Architectural splendour of Tiruchanoor astounds all

NELLORE: The famous shrine of Tiruchanoor, the abode of Sri Padmavathi Devi, is known for its architectural splendour. The massive courtyard of the temple is nestled between the sub temple of Sri Krishna Swamy, opposite to the majestic Rajagopuram with seven Kalashas and sub temple of Sri Sundarar-ajaswami Temple to the South and Sri Padmavati Temple to the North.

There is a 16-pillar mandapam on a four-feet high platform. Now, it is the seat of Bhajantri mela and also a platform for VIPs to get blessings and Prasad from Archakas. It is a unique architectural marvel with 36 pillars in six rows with Bangaru Balipeetham. 

After serving Nivedya three times to Goddess Padmavati, Shraddhannam is served to Bhutaganas on the Balipeetham.
Gaja Vahanam is embossed on the bottom and Shanghu chakras facing South and Goddess Padmavati facing North on the Dwajastambha. The celestial Gaja flag on the temple mast flies on this pillar during the annual Brahmotsavams and is lowered after the event.

To the south of Dwaja-stambha mandapam and in front of Sri Sundararaja Swamy Temple, Kalyanot-savam is performed for Goddess Padmavati and Lord Venkateswara.

A four pillar mandapam on a high platform is covered by grill, opposite to the main temple,  where Astha-nam and other rituals are conducted. Adjacent to Mukha mandapam, this Archana mandapam is located to the south of Sanctum, and to the North lies the Panchaloha idols of Sudarshana and Viswak-sena. The granite idols of Garuda and Viswaksena were installed here. There is also a granite and Panchaloha idol of Sri Ramanujacharya.

After Archana mandapam, the Antaralam mandapam is guarded by Vanamalini and Balakini at the door like Jaya and Vijaya in Tirumala. The majestic and holy idol of Goddess Padmavati in a sitting pose is installed in the Sanctum after the Antaralam. The four handed Goddess wields lotus in upper hands, Shanghu and Padma in lower hands.

The main idol, also popularly hailed as Alarmelu Manga, is worshipped with Suprabatham, Sahasrana-marchana and Kukumarc-hana every morning. On Mondays, Asta Dala Padava Padmaradhana is perform-ed and Thiruppavadai Seva on Thursdays, Abhisekam on Fridays and Pushpanjali Seva on Saturdays are also performed.