Sri Venkateswara Museum, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra
Pradesh
Venkateswara Museum is situated in Tirumala in Tirupati
in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Hall of Antiques was first
established in 1980 in Thousand Pillar Mandapam opposite to the main shrine in Tirumala.
Now the Sri Venkateswara Museum is situated in a sprawling building with an
area of 1.25 lakh sq. ft opposite to Vaikuntham Queue Complex in Tirumala
surrounded by beautiful gardens and it is a rejoicing place for visiting
pilgrims. This museum is an epitome of Traditions of Tirumala, Vaishnavism and
Hindu culture.
It houses more than 6000 items of historical interest
ranging in date from very early period to the present. The collections are
spread over ten sections ranging from archaeology to contemporary items. It
contains valuable antique materials to enable an art historian to trace the
history and development of temple art. Different galleries in the S.V. Museum
host and display its acquisitions, donations, and offerings bequeathed from the
unknown past. Vahanams gallery presents an array of Srivari Vahanams used
during Brahmotsavams.
Original copper plates of Anamaya’s compositions
enthrall the visitors. Pilgrims can have a look at the Varahaswami Copper
inscription, a cherished treasure of Tirumala. All the great dynasties of
southern peninsula of India have paid tributes to lord Venkateswara. Pallavas
of Kanchipuram, Cholas of Thanjavur, Pandyas of Madurai, Kings of Vijayanagara
of Hampi and chieftains of local dynasties have esteemed the lord.
Sri Krishnadevaraya (16th Century AD) of
Vijayanagara Empire have personally visited Tirumala seven times and offered
tens of valuable ornaments made of jewels, diamonds, emeralds and pearls. The
museum displays Dhupa-Ganta donated by Sri Krishnadeva Raya to a priest in Tirumala.
You can witness this precious item in the museum.
The stone gallery contains more than 80 wonderful images
retrieved from across the region dating from 8th century AD to 19th century AD.
Most of these stone sculptures speak of history of Vaishnavism in the region.
The gallery of musical instruments has collected a wide range of instruments of
bygone ages. The picture gallery in the third floor displays rare images of
temple history, ornaments of the lord and some contemporary art depicting
Srinivasa and Tirumala.
Armory section displays variety of ancient weapons like
swords, shields, battle axes, guns etc. used or possessed by the rulers in the
medieval and colonial periods. In the origin and emergence of Vaishnavism in
the south, the Alwars have played a significant role and they are given utmost
importance in the museum. The front porch of the museum on both sides is
decorated with the stone images of Alwars.
The bronze section contains idols, nutcrackers, utensils
etc. made centuries ago. Big iron bells, gigantic pulley used to lift stones in
temple building, cauldrons decorate the spacious galleries of the museum. The
Hundi of the temple has received umpteen number of gold and silver coins
ranging from Roman empire to British era, all displayed in the museum. Tirumala
temple is well known for inscriptions superscripted on its walls. More than one
thousand inscriptions depicting the history of the temple for 1500 years are stamped
and exhibited in the outer gallery of the museum.
It houses a library with books in Telugu, English,
Tamil, Kannada and Hindi on religion, history, heritage, temple arts and
architecture. It serves the curious pilgrims and research scholars doing
research on Tirumala history. Harini, the auditorium in the S.V. Museum is now
planning to show interesting programs, documentaries, films on Tirumala and
heritage every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
The museum also has facility of a conference hall open
to the public and invitees for deliberations on Tirumala history. Pilgrims can
recline in the meditation halls on the roof of the museum in serene atmosphere
and experience bliss in the lap of the lord. The museum is open every day from
8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Entry is free and works seven days a week.
It is located near Vaikunta Queue Complex 2 of Lord
Venkateswara Temple. The Museum is located at about 1 Km from Tirumala RTC Bus
Station, 1 Km from Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, 2 Kms from Tirumala
Main Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Tirupati Railway Station, 25 Kms from Tirupati
Central Bus Station and 40 Kms from Tirupati Airport.
Location
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