Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of Vishnu is the presiding deity of the Tirupati temple. This temple is considered second richest place of worship after the Vatican City. According to legend, Lord Venkateshwara took a loan from Lord Kubera for his wedding arrangements with Padmavathi. Devotees donate with the belief that he can pay back the loan to Kubera with the donors contributions.
The word "Venkata" also means "destroyer of sins", deriving from the Sanskrit words vem (sins) and kata (power of immunity). It is also said that 'Venkata' is a combination of two words: 'ven' (keeps away) and 'kata' (troubles). Being that said Venkata means 'who keeps away troubles' or 'who takes away problems' or any other sentence in similar context.
He is shown as having a dark complexion and four hands. In his upper two hands, Lord Venkateswara holds a discus (a symbol of power) and a shell (a symbol of existence). His lower hands are inclining downwards wherein the Lord asks the devotees to have faith and surrender to him for protection.
is shown or visualized having a tilakam on forehead, ‘Shanku’ / ‘Conch’ on the left shoulder, ‘Cakra’ / ‘Disc’ on the right shoulder, ‘Bhudevi’(Goddess Earth) and ‘Sridevi’ (Goddess of Wealth) at the heart, left hand in receiving posture, right hand in an bestowing posture, both hands are decorated with ‘adisheshu’ / snake and coins / prosperity pouring in at the feet. Lord Venkateswara is adorned with multitude of ornaments.
