Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vishwakasena Idol

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vishwakasena Idol

Vishwakasena is a trusted attendant of Lord Vishnu and is believed to be Vishnu's attendant and is in-charge of the Lord’s wealth. Vishwakasena is considered to be very powerful with the abilities to create and destroy life with his thought. Vishwakasena is also considered as the commander-in-chief of Lord Vishnu's army. The Idol of Vishwakasena in the TTD temple used to be placed in the 'Ramar Medai (Elevated platform for Rama) and is currently seen in the temple space outside the sanctum sanctorum.

History:

The exact date of installation of the deity is not known or recorded in the temple epigraphs.

Idol:

The deity is seen in the seated position with the right leg bent at the knee and the resting freely from his seat but not touching the ground. The left leg is folded and goes beneath the right leg. The arms of the deity is in the exact replica of Dhruva Bera (main deity)- the upper two holding a sankha and chakra, the right lower in Avgana hastham (blessing posture), and the left lower hand is in Gada hastham (palm resting on the hip).

Sevas:

The deity receives the share of the daily worship in the temple. The deity is included in the weekly Sahasra Kalasabishekam along with Sri Malayappa Swami and his consorts and the main deity. The day prior to the start of the annual Brahmotsavam, the Vishwakasena deity (Lord's commander-in-chief) in the company of other deities related to Vishnu - Ananta (Lord's Conch and war announcing instrument), Garuda (Eagle and Lord's vehicle) and Sudarsana (Lord's weapon), are taken to the Vasantha mandapam (Spring hall) and oversee the Ankurarpana ceremony (sowing nine types of seeds for germination in decorated earthen plates).

After the ceremony, Vishwakasena is taken in a procession when he is believed to inspect the correctness of all the arrangements made for the festival. After the procession Vishwakasena is honoured by an Asthanam (seat) in Tirumalaraya mandapam. After recital of holy chants, he goes to Ankurarpana mandapam with Ananta, Garuda and Sudarsana and stays there during the entire Brahmotsavam period.

In the temple complex, on the north-east corner, there is a separate temple with an installed deity for Vishwakasena. The temple is called Sri Vishwaksena Temple and daily prayers are offered to the deity as per the Vaikhanasa Agamam. The deity in this temple is adorned with the garland adorned on the main deity, the previous day.