Why Lord Venkateswara is Called Balaji: Devotional Shifts and Religious Harmony

Lord Venkateswara, traditionally known as Balaji, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and devotional literature. This article delves into the historical and theological context that led to the transformation of the deity from the feminine goddess Bala Tripura Sundari to the masculine form Balaji, emphasizing themes of devotional shifts and religious harmony.

TheTransformation from Bala to Balaji

The term BalA is a name for PrA Shakthi, the supreme female energy in Hinduism. In Tamil, Bala is often referred to as VAlai or Adhi PrA Shakthi. This goddess was originally worshipped in femininity but later transformed into a masculine deity, named Balaji. This transformation is closely associated with the period of Sri Ramanuja and his mission to establish Vaishnavism.

It is said that during the time of Sri Ramanuja, the deity took on the persona of BalAjI, a masculine form of Vishnu. This change was a result of a broader movement to convert Shiva temples to Vaishnava temples by Ramanuja and his followers. The belief in Balaji as a masculine representation of Vishnu emerged to foster a form of religious harmony and inclusivity.

Interestingly, even now, the main idol at the shrine retains feminine characteristics. On Fridays, the deity is adorned with a sari and worshipped as Shakthi. This dual representation of the deity emphasizes the male and female aspects inherent in the concept of supreme divinity.

Diverse Interpretations and Claims

Some scholars suggest that the deity could also be identified as Lord Subramanya, as the name 'Venkata Subramaniyam' is commonly used in Tamil Nadu. However, the extent of this claim remains debatable and requires further historical and textual validation.

Furthermore, the geographical boundary of the Tamil region extended from Tiruvanamalai in the north to Cape Comorin in the south. This expansion was closely tied to the religious and cultural practices that these regions embraced.

The transformation of the deity from Bala to Balaji is also attributed to a tradition established by Aadi Shankaracharya, who sought to encourage religious harmony by having Shiva temples with Vishnu forms as Kshetrapalakas and vice versa. This tradition was meant to bridge the gap between different religious denominations and promote unity.

Specific Worship Practices

One of the unique rituals associated with the shrine is the use of khondolite stone in certain parts of the temple. In Tirumala, for instance, the left hand of the statue is curved, which was originally holding a trident. This symbolic change was made to align with the masculine representation of the deity.

It is also said that the left hand of the statue is in a varada mudra and a curved shape, as if holding a trident. This is peculiar and does not occur in other temples, highlighting the specific changes made during the transformation.

A fascinating feature of the temple is the hidden devotional ritual, known as abhishekam, which closely resembles the Shiva abhishekam. This ritual is performed daily at 4:00 am using milk and other holy substances. It is only accessible to a select few and not publicly advertised, reflecting the secretive nature of some practices.

Conversion of Shiva to Vaishnava Temples

The transformation of Shiva temples to Vaishnava temples was a result of the mission of Srimad Ramanuja. Despite such conversions, unique traditions associated with the Shiva cult remain in place. For instance, the Khondolite stone entrance used for later functions is an interesting remnant of the original Shiva temple.

Moreover, the conversion of temples was often accompanied by the creation of mythological and allegorical accounts to explain the changes. These accounts were later used to justify the transformations and align the practices with the Vaishnava traditions.

Similarly, the Puri Jagannath temple was originally a Buddhist vihara. Over time, it was transformed into a Hindu temple, and similar patterns of conversion are observed in other parts of India, where various Buddhist and Jain structures were repurposed for Hindu worship.

Religious Diversity and Unity

Throughout history, religious leaders and movements have sought to establish dominance through diverse religious practices. This has led to the establishment of many religions and denominations within religions. These movements often follow a missionary zeal, leaving indelible marks on the architecture and practices of these temples.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the Vedas teach the fundamental unity of all divine entities. The famous Rigveda verse ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti (the sages in their capacity call it diverse) highlights the idea that while the same divine principle may be referred to by different names, the core essence remains the same.

Conclusion

The question of why Lord Venkateswara is called Balaji raises questions about the devotional shifts and the broader context of religious transformation and harmony. Through an exploration of historical and theological evolution, it becomes clear that these changes were often driven by the desire for religious inclusivity and unity, even as they retained some elements of the original practices.

Keywords: Balaji, Venkateswara, Vaishnavism