Srinivasa Mangapuram is one such sacred temple in Tirupati having
both Puranic and historical accounts into its credit. This temple dedicated Sri
Kalyana Venkateswara Swami is rich in architectural elegance, ancient in its
existence and sacred next to Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala.
Location of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple
Srinivasa Mangapuram is a small village 12 km to the west of
Tirupati. A short drive from Tirupati on the road leading to Madanapalli will
take us to the temple of Kalyana Venkateswara Swami at Srinivasa Mangapuram. The
majestic Rajagopuram and graceful Vimanam can be seen even before reaching the
main temple.
Importance and Story of Srinivasa Mangapuram
Legends say that Lord Venkateswara Swami after His marriage
with Padmavathi Devi stayed here for sometime before proceeding to Tirumala.
The shrine was renovated by Tallapaka Chinna Tiruvengatanatha in the 16th century.
Bhavishyottara Purana narrates that after their celestial
Kalyanam (marriage), both Goddess Padmavati and Lord Srinivasa lived at this
place for some time. It was the advice of Sage Agastya that the newly wedded
couple isn’t supposed to climb the sacred hill of Tirumala.
Historical Importance of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple
Historically, this area has been identified with ‘Sithakutty’
village whose name is found in ancient inscriptions.
Puranic legends identify this place as an extension of
‘Agastya Ashram’ i.e. hermitage of Sage Agastya that was built on the banks of
River Vikalya (now called as Kalyani River).
The most ancient footpath to Tirumala, ‘Srivari Mettu’ is
very close to Srinivasa Mangapuram. All along the road that connects the temple
with Srivari Mettu is sprinkled with medieval monuments, mostly built during
Vijayanagara days.
Unfortunately much of its antiquity in terms of historicity
is not own due to loss of evidences such as inscriptions.
The earliest inscription belongs to the Sangama dynastic
rule of Vijayanagara Empire. From these evidences one can estimate the grandeur
of this temple. Subsequently, Tallapaka Chinna Tirumalacharya took care of the
temple. But a devastating flood to Kalyani River, in the later period, has
caused the much destruction of the temple. During the chaotic period of 18th century,
this temple was attacked and looted by Hyder Ali of Mysore.
History Of Present Temple
Sometime in the year 1940, a Brahmin by name Archakam
Raghavendra Acharya Sundararaja Swamy came all the way from Kanchi to this place.
He told the local people that a divine dream has guided him to here and he is
ordered to perform puja to the Lord. The residents of Srinivasa Mangapuram
village came forward to help the Brahman and their efforts resulted into the
first ever renovation in last four hundred years. Thus, the temple came back to
life after years of neglect.
In 1967, this temple found its lost glory when Tirumala
Tirupati Devasthanams took up the maintenance. Now, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara
Swamy temple holds daily, weekly and annual festivals and rituals on grand
scale while scores of devotees throng the temple every day.
Architecture of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple
The temple reflects the typical Vijayanagara style of
construction. The main entrance, called Mahadwaram is standing on a stone ‘Adhishtanam’
measuring 10’ in height. On either side of the entrance the stone images of
Tallapaka Annamacharya and his son Pedda Tirumala Acharya have been nicely
carved. Inside the temple premises Balipeetam and Dwajasthambam welcome the
devotees. The main temple is standing majestically on a 10’ height Adhishtanam,
facing the east. The Mukha Mandapa is decorated with 36 pillars with intricate
carvings.
The Murti Of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy
The Sanctum Sanctorum is a square structure in which stands
the gracious, 10’ height pratima of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy. The very
sight of this pratima creates a divine feeling called ‘Bhaya Bhakti’ i.e.
devotion coupled with fear (of divinity.) The graceful smile on the lips of Sri
Swamy will take away the sadness & tiresomeness from the devotees. The
grand murti with four arms emanates the resplendent charm of Sri Maha Vishnu at
Vaikuntam.
Festivals and Rituals
As for the rituals performed, they are of 4 types i.e. daily,
weekly, monthly and annual.
Annual Vasanthotsavam is performed during Vaishakha month.
Amongst all the annual utsavams, annual Brahmotsavams is the
most important one. The 9 day-long celebrations are held during Magha Masa which
usually corresponds with January/February months of English calendar.
During
these utsavams, Kalyana Venkateswara Swami along with His two divine Consorts
ascends 16 vehicles. These Vahana sevas will be held in morning and night. On
the Garuda Seva day swami will be adorned with some special ornaments and
garlands that comes from Tirumala in a procession. On 9th day grand Rathotsavam
(chariot) will be performed. The Brahmotsavams conclude on 10th day with Chakrasnanam.
Thousands of pilgrims take part in these Brahmotsavams to obtain the blessings of
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami and His Consorts.
Source - information gathered from the Sapthagiri Magazine published by Tirupati Temple