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.