SHRI
PRAMOD MAHAJAN TO RELEASE COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP ON ANANDA
NILAYAM VIMANAM
Union Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs, Communications & Information Technology,
Shri Pramod Mahajan will release a commemorative postage stamp
on Ananda Nilayam Vimanam, tomorrow at a function at Tirumala
(Tirupati), Andhra Pradesh. Issued by the Department of Posts
(DoP), the stamp is in the denomination of Rs.15/-.
The Golden Tower
over the Sanctum sanctorum of the Tirumala temple, commonly known
as the Ananda Nilayam Vimanam is a graceful symbol of great religious
and historical significance.
Built in the Dravida
style of architecture, the Ananda Nilayam Vimanam was gold gilted
approximately 700 years ago by the benefactors who patronised
the temple. From the historical inscriptions available, it is
evident that gold gilting of Ananda Nilayam Vimanam was a continuous
process with the gold donated by devotees. The various inscriptions
relating to Ananda Nilayam Vimanam reveal that many kings used
to show their gratitude by way of contributing to the gold gilting
work of Ananda Nilayam Vimanam at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple
of Tirumala whenever they were successful in their campaigns or
their vows were fulfilled.
The Vimanam is noted
for its arresting figures of divine grace and appearance. With
the passage of time, the Vimanam lost its brilliance and the masonry
work could not withstand the forces of nature. The Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams found it therefore necessary to rebuild the structure
and replace the old plates by new ones in 1958. The Ananda Nilayam
Vimanam, apart from being a source of spiritual inspiration, has
also inspired various activities in the fields of social reform,
literature and culture.
The First Day Cover
alongwith information sheet will be available on sale at all Philatelic
Bureaux/Counters and at selected Post Offices.
