa of
Venkata Hill. Akasa Raja consulted Brihaspati about the
propriety of the marriage and was informed that the
marriage was in the best interest of both the parties.
After the departure of Vakuladevi, Srinivasa could not
rest in peace. He doubted if she would succeed in her
mission. He, therefore, assumed the form of a lady
fortune-teller and entered the streets of the capital telling fortunes. Padmavathis maids saw her and invited her
to the presence of their Queen.
The maid-servants informed Queen Dharanidevi that the
fortune-teller was hesitating to enter the palace without
the Queens invitation. The Queen came out herself and
invited the fortune-teller into the palace.The fortuneteller was taken to the presence of Princess Padmavati.

The fortune-teller read the palm of the Princess and told

the Queen about the cause of Padmavatis indisposition.
She advised the Queen to give Padmavati in marriage to
Lord Srinivasa. She also told the Queen that a lady would
approach her shortly on behalf of Lord Srinivasa, to formally request Padmavatis hand in marriage.
After the departure of the fortune-teller, Vakuladevi
arrived at the palace, and was taken by the maidservants
to the Queen. She informed the Queen that she had
come on behalf Lord Srinivasa to request the hand of
Padmavati in marriage.
Having consulted Brihaspati and heard from his Queen
about the prediction of the fortune-teller and the arrival
of the messenger from Srinivasa, Akasa Raja decided to
hand his daughter in marriage to Srinivasa. He asked the
palace purohits to fix a muhurtam for the marriage.
Akasa Raja informed his ministers and other officials of
his plans. Immediately, a letter was drafted requesting
Srinivasa to come and marry the Princess.
Akasa Raja entrusted the delivery of the letter to Sukamahamunin. Suka went to the Venkata Hill with Vakuladevi. He presented the patrika to Lord Srinivasa, who
was very happy. The Lord sent his garland for Padmavati
through Suka.
Immediately, Lord Srinivasa called for a conference of
the Gods to win their consent for His marriage to Princess Padmavati.
Kubera lent money to Lord Srinivasa to meet the expenses of the marriage.
Lord Srinivasa, along with his consorts and Lord Brahma
and Lord Siva started the journey to the residence of
Akasa Raja with his vehicle Garuda.
At the palace entrance, Lord Srinivasa was received by
Akasa Raja with full honours and taken in procession on
a mounted elephant to the palace for the marriage.
In the presence of all the Devas, Lord Srinivasa wed Princess Padmavati, thus blessing Akasa Raja.
Various Symbols:

LORD VISHNU/VEKATASWRA
SYMBOLISM

The name Vishnu means he who possesses the quality of

Vyapana (to pervade). Lord Vishnu is the central and the
major deity of the holy trinity i.e. Brahma the creator,
Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.
The two most common representations of Vishnu show
him either sleeping over the waves of the ocean on the
coils of the serpent-deity called Shesh Nag. The other
most common one is standing on water with four handseach holding one of his four chief attributes.
Lord Vishnus four main features are:- In the Upper

right hand, he holds cakra or discus shining like an infant

Sun, symbol of the mind, which represents the revolving
or creative tendency.
The Discus or wheel (Charka) of Vishnu named
Sudershan. It has six spokes. It represents the limitless
controlling all the six seasons and is the fearful weapon
that cuts off the heads of all demons.
The lotus of Vishnu is named Padma. It is the symbol of
purity and represents the unfolding of creations. It is the
truth (Sathva). The elements from, which emerge the
rules of, conduct (Dharma) and knowledge (Janna).
The Conch (Shankh) named Panchjanya is the fountain
that evolves the five elements i.e., water, fire, air, earth
and sky or space. In the lower left hand, which represents
the notion of individual existence.
The Mace (Gada) of Vishnu is named Kaumodaki. It represents the elemental force, form which all physical and
mental powers are derived.
While Vishnu, who has the power to spread his control
over everything. From his navel a lotus- stalk grows up,
and on the top of the stalk, in the lotus flower, Brahma is
born. Vishnus main attribute is Sattva (goodness-purity)
Vishnu appeared in the world either to correct some
great evil or to effect some good on the earth. His incarnations are innumerable.

Venkateswara MEANING

The name Venkata is exclusively used to refer to Balaji.

