On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1

Tripoto
27th Aug 2018
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Day 1

I am starting with this one from my most cherished visit to South India. This is one of those essentials which you can't miss when you are in South India and especially when you are a human being. You know how we humans are so privileged to have been creating our own memories and experiences that we want to keep. You know what magic does these beans do in their most loyal form, when mixed with milk forming a mass of small white and brown bubbles, winning your heart in every inch of its existence. Only when you're in South India you would know you are at the right place for the right kind of experience. Right things connect you with right places and then you know how conversations over a cup of coffee matter.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

I was half of the time in #foodcoma on our spiritual trip to Tirupati this time. Yojang was my companion in that state. We couldn't come out of it the whole time we were there. Half of his roots belong to the land of Andhra and those when he meets with he feels at home and you know how food connects you to your roots, to where you belong. It was heavenly to be in that state and it was a pleasure seeing him savoring his love straight from where he half belonged ❤ Expatiating on our experience of having the very essential filter coffee there we gauged on the lengths and breadths of the experience of the food we ate on that trip. On our first morning in Tirupati I had raagi dosa for breakfast. My love for food had touched upon the different height this time. The red onion-tomatoey chutney won my heart...this entire plate of food won my taste buds. I couldn't have been luckier if I had not been a human! I thank my higher powers for keeping my human in me.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

I have always liked traveling by  local transport and interact with localities to know their city better. You get to connect with other humans also then. You know other than the ones you're tired of in your own city 😬 Humans are messier anyways. We traveled by buses and auto rickshaws in and around Tirupati to explore this one bit of South India. It was beautiful. I love the way how localites guide us and how this whole thing of trust that grows between us. I told our auto rickshaw driver that "Anna, aapke Tirupati mein roads kitne achche hain aur clean hain." Brother, the roads are really nice and clean in your Tirupati. To which he replies "Madam, abhi tak aapne sirf do he roads dekhein hain na isliye" Madam, you have seen only two roads by now, that is why! 😆 We laughed like crazy in our little awe in that pretty town of its own. .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Was lucky enough to get this shot from a moving bus 😀 I like the feel, the air, the vibes every city has. Their stories, their truth, their candidness,their formations. Experiencing it is a great change for a person who loves to travel otherwise we are stuck in feeling the air and those vibes that keep us extremely busy in our city. These are the ones from which we want to get away from once in a while and then travel becomes the best thing to do. Also, the best thing about traveling is that it keeps you sane 💚 . .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

One of the abodes of Lord Ganesha, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, hailing from the 11th Century CE, constructed by the pandian king Maravarman Sundara Pandian and the Siva temple constructed by Kulothunga Chola I was then further expanded in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara Dynasty. This abode of Vinayaka is holding on it's unsullied character firm that you don't wanna miss absorbing the vibes of. Kanipakam is a small village in Irala Mandal on the bank of Bahuda river in Chittoor district. ""Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland." and there is an interesting story of how Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling water. Read on: www.kanipakam.com/maintemple.html .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

When I was in Bangalore for my Masters there used to be this cart of boiled sweet corn set by a lady on my way back to the hostel, very close to my college. I would make sure to stop by and grab a piece for myself like a quotidian ritual. Enjoying my walk back home (read hostel) with a little indulgence of mine with some form of food which was these golden sunshiny boiled corn decorated with salt and red chilli powder and some drops of lemon with it... Out, of, about, 365 days, I was doing it for more than 200 days 💛 🙌 😯 Isn't that a good number? My connection with food and that too with something healthy consumed almost every day would add  bonus points to my account. So, after our traditional lunch in Kanipakam Yojang and I could make some space to savor this beaut too. .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Another bit from this trip. There is definitely more to come... **Chandragiri, a small village in Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh, about 15kms from Tirupati. 
Famous for the historical fort built in the 11th century and the Raja and Rani Mahal. You reach Chandragiri fort walking along with these walls, passing through the village. There is something so colloquial about this place that takes you back and away in that time and space where it belonged. I wish and hope that we keep them safe for the new generation to come for they would know how rich we were in our olden days.**

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

The road. The route. The truth.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Conserving . . . "Yadavarayas ruled Chandragiri for about three centuries and came into the control of Vijayanagara rulers in 1367. It rose into prominence in 1568 AD and remained as seat of power for the later Vijayanagara kings under whose reign the fortified area was further extended and some of the magnificent buildings and temples were constructed. Some of the important kavyas of Vijayanagara period are said to be composed here. In 1646 the fort was annexed into the Golkonda territory, subsequently came under Mysore rule till 1792 and went into oblivion. Inside the fortification are seen eight ruined temples of saivite and vaishnavite pantheons, Raja mahal, Rani mahal and other ruined structures." - webcitation

