Ramanuja and Tirupathi-Tirumala

He went to Tirupathi-Tirumala. There was a lot of controversy about the identity of the deity at that place. Some argued that it was Easwara. Some said it was Shanmugha. Some claimed it to be Devi. Some insisted it was Vishnu. The king called for an open debate on the subject. Even after prolonged discussions,the subject was not cleared. Then Sri RamAnuja suggested that the best way would be to leave the insignia of the various deities inside the temple and seal the place, and, watch out the next day for definite indications. This was accepted by all and the King approved the proposal. Accordingly, arrangements were made. The next morning the temple doors were opened with all security precautions and in the presence of all the parties who had laid claims on the issue.

To the surprise of all and unqualified joy of SriRAmAnuja and his followers the deity shone wearing Shankha and Chakra. Then it was proclaimed that the deity was Vishnu. SriRAmAnuja was given full authority to oversee the worship arrangements. SriRAmanuja systematised the puja procedures. He however retained the VaikhAnasa System here whereas in all other places that he visited he adopted PAncharAthrAgama system . In recognition of his contribution in establishing the identity of the deity and systematising pujAs,even to this day a special privilege is accorded to people of SriRAmAnuja mutt by giving exclusive priority in the matter of ShAttumurai SevA after SuprabhAtham.