Page 23 - History of Tirupathi Balaji and comparison of Sri Vaishnava

Narada Muni appeared on the scene and began to sing melodious chants to
glorify Lord Vishnu accompanied by his vina (a stringed instrument). Adishesha
was so charmed by hearing the poetic verses praising the Lord that he lifted one
of his hoods to listen and slightly loosened his grip. As soon as he lifted one
hood, Vayu blew with all his force under the snake’s hood. Adishesha and the
entire mountain peak of Ananda Parvata went fl ying into space and eventually
landed on the Earth planet. Vayu followed Adishesha to the Earth. He offered
his apologies, “Oh, I am so sorry! What have I done? Please come back to
Vaikuntha.” Ahishesha replied, “It must be the Lord’s will. It is His plan that I
remain here.”
Adhishesha became the Sheshachala or Sheshadri range comprised of
seven mountains which are considered non-different than the body of the
snake servant of Lord Vishnu. The seven peaks are named Sheshadri, Neeladri,
Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The sacred
temple of Srinivasa (also known as Balaji, Venkateshwara, Govinda) is on the
seventh peak. It is considered to be a replica of Vaikuntha, the spiritual abode
of the Lord. The peaks are also known as “Tirumala” or sacred hills. The place
of residence is referred to Tirupati or the Lord of Lakshmi. Tirumala Tirupati
signifi es the sacred hill where the Lord of Lakshmi resides.
Lord Srinivasa’s Tapasya (austerity)
Srinivasa traveled in the Sheshacala mountainous area. He stopped and
made His residence in the hole of a large anthill that was situated under a
tamarind tree. He performed severe austerities such as no eating, no sleeping,
just meditation of Lakshmi devi to regain her association. Brahma observed the
situation of Lakshmi and Srinivasa who were both performing severe austerities
although they were both accustomed to opulence in the spiritual world. Brahma
enlisted Lord Shiva to help him. Together they went to meet Lakshmi devi so
that she could help them feed the Lord. Brahma became a cow, Siva a calf and
Lakshmi a cowherd girl. She led the cow and calf to a place called Narayanapura,
which was the capital city of the Chola dynasty. She requested to see the king
and queen because she had an excellent cow and calf that she wanted to sell
them. When the king and queen saw the cow and calf, they generously rewarded
Lakshmi.
Lord Srinivasa is injured saving the cow from being harmed
There was a cowherd man in the service of the king who took the royal cows
out to the pastures to graze on fresh grasses. In the evening, the cows would
come back to be milked. Many days passed without a drop of milk coming from
the special cow purchased from Lakshmi devi. The cow had a small calf, but her
udder remained empty. The queen complained to the cowherd man. “Why is
there no milk from this fi ne cow? We paid a considerable sum for this wonderful
cow.” She looked suspiciously at the cowherd man and asked. “Are you drinking
her milk? Are you stealing it?” He said, “No, no! I am not.! I am an honest man!
I would never do such a thing.” The queen replied, “If tomorrow, there is no
milk, then I know you are a thief! Then you will be punished with your life.”
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