Sri Sankara Vimana Mantapam, which symbolises the integration of Sakta-Siva-Vishnu concept, is an engineering marvel. A unique three-tier structure rising to 130 ft, it stands on 17 pillars, each 30 ft in height, to build which 16 wells, 50 ft in depth were sunk in the river. On the first floor is Sri Kamakshi, presiding Goddess of the Kamakoti Pitam. The second is for Sri Venkatachalapati, exactly as He stands in the shrine on top of the Seven Hills. The third floor houses the massive eight-tonne Sahasra Lingam. Made of a single stone, it has a thousand lingams on its surface. It had been sanctified by Periyava, who performed abishekam to the lingam, when he was in Sathara.
The Lingam was brought to Thenambakkam, where Periyava camped for many years. He wanted the 1,000 lingams to be sculpted only when Veda chanting was in progress. It took eight months to complete the task, as sculptors devotedly worked on the lingam, when the Brahmapuriswarar temple resonated with Veda chanting.
After 20 years of relentless work by everyone involved, the majestic temple was consecrated on March 13, 1986, by Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, 69th Pitadipati of Sri Kamakoti Peetam. The cost of Rs. 60 lakhs was met through generous contributions by the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam, the U.P. Government, other State Governments, philanthropists and devotees.
0 Comments