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

All things essential when you're hungry while travelling on a sunny day 😎 Goli soda, bhel, bobby, lays, little hearts, popcorn, other namkeens.. this togged up in colorful food.. Tapri had it all. We walked for about 1.5 - 2kms to the Mahal and Fort premises, seeing this tapri was such a delight. Goli soda was a great soother during our entire trip and of course the sound of the marble ringing in the bottle was a must. We loved every bit of it. Even while heading to the airport we stopped by making sure to swill down our last share of goli soda. .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

"There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won't go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor." - Keith Bellows (Editor-in-chief, National Geographic Society) .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

This majestic structure, the Raja Mahal (King's Palace) is one of the finest examples we have of Indo-Saracenic architecture of Vijayanagara period. Adorned by the crowning towers representing certain Hindu architectural elements, this three storeyed palace was constructed with stone, brick, lime mortar and is bereft of timber. The central tower rises through two storeys covers darbar hall. It is said to be the same venue where Sri Rangaraya granted the site of Fort St. George to the British in 1640. The floors are supported by massive pillars while the walls bear fine plaster and stucco decorations. . .

Chandragiri Fort

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

From 30th July, 1810. Chittor.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Rani Mahal (Queen's Palace) Similar to the Kings palace in style and method of execution, yet not so similar in it's edifice unlike the massiveness of Raja's Mahal. This one with ground floor looking like a stable and first floor containing quarters adorned with ornamental sikhara has a flat roof. "Contrary to the popular belief that this place was meant for the queen or harem. The epigraphical record available from the basement speaks that this building was a commanders' quarters." It seems not enough heed was paid towards the Queen and her Queenliness! . .

Rani Mahal

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Our mandatory selfie cuz there wasn't anyone around to click our picture. While we explored the Chandragiri Fort premises, mainly Raja and Rani Mahal, talking about the glimpses that we got from the history at the museum and how rich we were in those olden days, we were a little sad cuz light and sound show out there for which this place is famous doesn't happen these days due to some technical glitches. Also, we were falling short of time and came to know that they don't allow people anymore to climb up to the hill that you see behind us to explore the Fort. We loved the air, the vibes and the colors of Chandragiri. What I feel sad about in here is there isn't enough content, literature and stories about Chandragiri that I could find. I am sure this place has a lot to offer in terms of narratives and allegories from when the Raja and Rani existed. .

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Keep Calm. Travel and Tell Stories.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Skies of Chandragiri.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

When I was in school, once I scored really less in social studies. My social studies teacher who believed in me that I was capable of scoring better marks had asked me if I was satisfied with my marks, and I said, yes! Without saying much any further on this.. my teacher's expression made me understand that one can't be satisfied that easily. But I was. I was satisfied with my marks cuz I knew, that that is the best I could have scored for some reasons. . . Since then, whenever I would think if I am satisfied I would really give it a thought to be sure enough that I am really satisfied with what has happened. . . One thing that didn't put me to think so much further in life to be sure of.. if I am satisfied or not is food. That was never a task and I didn't have to go so far. Food doesn't make you think. It makes you feel, it makes you breathe, it enhances your five senses, it connects with you, it makes you understand what indulgence is, it Satisfies your soul 😇 and this, folks, is, Andhra thaali. . . You see in this thaali is Rasam, Sambhar, Vegetable Khurma, Mudda Pappu (pressure cooked tur dal, mashed, salted, sauted in spices), chawal baghara (rice), rava kesari (dessert), curd, aaloo ki sabzi, vadiyalu (fryums), chapatti and steamed rice. If you remember somewhere above I have mentioned about how Yojang half belongs to Andhra and how his love for traditional Andhra food is eternal. This thaali that you see in the image here was solely savoured by him. Honestly, I have a before and after picture of this thaali cuz it was such a pleasure seeing him enjoy every single piece of food in that thaali. . . You know what you all should do? Just Keep Calm and Have Food cuz it Keeps You Sane.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

The journey of faith begins here when you're in Tirupati. Tirumala Toll Gate and Check Post.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Colors of faith.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Swag waale baba!!! 🙌

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta
Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Flames of faith.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Flames of faith.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

myriad shades of Devotion.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

People of faith.

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Every single day thousands of people come to Venkateshwara Temple in Tirumala, Tirupati to bathe in the essence of their faith in their Lord and belief, and to unite in that sense of belongingness that they have for this incarnation of higher power.
"Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and the Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa." - Wikipedia

Venkateshwara Temple

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

Lord Venkateshwara making this temple the richest in the whole wide world in terms of donations received and wealth. About 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims visit the temple daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world. In 2016, it was reported that 27.3 million pilgrims visited the temple. Lord Venkateshwara, is one of those Gods who knew how to keep his fan following happy! 😉

Venkateshwara Temple

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

This is probably the last one from our endearing spiritual trip to Tirupati. How my love for the old architecture and monumental structures take me to the places like this one ❤ We are blessed by the richness of this kind.

Sri Kapileshwara Swami Vari Temple

Photo of On the other side of faith: Exploring Tirupati: Part 1 by Vartika Gupta

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