The legend of Kumara Dhara at Tirupati

Once, there was an old Brahmin on Tirumala. He was weak and frail. He was 100 years old. His eyesight was poor, and he couldn't walk. He was hungry and needed help. He called for his disciple, Kaundinya, who had gone to collect twigs and fruits. The Brahmin was scared and worried because it was getting late.

At that moment, Lord Sri Venkatachalapathi, dressed as a young man, came near. He had heard the Brahmin's cries. The young man asked the Brahmin why he was so scared. The Brahmin said that he came to collect twigs and fruits with his disciple, but Kaundinya had not returned. The evening rituals were about to start, and he couldn’t go back without help.

The Lord smiled and asked, 'Why do you, an old man, want to do these rituals? Do you want to live longer?' The Brahmin replied, 'I don’t want to live longer, but I must do my prayers. That is my duty, and my body is here only to worship God.'

The Lord was happy with the Brahmin's faith. He took him to a stream and asked him to bathe in the cool water before going home. The Brahmin was happy and went into the stream. When he came out of the water, he was shocked! He had turned into a strong and handsome young man of sixteen.

To his surprise, he saw the true form of Sri Venkateswara. Flowers fell from the sky, and heavenly beings sang praises of the Lord. The Brahmin bowed down to the Lord with all his heart. The Lord blessed him and told him to continue his prayers happily.

Before the Brahmin could say anything, the Lord disappeared. The stream that gave the Brahmin new life was named 'Kumara Dhara,' which means 'the stream of youth.' It is still believed that those who bathe in this stream three times a day for three months will regain their youth and strength.

Knowledge Bank

The Devotion of the Simple Farmer - A Lesson in True Piety

Sage Narada asked Lord Vishnu who His greatest devotee was, expecting to hear his own name. Vishnu pointed to a simple farmer. Intrigued, Narada observed the farmer, who remembered Vishnu briefly each morning and evening amidst his daily toil. Narada, frustrated, questioned Vishnu again. Vishnu asked Narada to carry a pot of water around the world without spilling a drop. Narada did so, but realized he hadn't thought of Vishnu even once. Vishnu explained that the farmer, despite his busy life, remembered Him twice daily, showing true devotion. This story teaches that sincere devotion amid worldly duties holds great value. It emphasizes that true devotion is measured by the quality and consistency of one's remembrance of the divine, even amidst daily responsibilities, illustrating that even small, heartfelt acts of devotion can earn divine favor.

Who is Adya Devi?

In Krita Yuga - Tripurasundari, Treta Yuga - Bhuvaneswari, Dwapara Yuga - Thara, Kali Yuga - Kaali.