Sri Vishwaksena – Commander In Chief Of Lord Venkateswara

Sri Vishwaksena is a deity worshipped in Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala. He is a lesser known deity. He is the commander-in-chief of Lord Venkateswara’s domain. He gets prominence during the famous Brahmotsavam festival.

The day before the commencement of the Brahmotsavam festival Sri Vishwaksena goes around the thoroughfares of the temple town supervising the arrangements.

His murti is taken around the mada streets by priests. Devotees follow him.

Legend has it that Lord Narayana has put the burden of ruling the world on Vishwaksena. Occupying the rank next to that of the Divine couple (Vishnu and Lakshmi) as Acharya Vishwaksena checks wrong doers and puts them on the right path.

There is another story of Vishwaksena fighting the fierce Bhairava form of Shiva. Vishwaksena did not allow the Bhairava form to enter Vaikunta. Shiva then fought with him and picked him up on his trident. Later Shiva released him.