It is not used for any other deity. There are two different
meaning for Ventaka in Sanskrit the first is destroyer
of sins. It is said that Brahma promised Vishnu that
whoever visits the Tirumala hills will redeem their sins.
Thus the Seshadri hill on which Venkateswara sits came
to be known as Venkata and Vishnu came to be known
as Venkateswara. This meaning of Venkata is based on
the use of the term found in the Brahmanda Purana and
Bhavishyottara Purana.
Another meaning of Venkata is giver of worldly wealth.
This meaning is found in the Vayu Purana. Scholars are
of view that this meaning relates to one of the qualities
of Venkateswara.
The earliest reference of the term Venkatam is found in
Tamil Grammar Text, Tholkaappiyam, which is believed
to have been written around 200 B.C. The meaning of
the term here is burning debts Ven means burning
and kadan means debt. This meaning relates to the debt
that Venkateswara took from Kubera.
Some scholars suggest that Kadam means mountain
slope and suggests to the frequent forest fires that used
to engulf the hills.

Puratassi Masam

Puratassi Fasting, or Puratasi Vratam, is observed in the

Tamil month of Puratasi (September October).

The prayer should be observed once all prasadam has

been made.

Thus Purattasi masam is the masam in which full moon

normally occurs either on Poorattadhi/Uttirattadhi stars
(malayalam: Pooruttadhi- Kannada: Poorvabhadrapada/
Uttarabhadrapada; Hindi: Purvabhadra/uttarbhadra; sanskrit: Poorva Proshthapada/ Uttara Proshthapada). From
this Sanskrit Proshthapada word, Purattasi has evolved.
This month saturdays are also very popular for offering
prayers and poojas to Lord Shani to please him.

A lot of preparation goes into this prayer. In the absence

of a picture of Lord Rama or Vishnu or Krishna, a drawing is made of the Namam. The Namam is in the form of
a V. This is drawn with a special white chalk referred to
as the Nama Katti. To complete the drawing a red line
is drawn down the middle. The Namam is also drawn on
the foreheads of the men and children present. A red dot
is made on the womens forehead.

Puratasi Masam is of great importance to Tamilians as it

is believed that Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) appeared on
the earth in this month. Puratasi saturdays are dedicated
to Lord Shani. Some people observe partial fasting on all
days in Puratassi others limit it to Puratasi Saturdays.

A banana leaf is placed on the altar on which the various

dishes prepared are offered to Lord Vishnu. A theertham
is made with milk, sugar and tulsi leaves.

Some devotees of Lord Venkateswara opt for strict fast

on Puratasi Saturdays which involves not even drinking a
drop of water - Nirjala Vratam. Some devotees does not
include onion, garlic and meat in their meal throughout
this month.

POOJA

Preparations for the Prayer:

The entire house should be cleansed (day before prayer).

One should wash their lamp and dot it with namam and
tirusanaum (day before prayer).
A korlam should be made at the front entrance of
the house using either rice flour (before commencing
prayer).
A garland should be made using fresh flowers and tulsi
leaves.The garland must be hung on the door
(before commencing prayer).

The prayer begins outside the house as this is the propitiation of the sun. A vessel of water is placed, the camphor
is lit and a coconut is broken. The worshippers then move
into the house/temple chanting Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda!
In the house the main prayer continues with the turning
of camphor, burning of agarbathi, singing of songs, ringing of bells and blowing of the conch. Prayers are chanted, the aarti is then handed around to all present. The
right hand is cupped over the left, a tulsi leaf is placed
in the cup with a bit of milk. The milk is sipped and the
tulsi leaf is eaten. Finally, the blessed food (prasad) is
offered to all present.

Requirements for the prayer:

3 Coconuts
1 bottle rosewater
Hurdee (Borrie)

5 betel leaves and nuts

Flowers for garland and petals
Camphor
Agarbhati Sticks
Sambrani (Lobaan)
Charcoal
1 Pkt Namakatti (white stick)
Red powder (tirusanaum)
Tulsi leaves
Sugar candy
Avaal kadaly
Rice flour Lamp

Simple procedure on how to perform the

Pooja

First make a ganesh murti with Hurdee or use your brass

or marble one
A photo of Lord Vishnu/ Venkateshwara, a mirror or a
piece of wood may be place in the center where by a
Namam may be drawn on.
Place a flower, thulsi and vadaa garland around the item
that is going to be used.
Place all prasadam in front of the Namam with betel
leave, betel nut, flower and a coin.
Namam should be placed on each persons forehead. The
men a white V like shape with the vertical red line in
the center and the women a white horizontal line with a
vertical red line in the center.
Once everything has been set up inside take Ganesh ji
murti and proceed outside.
Ganesha murti will be placed outside with prasadam
(with you facing EAST).
Ganesha should be invoked first
Offer water thrice over Lord ganeshas murti
Offer over his body Some raw cotton string
Light Some Agarbathi
Offer sugar candy avaal kadaly to Ganesha
Offer some Flowers
Do all this by Chanting the mantra
Aum gam ganesha ye namaha or Aum gam ganesha potri
can be chanted 18 or 27 times.
3 Camphor must be lit in front of Ganesha; the 1st coconut must be turned around Ganesha and the Sun thereafter breaking the coconut and turn camphor.
Sprinkle water 3 times over the prasadam.
Camphors should be lit on paan leading to the front
entrance by chanting (Govinda! Govinda! Govinda).
At the front entrance 3 camphor must be lit and the
second coconut would be smashed on the ground to
welcome the Lord into the house by chanting (Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!).
Proceed to the prayer where everything has been place.
Light the Rice Flour Lamp (See recipe )

Light agarbathi sticks and burn charcoal and sambrani.

