Scratch-proof glass case to cover Srivari Padalu on Tirumala

Days after the left toe of the revered holy feet of Lord Venkateswara at Srivari Padalu was found disfigured, the TTD has decided to take up restoration works of the Srivari Padalu from Wednesday.

Days after the left toe of the revered holy feet of Lord Venkateswara at Srivari Padalu was found disfigured, the TTD has decided to take up restoration works of the Srivari Padalu from Wednesday. A scratch-proof and unbreakable glass case would now cover the holy feet to avoid recurrence of damage.

Srivari Padalu is widely believed to be the ‘sacred imprint’ of none other than the presiding deity when he made his first appearance on the earth. Mythology also has  it that it was on these hills that the presiding deity first set his feet. It is situated on the imposing Narayanadri hills among the seven hills of Tirumala. Immense importance is attached to the place which is visited by hundreds of devotees every day.

Addressing newsmen here on Tuesday, Tirumala joint executive officer KS Sreenivasa Raju said that they have found the granite  feet of the Lord damaged a few days ago which is believed to be caused by devotees breaking coconuts on the toe.

‘’After discussing with the temple priests, Agama scholars and the stapathi (sculptor) who designed the holy feet some decades ago, we have decided to restore them,’’ he said.

‘’The pilgrims will not be allowed to visit this place till the works are over. We have also decided to arrange a scratch-poof and unbreakable glass case to cover these holy feet,’’ he added.

The chief priests of the temple, Dr AV Ramana Dikshitulu said that there is no mention of specific ‘aradhana’ or puja of these holy feet (Srivari padalu) in Agamas. ‘’But keeping in view the sentiments of the pilgrims, we have decided to restore the feet by performing special puja on Wednesday,’’ he said.

Speaking to media, an Agama scholar of TTD, Sri Sundaravadanacharyulu said that Kanya Lagnam (muhurat) has been fixed to take up this restoration works.

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The New Indian Express
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