Tirupati Planning Spiritual Street To Project City’s Divine Identity
MCT officials say the inspiration for the Spiritual Street has come from Mada streets around ancient temples, which are considered sacred spaces.
TIRUPATI: Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) is planning to develop a Spiritual Street in the temple town at the sacred foothills of Tirumala, abode of Lord Venkateswara. The initiative is to give pilgrims a cultural ambience that immediately evokes a divine feeling just as they step into the revered gateway of the Lord’s shrine.
MCT officials say the inspiration for the Spiritual Street has come from Mada streets around ancient temples, which are considered sacred spaces. Given that Tirupati itself is viewed as a holy town, the civic body wants to replicate the Mada streets idea on a larger scale to enrich the experience of Tirumala pilgrims.
Nearly one lakh visitors arrive in Tirupati daily. MCT believes the initiative could enhance both the spiritual and tourism appeal of the city.
“The idea is to create a serene, divine atmosphere for devotees. As they enter the Spiritual Street, they should connect with the sacredness of Tirupati and Tirumala. This will not only enrich pilgrim experience but also give the city a distinctive identity,” a senior civic body official told Deccan Chronicle.
Commissioner N. Maurya is said to be leading the discussions on how to implement the concept. Areas like ISKCON Road, Kapilatheertham Road, and Alipiri are being considered for conversion as the Spiritual Street.
“Spiritual Street will be a no-vehicle zone. Devotees will walk peacefully, hearing Vedic chants, bhajans and nadaswaram. Shops will be allowed only if they fit into the traditional ambience, selling items like garlands, spiritual books, idols, pooja articles and handicrafts. We want every aspect of the street to reflect devotion,” the MCT official underlined. For those unable to walk, battery-operated vehicles would be provided.
Officials, however, acknowledge that traffic management and alternative routes for citizens of Tirupati will be key challenges.
“The biggest challenge will be restricting vehicle movement. Whichever the area chosen as Spiritual Street, we will need to provide alternative access to residents of that area. Public representatives will be involved to address these concerns,” a source said.