Take flower petals and offer at the feet of the Lord by
chanting Om Venkateshwara ye namaha or potri.
Chant the Vishnu Gayatri mantra 24 times
offering flowers
GAYATRI MANTRA OF VENKATESVARA
Aum niranjanaya vidmahe
nirapashaya dhimahi
tanno shrinivasah prachodayath
Turn the third coconut clockwise 3 times and break.
Place 2 halves on either side of Venkateshwara.
Turn camphor.
Sing the aarti (Optional)
Sprinkle water over prasadam.
Kneel down and pray.
A song or a prayer can be sung in praise of
Venkateshwara. (found at the end of document)
You should leave the prayer place for at least 10 minutes
without any disturbance.

Shri Venkatesh Aarti in marathi

Sheshachal avtar tarak tu deva l
Survar munivar bhave kariti jan seva ll
Kamlaramna assi aganit gun theva l
Kamlaksha maj rakshuni stavar var dhyava ll 1 ll
Jay dev jay dev jay venkatesha l
Keval karunasindhu purvisi asha ll Dhru.ll
Hey nijvaikunth mahuni dhyato me tu te l
Dakhvisi gun kaise saklik lokate ll
Dekhuni tujhe swaroop sukh adbhut hote l
Ghyata tujla shripati dhrud maanas hote ll 2
AUM NAMHO NAARAAYANYAA

To make Rice Flour Lamp you will need:

1 cup rice flour
1 tablespoon Ghee
2 tablespoons honey
teaspoon cardamom powder
cup rice flour for dusting
Additional Ghee for lighting the lamp
Cotton wool wick

1. Start by sifting the cup rice flour.

Add cardamom powder. Mix.
2. Add the Ghee.
3. Mix to form fine crumbs.
4. Add the honey. Mix well, until soft pliable dough is
formed. If the dough gets too soft -dust with rice flour.
How To Shape the Rice Flour Lamp
1. Shape the dough into a ball then place on to the plate
you wish to place the lamp.
2. Use a teaspoon to shape the lamp. Simply
press a teaspoon on the top of the ball to make an
indent in the lamp. You can store this in the fridge.

3. Fill the lamp with ghee

5. Place a cotton wool wick. Light the lamp.

Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam

kausalyasuprajarama!
purva sandhya pravartate,
uttistha! narasardula!
kartavyam daivam ahnikam.

O! Rama! Kausalyas auspicious child! Twilight is approaching in the East.
O! best of men (Purushottama)! Wake up, the divine
daily rituals have to be performed.

uttisthottistha! govinda!
uttistha garudadhvaja!
uttistha kamalakanta!
trailokyam mangalam kuru.

O! Govinda, wake up! O! Garudadhvaja (one who has
Garuda on his flag)! wake up. O! Kamalakanta (the
husband of Kamala)! by rising, render the three worlds
auspicious.

matas samsastajagatam madhukaitabhareh

vaksoviharini! manohara-divyamurte!
srisvanmini! sritajanapriya-danasile!
sri-venkatesa-dayite! Tava suprabhatam

May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee, O! Lakshmi,

the Mother of the Worlds, who dwells on the chest of

Vishnu, the enemy of the demons, Madhu and Kaitabha),
of attractive and divine form, with the nature of granting what is desired by those seeking refuge

tava suprabhatam aravindalochane!

bhavatu prasannamukha-chandramandale!
vidhisankarendra-vanitabhir archite!
vrsasailanatha-dayite!dayanidhe

May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee, O! Lakshmi, the

beloved of the Lord of Vrsacala, with eyes like lotus petals, with a bright face like the Moon, who is worshipped
by Vani, Girija and Pulomaja (the wives of Brahma,
Sankara and Indra) and who is very compassionate.

atryadi-saptarsayas samupasya sandhyam

aksasindhu-kamalani manoharani,
adaya padayugam archayitum prapanna
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

Having worshipped the morning twilight and said their
morning prayers, called sandhyavandana, the seven
sages like Atri, bringing the beautiful lotuses from the
divine Ganges, have arrived to worship Thy feet. Lord of
Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

panchananabjabhava sanmukha vasavadyah

traivikramadi charitam vibudhah stuvanti,
bhasapatith pathati vasarasuddhim arat
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam


