Shri Sanatanam: Devotees of Sri Venkateswara Perumal

Hare Krishna!

There are number of devotees of Srinivasa Perumal. Let's see about one of the devotees of Venkateswara. His name is Bhima.

We all know about Thondaman Chakravarthy. He was the brother of father in law of Srinivasa Perumal. And also a great devotee of Venkateswara. After building the temple for Sri Venkateswara swamy at Tirumala, he used to do pooja there for Lord daily. He did Archana with golden Tulasi leaves/some tell golden flowers too. One day, as usual, he went to temple to do Archana. Then, he saw flowers and Tulasi dalam made with mud. And the golden ones with which he did before day were kept a side.

He shocked for this incident as the ones with which he did were kept aside and leaves made with mud are near to Lord's lotus feet. He asked Perumal about this. Then, Venkatapathi said:

“Those were offered to me by Bhima. He was a potter. He was poor also. But, he never felt of any scarcity because of his devotion towards me. He believes in me completely. Being a potter, he offers flowers/Tulasi dalams made with mud to the murthy of mine in his house. After doing pots, with the mud on his hands, he makes flowers and offer to me. For him, it's not just a murthy/idol. He believes completely that it's me. And while offering too, he offer with utmost devotion. He always thinks of me even while doing his works too.”

After listening about Bhima, Thondaman felt surprised and asked Lord about the address of Bhima. Perumal said "He lives in the village named Kurvakam.". Thondaman Chakravarthy finished his pooja and went to meet Bhima.

Bhima felt surprised as King came to his house and invited him. King asked “Bhima! Sri Vishnu felt happy for your pooja. Tell what'sthe secret in that”. After asking this, he also said what was happened. Then, Bhima replied “King! I'm a low caste person and wasn't educated like you. Who am I to tell about Sripathi and his thathvam to you..!!!!!”

While they were talking, Sri vishnu went on Garuda Vahanam to the house of Bhima. Both offered pranams to Lord and felt happy for his darsanam. Sri Venkateswara Parabrahma asked Bhima that he was hungry and want to eat!!!!!!!!!!!! Then, Bhima said “Hey Paramathma! I’m a poor man and don’t have varieties of foods to offer to you….” Then Lord said “Who said I want much varieties to eat….!!!!!!!! No need. You offer what you eat. I’ll have that only.”

Then, Bhima’s wife offered Lord rice in a mud bowl/plate. He ate with lots of love and got satisfied….

Then Lord said “Oh Punyathma! Bhima!! I’m bestowing salvation to you.” Then, Bhima, with his wife attained salvation.

After that, Thondaman Chakravarthi asked Srinivasa “Hey Prabhu! You gave salvation to Bhima while I was talking to him. In the same way, when will you give salvation to me??”

Lord said “Don’t worry. Before, Bhima asked me for salvtion. I promised him that you’ll be bestowed salvation when your bhakthi will be known others and King comes to meet you. You too increase your bhakthi on me. I’ll bestow salvtion.”

Thondaman Chakravarthy too increased his devotion towards Lord and attained salvation.

And as Bhima and his wife offered meals to Lord in a mud plate with utmost devotion, even today, though there are many varieties offered, Venkateswara swamy will also be offered curd rice in a mud plate/bowl at the time of Naivedyam. And only that one is allowed into the Garbhalayam whereas all other naivedyams offered will be outside of Kulasekhar Alwar Gadapa. These mud bowls aren’t used second time. That means, after offering in that bowl, the new bowl will be used in the Naivedyam next time.