The white spot on the chin of the Lord will remind us of
Sri Ananthazhwar, a disciple of Sri Ramanuja. As a part of maintenance
of a garden in the service of the Lord, Ananthazhwar was digging up earth,
assisted by his pregnant wife. She got tired.
"Whatever the form! Howsoever mean! Be it a fish or bush! Shrub or stone!" His only wish is to be associated forever with Tirumala and the Bhaktas. His love for the Lord culminates into passion. The Lord sanctioned his wish. The gold plated step in the
Garbhagriha in Tirumala Temple is named "Kulasekharapadi". Kulasekharazhwar
is remembered forever.
Sri Balaji's influence can be discerned in the thousands of songs sung by another devotee, the famous Purandaradasa. Only a few hundred of his songs are available. 'Daasana Maadiko Enna', 'Nambide Ninna Paadava Venkataramana' are worthy of mention. Sri Venkatesa has made the great Ramabhakta, Sri Tyagaraja, the author of over 4000 songs, also to pour his heart out in intense bhakti for Him. 'Tera Teeyagarada', 'Venkatesa! Ninnu Sevimpanu' are among his well-known Keertanas on the Lord of the Hills. The Lord has enriched the entire approach to Bhakti through medium of music, the easiest way to Him. This has been exemplified by the minstrels through millennia. The devotee has to be eternally grateful to Him for this supreme gift. |
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