Chikka Tirupati or Bangara Tirupati is a very well known temple in Karnataka. Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple which is the original name, is in Kolar district in the state of Karnataka. The temple took revival in the Chola period. According to Sthala Purana, this was the place where Lord Vishnu bestowed with the darshan in the form of Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy to Agni Deva and blessed him and relieved him from clutches of the curse which was given by Takshaka.
History of Chikka Tirupati Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
In the Dwapara yuga, the great warrior King Shwetaki performed a yagna for hundred years. Durvasa muni, who was the incarnation of Lord Shiva, had taken in charge of this yagna. In this long-lasting sacrifice, the ghee poured in the yajna in the form of havishya was consumed by Agni deva. Due to excessive consumption of ghee, he started suffering from in-digestion.
He prayed to Lord Brahma for relief. Lord Brahma informed him that all his sufferings would end only by burning the Khandava Vana with the help of Nara and Narayana.
Burning Khandava Vana
Once Krishna and Arjuna were roaming in the Khandava Forest. They were approached by Agni who requested them to help him devour the forest. Agni wanted Arjuna and Krishna to stop the escape of any living being from the forest. Arjuna agreed. However he asked Agni Deva to equip with the required weapons.
Agni deva handed over the chakra to Lord Sri Krishna which was given to Agni deva by Badri Narayana and Gandiva (Bow) to Aruna which was given by Varuna Deva. He also handed over a chariot to Arjuna which was yoked with white horses. He requested Krishna and Arjuna to help him from the showers of Indra who would try every possible way to avoid burning the forest.
As promised, Arjuna shot the arrows and blocked the rain caused by Indra deva. He also prevented all the animals from escaping the fire of Khandava Vana. In this entire incident serpect Takshaka’s family was burnt down. He was a close friend of Indra and hence Indra was trying to save his family from the fire.
When Takshaka learnt of the death of his family, he cursed Agni to become inefficient. This led to disaster in the universal affairs as all the devatas stopped getting their share of Yajna’s havishya.
To get rid of the curse, Agni Deva performed severe tapasya to please Lord Vishnu at Chikka Tirupati. Pleased with the devotion of Agni Deva, Lord Narayana appeared as Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy and blessed him. Lord Narayana relieved him from clutches of the curse pronounced by Takshaka.
Brahma Rathotsava at Chikka Tirupati is grandly celebrated to commemorate the day on which Lord Narayana blessed Agni deva – Pubba Nakshtra in Chaitra Masa.
Temple Architecture of Chikka Tirupati Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
As we enter Chikka Tirupati town the temple Mahadwara is seen. In front of Mahadwara, the Kshetrapalaka Lord Anjaneya Swamy is installed. About a hundred meters away from the Mahadwara, the majestic Raja Gopura of the temple is present. Moving forward, the magnificent thirty-five feet Dwajasthamba attracts devotees.
After crossing Mukhamantapa entering Navaranga, in the sanctum sanctorum is the most beautiful divine Deity of Prasanna Venkateshwara swamy, who is enticing devotees. The beautiful smiling Deity of Prasanna Venkateshwara swamy is about 3.5 feet tall standing on a pedestal of 1.5 feet along with Sridevi & Bhoodevi.
The Lord flanks abhaya mudra which eliminates all the fears of devotees. Lord’s left hand points to the left knee, suggesting that one who surrenders to the Lord, the bhava-sagara gets knee deep only.
The ancient and beautifully carved utsava murthies are placed in the sukhanasi. The fingers and fingernails are intricately carved. Two eyes are not sufficient to appreciate the beauty of the Lord
Festivals celebrated Chikka Tirupati Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
The temple rituals are performed as per the Vaikhasana Agama tradition. Right from the suprabhata seva till the ekanta seva, the Supreme Lord is pampered by His devotees. On Saturday, many devotees visit the temple for darshan. Saturdays of Shravana Masa are special. Janamashtami is prominently celebrated here.
Utthana Dwadashi, Vishnu Deepotsava in Kartika masa is celebrated in grandeur. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also a holy time for having darshan. On Rathasapthmi, Lord gives darshan to devotees through the Suryaprabha utsava. Every year, the Brahma Rathotsava is celebrated grandly on Pubba Nakshtra in Chaitra Masa.
The Temple Timings of Chikka Tirupati Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is open throughout year every day from
Morning 8:30 AM to Evening 8:00 PM
How to reach Chikka Tirupati Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple?
The best way to reach temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organized.
By Road: Chikka Tirupati Sri Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is 40 km from Bengaluru. Road transport can be easily availed. Regular bus services and taxis are also available from Bengaluru.
By Rail: Bengaluru railway station is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Bengaluru. Buses and private taxies are available from these airport location
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