At the Tirumala Venkateshvara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, tens of thousands of devotees donate a sizable sum of money each year. The explanation for this is given in a legend.
Shiva was cursed by Bhrigu to only be worshiped as the formless lingam. Bhrigu finally visited Vishnu. Lakshmi was at Vishnu’s feet while he dozed off on Adishesha.
To this day, the Jeeyars continue to see to it that the Ramanuja-established rituals are carried out. The deity is said to be as old as Tirumala’s “Shila thoranam.”
One of the greatest Telugu poets and a fervent follower of Venkateshvara was Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya), who composed 32000 songs in his honor.
One of the greatest Telugu poets and a fervent follower of Venkateshvara was Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya), who composed 32000 songs in his honor.