The history of the Venkitachalpathy Tirumala Temple is closely associated to the history of the Saraswat Brahmins, who migrated from Goa due to the religious persecution. These Brahmins originally lived on the banks of River Saraswati and hence were known as Goud Saraswats - Goud indicating the northern sect of Brahmins. They were scholars and well versed in Vedic lore. Their migration started in 297 BC with the rising influence of Buddhism and famine in northern parts of India. They migrated to Bihar, then Gomantak and Goa. A major exodus of Goud Saraswats happened when King Toao III of Portugal threatened their expulsion from Goa in 1559 AD. It is believed that nearly 12,000 families migrated from Goa at that time, of which 4,000 settled in Maharastra and rest moved to Karwar, South Kanara and Kerala. There are about 33 important temples, of which the Tirumala Temple has got a unique place.

Location Kerala, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

The consecration of the Tirumala Temple was done in 1727 AD. The legend says that there were eight families of Saraswats, the prominent persons being Devaresa Prabhu and Damodarachari. Damodhara Achari has brought his Kuladevata Shri Venkatachalapathy and worshipped in his house. Later the eight families wanted to establish a temple for this idol at this place. They approached the local chieftains (the five Kaimal families) to give them land for this purpose. The five Kaimals were locally called 'Anchu Kaimal' (Anchu means five in Malayalam) and the present Ernakulam was called 'Anchu Kaimal' area in those days. Even today in local Konkani the place is referred as Enchikammel. The prominent among the Kaimals Sri Cheranallur Kartha donated about 2 acres of land for construction of the temple. A small temple was constructed and the idol was installed there in 1727 A.D along with a Ganapathy idol.

Architecture

The Venkitachalpathy Tirumala Temple as got Sreekovil, chuttambalam with agra mandapam, valiya balikal, dhwajam, mahasaalas, nadapanthal, deepasthambhams, sub shrines and gopuras. The wood carvings on gopuras are exquisite. Gajalakshmi and dragon figurines can be seen on Raja Gopuram, Lord Vishnu sitting over Garuda in flying pose, dragon figurines, Gaja Lakshmi, Sages and Devas are found on western gopura. In the corners of the nalambalam, Ananta Sayanam, Devasthanam and dragon figurines are carved in wood. On the ceiling of the namaskara mandapam, Ashta dikpalakas, gajamukhas and episodes from Mahabharatha, Palazhi madanam and Sree Krishna Leela are depicted.

Culture

Ernakulam is the first true cosmopolitan city in Kerala, with exposure to a variety of cultures and its blend of tradition and modernity. With a high level of tolerance, as many as 13 ethnic communities co-existed on a single street here. It has embraced and promoted the mercantile communities, making it the commercial capital of the State.

Darsan Info

Venkitachalpathy Tirumala Temple is open from 6 AM to 12:30 PM and from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Traditional Hindu wear

Famous Festival

January/February : Mahotsavam

Februaray/March :Prathishta day Festival

Temple Rituals

The pancha loha (five metal alloy) of Sree Venkitachalapathy is in standing pose with four arms holding conch, chakra, club and lotus. Pancha loha idols of Goddess Lakshmi Devi ad Goddess Bhoomi Devi are installed on the sides. Idol of Lord Ganapati is made in Krishna Sila and is in sitting pose. Idols of Lord Hanuman and Garuda are also in standing pose.

Special Rituals

The temple is having the following vahanams (chariots) on which the ulsavamoorthies are taken around the temple on festival days and other important functions. They are Pushpakavimanam, Garuda Vahanam (painted, silver, gold), Hanuman Vahanam, Sesha Vahanam, Hamsa vahanam, Iravatha (white elephant) Vahanam, Aswa Vahanam, Surya Vahanam and Palanquin (wooden & silver).This is a special ritual at Venkitachalpathy Tirumala Temple.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Venkitachalpathy Tirumala Temple

  Sree Krishna Inn Warriam Rd, Near Chinmaya Mission Vidyalaya, Pallimukku, Ernakulam, Kerala 682016 Phone:0484 236 6664

Brindhavan Kalavath Tower, Behind Kakkanad Bus Stop, Civil Line Road, Palarivattam, Kochi, Kerala 682025 Phone:0484 234 2239

    

Supermarket : Available