Is it true that the Lord in Tirupathi is not Perumal but it is Murugan? Some say it is Devi and not Murugan.

 Nicky Mathur

I have written an answer earlier. After that I come across some information related to the claims, including some one saying Kanchi Maha Periyava also said. Connecting the dots, I am now completely rewriting my answer.

Before revealing it, first I present the Chronlogy of Tirupati Temple from first century BC till date for proper understanding. I will fill the gap between points 2 and 3 later, that is between 4th and 5th century which made us to think Murugan and Devi.

The Chronology of Tiruvengadam Temple Building:

1.The idol is stated to have buried inside an ant hill. It was discovered by some cowherds and reported it to the King Tondaiman in the first century BC or AD. King Thondaiman built a temple to house the idol. Whether the temple was of cut stone, brick in mud or wood, we are not told.

2.Account of the Temple found in Tamil classic Silappadhikaram states that the idol on the hill represented Vishnu (Sengan Nediyon). Silapadhikaram is probably written in 2nd / 3rd AD. The description states that the Sun and the Moon illumined the deity shows that there is no covering at the top or that the covering was of a pavilion type.

3.Alvars who flourished in the 8th and 9th centuries, who sang the glories of the lord referred only the sanctity of the Hill, not the temple.

4.The present temple would have built later during the Pallava regime and the temple is not built at one and the same time.

5.Garbhagraham and ante chamber was built at the end of 9th century or early 10th century.

6.Some reconsecration of the deity done by Sri Ramanujan ir 1130. At that point in time there was no Gopuram.

7.Between 1330 till 1370, Sri Ranganathar idol of Sri Rangam was kept here as there was no safe place other than the Hill they found after the attack of Malik Kafur on Sri Rangam.Till this time there is no account of Telugu or Kannada or other pilgrims to this temple. Attack on Sri Rangam, Kanchi and Madurai brought Telugu Speaking Pallavas, Kannada Speaking Chalukyas and Hoyslas together on the hills to see Sri Ranganathar and to liberate Tamil Country.

8.The extension of the temple structures even extends upto the 15th and 16th centuries. Endowmenting the villages started from Saluva Narasimha of Vijayanagara Empire in 1480 followed by the famous emperor Krishna Devearya and Achuta Raya.

9.Pushkarni steps are constructed by Tirumala Iyengar in 16th Century.After the defeat in Talikota in 1565, the Aravidu dyansty of Vijayanagara Empire lasted another 95 years and they patronsied the temple till 1660.

All the above 9 points are based on the research publications.

Now the Question:

Is it true that the Lord in Tirupathi is not Perumal but it is Murugan? Some say it is Devi and not Murugan.

Now, I will fill the gap between points 2 and 3 later, that is between 4th and 5th century which made us to think Murugan and Devi.

Konganar

There are 18 siddhars who are considered as the pillars of Tamil tradition. Konganar is one among them.

• Konganar is considered as the son of Bogar (Bogh Nath). His period is said to be around 4th and 5th centuries.

Use of copper compounds in Tamil Siddha Medicine System came in vogue by incisive and fastidious intellects of Siddhar Konganvar or Konganar.

He synthesized all the copper compounds from the extracts of stipulated herbs and used it as a Siddha Medicines.

He was trailed as the “Father of Medicinal Chemistry” in the realm of Tamil Siddha Medicine System”

Konganavar Siddhar is the native of Kongu Nadu i.e… nearer to Coimbatore.

He was born in a small village called Oothiyur, presently in Erode district of Tamil Nadu.

The place is famous for forging of metals into idols or any instruments.

He was born to the family of metal smith, so naturally he was good at forging metals and transmutation of the same.

After a brief period of family life and he quit it for the search of supreme truth to dispel all kinds of ignorance.

He got the privilege of being mentored by Siddhar Bogar.

He learnt Siddha Medicine System under Siddhar Bogar and became a power house of knowledge.

Siddhar Bogar describes Konganavar as the first and best disciple among his students.

He also learnt the gospels of Siddha from Agathiyar.

He excelled in alchemy, Siddha yoga, Siddha gnana philosophies, Siddha meditation and also as a physician.

He compiled numerous treatises on alchemy and medicine, which is a way ahead from the modern discoveries and innovations in the field of chemistry and medicine.

He by his austerities, strong mind and will power raised himself to the level of a great Siddha.

He lived for long and performed astounding miracles and discoveries in the field of Siddha science for the benefit of mankind and world.

He also got knowledge transfer from Siddha Gautamar and Pararishi

He entered jeeva samathi at Tirupati. He used to take bath in Devi Pushkarni and sometimes found near Sri Bhu Varaha Swami Temple.

He is the worshipper of Sakthi - especially Bala Tiripura Sundari or Kaumari (Kaumari is the Sakthi of Kumaran or Murugan). And his Mantra is aim, kleem, sou.

This may be the reason, some believe that Tirupati is also a Siddh Bhumi.

But the temple of Perumal existed before and the wandering Siddha stayed there at his last years.

Yes. Pilgrims do get the blessings of Konganar and his deity Devi Kaumari.