The Tirumala hill shrine holds many Mandapams, old stone structures built by kings and devotees. This shows the greatness of the Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple. These Mandapams were used for rituals, festivals, and events, also providing shelter during bad weather. They were beautifully made and reflect the society, economy, and culture of that time. As per the saint poet Sri Tallapaka Annamayya, the different Mandapams and structures within the Srivari temple not only provided shelter to devotees during heavy rains and hot summers but also acted as stages for temple rituals. Each and every brick speaks the story and cultural journey through many centuries. Below are the List of Tirumala Srivari Temple Mandapam on Tirumala Hills.
- Pratima Mandapam
- Addala (Glass) Mandapam
- Ranga Mandapam
- Tirumalaraya Mandapam
- Dwajasthambha Mandapam
- Four – Pillar Mandapam
- Kalyana Mandapam
- Mahamani Mandapam
- Snapana Mandapam
- Sayana Mandapam
Tirumala Srivari Temple Mandapam List:
Pratima Mandapam:
Vijayanagara Emperor Sri Krishnadeva Raya built a mandapam with 16 pillars next to the main entrance of Srivari Temple. This mandapam holds statues of Sri Krishnadeva Raya and his consorts, Tirumala Devi and Chinna Devi, all made of copper. It’s also a place where Sri Venkateswara rests after his processions and where the priests recite Divya Prabandham hymns. Tulabharam is in this Mandapam.
Addala (Glass) Mandapam:
Inside Srivari Temple, there’s a Mandapam built on a raised platform adorned with colorful mirrorwork. This decoration was donated by a chieftain in 1831. The Mandapam is used for the special daily festival called Dolotsavam or Unjal Seva.
Ranga Mandapam:
This tall roofed mandapam is currently used for special occasions like Snapana Thirumanjanam. It’s also where important guests receive blessings (Ashirvachanam) from Veda scholars. In the past, this platform was used for conducting weddings (Kalyanams).
Tirumalaraya Mandapam:
Located about 10 feet to the left of the Dwajasthambam pillar, this mandapam was constructed in 1473 and further improved in the 16th century by Tirumalaraya of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. Initially used for Unjal seva, it now serves as a shelter for the Utsava Murthies during the Dhwajarohana ceremony of Bramotsavams.
Dwajasthambha Mandapam:
These tall pillared and high-roofed mandapams, made entirely of granite and without walls, were constructed in the 15th century. Currently, they hold the Dwajasthambham and Bali peetam, and they are also used for special events like Ankurarpanam and Dhwajarohanam.
Four – Pillar Mandapam:
Built-in 1470 by Saluva Narasimha Raya, this mandapam is located within the Sampangi Prakaram. It serves as the place for Utlotsavam, where Sri Krishna was worshipped.
Kalyana Mandapam:
Situated to the South of Sampangi Prakaram, this mandapam hosts the celestial weddings of the Lord of the seven hills. Various festivals like Pushpayagam, Jyesthabhisekam, and Pavitrotsavam are also celebrated in this location.
Mahamani Mandapam:
Mahamani Mandapam is located between Bangaru Vakili and Garuda Mandiram inside Ananda Nilayam and was constructed in 1417. It stands on 16 pillars, featuring images of Narasimhaswamy, Varahaswamy, Maha Vishnu, and Venkateswara Swamy.
This mandapam buzzes with religious activities like Panchanga Shravanam and Suprabatham. It also hosts arjita sevas, including Sahasra Kalashabhisekam and Tiruppavada Sevas.
Two large bells are placed to the south of this mandapam, ringing during daily events inside Ananda Nilayam. It’s often referred to as Ganta Mandapam or Thiru Mani Mandapam.
Snapana Mandapam:
The square-shaped mandapam located beside Bangaru Vakili is known as the Snapana Mandapam. It’s the place where the silver Utsava idol of Bhoga Srinivasamurthy, donated by the Pallava queen Perun Devi, was worshipped.
Sayana Mandapam:
The mandapam next to Ramulavari Meda serves as the spot for Sri Venkateswara’s Ekanta seva. Here, the Lord is placed on a gold-plated cot with gold chains. This is where daily rituals like Tomala, Suprabatham, and Annamacharya’s descendants sing a lullaby to the Lord at night take place. Divya Prabandham, Sahasranama pathanam, and Veda Pathanam are also recited here. Devotees with Arjita seva tickets can sit here to witness these rituals.
Other important mandapams around the Ananda Nilayam are the Ankurarpana Mandapam, Parakamani Mandapam, and Pradashnina Mandapam near Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple. There are also lesser-known but popular mandapams in Tirumala, such as Golla Mandapam (in front of Mahadwaram), Paruveta Mandapam, Vasantotsava Mandapam, Sahasra Dipalankarana seva Koluvu Mandapam, Vahana Mandapam, Nada Niranjana Mandapam, and Asthana Mandapam. These are used for specific rituals and events, and to facilitate devotees.
It’s no wonder that Tirumala is the world’s highest shrine, with temples, mandapams, and thirthams all forming the extended family of Lord Venkateswara, bestowing blessings upon the devotees.
