In the sacred Ananda Nilayam of the Tirumala temple, to the left of the main idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara, stand the Panchaloha Utsava Murthis of Sri Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana upon a dedicated pedestal. Their quiet presence within the sanctum is not merely symbolic. It is a living bridge between the Treta Yuga and the present age of Kali.
According to sacred tradition, during their exile in the forests of Treta Yuga, while searching for Mother Sita, Sri Rama and Lakshmana wandered across many holy regions. It is believed that they once came to Venkatadri itself. For this reason, the idols of Rama and Lakshmana in Ananda Nilayam appear without royal crowns, depicted instead with matted locks, reflecting their ascetic forest life. In that serene form, they remind devotees of the Lord who walked the earth in humility and righteousness.
There is also a revered tradition associated with Bhagavad Ramanujacharya. While studying the inner meanings of the Ramayana under his guru Tirumalai Nambi at the foothills of Tirumala in Alipiri, a noble Brahmin is said to have presented these idols of Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana. In time, these sacred images were brought into Ananda Nilayam. Inscriptions from earlier centuries refer to these deities, affirming their long and honored presence within the temple.
Though these Panchaloha Murthis do not receive elaborate daily rituals distinct from the main deity, they are offered worship and naivedyam along with the other deities of the sanctum. On special occasions, however, they are brought forth in celebration, honored with festivals and processions that preserve the temple’s rich Vaishnava tradition.
During the month of Chaitra, on the auspicious day of Sri Rama Navami, a ceremonial court assembly is conducted for Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana before the Golden Entrance. After sacred offerings, they are taken in procession through the holy streets of Tirumala. On the following day, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam is celebrated with devotion and grandeur. During these sacred observances, members of the Rama Parivara such as Anjaneya, Sugriva, and Angada also participate. In earlier times, these idols were housed in a structure known as Ramulavari Meda, a name that arose from their residence there before they were moved into Ananda Nilayam for greater protection.
On the full moon of Chaitra month, during the Vasanthotsavam held in the Vasantha Mandapam, Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana participate alongside Sri Malayappa Swami with Sridevi and Bhudevi, as well as Rukmini Krishna. The celebration reflects the unity of divine manifestations across Yugas, filling the atmosphere with fragrance, music, and devotion.
In the month of Phalguna, during the Teppotsavam in the sacred Swami Pushkarini, the first day of the float festival is dedicated to Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana. The sight of the divine trio upon the decorated float, gliding across the sacred waters, evokes profound spiritual joy in the hearts of devotees.
Every month, on the day of Punarvasu, the birth star of Sri Rama, a private abhishekam is performed in Ananda Nilayam. Later, a ceremonial assembly is held near the Golden Entrance, followed by the Sahasra Deepalankara Seva in the evening. After a grand procession along the Maha Pradakshina path, the deities are taken to the temple of Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swami located opposite the main shrine. In a deeply symbolic gesture of devotion, the garland adorning Sri Rama is offered to Anjaneya. After naivedyam and camphor arati are completed for Sri Rama, the same sacred offering is presented to Bedi Anjaneya Swami. Thereafter, Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana return to the main temple.
During the annual Brahmotsavam, on the sixth morning, Lord Venkateswara appears upon Hanuman in the form of Sri Rama of Treta Yuga, blessing devotees as Venkatadri Rama. The sacred lore of Sri Venkatachala Mahatmyam proclaims that the Rama of Treta Yuga is none other than the Venkateswara of today, and that Vedavati of Treta Yuga is Padmavati Devi in this divine age.
Thus, within Tirumala, the flow of Yugas converges. Treta, Dwapara, and Kali stand united in devotion. The presence of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana in Ananda Nilayam is a gentle yet powerful reminder that the Lord who walked the forests in search of Dharma now stands upon the Seven Hills to protect the world.
May the grace of the Lord ever guide and bless all who seek Him with faith and surrender.
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