Ranganayaka Mandapam or Ranganayakula Mandapam or Ranga Mandapam
Right opposite the house of mirrors (Addala Meda) towards the south of Krishna Raya Mandapam there is one elevated stone platform. A porch has been constructed. This porch is known as Ranganayaka Mandapam or Ranga Mandapam.
This 108 feet long and 60 feet wide lofty carved pillared construction has a 12″ quadrangular temple. This temple is situated towards the south, quiet inside the Mandapam. It is said that Lord Ranganatha stayed here for some time and was worshipped by the devotees.
During 1320-1360 AD. Sri Rangam was invaded by the Muslim invaders. The priests of the Sri Ranga Temple shifted the utsava idol (Idols taken out during festival days) to Tirumala. They were preserved here and were offered poojas daily. When peace returned to Sri Rangam the idols were taken back.
Maybe because of this, people have named it as Ranga Mandapam i.e., the portico where Utsava Moorthies from Sri Rangam were kept. To safeguard the Utsava Moorthies from the invader Malik Kaffer and for offering poojas to them at Tirumala, it is said the local ruler of Tirupati, Ranganatha Yadava Rayalu had constructed this temple inside the portico.
As Sri Ranganatha’s Utsava Moorthies from Sri Rangam were kept in Tirumala temple, it is believed that reciting of Divya Prabandham and singing of Tiruppavai, the Sri Vaishnava Tradition, during Dhanur Masam were introduced in Tirumala Temple.
This much history is behind this Mandapam. Victory to Kaveti Ranga, Ranga Ranga, Sri Ranga.
Now this is being used as Vahana Mandapam to store Lord’s Vahanas (vehicles). Paid Sevas like Vasanthothsav, Brahmothsav etc., are being performed here.
Pedda Sesha Vahana
In this Ranganayaka Mandapam, we can see seven hooded Golden sesha (serpant king) Vahana. The mere sight of this Vahana thrills everyone. This is known as Pedda Sesha Vahana (The big sesha vehicle or carrier).
“He is the Sesha! The sesha of Venkateswara, He is as big as Garuda”.
This Ranganayaka Mandapam has another significant speciality. Twice a year the Utsava Moorthy of Sri Venkateswara with His two Consorts, stays here for a longer period after stirring out of Ananda Nilaya. The two occasions are Dasara Brahmothsava and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
After the Dhwajarohana (flag hoisting) function during Dasara celebrations Lord Venkateswara Who gets the name Malayappa Swamy stays here up to Deepavali (for nearly one month). The poojas and naivedyam are offered to the Lord here regularly.
Eleven days before Vaikunta Ekadasi (the eleventh day of the Hindu calendar, both the bright as well as dark periods of the calendar) He leaves Ananda Nilaya and stays here for nearly 25 days along with His two Consorts – Sri Devi and Bhoodevi – During this period two poojas and Naivedyams (food offering) are offered to the Lord Malayappa Swamy.
Once upon a time, Kalyanothsavams (marriage) used to take place daily in this mandapam. As the number of devotees has increased rapidly now Kalyanotsavams are celebrated in Sampangi Pradakshana towards the south in a specially arranged place.
After the Darshan, all the National and International dignitaries are led to this place. The learned pandithas (knowledgable people) then bless these dignitaries. The temple honors will be conferred on them. Prasadam too is given here only. Let us chant the holy name of the Lord Govinda before proceeding to the next Mandapam.
All Mandapams
The ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara in the hill shrine of Tirumala is an amazing complex of history, culture, and traditions. Almost every brick speaks volumes about the cultural journey of the temple over the past several centuries.
According to saint poet Sri Tallapaka Annamayya, the various Mandapams and constructions inside the Srivari temple served as shelters to the devotees at times of heavy rains and scorching summer besides being served as platforms for temple rituals and stand here to tell the volumes of history.
These temples not only have historical and mythological significance but also stand as architectural marvels. A peep into these mandapams:
- Dwajasthambha mandapam,
- Krishnadevaraya Mandapam,
- Four Pillar Mandapam,
- Ranganayakula Mandapam or Ranga Mandapam,
- Kalyanotsava Mandapam,
- Tirumalaraya Mandapam,
- Anna Unjal Mandapam,
- Addala Mandapam or Aina Mahal,
- Garuda Mandapam,
- Golla Mandapam,
- Sahasra Deepalankara Seva Mandapam etc.
Govinda! Govinda!! Govinda!!!
