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Pune Trust to Restore Centuries-Old Tirumala Landmark
24 Oct
Summary
- Pune-based trust to fund restoration of Padalamandapam in Tirupati
- Rigorous conservation methods to be used, including 3D documentation
- Restoration comes after controversy over proposed dismantling of structure
In a significant development, a major heritage restoration project is set to unfold at the sacred foothills of Tirumala. The Pune-based Lord Venkateswara Charitable and Religious Trust has stepped forward to undertake the scientific restoration of the centuries-old Padalamandapam at Alipiri in Tirupati.
The Padalamandapam is a Vijayanagara-era structure that serves as a welcoming gateway for pilgrims trekking to the renowned hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara. The restoration initiative comes in the wake of a previous proposal to dismantle the mandapam, which had triggered a state-wide heritage debate.
To ensure the preservation of this historic structure, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will be closely involved in the restoration process. Rigorous conservation methodologies will be adopted, including the meticulous documentation of every architectural component using modern techniques like AutoCAD and photogrammetry. The stones will be carefully dismantled, stacked, and reset on a traditionally designed foundation, adhering to their original orientation and elevation.
The restoration work, which is expected to commence in the second week of November, will be fully funded by the Pune-based charitable trust as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. This is not the first time the trust has undertaken such heritage conservation projects, having previously executed major restoration works at Sri Kalahasti, Simhachalam, Srisailam, and other prominent sites across South India.
