Sila Thoranam literally means ‘garland or festoon of rocks’. It is a natural stone arch which was found by archeologists excavating a geological fault in the area. Located just around 1.5 km from the Venkateswara temple, this arch is naturally compared to the divine serpent Adishesha. Legends have recently sprung up around the place, with comparisons made to the different rocks making up the arch and the Lord’s conch, discus, etc, propagating the belief that this is where the Lord entered Tirumala! Thus are legends born!
However, the arch is much more interesting than the legends make out. The formation is categorized as pre-Cambrian, and dates back to millions of years ago. The age of the rock itself has been estimated to be about 2500 million years, and the age of the arch is computed to be about 1500 million years!
There are various schools of thought about the origin of the arch. Some are of the view that it could be the effect of a wave action from oceanic transgression or intensified climatic settings and corrosion. Others opine that it might have been carved out of quartzite, or simply by the weathering of the rock. However, no matter how the arch came into being, it is certainly unique, for this is the only such formation in asia. There are believed to be only two similar formations in the world – the Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah in the USA and the arch that cuts through the Dalradian Quartzite in the UK. Here are pics of the two arches for comparison (Pics from the net)
Recently, the Sila Thoranam has garnered a lot of interest, and is now on the tourist map of Tirumala. Busloads of pilgrims throng the area, visiting both, the arch, as well as the Chakra Teertham, which is within walking distance. The crowds have compelled the TTD to make suitable arrangements to occupy the tourists, and today, the natural rocks around the arch have been converted into a rocky garden, full of flowers, with benches placed here and there for weary tourists to rest. There are birds in cages for kids to amuse themselves with, and lots of shops selling wooden articles for moms and dads to haggle with! This place is now known as Sila Thoranam Gardens, and is a major attraction!
Location: The Sila Thoranam is located about 1.5 Km from the temple, and buses are available. The Chakra Teertham is in the same complex, so make it a point to visit it at the same time. It however makes sense to combine it with a visit to the Srivari Paadam, and jeeps make the circuit for Rs. 50 per head or Rs.300 for the full vehicle.
Note : "The Silathoranam or the Arch" has found to be emitting some kind of energy or Radiation in which makes mobile to stop working when someone goes near the arch even pace-makes seams to stop working due to these reasons the arch is closed for public access and are fenced .The foot print near the temple is also seems to emit some kind of radiation and are now covered in a glass box where moisture are formed all time.
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