Mandapams Preserving Tirumala’s Architectural, Religious Heritage

 TIRUPATI: Tirumala prepares for the Navaratri Brahmotsavams, beginning with Ankurarpanam on October 11. A focus of attention are the temple’s historic mandapams that are important venues for rituals and daily worship.

Built under the patronage of kings and rulers over several centuries, these structures are known for their carved pillars, sculptures and links with the temple’s religious traditions.

The Ankurarpana Mandapam is used for Beejavapanam, an Agama ritual performed before the annual Brahmotsavams. This year, the ceremony will mark the start of preparations for the second Brahmotsavams from October 12.

The Dhwajasthambha Mandapam, near the Vendi Vakili inside the hill temple, has a significant place in temple ceremonies. Built in 1470 by Vijayanagara ruler Saluva Narasimharaya, it has 10 pillars, a flagstaff and a Bali Peetham. During the second Brahmotsavams, Dwajavarohanam will be performed as part of the concluding phase.

The Bali Peetham is used for offerings to the deities after Naivedyam, a ritual accompanied by Vedic chants.

Several other mandapams preserve the memory of rulers who supported the temple. Krishna Raya Mandapam, also called Pratima Mandapam, houses life-size copper statues of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishna Devaraya and his consorts, Tirumala Devi and Chinna Devi. Historical accounts state that the emperor visited Tirumala seven times during his reign.

Ranganayakula Mandapam, to the left of the Mahadwaram, was built by Ranganatha Yadava Rayalu between 1310 and 1320. The utsava idols of Sri Ranganatha from Srirangam were kept here between 1320 and 1360, giving the mandapam its name. Rituals performed here include Snapana Tirumanjanam, Vedaseervachanam and Chaturveda Parayanam.

Tirumalaraya Mandapam, built in stages during the 15th and 16th centuries, was once used for Unjal Seva. The mandapam also houses metal idols of Raja Todarmal, his mother and his wife.

Addala Mandapam, or Ayina Mahal, is known for mirrors arranged inside its 36-pillared structure. Daily Dolotsavam is performed here to Sri Malayappa Swamy. The Kalyana Mandapam, built in 1586 by Avasaran Chengappa, was formerly used for Kalyanotsavam of the deity and his consorts.

Mahamani Mandapam, also known as Ghanta Mandapam, is located between the Bangaru Vakili and Garudalwar Sannidhi. Built in 1417 by Mallana, a minister of the Vijayanagara Empire, it has 16 pillars bearing sculptures of various deities. The mandapam houses a large temple bell that is rung during the offering of Naivedyam to Lord Venkateswara. It is also the venue for the daily recitation of Suprabhatam, Panchanga Sravanam, temple Asthanam and Thursday’s Annakootsavam, also known as Thiruppavada Seva.

Snapana Mandapam is associated with Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy, a silver replica of the main deity presented by Pallava queen Samavai. Sayana Mandapam hosts the nightly Ekanta Seva, during which a descendant of Annamacharya sings Annamaiah Lali.

Other structures, including Nalugu Kalla, Golla, Paruveta, Asthana, Vahana and Vasanthotsavam mandapams, serve different ceremonies and festivals.

The Nalugu Kalla Mandapam, built by Saluva Narasimharaya in 1470, is associated with Shikyotsavam, held during Utlapanduga when Sri Krishna Swamy is worshipped. These spaces continue to accommodate distinct services rather than serving only as monuments, and connect Tirumala’s architectural heritage with the rituals that continue through the year.