The Gods, like the five-headed Brahma, the lotus-born
Subrahmanya, and the six-headed Indra are praising
the deeds of your incarnations as the Trivikramavatara.
Nearby is Brhaspati who is reading out the planetary
position (called Panchangam) of the day. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

isatpraphulla-sarasiruha-narikelapugadrumadi-sumanohara-palikanam
avati mandam anilah saha divyagandhaih
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

The breeze, carrying the wonderful fragrance of the
partly-opened lotuses, and the beautiful trees like the
Areca and Coconut, is blowing gently.Lord of Seshachala!
May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee
unmilya netrayugam uttama-panjarastah
patravasista-kadaliphalapayasani,
bhuktva salilam atha kelisukhah pathanti
sesadri-sekara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

The parrots in their cages are opening their eyes, and
graciously singing, after eating the remains of the plantain fruits and the payasam in the vessels.
Lord Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

tantriprakarsa-madhurasvanaya vipanchya
gayaty anantacharitam tava naradopi
bhasasamagram asakrt-karachararamyam
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

The sage, Narada, is playing sweet music with his veena,
and, in fine language, is singing praises of Thy endless
deeds, gracefully waving his other hand. Lord of
Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

bhrngavali cha makaranda-rasanuviddhajhankaragita-ninadaih saha sevanaya,

niryaty upanta-sarasi-kamalodarebhyah
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

The humming swarm of bees are sucking honey and
emerging from the interiors of the lotuses of the adjoining pools, in order to serve Thee. Lord of Seshachala!
May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

yosa-ganena vara-dadhni vimathyamane

ghosalayesu dadhimanthana-tivraghosah,
rosat kalim vidadhate kakubhas cha kumbhah
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

While the womenfolk of the hamlet of cowherds churn
the curds, the loud sounds and echoes emanating from
the pots seems like as if the pots and the eight directions
are quarrelling. Lord of Seshachala! May it be an
auspicious dawn to Thee

padmesa-mitra-satapatra-gatalivargah
hartum sriyam kuvalayasya nijanga-laksmya,
bherininadam iva bibhrati tivra-nadam
sesadri-sekhara-vibho! tava suprabhatam

The swarm of bees in the lotuses are friends of the sun,
and are making lound sounds with a view to surpassing the splendour of the lustrous blue lotuses. Lord of
Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

srimann abhista-varadakhila-lokabandho!
srisrinivasa!jagadeka-dayaikasindho!
sridevata-grha-bhujantara-divyamurte!
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

One with Lakshmi! One who grants boons! Friend of all
the worlds! Abode of Sri Lakshmi! The matchless ocean
of compassion! One having a charming form on account
of the chest which is the abode of Sri Lakshmi! Lord of
Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

srisvami-puskarinika-plava-nirmalangah
sreyorthino hara-virinchi-sanandanadyah,
dvare vasanti varavetra- hatottamangah
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

Brahma, Shiva, Sanandana and several others have
bathed in purified water. They are at your doorstep eager
to see you, for their own well-being, though they have
been hit with canes by your gods. Lord of Venkatachala!
May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

sri-sesasaila-garudachala-venkatadri-

narayanadri-vrsabhadri-vrsadri-mukhyam,
akhyam tvaduta-vasater anisam vadanit
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

Lord of Venkatachala! Thy abode is always called by
several names, such as Sri Sesasaila, Garudachala, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrsabhadri, Vrsadri. May it be an
auspicious dawn to Thee

On seeing the crests of Thy temple tower, the mortals, who are attempting to attain the exalted paths of
Heaven and Liberation, feel like living on in the mortal
world, as it gives them the opportunity of worshipping
Thee. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious
dawn to Thee

sevaparah siva-suresa-krsanu-dharmaraksombunatha-pavamana-dhanadhinathah,
baddhanjali-pravilasan nijasirsa-desah
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

sri-bhumi-nayaka! dayadi-gunamrtabdhe!
devadhideva!jagadeka-saranyamurte,
srimann-ananta-garudadibhir architanghre!
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

Siva, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairuti, Varuna, Vayu and
Kubera, with folded hands placed on their heads, are desirous of offering service to thee. Lord of Venkatachala!
May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

dhatisu te vihangaraja-mrgadhirajanagadhiraja-gajaraja-hayadhirajah,
svasvadhikara-mahimadikam arthayante
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

The modes of Thy conveyance - Garuda, the Lord of
Birds, the Lion, Lord of Animals, Adisesa, the Lord of
Serpents, Airavata, the Lord of Elephants and Uccaissravas, the Lord of Horses - are begging Thee to grant them
their respective authority and power to server Thee better, on your pleasure trips. Lord of Venkatachala! May it
be an auspicious dawn to Thee

suryendu-bhauma-budha-vakpati-kavya-sauri
svarbhanu-kettu-divisat parisat pradhanah,
tvaddasa-dasa-charamavadhi-dasadasah
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

