of his own choice came down to stay here for the benefit of
humanity. This place is one of the most famous pilgrim centers in South India.
The legend of how Lord Venkatesha came to reside on the Seshachala hill is repeated in
numerous Puranas. Extracts from twelve Puranas have been published in 2 volumes as Sri
Venkatachala-Mahatmyam. Padma Puran, Uttara 255,states that once Manu performed a
sacrifice. A dispute arose among the scholars gathered there regarding the supremacy among
Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The task of finding out the truth was entrusted to sage Bhrigu.
First he went to Kailash. Nandi did not permit him to go in. Somehow he secured as mission
but Siva was sporting with his consort Parvati and paid no attention to Bhrigu. Cursing
Siva, Bhrigu came to Brahma. The latter did not even get up or receive him thinking that
Bhrigu was after all his son. Cursing Brahma too, Bhrigu came to Vishnu. The latter was
fast asleep. Bhrigu in his anger kicked him on the chest. Lakshmi who was also on the
chest received part of the kick. Vishnu got up, and instead of being angry, inquired
whether there was any injury to Bhrigu's foot, adding that he was justified in kicking, as
Vishnu was asleep and thus negligent in his duty of protecting the universe! Bhrigu was
pleased. Vishnu as the Sri-vatsa sign preserved the print of the kick on his chest. Vishnu
put up with Bhrigu's insult taking him to be a great sage but Lakshmi did not. As Vishnu
was trying to shield Bhrigu, Lakshmi quarreled with Vishnu and left him in disgust. It is
said that Vishnu, feeling lonely in Vaikuntha, came down of his own accord, to this
Seshachala Hill to pass his time pleasantly. First he came here in the form of Adi Varaha
carrying Mother Earth on his tusk and rescuing her form the deep ocean. After a long time
and in order to please a devotee of His, Vishnu assumed the form of Srinivasa with Lakshmi
on his chest and thereafter remained buried under the earth. Years after, the cows of a
local king which used to come here, milked of their own accord and returned home dry. The
king came to know of it, discovered the underground form of Lord Srinivasa and placed the
Lord in the now famous shrine at Tirupati.
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