Anveshi's "Srivari Mettu Heritage Walk" is aimed at bringing to the fore the most neglected monuments from Vijayanagara period. There are many archaeological monuments scattered around Srivari Mettu area.
There are nearly 11 historical monuments in Srivari Mettu vicinity and interestingly all of them are pertaining to Vijayanagara period. This aspect emphasises the undeterred devotion of Vijayanagara rulers towards Sri Venkateshwara Swamy.
Unfortunately, most of these monuments are either completely destroyed or allowed to get ruined. Thus, a great treasure of historicity is being lost quickly.
Team Anveshi's this attempt is to highlight the value of these forgotten monuments, create an awareness in public and encourage them to preserve and protect these cultural assets.
Vanda Mandapa which is the core subject of this episode was once bustling with activities such as food preparation & distribution to the pilgrims coming from all corners of Vijayanagara Empire and beyond. "Vanda" is a Tulu word which means cooking or kitchen thus signifying the multi-lingual spread across Tirupati region. Local people call this structure as "Rottela Mandapam" wherein Rotte means Indian bread. Though the present structure appears to be smaller in size there could have been an enlarged structure which might have got ruined over centuries. But this small structure itself is a good pointer towards its past glory.
Most curious aspect of this Mandapa is the stone carvings of three pairs carved on three support pillars. Interestingly, in each pair, the number females gets increased one at a time i.e. in first pair there is one lady while second and third carvings show two & three women respectively.
Unfortunately no recorded information is available regarding these men and women and thus they remain an obscure pairs from the bygone centuries. Indeed, it is the saddest part of the story of Vanda Mandapam.
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