VRISHABHACHALA LEGEND

Let us now go back to the hoary past precisely Kritayuga, when it was called Vrishabhachala. It brings to light a particular queer desire of a certain bhakta and the means he chose to merge in the Lord. The beginning of the story of Vrishabhasura is more or less same and common with every assura, who due to predominance oramasa pravrithi turn lokabhayankaras and use ail their danavasakti for suppression of Dharma. This Vrishabhasura living in the lower part of Tirupati, like others of his tribe was causing incalculable harm to sages and pious men. He was a Siva bhakta of a rare type, and his austerity too was odd and awe-inspiring - he used to cut off his own head and offering it to the Lord as sacrifice everyday. Surprisingly, a fresh head was growing in the place of severed one by the grace of God. He was immensely pleased with his worship. As it went on for some years, the Lord appearing before him asked to name his desire.

Strangely enough, this strange bhakta asked for a stranger boon - Yuddha bhiksha i.e., the boon of fighting with the Lord himself; for, death at the hands of Lord would certainly confer emancipation. At once the Lord changed himself into a warrior. Strangest, isn't it? Well, the war ensued and both parties pressed into service their respective armies and used potent weapons. It continued.

Would asurasakti ever score lasting victory over daivasakti? Ultimately victory went to the Lord. Natural! Vrishabhasura was emancipated and this place of his birth acquired sanctity, because of his extraordinary devotion and its uncommon end. It was named Vrishabhachala as desired.

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