Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Dwarams (Entrances)

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Dwarams (Entrances)

There are three Dwarams (entrances) which lead to Garbhagriha from outside. They are;

Padi Kavali Maha Dwara:

The Padi Kavali Maha Dwara or Outer Gopuram stands on a quadrangular base. Its architecture belongs to later Chola period. Maha Dwara is the main entrance of the Temple. It provides access from outside of temple to Sampangi Pradakshinam which are separated by outer compound wall (Maha Prakaram). A five storied gopuram (Temple Tower) of 50 feet height was built on this entrance with seven Kalasams at its apex. It is also known as Padi Kavali or Simha Dwaram.

On either side of this entrance there are two Panchaloha (metal) statues dedicated for Sankanidhi and Padmanidhi who are believed to be guardians of Nava Nidhi (Treasures of Lord Venkateswara). The inscriptions on the gopuram belong to 13^th century. There are a number of stucco figures of Vaishnava gods like Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha on the gopuram.

Nadimi Padi Kavali:

Nadimi Padi Kavali or Inner Gopuram is the inner entrance to the temple, can be reached through the Dhwajastambha Mandapam. Its wooden doors are covered with silver plates, and therefore it is also referred to as the Vendi Vakili. The doors are smaller than that of the Outer Gopuram. This is the second entrance of the temple which is provided through inner compound wall and leads to Vimana Pradakshinam.

The inner compound wall separates Sampangi Pradakshinam and Vimana Pradakshinam. A three storied Gopuram was built over this entrance with seven kalasams during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. There are numerous inscriptions on the inside walls, the earliest relating to the Pandyan monarch, Jata Varma Sundarapandyan, who became king in 1251 AD.

Bangaru Vakili:

Bangaru Vakili can be reached from the Tirumamani Mandapam. Sanctum can be accessed by entering Bangaru Vakili. There are two tall copper images of the Dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The thick wooden door is covered with gilt plates depicting the Dasavatharam of Sri Maha Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. Suprapatham is sung in front of this door.