Latest news with #Anantha


Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vizag to pay tribute to India's textile heritage with 89-ft saree-crafted Ganesh idol
Visakhapatnam: As Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaviti) approaches, Vizag city is all set to witness a unique Ganesh idol made entirely from over one lakh sarees. This first-of-its-kind initiative is aimed at transforming the revered festival into an incredible tribute to India's textile heritage, with the saree — a symbol of classic tradition — taking centre stage. The colossal idol, blending cotton and silk sarees, is set to redefine festive artistry with its vibrant fusion of devotion and creativity. Vizag-based SV Entertainments is setting up the 89-foot tall Ganesh idol — Sri Sundara Vastra Maha Ganesha — made entirely of sarees at the Lanka grounds in Gajuwaka locality of port city. "We have procured cotton and silk sarees from renowned textile hubs of Surat and Mumbai to create the idol. The sarees will showcase India's rich weaving legacy, with their exquisite patterns and quality forming the intricate features of Lord Ganesha," said K Ganesh Kumar from SV Entertainments, which set up the 89-feet 'Sri Maha Uchchistha Ganapati' idol in 2024. In 2023, they presented 'Sri Anantha Panchamukha Maha Ganapati' idol, while in 2022, it was the 'Kailasa Viswaroopa Maha Ganapati'. "We have been promoting the tallest eco-friendly Ganesh idol in Vizag city. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo We chose sarees for this year's idol as it reflects a sustainable approach, emphasizing the deep cultural and emotional connection Indians share with this iconic garment. The sheer scale of using over one lakh sarees makes this idol a record-breaking textile marvel, celebrating both spirituality and craftsmanship," Ganesh Kumar added. A dedicated team of artisans from Chirala in Prakasam district, led by artisan Srikanth, have been working on installing the 89-feet idol made of sarees. The artisans are using eco-friendly materials such as small wooden logs and canes for the framework. Each saree is carefully shaped to capture the divine essence of Lord Ganesha, creating a visual masterpiece that honours tradition while pushing artistic boundaries. The team is aiming to complete the structure by Aug 25, two days before Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on Aug 27. The 'Sri Sundara Vastra Maha Ganesha' is expected to attract thousands of visitors during the festivities to witness this distinctive fusion of religious belief and textile artistry. Beyond celebrating the saree as a cultural icon, the initiative aims to ensure that this year's Ganesh Chaturthi in Visakhapatnam will be a memorable showcase of devotion and tradition. Ganesh Chaturthi festivities and rituals will commence on Aug 27 and continue for 21 days. On the final day, organisers of the Ganesh idol will perform special pujas using large quantities of turmeric, kumkum, and flowers. The sarees used in the idol will then be distributed to devotees. GFX Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Aug 27 Vizag has gained recognition for creating the tallest Ganesh idols in the country for the last few years Last year, a 75-feet tall Ganesh idol made of jaggery lumps was installed in the city Most pandal organizers are using eco-friendly materials Vizag will have over 1,000 Ganesh pandals this year


