SHRI VENKATESHWARA SWAMY
72 x 48 inches
Acrylic and ink on canvas
2020

Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being, manifested as Shri Venkateshwara (Balaji) in Kaliyuga at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The deity resides on Venkatadri, the seventh hill of Tirumala, in the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. Believed to have appeared in 3102 BCE, the temple city was later formalized by Ramanujacharya in 1130 CE. Venkateshwara, also called Govinda and Srinivasa, is worshipped as the redeemer of sins and preserver of Dharma. His idol features powerful symbols like the conch, discus, and a large Tilakam. Four major festivals are celebrated, including Srivari Brahmotsavam, when the deity and consorts are paraded on vahanas. This festival honors Lord Brahma’s original offering to Balaji, signifying the eternal celebration of divine grace and cosmic balance.