T.T.D. Religious Publications Series No. 1516
The book titled "The Festivals of Tirumala - A History" authored by Dr. Sridhar. V. Basavaraju deals with the historical details related to the festivals and rituals celebrated in the temple of Sri Venkateswara in Tirumala.
His focused interest and fascination led him to take up an in-depth study of the history of each ritual, the origin of the festivals and the duty of the priests who were involved in such religious duties. This helped him to put in writing the details of his research.
The book begins with a chapter on Vedas and Agamas followed by a calendar elaborating on the logistics of how and when to celebrate the festivals.
It is dedicated to chapters on the history of kings who ruled over various periods in South India. This becomes significant as it was they who implemented ornate festivals and continued the tradition set by great saints such as Sri Ramanuja and others. Moreover, it was during their time that many festivals came to limelight. Also, the jewels and valuable ornaments adorning the deities today were gifted by royal dynasties that thrived over centuries.
The author has skillfully demonstrated his expertise in incorporating the essence of earlier works published by TTD, authored by Sri Sadhu Subrahmanya Sastri, N. Ramesan and other writers into this book.
The contents of the book appear extensive. Such a book would definitely be a source of knowledge to every devotee.
Let the Lord shower His blessings on Dr. Sridhar V. Basavaraju to take up many more such works.
Before exploring the history of the rituals and festivals of Tirumala, an understanding of their foundations is necessary. All Hindu traditions in India find their origins in the Vedas, which are a set of texts developed at least 10,000 years ago. These Vedas are divided into four parts: Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvana. The four Vedas are further divided into four more parts: Brahmana, Aranyaka, Samhita, and Upanishad. The information contained within the Vedas forms the basis for all Hindu practices and traditions, including those observed in the Tirumala temple. Specifically, many rituals and festivals within the Tirumala temple are derived from the Vedas.
The Taittiriya Upanishadis attributed to the disciples of sage Vaishampayana (~3000 BCE), the narrator of the Mahabharata. This Upanishad, as explained by Adi Sankaracharya, provides instructions on the process of learning and practice of meditation, by which one can ultimately understand the nature of Bhagavan (God). In the Vedas, God is described as Brahman. Brahman's nature is further characterized as Satyam Jnanam Anantam, or truth, knowledge, and infinite vastness, respectively. Each of these terms is a separate and complete sentence and statement, each preceding the word Brahman. Therefore, Satyam Brahman implies unchangeable nature. Jnanam Brahman meanssource of knowledge and the object of our consciousness. Finally, Anantam Brahman means Brahman is infinite and without limits. Therefore, Brahman is immutable, infinite, and the source and goal of knowledge.
Per the Yajur Veda, the formless Brahman is invoked through the medium of fire, or Agni, through an elaborate set of rituals referred to ashomams (worship with fire sacrifice). Along with recitation of specific prayers, or mantras, priests offer various items including grains, specially selected wood, and ghee to Agnias a symbolic offering to Brahman. The homam ceremony is intended to impart wisdom amongst performers andto bring contentment to society. The homam is anintegral and compulsory aspect of the Vedic form of worship and ubiquitous among rituals performed in Tirumala.
Vedas (1267)
Upanishads (527)
Puranas (643)
Ramayana (785)
Mahabharata (390)
Dharmasastras (177)
Goddess (550)
Bhakti (253)
Saints (1922)
Gods (1327)
Shiva (422)
Journal (181)
Fiction (72)
Vedanta (399)
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