The Story of the Pottery Maker
In ancient Andhra Pradesh, in a village called Guruvai, there lived a humble potter named Bheemayya. Despite struggling financially from his pottery business, Bheemayya maintained his integrity and contentment. A devoted follower of Lord Venkateshwara, he did not let his disability hinder his daily acts of devotion and gratitude toward the deity.
Although Bheemayya longed to visit the sacred temple in Tirupati, family circumstances prevented him from making the journey. Nevertheless, he utilized his modest earnings to care for animals around his home, offering food to dogs, birds, and other creatures.
A Divine Revelation
One Purattasi Saturday, Bheemayya experienced a profound divine vision. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream, acknowledging his unwavering devotion and promising him liberation. Even though Bheemayya couldn’t visit Tirupati in person, he was grateful for the Lord's presence in his dreams. In his reverence, he crafted an image of the deity from clay and made small clay flowers to offer at the deity’s feet.
Bheemayya observed a strict fast and dedicated his Saturdays during Purattasi to worship, further enhancing the significance of these days.
The Significance of Clay Flowers
Meanwhile, the local king, an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateshwara, began offering gold flowers for daily worship at the temple. However, it was noticed that clay flowers were mysteriously appearing among the gold ones. This repeated occurrence puzzled the temple priests, who informed the king. That night, the king dreamt of Lord Venkateshwara, who revealed that He preferred the clay flowers offered by Bheemayya over the golden ones.
The next morning, the king set out to find Bheemayya. Upon arriving at Guruvai, he witnessed Bheemayya offering clay flowers with deep devotion. The king was moved to tears, and Bheemayya, seeing the king, feared he had done something wrong. However, the king praised Bheemayya’s devotion and shared the divine message he had received.
The Auspiciousness of Saturdays
The story of Bheemayya illustrates why Saturdays are considered particularly auspicious for worshiping Lord Venkateshwara. His unwavering devotion and fasting on these Saturdays made them special, earning them a revered status among devotees. This profound connection between Bheemayya’s devotion and the divine preference for clay offerings underscores why Saturdays are cherished as a time of heightened spiritual significance for Lord Venkateshwara.
By dedicating Saturdays to Lord Venkateshwara, devotees honor this legacy of devotion and continue the tradition of profound worship that transcends time.
Additional reason Why saturday is considered special for Lord Venkateshwara
- Goddess Mahalakshmi's Abode: On a Saturday, Lord Venkateshwara placed Goddess Mahalakshmi on His chest. This act signifies the importance of the day, symbolizing divine grace and the blessings of prosperity from both Lord Venkateshwara and Goddess Mahalakshmi.
- Protection from Lord Shani: Lord Shani (Saturn) promised that he would not cause any trouble to the devotees who worship Lord Venkateshwara on Saturdays. This assurance provides a sense of security to devotees, protecting them from the malefic effects associated with Lord Shani.
- "Sthira Varam" - Stability Day: Saturday is also known as "Sthira Varam," which means that any important task started on this day will be stable and enduring.
- Blessings of Wealth through Neerajanam: Lord Venkateshwara is particularly fond of "Neerajanam," the ritual of offering lighted camphor. It is believed that those who worship Him with Neerajanam on Saturdays will be blessed with wealth and prosperity.