The Supreme Lord (English)

‛The Supreme Lord’ is a distinctive coffee table book with more than 200 photographs, illustrations, paintings, and architectural sketches. It deals with controversies regarding the identity of the idol of Lord Venkatesa and gives reasonable conclusions for the first time. The relevance of calling the Sri Venkatesvara shrine Svayamvyaktakshetram and the Lord therein Yajna Vishnu is well brought out here. A detailed account of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations (Dasavataras), followed by a description of His descent to Seshachala Hill – the Vaikunta of Kali Yuga – as Kaliyuga Pratyaksha Daivam is presented in this book. This includes legendary narratives and a detailed explanation of Lord Srinivasa’s celestial wedding with Padmavati. While the Seshachala mountain range encompasses numerous hills, the concept of the Seven Hills gained prominence. Their significance is often explored in relation to the concept of the Mahavedi (the great fire altar).  Exclusive accounts on history, inscriptions, and architectural renderings of the temple, Anandanilayam, and their significance are included. The Supreme Lord’s physiognomy and reasons for His beautiful, serene appearance are explained. This text also explains, for the benefit of devotees, the significance of the hundi (also known as koppera) and its specific form, which resembles a sacrificial altar (vedi). It also delves into the reasons behind the large collection of offerings and the construction of the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) based on the precise measurements of the Mahavedi (“great fire altar”). The text explores the profound role of Adi Varaha, Goddess Padmavati, and the unwavering devotion of Bhaktas (devotees) and rulers in shaping the temple’s growth across all aspects. The festivals, prasadams, thirthas in Tirumala and places in and around Tirupati, etc. are presented through attractive and live photographs. This edition will be a priceless treasure trove for all the devotees of Sri Venkatesvara.