TTD to develop Sri Venkateswara Museum with Rs 145 crore

 TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Friday conducted “Bhoomi Pooja” for developing the Sri Venkateswara Museum in Tirumala at a cost of ₹145 crore. This is expected to transform the museum into a world-class facility, showcasing the rich heritage, significance and traditions of the Tirumala temple.

TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy attended the Pooja performed in adherence with Agama Shastras.

Speaking on the occasion, Karunakar Reddy said they intend to create an attractive space that not only highlights the glory of Sri Venkateswara Swamy but also educates pilgrims about age-old traditions, historical significance, and abundant heritage of the Lord Venkateswara Temple.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide a divine experience to every visiting devotee," he remarked. He expressed his gratitude to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and MAP Systems for contributing their expertise in developing various galleries on a donation basis.

“MAP Systems will be responsible for creating five galleries at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore. TCS will oversee development of 14 galleries costing ₹125 crore,” the devasthanam chairman said.

The project is scheduled to be completed by December this year. The museum will be spread over three floors. The ground floor will feature displays by MAP Systems involving Tiruveedhi, temple experience, Vahanas, Sevas, and Sapthagiri 3D experience. TCS will contribute to the ground floor as well, showcasing Venkateswara Swamy's antique stone, metal and wooden sculptures, including Annamaiah copper plates and numismatic treasures.

The first floor will house galleries dedicated to weapons, musical instruments and puja utensils. The second floor will feature Viratpurush and Chaturveda galleries. The third floor will have a Brahmanda gallery, which will highlight the grandeur of the cosmos.

The museum will also have 17 large domes displaying Lord Srinivasa’s ardent devotees, such as Ramanujacharya, Madhwacharya, Shankaracharya, Annamacharya, Purandara Dasa and Vengamamba, as well as important characters and episodes from ancient epics like Srimad Ramayana and Mahabharata.