What’s common between Tirupati airport and garuda

Garuda, the celestial carrier of Lord Venkateswara has an inseparable link to Tirupati. The favourite bird has established yet another link with the newly-developed Tirupati airport building, which is all set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 22 (Thursday). The front view of the imposing terminal gives a clear indication that the building plan has drawn inspiration from Garuda. The overall view of structure carries an impression that the Garuda, with his wings wide open is ready to take a flight.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is apparently leaving no stone unturned to highlight the ‘Garuda angle’ behind the design of the building. Further, nobody can miss the statue installed in the airport lounge, which is again of ‘Garuda’, but shown as a structure resembling a man. The image shows that soul is trying to get out of a body. With its twelve hands placed away from the body, the soul is indicated to be ready to take flight. Meaning: Philosophically, a man is trying to wriggle out of the mundane worldly pleasures to reach ‘Moksha’ (salvation).

And the message on the pedestal reads: “The sculpture - while depicting the concept of the building based on the widespread wings of ‘Garuda’, the vahana of Lord Vishnu, popularly known as Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of this place, signifying the flights taking off - symbolises the human being unshackling the ‘self’ from the bondage of ‘maya’ and carrying the ‘atman’ (soul) to reach the ultimate bliss of attaining ‘moksha’”. The message is available in Hindi and Telugu too on its other sides.

The new terminal developed in an area of 16500 sqm involving an expenditure of Rs.175 crore, can handle 700 passengers, while the parking lot can accommodate 300 cars, says airport Director V.V. Rao. The building is being spruced up tastefully for the inauguration.

A red carpet from the tarmac is drawn up to the terminal building. While the floral decoration for 1200 running feet with orchards, carnation, anthurium and etc, the hanging heliconia imported from Thailand will turn out to be a highlight of the inaugural. Apart from the stage measuring 600sft, the gallery is decked up with LED screens, sound system and seating arrangement for the VIPs and the audience.