SAND ART FORM OF MATSYAVATARA TO LURE PILGRIMS DURING BTU

GIRLS SCULPT THE MYTHOLOGICAL THEMES TO EDUCATE PILGRIMS

Tirumala, 2 October 2016: Among the various art forms we have today, Sand Art thought considered contemporary is one of the oldest art forms, making trend in Tirumala during the annual Srivari Brahmotsavams from the past three years.

This year, the mythological theme which is going to lure the pilgrims is that of the first incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu-the Matsyavatara among His Dasavataras.

GIRLS FOUND NICHE IN THIS UNIQUE ART

Two girl students, Ms Gauri and Ms Neelambika, hailing from Bengaluru, who have completed their Fine Arts course in Sand Art, have mastered in this skill and sculpting situation based themes wielding their magic hands.

TTD COMMENCED SAND ART IN 2014

The expo of this unique art was commenced by TTD in the year 2014 by the TTD Garden wing. In the first year, the artistes come out with the concept of “Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy”, as Tirumala is considered to be the “Adivaraha Khetram”. The Brahmanda Purana says that it is Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy who offered his land to Lord Venkateswara Swamy to stay in Tirumala. So as a befitting tribute to the celestial wild boar, it was sculpted by the girls and the importance of the theme was narrated to pilgrims through sand art.

GARUDA CARRYING ANANDANILAYAM

The following year, the mythological theme of Lord Garuda carrying the Anandanilayam Vimanam, the celestial abode where Loed Venkateswara dwells was designed which won kudos from pilgrims.

MATSYAVATARA AS MAIN ATTRACTION

While this year, the girls duo have come out with yet another novel concept of Matsyavatara where Lord Maha Vishnu protects four Vedas from Asura Somakasura. The four Vedas have been sculpted in the form of four kids.

SEVEN TO NES OF SAND USED

According to these skippers of sand art, over seven tonnes of sand have been used to sculpt out Matsyavatara and it took three days for them to finish the art piece. “Our motto is not only to provide a feast to the eyes of devotees but also to educate them through our art form. Sand art is not just our passion but our mission to throw light on our theme with our works “, the duo said.

ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER TTDs, TIRUPATI