Lord of Sridevi and Bhudevi! The ocean of nectar of

compassion and other virtues! The chief of the Gods!
The sole refuge of the Universe! The possessor of Sri
(wealth)! One whose feet are worshipped by Ananta and
Garuda! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious
dawn to Thee

sripadmanabha! purusottama! vasudeva!

vaikuntha! madhava! janardana! chakrapane!
srivasta-chihna! sarangata-parijata!
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam
Padmanabha! Purushottama! Vasudeva! Vaikunta!
Madhava! Janardana! Chakrapani! Bearer of the mole
Srivatsa! Celestial tree (parijata) under whom refuge is
sought! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious
dawn to Thee

kandarpa-darpa-hara-sundara-divyamurte!
kanta-kucamburuha-kutmala-loladrste!
kalyana-nirmala-gunakara! divyakirte!
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

The main deities of the Assembly of Gods - the nine
planets - the Sun, the Moon, Mars (Angaraka), Mercury
(Budha), Jupiter (Brhaspati), Venus (Sukra), Saturn
(Sani), Rahu and Ketu are happy to serve even your servants and remain most obedient to Thee. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

Bearer of the charming and divine form surpassing the

pride of Cupid (Manmatha)!One whose sight is fondly
centred on the lotus bud like breasts of His beloved!
The abode of auspicious and pure virtues! The possessor of Divine fame!Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an
auspicious dawn to Thee

tvat-padadhuli-bharita-sphuritottamangah
svargapavarga-nirapeksa-nijanarangah,
kalpagamakalanayakulatam labhante
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

minakrte!kamatha!kola!nrsimha!varnin!
svamin!parasvatha-tapodhana!ramachandra!
sesamsarama! yadunandana! kalkirupa!
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

Lord of Venkatachala! Thy devotees, whose heads are
sanctified by the dust of Thy feet, being in Thy presence,
do not desire Heaven or Liberation, but are worried that
another kalpa will start, when there will be no such glory
to Venkatachala! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an
auspicious dawn to Thee

tvad-gopuragra-sikharani niriksamanah
svargapavarga-padavim paramamsrayantah,
martya manusya-bhuvane matim-asrayante

Lord in ten incarnations of Matsya (Fish), Kamatha

(Tortoise), Kola (Boar), Narasimha (Man-lion) Trivikrama (Dwarf), Parasurama, Rama, Balarama, Krishna and
Kalki! Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious
dawn to Thee

ela-lavanga-ghanasara-sugandhi-tirtham
divyam viyat-sariti hema-ghatesu purnam
dhrtvadya vaidika-sikhamanayah prahrstah
tisthanti venkatapate tava suprabhatam

The Brahmins, well-versed in the Vedas, are now joyfully

waiting to worship you. They are carrying golden pots on
their heads that are filled with the water of the Divine
Ganges (Akasa Ganga), which has been rendered fragrant
by mixing cardamom, cloves and camphor in it. Lord of
Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

sarangatavatsala!saranidhe!
paripalaya mam vrsa-sailapate
The crest-jewel of all Gods like Brahma,
Kumarasvami and Maheshwara!The Compassionate
One to those seeking protection!Protect me, O Lord of
Vrsasaila!

bhasvan udeti vikachani saroruhani

sampurayanti ninadaih kakubho vihangah,
srivaisnavas satatam arthita-mangalas te
dhamasrayanti tava venkata! suprabhatam

ativelataya tava durvisahairanuvela-krtair aparadha-sataih,

bharitam tvaritam vrsa-sailapate!
paraya krpaya paripahi hare

The Sun is rising; the lotuses have blossomed; the birds

are twittering; the Sri Vaishnavas, always imploring
auspiciousness, are waiting at Thy abode.Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee

Lord of Vrsasaila!May Thou (O Hari!) with Thy extreme

mercy protect mewho has always committed various
unendurable sins

brahmadayas suravaras samaharsayas te

santas sanadana-mukhastv atha yogivaryah
dhamantike tava hi mangala-vastu-hastah
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam
Brahma,the great sages and the good Yogins as Sanandana are waiting at Thy abode,with auspicious offerings
in their hands. Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee
laksminivasa!

niravadya-gunaika-sindho!
samsara-sagara-samuttaranaika-seto!
vedantu-vedya-nijavaibhava! bhaktabhogya!
sri-venkatachalapate! tava suprabhatam

