Tribal devotee Vasu getting darshan of Lord Srinivasa at Venkatachala

(Skanda Purana - Venkatachala Mahatmya - 9)

Sr Venkateswara

• Story of devotee Vasu and his son Vira: Lord Varaha told Bhudevi how the Vimana (Temple structure) of Lord Srinivasa will be built in future at Venkatachala. A hunter named Vasu lived in Venkatachala who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He maintained a field of Syamaka rice. He used to offer Naivedya (food offering) to the Lord daily. The Lord was accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi. The Naivedya consisted of cooked Syamaka rice mixed with honey from the forest. Vasu had a devoted wife by name Chitravati who gave birth to a son named Vira. They lived happily in the forest (devoting their lives to the worship of Lord Vishnu).

• Vira consuming the Naivedya of the Lord without the knowledge of Vasu: One day Vasu kept the Syamaka grains to be offered to the Lord with his son Vira and went to the forest to collect honey. Vira cooked the Syamaka grains, fried them and ground them into flour. Then he offered the flour to Lord Vishnu at the root of a tree. Thereafter he consumed the prasada.

• Vasu becoming angry and trying to punish Vira; Lord Vishnu appearing before him: When Vasu returned from the forest with honey, he saw that the Syamaka rice was already consumed by Vira. He was furious and took up his sword to kill his son. When he raised his hand with the sword, Lord Vishnu Who abided in that tree caught his hand from behind. Vasu saw the Lord with conch, discus and mace with only half of his figure visible. He threw away his sword and prostrated before the Lord. He asked the Lord why He acted in this manner (preventing him from punishing his son). The Lord told that his son Vira was also a great devotee of Him and even more favourite than Vasu. Hence He appeared before him. The Lord told that He abides everywhere on the bank of Swami Pushkarini. Vasu was delighted on hearing this.

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