The Tirumala Nambi temple can be found to the south of the Tirumala main temple along the path of Maha Pradakshinam, which translates to “bigger circumambulation.” It is said that the Lord Himself referred to Tirumala Nambi as “grandfather” while speaking to him.
Tirumala Nambi was a great devotee. Every day, he would bring the sacred waters of Akasha Ganga for the abhisheka, also known as the celestial bath, that was performed for the Lord. The same service is still performed for the Lord by his offspring today. Not only is Tirumala Nambi Sri Ramanuja’s maternal uncle, but he is also the Lord’s grandfather. The Lord was named after him. A trip to his temple will shed light on the many interactions that have taken place between the Lord and Nambi.
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Thirumalai Nambi Story
Around one thousand years ago, a great religious scholar named Thirumala Nambi, who was also a devotee of Lord Venkateshwara, lived in a small hut on the hill of Tirumala, which is located close to Tirupati. Additionally, he was known by the name Sri Saila Purnulu.
Tirumala Nambi was an Acharyar of Swamy Ramanuja and was one of the five in total. His maternal uncle Ramanuja was the one who imparted the most important lessons from the Srimad Ramayana.
Nimbi devoted every moment of his life to serving Lord Venkateshwara in the Temple and performing religious rites there. He accepted the responsibility of travelling to the Papanasanam waterfalls, located approximately 8 kilometres from the Thirumala temple, in order to collect the sacred water required for the “Theertha Kainkarya.”
Nambi travels through the forest all by herself until she reaches the Papanasanam waterfalls in order to obtain holy water on a daily basis for the purpose of performing the theertha kainkarya ritual on behalf of Lord Venkateshwara. This is done despite the fact that maintaining the temple in those days should have been an incredibly difficult and unwelcome task because the temple is located on a very rugged and rocky terrain with a lush and green densely spread forest.
The Lord, moved to compassion by Nambi’s wholehearted devotion to his service, desired to lighten the load he was carrying.
Therefore, one day when Tirumala Nambi was walking with a pot of holy water towards the temple, the Lord appeared before Tirumalai Nambi in the garb of a fowler and asked him, “Thatha (Grandpa), give me some water to quench my thirst.” Tirumalai Nambi responded by saying, “Give me some water to quench my thirst.”
Nambee politely stepped forward and declined to give, stating that the holy water was intended for Abhishekum of the Lord, who was standing behind her. Once more, the young fowler pleaded with Nambi to save his life by providing him with some water to drink.
Nimbi responded by saying, “Pray to the Lord, for he is the one who will satisfy your hunger, and he is the one who will save your life.” Nambi started walking while saying that he doesn’t have much time left for the Lords Abhishekam.
Nambi was then pursued by the fowler, who proceeded to slowly pierce the pot with his arrow in order to quench his thirst.
Nimbi discovered that his pot was empty. When he saw the bow in the fowler’s possession and realised that the fowler was playing it, he immediately burst into tears because he was unable to reach the water to perform the Abhishekam for his Lord.
Nambi, the fowler, expressed his extreme anguish as he told Abhishekam about the challenges he faced in his attempt to retrieve the water that causes his LORD to wait for him.
The fowler reassured Thaatha, the grandfather, by saying, “Don’t worry; I will create the best place for you to collect the holy water for your daily service.”
After making this statement, the fowler released an arrow at the hillock that appeared to be so high that it touched the sky, and from that location, torrents of water began to flow.
The fowler instructed Nambi to collect water from these waterfalls in the future on behalf of the entire Kainkarya of the Lord, and then he disappeared.
Since that time, we have come to refer to those waterfalls by the name Akasaganga. Thirumala Nambi finally understood that it was Lord Srinivasa himself who had come to lighten his load. Nimbi, who was filled with joy, completed the Theertha Kainkarya ritual by taking the pot to the temple and pouring water into it.
Then afterwards Tirumala Nambee has started some other Kainkaryas such as Akasaganga Theertha Kainkarya, Mantrapushpa Kainkarya, Thomalaseva, Saathumurai, Thirumanjanam and Vedaparayanam. As a result, the people of Tirumala Temple gave him the title of “Acharya Purusha.”
His descendants have been obligated, to this very day, to carry on the same reverent and selfless acts of worship and service in the temple as a matter of hereditary duty. This honour was bestowed upon them in recognition of his exemplary behaviour.
At the moment, the descendants of Tirumala Nambi are responsible for managing the temple. They do this from the location where the Presiding and Procession idol of Acharya Tirumala Nambi was established.
History and Significance
The Tirumala Nambi Temple is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a living monument to the devotion of Sri Tirumala Nambi. His life’s threads are intricately woven into the spiritual tapestry of Tirumala. The temple stands as a living embodiment of his devotion, a testament that genuine devotion can transcend generations and touch the hearts of seekers. Its significance is not just in its architectural beauty, but in the stories of countless devotees who find solace and inspiration within its hallowed premises.
Tirumala Nambi Temple Timings
The Tirumala Nambi Temple extends a warm welcome to devotees with its doors open during the following hours:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Evening: 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Tirumala Nambi Temple Location
Situated within the sacred embrace of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, atop the majestic Tirumala Hills, the temple’s location exudes an aura of divinity and spirituality. Location of Nambi Temple
How to Reach
The journey to Tirumala is an expedition of anticipation and devotion:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, a mere 15 km away from Tirumala.
- By Rail: Devotees can reach Tirupati Railway Station, which connects various cities.
- By Road: The well-connected roads lead pilgrims through a scenic route, paving the way for a journey that mirrors their spiritual quest.
Festivals and Celebrations
The Tirumala Nambi Temple comes alive during festivals that celebrate the bond between man and the divine:
- Pavitrotsavam: This festival, dedicated to purifying the temple and the deity’s ornaments, is a vibrant expression of devotion.
- Vaikunta Ekadashi: A momentous occasion when the divine gate opens, welcoming devotees through the Vaikuntha Dwaram.
- Ratha Saptami: The festival of Lord Venkateswara’s chariot procession, drawn by seven resplendent horses, marks a grand celebration of devotion.
Conclusion
The Tirumala Nambi Temple isn’t just a place; it’s an embodiment of devotion’s highest form and a gateway to divine grace. Sri Tirumala Nambi’s life story continues to kindle the flames of devotion in the hearts of devotees, reminding us that love and service are the bridges that connect the human spirit to the divine realm. As pilgrims step into this sacred haven, they’re greeted not only by the temple’s architectural magnificence but by an overwhelming sense of serenity and devotion. The Tirumala Nambi Temple stands as an enduring testament to the potential of the human spirit to transcend and embrace the divine, a sanctuary where devotees find not just solace, but a profound connection that resonates through time itself.