Abode of Lakshmi! Ocean of faultless and auspicious

virtues! Bridge to cross the ocean of transmigration
(samsara)!One whose glory is known through the Upanishads! One who is enjoyed by devotees!
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to
Thee

ltham vrishachala paterlha suprabhatham

Ye manava: prathidinam patithum pravrutha:
Thesham prabhatha samaye smruthirangabhhajam Praghayam paraartha subhalaam paramaam prasoothe

Sri Venkatesa Stotram

kamala-kucha-chuchuka-kunkumato
niyatarunitatula-nilatano!
kamalayata-lochana!lokapate!
vijayi bhava!venkata sailapate
Lord of Venkatachala!
One whose matchless blue body is ever rendered red
by the saffron on the breasts of Kamala (called Sridevi);
One whose eyes are broad like the petals of the lotus

sachaturmukha-sanmukha-panchamukhapramukhakhila-daivata-maulimane!

kalavenu-ravavasa-gopavadhusatakoti-vrtat smarakoti-samat,
prati-vallavikabhimatat sukhadat
vasudeva-sutan na param kalaye
I do not understand any one other than Krishna
who is surrounded by innumerable cowherdesses
(gopikas) who are enchanted by the sweet music of His
flute; who equals the beauty of all the Cupids
(Manmathas);who gives joy and is dear to each gopika

Adivenkatashaila Mudaaramate
Janataabhi Mutadhi Kadaanarataat
Paradevatayaa Gatitaannigamei
Kamalaadayitaanna Para Kalaye
I do not consider supreme anyone other than the Lord of
Kamala(Sridevi), who is liberal-minded (and dwells) on
Venkatachala, who intent on granting much more than
what is desired by the devotees and who is described by
the Vedas as the Supreme God.

abhirama-gunakara!dasarathe!
jagadeka-dhanurdhara! dhiramate!
raghunayaka! rama! ramesa! vibho!
varado bhava! deva! daya-jaladhe!

SRI VENKATESWARA ASHTOTHARA

SATHANAMAVALI

Source of enchanting virtues !

Rama! The Matchless Archer of the Universe!
The Steady-minded One! The Best of the race of Raghu!
Ramesa! The All-pervading! The Ocean of Compassion!
O Lord ! Grant us boons

avani-tanaya-kamaniya-karam
rajanikara-charu-mukhambu-ruham,
rajanichara-raja-tamo-mihiram
mahaniyam aham raghuramam aye
I seek refuge in Raghurama who does what Sita likes,
who has a beautiful face like the Moon,
who is like the Sun to put an end to darkness (Ravana
the King of Demons), and who is exalted

sumukham suhrdam sulabham sukhadam

svanujam cha sukayamamoghasaram,
apahaya raghudvaham anyam aham
na kathanchana kanachana jatu bhaje
At no time and in no way, do I worship any one other
than Rama, who has elevated the Raghu race, who has
a handsome face, a good heart, is easily attainable, has
good brothers, has a beautiful body and whose arrows
are unfailing

vina venkatesam na nanatho na nathah

sada venkatesam smarami smarami
hare! venkatesa! prasida presida
priyam venkatesa! prayaccha prayaccha
There is no saviour other than Venkatesa.
I will always pray to Venkatesa. O Hari Venkatesa!
Be pleased and grant us favours

aham duratas te padambhoja-yugmaprana-mecchayagatya sevam karomi,

sakrt sevaya nitya-sevaphalam team
prayaccha prayaccha prabho venkatesa
O Lord! Having come from afar,
with a desire to salute Thy lotus-like feet, I serve Thee
Venkatesa! Please give me the opportunity for this
occasional worship

ajnanina maya dosan

asesan vihitan hare!
ksamasva tvam ksmasva tvam
sesasailasikhamane
O Hari! The jewel-crest of Sesasaila!
Pardon me for all the sins committed by me, an ignorant
being

Venkateshwara Ashtotharams are recited and chanted

after Suprabhatam on every Saturdays, on every ekadashi and also in the month of Margashira.
Vinaa Venkatesam Nanaadho Nanatha
Sadhaa Venkatesam Smaraami Smaraami
Hare Venkatesa Praseedha Praseedha
Priyam Venkatesa Prayaccha Prayaccha
Om Shri Ventakeshaya Namaha
OM Sreenivasaya Namaha
OM Laxmipataye Namaha
OM Anaamayaaya Namaha
OM Amruthamsaya Namaha
OM Jagadvandyaya Namaha
OM Govindaya Namaha
OM Shashvataya Namaha
OM Prabhave Namaha
OM Sheshadrinilayaya Namaha
OM Devaya Namaha
OM Keshavaya Namaha
OM Madhusudhanaya Namaha
OM Amrutaya Namaha
OM Madhavaya Namaha
OM Krishnaya Namaha
OM Sriharaye Namaha

