Sri Venkateswara Museum, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

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 (16^th 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.

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