Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vishwakasena Shrine
Vishwakasena Shrine is located
at the northern side of the main temple, in the Mukkoti Pradakshinam. Vishwakasena
occupies an important place in the Vaikhanasa Agama. In Vaishnavite functions
and temple rituals, Vishwakasena is worshipped first. Vishwakasena is said to
be the chief of the army (of the Lord) and is believed to protect the function
or ritual from evil. The idol has four hands - the upper two holding a sankha
and chakra, the right lower in Avgana Hastham, and the left lower on the hip
i.e. Gada Hastham. The idol of Vishwakasena and its worship are strictly in
accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama.
During the daily worship of
Lord Venkateswara, the garlands and flowers (called Nirmalya) from the Lord's
idol are removed and Vishwakasena is worshipped with them. Before commencement
of the annual Brahmotsavam, the Senadhipathi or Vishvaksena Utsava is performed
followed by Ankurarpana. According to popular belief, Vishvaksena provides
clearance for the function to start and looks after the arrangements for the
festival. His idol is also taken out in a procession during the Adhyayanotsavam.
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