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| Silathoranam, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Sometime during last November, I took a vacation and traveled to the pilgrim cities of Tirupati and Tirumala.
During this time, when people told me that Silathoranam is a must see place in Tirumala Hills, I wasn't too sure what the fuss was all about. Silathoranam, or arch of stone (Sila: Stone, Thoranam: Arch) is one of the many sightseeing places in Tirumala Hills situated about a kilometer away from the main shrine Ananda Nilayam. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu or Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills, is supposed to have put his first foot down at a place called Padalu or Sreevaripaadaalu (which means Divine Footprints). Sreevaripaadaalu incidentally happens to be the highest point of Tirumala hills. The second step was set at Silathoranam.
Set in a lovely forested area, the arch does look ordinary at first
sight but as you see more of it and read the legend, the enormity of its
uniqueness sinks in and you have an increased respect for the sight
before your eyes.
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| Description of Silathoranam at the site |
Silathoranam is a rare geological rock arch and only one of its kind in Asia. Geologists have confirmed that the age of this arch is around 1500 million (1.5 billion) years and the rock itself is 2500 million (2.5 billion) years old! In short, Silathoranam is a rare natural wonder of the world, just like the Niagara Falls or Mount Everest but probably much older.
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| Srivaari Paadaalu, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India |
The legend of Silathoranam, be it mythological or scientific, has reinforced my opinion about treating nature with utmost respect and humility. To say the least, it was a humbling eyeopener. And for this reason, I should Thank all those people who stoked my curiosity about Silathoranam. Truly an unforgettable place and experience.
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