King Thondaman is celebrated as one of the most devout followers of Lord Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala Tirupati. His devotion and service to the deity led him to build the first Tirupati Temple, known as Sri Bhu Sametha Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, in Thondamanadu, the present day Tirumala Tirupati.
Background and Family
Padmavathi Devi, who was adopted by Akasa Raju, had a
significant connection with Lord Venkateswara. Due to her penance for Maha
Vishnu in her previous lives, she was destined to marry him, who incarnated as
Srinivasa. Their divine marriage, blessed by Mahalakshmi Devi, took place
amidst great auspices, and they resided in the ashram of Sage Agastya for six
months following their union.
Akasa Raju's wife, Dharani Devi, and their family, including
their son Vasudan and Akasa Raju's brother Thondaman, played crucial roles in
the unfolding events. After Akasa Raju attained salvation, a conflict arose
between Thondaman and Vasudan over the kingdom. They decided to resolve this
through combat, with the winner claiming the throne.
The Divine Intervention
Thondaman sought Lord Srinivasa's help in the impending
battle. In response, Srinivasa gifted him the Sudarshana Chakra. Shortly
thereafter, Vasudan also approached Srinivasa for assistance. Honoring his
request, Srinivasa supported both brothers in their conflict. During the
battle, Thondaman used the Sudarshana Chakra, which could have fatally harmed
Vasudan. To prevent this, Srinivasa intervened, taking the hit himself and
feigning unconsciousness. This act of divine compassion halted the conflict, leading
both brothers to cease fighting and devote themselves to serving the Lord.
Moved by their remorse and devotion, Srinivasa forgave
Thondaman and Vasudan and amicably divided the kingdom between them.
Thondaman's realm became known as Thondamanadu.
Construction of the Tirupati Temple
Following the divine intervention, Lord Srinivasa instructed
King Thondaman to build a temple for him at Tirumala. This temple would become
his abode for the entirety of the Kali Yuga. Thondaman dutifully fulfilled this
divine command, constructing the magnificent temple at Tirumala. Once the
temple was completed, Lord Srinivasa, along with Goddess Padmavathi and other
deities, including Lord Brahma, consecrated the temple. Lord Brahma, in
particular, lit two deepams (lamps) that, he proclaimed, would burn until the
end of the Kali Yuga.
King Thondaman's devotion remained unwavering. He made daily
visits to the Tirumala temple to offer prayers. However, as he aged, his
physical limitations prevented him from making the journey. Expressing his
distress to Lord Venkateswara, the deity, along with his consorts Sridevi and
Bhudevi, began visiting Thondaman's residence every night after the Ekanta Seva
(the temple's night ceremony) to accept his offerings.
Final Years and Salvation
One day, Thondaman requested Lord Venkateswara to reside
permanently at his home due to his inability to travel. The compassionate Lord
agreed, leading to the construction of another temple at Thondamanadu.
Thondaman also arranged for a well to meet the temple's needs.
In his final days, Thondaman was blessed with the vision of
Lord Venkateswara's Vishwaroopam (divine cosmic form), after which he attained
salvation. His life and legacy remain a testament to unwavering devotion and
divine grace, with the temples he built continuing to be sacred sites of
worship for millions.