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.
The compassionate Lord could not contain himself. He assumed the form of a lad and assisted her in her service.
Sri Srinivaasa Jagadeka Dayaikasindho
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But Ananthazhwar did not like the intrusion and hit Him on His chin with the spade. The lad simply disappeared. Later when Ananthazhwar went to the Temple to worship, he found the Lord bleeding on His chin.
Ananthazhwar realised his mistake and profusely apologised to the Lord and applied "Pacha Karpuram" (camphor balming) with fond love. The Lord pardoned Ananthazhwar and said He would sport the Pacha Karpuram for ever in remembrance of Ananthazhwar's love and devotion.
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Sri Kulasekharazhvvar in his enchanting poetry expressed his desire to be born and reborn only in Tirumala.
"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.
In Kaliyuga, it is said, singing the praise of the Lord is the easiest means to obtain His grace. Lord Srinivasa has been the central theme for many a saint-minstrel. The Alwars were the earliest to be inspired by Lord Balaji. Portions of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham comprising the songs of the Alwars are sung everyday in the presence of the Lord.
The Prabandhams and the outpouring divine grace of Sri Balaji inspired Tallapaka Annamacharya to sing His glories in Telugu and in Sanskrit.
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"Kalou Sankeertya Kesavam"
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Of the 32000 songs composed by him, only 12000 are available.Keertanas like 'Brahma Kadigina Padamu' and 'Adivo Alladivo Sriharivaasamu' are popular even today.
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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