| The central figure
enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum is being worshipped as Sri Venkatakrishna Swamy. Sri
Rukmini and Satyaki, his younger brother, are installed on his right and left
respectively. His elder brother Balarama is seen on the right side of Rukmini facing north
and his son Pradyumna and his grandson Aniruddha are seen on the northern side of the
Garbhagriha facing south. These five warriors (Pancha Veeras) are placed in the position
as we now see them, to illustrate some incidents that took place in their life. According to Bhagavata Purana, Sri Krishna carried away Rukmini when she was
returning from the Gauri temple where she had gone for worship on the eve of the proposed
marriage with Sisupala. Satyaki, the younger brother, was
driving the chariot and Balarama, the elder brother, was in the rear part of it to ward
off the attacks of the disappointed suitor
Sisupala and his friends. |
