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The other Tirupati
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This Tirupati is not rich and famous but is charming in its own right
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SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL The temple's gopuram is impressive
Tirupati is a well-known pilgrimage centre. Those who cannot get there often make their offerings at Chikka Tirupati in Malur taluk near Masti and Bangaaru Tirupati on the KGF-Mulbagal road. People prefer to call Bangaaru Tirupati as Guttahalli. You can reach Guttahalli from Bangarpet via Bethamangala.
At Guttahalli, you'll find the temple on a hillock that is about 40 metres high. Just below the hillock is Garuda, Vishnu's vehicle. The temple itself has a very impressive gopuram. There is the kalyani or water tank near which a flight of steps leads us to the idol of Venkataramana, also called Srinivasa. This small attractive sculpture has to be viewed from a six-holed window. After seeing Srinivasa, either you take the same route back or choose to come out from the other side.
With Magha Shuddha Poornima comes the Brahmotsava. The jatre lasts for one week. Shivarathri and Sravana Shanivara are the other important days here.
The choultry is spacious and marriages are conducted during the season. In case there is time, one can visit Bukkasaagara Kere a tank of the Vijayanagara period at Ramasaagara nearby, the Vishnupaada and Papanashini Pavithra Kaveri (a spring) and Goddess Alamelu Mangamma (Padmavathi) on the other hillock. Apparently, people visit the place more on Saturdays.
Guttahalli, located on the left bank of the river Palar, may not be rich and famous like Tirumala but it has its own unpretentious charm. It is said to be the tapobhoomi (place of penance) of Maharishi Bhrigu.
Fact file
Guttahalli is 29 km from Kolar, 21 km from Bangarpet and just 3 km from Bethamangala
Is well connected by bus
Pack your food but don't disturb the cleanliness or serenity of the place
There is place for the elderly and people who may be ill to take rest while going up the hillock
H.S. MANJUNATHA
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Pondicherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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