Mahadwaram Tirumala

Mahadwaram Tirumala Construction History.

At the instance of Sri Ramanuja, the then king undertook the construction of Mahadwaram what we see today in Tirumala. They had planned to construct a very big Mahadwaram bigger than that at Srirangam Temple. The construction came to halt because Sri Ramanuja had a peculiar dream. In the dream, one of the Naagabharanams of Perumal complained to Sri Ramanuja of pain. The next morning, Sri Ramanuja shared the dream with the king and interpreted the dreams that as Adisesha had taken the form of the hill, he could not bear the weight of Mahadwaram and hence requested the king to stop further construction.

Mahadwaram Or Padi Kavali in Tirumala Temple

The 13th-century temple complex of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala has been extended, renovated continuously for several centuries.

The Mahadwaram popularly referred to as the Padi Kavali Maha Dwara stands out as a spectacular specimen of tall structures of all Hindu temples in the country.

Standing on a quadrangular base its architecture belongs to the later Chola period. The grand gopuram comprised of several Tamil inscriptions of the 13th century and speak of the glory of the rulers and the richness of the culture and society of those days.

Usually, opposite to Mahadwaram, devotees gather to have Utsava Murthy’s darsanam and also to witness Deepam on the eve of New Year.

A great old Chant

“Naham Karta harih karta

                Tatpuja Karma chakhilam

Tadapi matkruta puja

                  Tatprasadena na anyadha”

( I am not a doer; It is Lord Sri Hari who does, and gets everything done. Still, If I happen to perform any puja or good deed, it is possible only because of Lord’s grace. Not otherwise ).

Tirumala Temple Photo Gallery