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Sri
Venkateswara Swami (Balaji)
Sri
Venkateswara Swami, also known as Balaji is an incarnation of Vishnu (Bhanvishyottara
purana, Varaha purana etc). The idol of the Lord is a majestic, beautiful and
superbly executed one. All the qualities and attributes which are inherent in
the nature of the Pervader and which are found in his manifestations are
symbolized by the different qualities and attributes of His idol. Every feature,
expression and ornamentation is of significance and is intended to be a fit
object for meditation.
 Four
Arms:
The
Lord's image has four arms, the upper right arm holds Sudarsana Chakra (discus)
and right arm holds Pancha-Janya (Conch). The lower right hand is in Varada
hasta (boon giving) pose and lower left hand is in Katyavalambita pose, turned
inwards. Four represents fulfillment of manifestations in all spheres of
existence, the four stages that may be found in every form of development of
life. In the image it also represents dominion over four directions of space and
thus absolute power.
Sankou (The Conch):
The
conch is the symbol of origin of existence. It has the form of a multiple spiral
evolving form one point into ever increasing spheres. It is associated with the
element of water, the first compact element, and thus spoken of as born of the
Casual waters. When blown, it produces a sound associated with the primeval
sound (AUM) from which the creation evolved. The name of the conch Pancha-janya
(born-of-five) also suggests the five elements (pancha bhuta).
Chakra (The Discus):
The discuss is called 'Sudarsana' (Beauteous
sight). It represents the Universal mind, the limit less power which invents and
destroys all the spheres and forms of the universe, the nature of which is to
revolve.
Kausthubha:
A
brilliant gem called kausthubha ('born from the waters that surround the earth')
adorns the chest of Balaji. This jewel represents consciousness which manifests
itself in all that shines: the Sun, the Moon, Fire and Speech.
The Ear Rings:
Shaped
like sea creatures (makara) the two ear rings represent the two methods
of knowledge, intellectual knowledge (sankhya) and intuitive perception
(yoga). Armlets
and the Crown: Armlets are said to be the three aims of worldly life
'righteousness, success and pleasure'. The crown represents the unknowable
reality.
Pitambara:
Golden
veil seen worn by the Lord is said to represent the Vedas (the Hindu
scriptures). 'The dark body shines through the thin golden veil hust as divine
reality shines through the sacred utterances of the Vedas'.
Yajnopavita:
The
scared thread shown across the chest of the Lord is made of three threads said
to be the three syllables of the scared sound Aum. (A for aadimatva or
creation, U for uthkarsha or sustenance and M for miti or limit).
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