Ghanta Mandapam
The pillared entrance to the main temple is known as Ghanta Mandapam. Its exquisiteness is simply beyond description. Facing north, devotees enter into this mandapam. Behold here you come across some doors.
Gods like Brahma and other deities, sages, and saints like Sanak Sananda’s patiently wait here to have the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. These doors are made of gold. Right in front of the golden door, we can see Garuda Mandiram (temple).
Maha Manimandapam or Mukha Mandapam
A portico by the name “Mani Mandapam” unites the aforesaid two. It is also known as ‘Maha Manimandapam’. Some may prefer to call this Mukha Mandapam also. This 43″ x 40″ portico has a total of 16 carved pillars.
We can see the carvings of Bhoovaraha Swamy, Nrusimha Swamy, Maha Vishnu, Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Varadaraja Swamy, and other gods. Recently these pillars have been covered with frame and brass doors.
In 1417 (August 25th) a native of Chandragiri by the name Amatya Mallanna took up the construction of this portico and completed it. He was a Minister of the Vijayanagara Empire. He is also known by the name Madhavadas.
In this portico, as stated earlier there is a temple dedicated to Garuda, right in front of the golden door. A life-size (6 feet) statue of Garuda with folded hands is installed here. He faces Lord Venkateswara. Daily, at 3 a.m.purohits assemble here and recite Swamy’s Suprabhatam.
Srinivasa Koluvu
After the recital of mesmerizing Suprabhatam Lord’s court ‘Darbar’ starts functioning. To the Lord, seated on a golden throne Panchangam (Hindu year, season, month, Thithi etc.,) is narrated. Not only this, but even yesterday’s balance sheet will also be read to God. This court is known as ‘Srinivasa Darbar’ or ‘Srinivasa Koluvu’.
The purohits will also loudly mention the names of all those donors who have generously contributed to ‘NITYA ANNADANAM’ (FREE MEALS TO DEVOTEES). In this portico every Wednesday, Sahasra kalasabhishekam (giving a holy bath to the Lord with one thousand water pots) is performed to the idols of Bhoga Srinivasa Moorthy, Sri Malayappa Swamy and Vishwaksena.
Similarly, every Thursday, a service by the name ‘Anna koototsavam’ (Tiruppavada Seva) is also performed at the time of the second hour. On these two days aforesaid Utsavams are being celebrated or performed. Apart from these, on other significant days like ‘Ugadi’, Anivara Asthanam, Deepavali, etc., in this mandapam right in front of Garuda Alwar, Sri Venkateswara Swamy, and Vishwaksena are ceremoniously received and made to stay here.
Similarly, on Sri Rama Navami day Sri Seetha, Rama Lakshmana, and Hanuman are reverentially received in this mandapam. On Gokulashtami day, Sri Krishna and Sri Rukmini are received. The idols do stay here for some time.
Ghantapani
Towards the south of Golden Door, you will find two large bells tied to a wooden beam with strong and big iron chains. These bells will be rung when the Lord stays here to receive special poojas. The person who rings these bells is called a ‘Ghantapani’.
Thiru Maha Mani Mandapam
The sound of ringing bells enchants the entire Tirumala. The ringing sound of the bells indicates that offerings are being offered to the Lord. After hearing the sound of ringing bells devotees will have their lunch. The Vijayanagara emperors, when they camped in Chandragiri, used to wait for the sound.
The ringing sound was conveyed to them through bell towers constructed. After getting confirmed that the Lord had been offered the daily offerings, they used to have their lunch.
As these bells are located just in front of the Golden Door, people call this mandapam ‘Ghanta Mandapam’. ‘Mani’ is the word for bells in Tamil. This is the reason Tamil knows people will prefer to call this mandapam ‘Thiru Maha Mani Mandapam’.
Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!
