Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Thirumala Nambi Shrine

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Thirumala Nambi Shrine

Thirumala Nambi shrine is constructed in honor of services rendered to Tirumala by Thirumala Nambi. The temple is located in the south maada street on the right side of the road. The maternal uncle of Bhagawad Ramanuja, Tirumala Nambi devoted his life to ‘Theertha Kainkarya,’ the service of bringing holy water for the temple rituals every day from Papavinasanam, located 8 km from the temple. His descendants are rendering the service even today.

During the 11^th century, there lived a great devotee of the Lord on the "Sri Sailapurna" hills. He dedicated his entire life to the services of the Lord and in his Aradhana. This great devotee is none other than Peria Tirumala Nambi, grandson of Alavandar (Yamuna Charya). He was also known as "Sri Sailapurna". The affectionate "Thatha" as called by Lord Srinivasa was commanded by him that the Theertham for Pooja be brought from the nearby water-fall namely Akasaganga.

Tirumala Nambi used to bring water from Papanasam situated at a distance of 8 kilometers from Tirumala for the puja. One day a fowler approached and demanded him for water to quench his thirst after addressing Tirumala Nambi as "Thatha". Sri Sailapurna refused to give water intended for the Abhishekam of the Lord. Thereafter the fowler following Tirumala Nambi pierced the pot and drank the water which oozed out of the pot.

The fowler then discharged an arrow at the hillock nearby and water came gushing from the place hit by the arrow. The new fountain is called Akasaganga. The fowler commanded that the water for the Lord's puja should thenceforth be brought from Akasaganga and disappeared. Sri Sailapurna was convinced that the fowler was none other than Lord Srinivasa.

Sri Sailapurna performed various Kainkaryams such as Akasaganga Theertha Kainkaryam, Thomala Seva, Mantra Pushpa Kainkaryam, Saathumurai, Thirumanjanam and Ved parayanam. Hence, he was also called "Uthama Purusha" or "Acharya Purusha" of Tirumala Temple. His descendants known as "Thozhappa Charyars" continue to perform the above and other services to the Lord Srinivasa in Tirumala, and other temples in Tirupati and Tiruchanur.