History of Sila
from web site
History of Silathoranam
History of Silathoranam: The Natural Wonder of Tirumala
When people think of Tirumala, the first image that comes to mind is the sacred temple of Lord Venkateswara. But hidden within its serene hills lies another treasure—Silathoranam, a natural rock arch that is as fascinating scientifically as it is spiritually.
What Is Silathoranam?
Silathoranam, literally translated as “rock garland” in Telugu, is a unique natural arch found only in Tirumala. It resembles a stone gateway carved by nature itself, standing about 8 meters wide and 3 meters high. Unlike many natural formations that crumble with time, this arch has stood firm for ages, silently narrating stories of geology, mythology, and devotion.
Geological History of Silathoranam
The Silathoranam rock formation is composed of quartzite, belonging to the Nagari Quartzite of the Cuddapah Supergroup. This makes the rocks extremely old—dating back to the Proterozoic era, with the underlying base tracing to the Archaean age, spanning millions to billions of years.
What makes it truly unique is its location near the Eparchaean Unconformity, one of India’s most celebrated geological boundaries. This unconformity represents a time gap of nearly 800 million years, showcasing the vastness of Earth’s evolutionary history.
Geologists estimate the arch formation itself to be around 2.5 million years old, created by weathering, erosion, and natural sculpting forces.
