Tirumala: Tirumala hill shrine and abode of Lord Venkatesara are also famous for its gardens growing special flowers and scented leafs used on a daily basis at Srivari temple.
Garlands and flowers play a significant role in the history of Tirumala and each one of them have a specific identity in the legends and tradition of the temple.
An average of 500 kg flowers and 5 kg of scented leafs are used in the making of garlands and flower decorations of the main deity and other areas of Srivari temple every day.
At least 20 women make the garlands for the deity every day which is kept in air-conditioned chambers in the temple complex for frequent change of decoration and also the utsava idols during the festivals and rituals.
The idea of setting up flo-wer gardens on the Tirumala was conceived by Ramanuja and his disciple Anan-dalwar in 14th century.
Records show that flower gardens existed around Srivari temple but now converted into guest houses Ram Bagicha, Narayana Giri, and Nandakam.
The significant flowers used for Srivari Kainkaryam (puja) are the scented flowers like roses, lotus, and prominent flowers us-ed are Chrysanthemums, davana, tulasi, Nerium, Ta-bornamontana, Kanakamb-aram (Tagetes) and Exora.
Eight special garlands are used in Srivari Temple for decorating Lord Venkates-wara every day. The garlands of 100 feet long that adorn the presiding deity comprised of 27 varieties of flowers, 7 types of aromatic leaves. This garden supplies 500 kg of flowers daily to various temples in and around Tirumala.
As an added attraction to this eye-catching gardens, there are many tanks and ponds, which are perennial water sources for temple.
