The Architectural
Extravaganza |
Travellers
Factoid |
Tours
Famous
for Lord Venkateshwara Deity, the
Tirupati
is considered one of the most sacred towns in India. Located on a hill at
Tirumala, 853 m above the sea level the cluster of the hills is known as
Venkatachalam. Considered as the richest temple in the world, this temple is
a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history. The
Cupola over the sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known
as "the Ananda Nilayam".
The Indian religious lore has lord Venkateswara in high sanctity. It is
believed that Moksha could be obtained in Kali Yuga (the running era) only
by worshipping Venkateswara. The Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana
also has eloquent descriptions of the lord.
Though everyday is a day of festivity at Tirumala, the most famous is the
annual festival called 'Brahmotsavam', which is celebrated on grand scale
for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts
of the country. Garudostavam and Rathotavam take place on the fifth and
ninth day and those days are considered especially sacred.
“ Tirupati Balaji is an important religious destination and one
must visit this place to know the extend of spiritualism. You would love the
experience.” said John Benethon on his visit to Andhra Pradesh
in the year 2004.
Ranga Mandapam
Ranga Mandapam, also called the Ranganayakula Mandapam, is located in the
southeastern corner of the Sampangi Pradakshinam. It is constructed
according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
Tirupati stands on top.
To the irony of many people, a recent news report in Hindustan Times,
divulged that Tirupati tops the chart of tourist attractions in India. It
generates revenue which enabled it to come on top in competition with
others.
Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh
comes second.
Sampangi
Pradakshinam
Out of three Prakarams, between the outermost and middle prakarams is the
second pathway for circumambulation known as the Sampangi Pradakshinam
containing several interesting mandapams. Some of them are briefed as
follows.
Padi Kavali Maha Dwara
Standing on a quadrangular base the Padi Kavali Maha Dwara or Outer Gopuram
built during later Chola period, there are a number of stucco figures of
Vaishnava and gods like Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha on
the gopuram.
Tirumala Raya Mandapam
Adjoining the Ranga Mandapam on the western side, and facing the
Dhvajasthambha Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions known as the
Tirumala Raya Mandapam or Anna Unjal Mandapam.
It becomes especially remarkable during Brahmotsavam, the most celebrated
festival of Tirupati and the prasadam is distributed on this occasion is
called Tirumalarayan Pongal.
The Mandapam has a typical complex of pillars in the Vijayanagara style,
with a central pillar surrounded by smaller pillars, some of which emit
musical notes when struck with a stone. Some Bronze statues of Todermallu,
his mother Matha Mohana Devi and wife Pitha Bibi, are kept in a corner of
the Mandapam.
The Aina Mahal
On the northern side of the Tirumala Raya Mandapam is the mirror palace
(Aina Mahal). Consisting of two parts - an open mandapam in the front and a
shrine, it has large mirrors that reflect images in an infinite series.
Starting with 'Suprabhatam' (awakening the Lord) at three in the morning
and end with the 'Ekanta Seva' (putting the Lord to sleep) at one in the
night, the temple remains busy with religious activities.
“ Architecture of Tirupati Balaji offers an stupendous experience.
I was completely mesmerized by the intricate design they followed to
construct an overwhelming piece of art.” added John Benethon.
The temple town of Tirupati offers a transcendantal experience. One must
visit this place to collect some sweet memories.
“ I went to Tirupati to experience some thing which was phenomenal
and I indeed got the same thing. Anybody on earth would have the same
spirtualistic feeling.” concluded John Benethon.
Getting There
By Air : Bhubhneshwar is an important base to catch a
flight to Orissa. Indian Airlines has flights from Hyderabad, Nagpur,
Calcutta, Delhi, Rajpur, Varanasi ,
Mumbai and Chennai.
By Rail : The city is well connected by train from all
parts of the country.
By Road : In Bhubhneshwar, there is no other place than
road travel
Many thanks to John Benethon, who shared his experience with
us.
