Following the scratch caused to the historically significant Srivari Padalu located in the highest peak of Narayanagiri in Tirumala, TTD has replaced the holy feet with a new set on Wednesday. Special puja has also been performed in a formal way.
Srivari Padalu, is the spot on the Tirumala hill shrine where the lord of Seven Hills, Lord Venkateswara had set his foot when he came down from Vaikuntam. “Srivari Padalu”, in English means “Lord Venkateswara’s Feet.
Srivari Padalu, is located on a peak in the forests of Narayanadri hill range where mythological deity is said to have left his ‘foot imprints’ on the rocky surface, some 5 kms from the Srivari Temple and is one the choicest destinations of pilgrims to Tirumala. Devotees throng the venue and vie with each other to touch the surface and often break coconuts in display their reverence and piety to the deity.
‘Srivari Padalu’ is an unique and hoary ancient relic on par with that of other religions says Sri M G Gopal, Executive officer of TTD who feels that it was imperative duty of the TTD to protect all environmental and hoary relics of Tirumala.
Following public uproar over the breaking of the ‘left toe of the foot imprints the TTD swung into action and took up repair works on a war footing. Exposure to sun and rain and odd weathers and also the irrational practice of break of coconuts had allegedly led to the damage to the hoary relic.
‘TTD will focus on maintenance and preservation of all our dharma and holy places in and around Tirumala and Tirupati. We will introduce strategies which will not focus on development at cost of our past glory ‘he said.
The Srivari Padalu now is encased in glass frame on a firm stone platform .The practice of breaking coconuts by devotees in reverence to the deity is shifted to another location nearby. It was decided to post security at the place and strictly prohibit breaking of coconuts on the ‘Srivari Padalu’ in future. ‘We want to promote visit to Srivari Padalu, as one of the devotional and spiritual destinations at Tirumala’ he says.
TTD has taken up restoration works at several other devotional and holy shrines which were hitherto neglected on a war footing and showcase them to the devotees who throng the Tirumala shrine during the Brahmotsavam-2013, say the TTD officials.
Sri Vari Padalu Tirupati, Timings, Entry Fee & History
Situated in the forests, on the peak of Narayanadri hill range, Sri Vari Padalu is another important pilgrimage of Tirumala, which is visited by many devotees from every corner of the country. There is a legend behind this temple which associates this place to Lord Vishnu, when he had arrived in the form of Lord Venkateswara. This place has been mentioned in the vedas and other important scriptures of Hindu religion.According to the mythological history of Sri Vari Padalu, it is the very place where Lord Venkateswara set his feet first.
It is the first place on the Narayanagiri Hills, one of the seven divine hills, where his sacred feet touched the ground. Narayanagiri Hills is said to be the highest hill among all the Tirumala Hills.Even today, footprints of Lord Venkateswara Swamy can be seen on the rocky surface of the hill. Pilgrims can reach the site after climbing more than 300 steps and offer prayers. Usually devotees climb to reach Srivari Padalu and make offerings of coconut and perform puja. However, the access has been facilitated by TTD.
However, due to some unforeseen situations accompanied by exposure to harsh weather conditions led to slight damage of the relic. Owing to this, TTD, responsible for its and other religious sites’ maintenance and preservations, has led to some changes. Now the divine footprints of the Lord Venkateswara are enclosed in a glass frame, positioned on a stable rock foundation. The common practise of breaking coconuts as a way of offering prayers to the Lord has also been shifted to a new location nearby.
For visiting, Sri Vari Padalu timings are from 6 in morning to 6 in evening. Pilgrims going for Tirupati Balaji darshan, often visit here to offer their prayers here and seek blessing of the Lord Vishnu. It is located at a distance of about 6 km from Tirupati Bus Stand. The distance between Srivari Padalu and the Tirupati Balaji Temple is only 5 km. Hence, devotees can easily visit both the shrines on the same day of their Tirupati Tour.Along with its immense religious importance, this place also presents captivating natural beauty.
Visitors can also get a view of town of Tirupati Temple from here at Narayanagiri hill. Another nearby place with religious significance is Silathoranam. It is a natural rock formation which is the shape of a stone gate, or “thoranam”. There is also a Lord Shiva Temple and a garden.
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