Tirupathi Lord Balaji, also known as Venkateswara, is one of the most revered and popular deities in Hinduism. He is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the supreme God of Vaishnavism. He is worshipped at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which is located on the seven hills of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, India. Millions of devotees visit this temple every year to seek his blessings and offer their hair as a symbol of surrender. Lets learn some of the symbols and its significance
Chakra
Lord Balaji holds a chakra (discus) in his right hand, which signifies his power and authority over the creation and destruction of the universe. The chakra is also a weapon that he uses to protect his devotees from evil forces and enemies. The chakra represents the mind, which can be used for good or evil depending on one's will and intention. The chakra also symbolizes the cycle of time, which is constantly revolving and changing.
Shanka
Lord Balaji holds a shanka (conch) in his left hand, which signifies his compassion and grace towards his devotees. The shanka is also an instrument that he uses to announce his presence and call his devotees to worship him. The shanka represents the sound of Om, which is the primordial sound of creation and the essence of all Vedas. The shanka also symbolizes the water element, which is the source of life and purity.
Right palm face downwards
Lord Balaji's right palm faces downwards, which signifies his gesture of giving blessings and boons to his devotees. He fulfills their wishes and grants them prosperity, happiness and salvation. His right palm also indicates his readiness to help those who seek his refuge and surrender to him.
Left palm facing inwards
Lord Balaji's left palm faces inwards, which signifies his gesture of inviting his devotees to come closer to him and receive his love and protection. He embraces them with his grace and mercy and removes their sins and sorrows. His left palm also indicates his desire to hold his consort Padmavati, who resides in his heart.
White and red tilaka
Lord Balaji wears a white and red tilaka (mark) on his forehead, which signifies his dual nature as both Vishnu and Shiva. The white part represents Vishnu, who is the preserver and protector of life. The red part represents Shiva, who is the destroyer and transformer of life. Together, they symbolize the harmony and balance of creation and destruction, preservation and dissolution, order and chaos.
Standing position
Lord Balaji is in standing position, which signifies his alertness and readiness to respond to the prayers and needs of his devotees. He is always awake and attentive to their cries and pleas. He is also in standing position to show his respect and gratitude to Varaha, another incarnation of Vishnu, who gave him the land of Tirumala as a gift. He stands on a lotus pedestal, which represents his purity and transcendence over the worldly attachments.
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