Tirupati

TIRUMALA, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is one of the eight most sacred places of Mahavishnu, hailed as Swayamvvakta Kshetras (self-manifested). The hill shrine is also acclaimed as the holiest of the celebrated 108 Tirupatis or Vaishnava Divya Desams. According to legends, it was originally an Adi Varaha Kshetra and Lord Venkateswara came to settle down here in Kali Yuga with permission from Sri Varahaswami. The shrine is situated on top of the Venkatam Hill or Venkatadri, the tallest of the seven holy hills (3,200 feet above mean sea level) of the Nallamalai range with Nature in all its glory, splendor and charm. Together revered as Saptagiri, an aerial view of these seven hills would give one the impression of Adisesha, the mythological serpent, lying majestically with its seven hoods. Vaishnavite saint Ramanujacharya is said to have reached the Venkatam Hill on his knees. The Acharya considered the hills so sacred that he felt it was sacrilegious to tread the hills.

Venkatachala Mahatmyam speaks volumes about the sanctity and glory of the holy hills and Lord Venkateswara. Detailed references are found in Varaha Puranam, Bhavishyottara Puranam, Padma Puranam, Garuda Puranam, Brahmanda Puranam, Markandeya Puranam, Harivamsa Puranam, Vamana Puranam, Brahma Puranam, Brahmottara Puranam, Aditya Puranam and Skanda Puranam.

The hallowed hills are known by the names Seshadri, Venkatadri, Garudadri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhadri, Anjanadri and Neeladri. And each of the seven hills is associated with an interesting legend.

SAPTAGIRI

Seshadri

Closely associated with the legend of the Adisesha-Vayu dispute, Seshadri is considered a piece of Anantha Parvat that came down to Earth when Vayu blew it off during their duel.

Venkatadri

Believed to be an integral part of Mount Meru. Vishnu promised Brahma that whoever visited this hill and had His darshan would be absolved of their sins and conferred mukti (liberation).

Garudadri

The legendary bird Garuda did penance here to re deem himself of the sin of killing his cousins. It is also believed that Garuda brought this hill from Vaikuntam.

Narayanadri

Sage Narayana sat in a severe penance here for the good of the world. On his request, Lord Srinivasa agreed to remain on the hill forever blessing His devotees.

Vrishabhadri

Named after Vrishabhasura, a staunch devotee of Narasimha. He did tapas on this hill and sought a boon of yuddha biksha, (death in battlefield). The demon waged a war against the Lord Himself and was slain.

Anjanadri

Associated with the story of Anjanadevi, mother of Hanuman. When she had no issues, she did penance here and was blessed with the child Anjaneya.

Neeladri

Sri Rama’s monkey brigade chieftain Neela is said to have camped on this hill and hence the name.