Tirumala: Sacred Foods of God
For centuries, the Tirumala Temple has maintained an intricate practice of presenting food offerings, known as Naivedyam, to Lord Venkateshwara. This devotional custom traces back to ancient spiritual wisdom, grounded in the Agama Shastra, a foundational religious manuscript that outlines precise rituals, ingredient specifications, and sacred procedures for temple worship. That authoritative text, commissioned by Sage Vaikhanasa, continues to guide priestly conduct and ceremonial practices today. This volume opens the temple doors to reveal how these time-honoured traditions unfold in practice. You'll discover the particulars of each offering, from the morning's Bala Bhogam through the day's Raja Bhogam to the evening's Shyana Bhogam, alongside seasonal variations and special observances. The author meticulously documents quantities, preparation methods, and precise timings for each sacred meal presented to the deity. Beyond the primary offerings, the book examines food gifts made during festivals, calamities, and worship of subsidiary deities within the temple complex. It's a fascinating exploration of how spirituality, custom, and culinary devotion intersect in one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites, offering readers a profound understanding of religious practice woven into daily temple life.
- Author: A.V. Ramana Dikshitulu
- Publisher: ROLI
- Genre: Travel Writing & Guides
- ISBN: 978-9351941095
- Pages: 176 pages