OM Jnanapanjaraya Namaha
OM SreeVatsavakshase Namaha
OM Sarveshaya Namaha
OM Gopalaya Namaha
OM Purushotamaya Namaha
OM Gopeeshwaraya Namaha
OM Parasmyjyotishe Namaha
OM Vaikuntapataye Namaha
OM Avyayaya Namaha
OM Sudhaatanave Namaha
OM Yadavendraya Namaha
OM Nithyayavvanaroopavate Namaha
OM Chaturvedatmakaya Namaha
OM Vishnave Namaha
OM Achutyaya Namaha
OM Padminipriyaya Namaha
OM Dharapataye Namaha
OM Surapatye Namaha
OM Nirmalaya Namaha
OM Devapoojitaya Namaha
OM Chaturboojaya Namaha
OM Chakradaraya Namaha
OM Tridamne Namaha
OM Trigunashrayaya Namaha
OM Nirvikalpaya Namaha
OM Nishkalankaya Namaha
OM Niranthakaya Namaha
OM Niranjanaya Namaha
OM Nirabasaya Namaha
OM Nityatruptaya Namaha
OM Nirgunaya Namaha
OM Nirupadravaya Namaha
OM Gadhaadharaya Namaha
OM Shaarangapanaye Namaha
OM Nandakine Namaha
OM Shankhadarakaya Namaha
OM Anakemurtaye Namaha
OM Avyaktaya Namaha
OM Katihastaya Namaha
OM Varapradaya Namaha
OM Anekatmane Namaha
OM Deenabandhave Namaha
OM Aartalokabhayapradhaya
OM Akasharajavaradhaya Namaha
OM Yogihrutpadmamandhiraya Namaha
OM Dhamodharaya Namaha
OM Karunakaraya Namaha
OM Jagatpalayapapagnaya Namaha
OM Bhakthavatsalaya Namaha
OM Trivikramaya Namaha
OM Shishumaraya Namaha
OM Jatamakutashobhitaya Namaha
OM Shankamadyolasanmanjookinkinyadyakarakandakaya Namaha
OM Neelameghashyamatanave Namaha
OM Bilvapatrarchanapriyaya Namaha
OM Jagatvyapine Namaha
OM Jagatkartre Namaha
OM Jagatsakshine Namaha
OM Jagatpataya Namaha
OM Chintitarthapradaya Namaha
OM Jishnave Namaha
OM Daasharhaaya Namaha
OM Dhasharoopavate Namaha

OM Devakinandanaya Namaha
OM Shauraye Namaha
OM Hayagreevaya Namaha
OM Janardhanaya Namaha
OM Kanyashravanatharejyaya Namaha
OM Peetambharadharaya Namaha
OM Anagaya Namaha
OM Vanamaline Namaha
OM Padmanabhaya Namaha
OM Mrughayasaktamanasaya Namaha
OM Ashvaroodaya Namaha
OM Kadghadharine Namaha
OM Dhanarjanasamootsukaya Namaha
OM Ganasaralasanmadhyakasturitilakojjwalaya Namaha
OM Sachitandharoopaya Namaha
OM Jaganmangaladayakaya Namaha
OM Yajnaroopaya Namaha
OM Yajnabokthre Namaha
OM Chinmayaya Namaha
OM Parameshwaraya Namaha
OM Paramarthapradhaya Namaha
OM Shanthaya Namaha
OM Sreemathe Namaha
OM Dordhandhavikramaya Namaha
OM Paratparaya Namaha
OM Parasmaibrahmane Namaha
OM Sreevibhave Namaha
OM Jagadeeshwaraya Namaha

Sri Venkateswara Ashtothara Shatha Namavali Samaptham

Govinda Hari Govinda Namavali

Lord Vishnu Namavalu Bhajan
GovindaHari.. Govindaaaaaa
Govinda.Hari.. Govindaaaaaa
Sri Srinivasa Govinda
Sri Venkatesa Govinda
Bhaktavatsala Govinda
Bhagavatapriya Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Nityanirmala Govinda
Neelameghasyama Govinda
Puranapurusha Govinda
Pundarikaksha Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Nandanandana Govinda
Navaneeta Chora Govinda
Pasupalaka Sri Govinda
Papavimochana Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Dushtasamhara Govinda

Durita Nivarana Govinda

Sishta Paripalaka Govinda
Kashta Nivarana Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Vajramakutadhara Govinda
Varahamurtivi Govinda
Gopijanalola Govinda
Govardhanoddhara Govinda

Srimudrankita Govinda
Srivatsankita Govinda
Dharaninayaka Govinda
Dinakarateja Govinda

Padmavatipriya Govinda
Prasannamurti Govinda
Abhayahasta Pradarsana Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Dasarathanandana Govinda
Dasamukha Mardhana Govinda
Pakshivahana Govinda
Pandavapriya Govinda

