Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Under Todar Mal

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Under Todar Mal

In 1687, Golkonda was controlled by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the Carnatic passed under the Nawab of Arcot, who acted on behalf of the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was supposed to be the Mughal Subedar of the Deccan though in theory. But Deccan was contested between the Nizam, the Nawab, the Marathas and the European trading companies. Todar Mal was a Hindu general of the Nawab of Arcot and made numerous donations to this Temple. There are three images in the Tirumala temple, just outside the Tirumalaraya Mandapam, facing the main shrine and in the position of worship. The three statues made of bronze represent Todar Mall, his mother Mohan Devi and his wife Pitabibi.

It is known that the Todar Mal rendered meritorious service to the famous Varadaraja Temple at Kanchipuram. His images are also found in the Sri Rangam Temple and the Anjaneya Temple at Mulbagal and the presence of the Todarmal wife and mother images in the Tirumala temple definitely shows that this Hindu general of the Nawab of Arcot gave his protection and rendered some service to the hill temple and probably the temple in Tirupati.