B'luru girls' sand art set to lure pilgrims

Two girls, Gauri and Neelambika, hailing from Bengaluru, have created this year’s mythological theme ‘Matsyavatara’ on sand for brahmotsavams in Tirumala this year.

‘Matsyavatara’ is the first among the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.  Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) started organising sand expo in 2014.

In the first year, the duo from Bengaluru came out with the concept of ‘Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy’, as Tirumala is considered to be the ‘Adivaraha Kshetram’. The Brahmanda Purana says that it was Lord Bhu Varaha Swamy who offered his land to Lord Venkateswara Swamy to stay in Tirumala.

Hence, as a befitting tribute to the celestial wild boar, Gauri and Neelambika created the sculpture and the importance of the theme was narrated to pilgrims through sand art. The following year, the mythological theme of Lord Garuda carrying Anandanilayam Vimanam, the celestial abode where Lord Venkateswara dwells, was designed. 

This year, the duo, who have completed their Fine Arts course in sand art and mastered sculpting situation-based themes, have come out with Matsyavatara where Lord Maha Vishnu protects the four Vedas from Asura Hayagreeva.