Sankachakradhara Govinda
Sarngja Gadhadara Govinda
Virajateerastha Govinda
Virodhimardhana Govinda

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Matsya Kurma Govinda

Madhusudhana Hari Govinda
Varaha Narasimha Govinda
Vamana Brughurama Govinda

Kamaladalaksha Govinda
Kamitaphaladata Govinda
Papavinasaka Govinda
Pahi Murare Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Brahmandarupa Govinda
Bhaktarakshaka Govinda
Nityakalyana Govinda
Neerajanabha Govinda

Anandarupa Govinda
Aadyantarahita Govinda
Ihaparadayaka Govinda
Ibharajarakshaka Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Vajra Kavachadhara Govinda

Vaibhava Murthy Govinda
Rathna Kireeda Govinda
Vasudevatanaya Govinda

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Balaramanuja Govinda
Bhouddha Kalkidhara Govinda
Venuganapriya Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda

Anatha Rakshaka Govinda

Aapdbhandhava Govinda
Saranagatavatsala Govinda
Karunasagara Govinda

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Sa-

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Sri Rama Krishna Govinda

Raghukula Nandana Govinda
Pratyakshadeva Govinda
Paramadayakara Govinda

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Sitanayaka Govinda
Sritaparipalaka Govinda
Daridrajanaposhaka Govinda
Dharmasamsthapaka Govinda

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 2

Sesha Shayini Govinda

Seshadrinilaya Govinda
Sirnivasa Govinda
Sri Venkatesa Govinda

hasranama Govinda
Sarasijanayana Govinda
Lakshmivallabha Govinda
Lakshmanagraja Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Kasturitilaka Govinda
Kanchanambaradhara Govinda
Garudavahana Govinda
Ganalola Govinda
(Govinda Hari Govinda
Venkataramana Govinda) 2
Vanarasevita Govinda
Varadhibandhana Govinda
Ekaswarupa Govinda
Saptha Gireesha Govinda

(Govinda Hari Govinda

Venkataramana Govinda) 3

MEANING OF TILIK/NAAMO

The tilak (Sanskrit tilaka, mark) is a mark worn on

the forehead and other parts of the body for spiritual
reasons. On a man, the tilak takes the form of different lines, indicating his religious affiliation. If it covers
the entire forehead in three horizontal lines, then it
denotes the wearer is an ascetic or belongs to a particular sect
The tilak is worn every day by sadhus and pious
householders, and on special occasions like weddings
and religious rituals. A tilak is also applied by a priest
during a visit to the temple as a sign of the deitys
blessing, for both men and women
They might be made of ash from a sacrificial fire,
sandalwood paste, turmeric, cow dung, clay, charcoal,
or red lead. In addition to its religious symbolism, the
tilak has a cooling effect on the forehead and this can
assist in concentration and meditation.
It is applied as a U by worshippers of lord Vishnu and
is red, yellow or saffron in color. It is made up of red
ochre powder (Sindhur) and sandalwood paste (Gandha).
Worshippers of lord Shiva apply it as three horizontal
lines and it consists of ash (Bhasma).
Thus there is a variety of pigments; red, yellow, saffron, white, grey and black, etc. These pigments are
not only applied on the forehead but in some cases
they are
applied also on the forearms and the abdomen.
Among Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu), the many
tilak variations usually include two or more vertical

lines resembling the letter U, which symbolizes the

foot of Vishnu. There is sometimes a central line or
dot. Most Vaishanative tilaks are made of sandalwood
paste (Chandan). The worshippers of the goddess Devi
or Shakti apply Kumkum, a red tumeric powder.
Usually Tilak is worn on religious occasions, its shape
often representing particular devotion to a certain
main deity: a U or V shape stands for Vishnu, a
group of three horizontal lines for Shiva. It is not uncommon for some to meld both in an amalgam marker
signifying Hari-Hara (Vishnu-Shiva indissoluble).
Vibhuti expresses the concept that this world we live
in and the universe are driven by the functions of
creation, preservation and destruction as enacted by t
Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.
The significance of Vibhuthi is that the body is to be
transformed in to ash one day, hence the morality of
all men and women born in this world. With this realization we should overcome the ego and selfishness in
us and conduct our lives in the righteous path.
Vaishnavas call their representation of Namam on
their foreheads as Thirumann, which means the sacred
earth (dust). Namam consists of three vertical lines
joined at the base, the two outer whitelines signifying
the worship of Brahama and Shiva and the red centerline signifying Vishnu. The Namam(thirumann) signifies the fact the men and women of this world will all
be transformed.
Only the method of application differs,
but the significance is the same in both the Vaishnavas
and the Saivas and saktyas.

Compiled by Pandit Sachin Singh

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