India.com
04-06-2025
- India.com
How Thiruvananthapuram Got Its Name: The Fascinating History Behind It
Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, is a site that requires endless exploration because of its history, culture, and mythology. The sprawling greenery, tranquil beaches, and rich traditions of the city makes it a tourist hotspot. The origin of its name is enthralling as it encompasses mythology and history. The tale itself demonstrates the spiritual reputation of the region, making it more intriguing. The Meaning of Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram is a name derived from the region's language (Malayalam). It consists of three words, 'Thiru,' 'Anantha,' and 'Puram.' Thiru is an honorific word that is used in both Malayalam and Tamil. It refers to something revered or sacred. The closest synonyms in English would be 'holy divine'. Puram translates to 'city' or 'town' in Malayalam. Anantha, who is a key figure in Hinduism, is a serpent god associated with lord Vishnu. He is also referred to as the head of the hidden Adi Sesha. Anantha illustrates the thousand headed snake being the lord's pillow, Vishnu, while resting is depicted to sleep on the cosmic ocean. The majestic padmanabha temple is one of the most prominent features of the city and serves as a representation of the city's culture and identity. Hence, the name Thiruvananthapuram translates to 'The Sacred city of Anantha' or 'The City of Lord Anantha.' This name is deeply associated with the Anantha padmanabha swamy temple. The City's History and the Legend of Anantha When it comes to the origin of the name of Thiruvananthapuram, it is interlinked with an intriguing story from Hindu mythology. According to the legend, the city is said to have originated during the Dvapara Yuga which is one of the four Yugas in the Hindu eras. There was a sage, Divakara Muni, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, who used to do extreme penance in order to get his blessings. So pleased with the sage's devotion, Vishnu decided to grant him a wish and appeared to him in the form of a beautiful child. In time, the child began to play tricks on the sage, which was part of the child's mode of testing the sage's patience. The sage, Divakara Muni, a great sage, started becoming impatient with the boy but soon understood that it was none other than Lord Vishnu himself. In his reverence, Divakara Muni requested the deity to remain in that place forever. Lord Vishnu accepted the request and transformed into a gigantic idol lying on the serpent Anantha. This idol became the head of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the city which developed around came to be called as Thiruvananthapuram. What Does The Name Thiruvananthapuram Mean And Halo Mythology Behind It The name has a certain mythological charm that is very appealing. However, what is also important is the city's historical name or, at least, its rough outline. The region has been quite a cultural and political hub for ages. It was part of the old Venad Kingdom that evolved into the princely state of Travancore. The family divan of Travancore, particularly the royal family, were known devotees of Lord Padmanabha and served him zealously, sadly, and had great delusions. The term 'Thiruvananthapuram' started gaining its importance during the reign of Marthanda Varma, one of the most notable kings of Travancore. He was the self-styled 'Padmanabha Dasa' who in the 18th century surrendered the kingdom to Lord Padmanabha. This act added to the city's glory and strengthened the city name's association with the deity. Colonial Considerations and the Title Trivandrum The British during their colonial rule also faced problems with the pronunciation of the original name. Thus, they changed it to 'Trivandrum' which later became the most widely used name during British rule and even post 1947. The city was referred to as Trivandrum for decades and this name was used in government documents, maps, and other travel brochures. In the 90s, along with a larger campaign to restore regional names, the Government of Kerala changed the name of the city back to Thiruvananthapuram. This change was made to symbolize and improve national pride in the city's rich culture and history. Thiruvananthapuram Blend of Tradition and Modernity: An Impressive Metropolis With Awe-Inspiring Technology In today's world, Thiruvananthapuram stands as a magnificent city where tradition coexists and blends with modernity. The cultural representation of the city resides in the awe-striking structure of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which captivates the attention of millions of devotees and tourists yearly. The city also serves as a hub for education due to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Space technology and research at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), along with the other leading space research institutions. Thiruvananthapuram has developed over the ages but still successfully retains its charm. This blend region lives up to its name that is 'Thiruvananthapuram', which translates to the city of Lord Anantha, signifying the divine association of the city along with the luxurious, rich culture and mythology, coupled with the glorious history that marks an astounding region. Thiruvananthapuram sits firmly in the rich cultural history of India. Its charm stems from the mythology surrounding the name and the figures closely tied to its origin, like Lord Vishnu and Anantha. From the colonial era to its evolution under the Travancore Kings, Thiruvananthapuram encapsulates the heart of Kerala. The pride and tradition associated with this stunning city makes it a revered region in India that proudly boasts its rich heritage.


Time of India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Two-year-old Bengal Tiger dies at SV Zoo in Tirupati
Tirupati: A two-year-old Royal Bengal tiger named Anantha died at the Sri Venkateswara zoological park in Tirupati on Tuesday night, ending a prolonged medical battle that spanned more than three months. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The tiger, which had shown signs of declining health since early January, could not recover despite sustained veterinary efforts. Anantha was brought to the Tirupati zoo from the Atmakur Project Tiger Division on March 10, 2023. Officials said that the animal began to show reduced appetite and lethargy earlier this year, prompting immediate medical intervention. Zoo authorities stated that an X-ray conducted on April 21 revealed extensive lung damage, pointing to a serious pulmonary infection. Veterinarians launched a course of treatment that included multiple rounds of antibiotics and routine health assessments. As the condition persisted, the zoo brought in additional expertise, including retired Deputy Director of Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park, Dr. Naveen Kumar, to guide treatment efforts. The tiger's condition deteriorated rapidly, and it passed away on Tuesday night. A postmortem was carried out by a team from Sri Venkateswara Veterinary university, confirming that respiratory complications were the primary cause of death. The carcass was disposed of on Wednesday in accordance with Central Zoo Authority (CZA) norms, and in the presence of forest officials, veterinary experts, and zoo staff.