Sri Vishvaksena Temple is located
at the northern side of the main temple, in the Mukkoti
Pradakshinam.
Sri Vishwaksena occupies an important
place in the Vaikhanasa Agama. In Vaishnavite functions
and temple rituals, Sri Vishwaksena is worshipped first.
Vishwaksena is said to be the chief of the army (of
the Lord) and is believed to protect the function or
ritual from evil.
The idol has four hands - the upper
two holding a sankha and chakra, the
right lower in Avgana hastam, and the left
lower on the hip i.e. Gada hastam. The idol
of Vishwaksena and its worship are
strictly in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama.
During the daily worship of Lord
Venkateswara, the garlands and flowers (called nirmalya)
from the Lord's idol are removed and Vishwaksena is
worshipped with them.
Before commencement of the annual
Brahmotsavam, the Senadhipathi or Vishvaksena Utsava
is performed followed by Ankurarpana. According to popular
belief, Vishvaksena provides clearance for the function
to start and looks after the arrangements for the festival.
His idol is also taken out in a procession during the
Adhyayanotsavam.
