Seven Sacred Hills of Tirumala – Legends and Significance

 

Tirumala, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, is surrounded by seven holy hills, each with its own legend and divine significance. Collectively, they are called Sapta Giri and symbolize the seven hoods of Adisesha, the eternal serpent of Lord Vishnu.

Vrushabhadri

• Named after Vrushabasura, an Asura who performed penance near Thumburu Theertham.
• Lord Shiva granted him a boon to fight, but ultimately defeated him.
• Out of compassion, Shiva named the hill after him.

Anjanadri

• Associated with Anjana Devi, wife of Kesari, the Vanara chieftain.
• She performed penance near Akasa Ganga, where Vayu Bhagavan blessed her with a divine fruit.
• From this blessing was born Hanuman (Anjaneya).
• The hill is named after Anjana Devi.

Vrushadri (Dharmadri)

• Vrusham means Dharma (Righteousness).
• Dharma Devata performed penance here to attain eternal prosperity.
• Lord Venkateswara blessed him, and the hill came to be known as Vrushadri.

Garudadri (Garudachalam)

• Named after Garuda, son of Vinata and Sage Kashyapa, and the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
• To atone for sins incurred from slaying serpents, Garuda performed penance here.
• Lord Vishnu blessed him and named the hill Garudadri.

Seshadri (Seshachalam)

• Associated with Adisesha, the faithful serpent of Lord Vishnu.
• Legends narrate a contest between Adisesha and Vayu over the Meru peak.
• When Vayu blew away the peak, it fell near the Swarnamukhi river, forming this hill.
• Named Seshadri in honor of Adisesha.

Narayanadri

• Named after Narayana Maharishi, who performed penance here in praise of Lord Vishnu.
• Guided by Brahma, he chose this serene spot.
• Lord Vishnu blessed him, and the hill was named Narayanadri.

Venkatadri

• The most sacred of all, where the Tirumala temple of Lord Venkateswara stands.
• The Lord chose Venkatadri as his eternal residence to bless devotees.
• Venkata means “destroyer of sins,” granting wealth, prosperity, and ultimately moksha (salvation).

Significance of the Seven Hills

• Together, the seven hills represent Adisesha’s seven hoods.
• Pilgrimage to Tirumala is considered equivalent to ascending spiritual heights.
• Devotees believe that visiting these hills and worshipping Lord Venkateswara ensures liberation from sins and fulfillment of wishes.