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The Legend Of King Thondaman, Who Constructed The First Temple in Tirupati

One of Lord Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala Tirupati’s most devoted devotees is King Thondaman. Because of his love and dedication to the god, he constructed the first Tirupati Temple in Thondamanadu, which is today Tirumala Tirupati, under the name Sri Bhu Sametha Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

History and Lineage

Padmavathi Devi, the adopted daughter of Akasa Raju, was very close to Lord Venkateswara. She was destined to marry Maha Vishnu, who took on the form of Srinivasa, as a result of her penance for him in past lifetimes. After being united in holy matrimony under the auspices of Mahalakshmi Devi, they spent six months living at the ashram of Sage Agastya.

A key part in the events that transpired was played by Akasa Raju’s brother Thondaman, his wife Dharani Devi, and their family, which included their son Vasudan. Following Akasa Raju’s deliverance, Thondaman and Vasudan began to fight for control of the kingdom. They made the decision to fight to the death, with the victor taking the kingdom.

The Act of God

Thondaman asked Lord Srinivasa for assistance in the upcoming conflict. Srinivasa gave him the Sudarshana Chakra as a present in return. Vasudan also went to Srinivasa for help shortly afterward. As per his desire, Srinivasa gave both brothers support during their fight. Thondaman utilized the Sudarshana Chakra during the fight, which could have killed Vasudan. Srinivasa stepped in, took the blow himself, and pretended to be unconscious in order to stop this. This demonstration of God’s mercy put an end to the fighting, inspiring the two brothers to give up their battle and focus on serving the Lord.

Touched by Thondaman and Vasudan’s repentance and dedication, Srinivasa graciously partitioned the kingdom between them. Thondamanadu was the name given to Thondaman’s domain.

Building of the Temple of Tirupati

After the supernatural intervention, King Thondaman was given the order by Lord Srinivasa to construct a temple at Tirumala in his honor. For the whole of the Kali Yuga, he would live at this temple. Thondaman faithfully built the majestic temple at Tirumala, carrying out this holy order. After the temple was finished, Lord Srinivasa dedicated it alongside Goddess Padmavathi and other gods, such as Lord Brahma. Specifically, Lord Brahma ignited two deepams, or lights, promising that they would continue to burn till the end of the Kali Yuga.

King Thondaman never wavered in his loyalty. He went to the Tirumala shrine every day to worship. But as he became older, his physical restrictions kept him from traveling. After the Ekanta Seva (the temple’s night ceremony), Thondaman expressed his anguish to Lord Venkateswara, who, together with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, started visiting his home every night to take his gifts.

Last Years and Deliverance

One day, Thondaman, unable to travel, asked Lord Venkateswara to live permanently in his house. The kind Lord granted permission, which prompted the building of a second temple at Thondamanadu. A well was also set up by Thondaman to supply the temple’s requirements.

Thondaman received salvation in his latter days when he was granted a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara’s Vishwaroopam, or divine cosmic form. His life and works are still a tribute to unyielding dedication and heavenly favor, and millions of people still revere the temples he constructed.