Gulte Movie News And Politics
The man behind one of the most familiar portraits of Lord Venkateswara Swamy is no more. Artist S. M. Srinivasan, also known as M. Sreenivasen, has passed away at the age of 86.
For decades, his iconic paintings of Lord Balaji have been part of millions of Hindu households across India and abroad. His artwork became so popular that many devotees associate the image of Tirupati Balaji with his paintings.
Born in Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, Srinivasan developed an interest in painting at a young age. He received training under renowned artist C. Kondaiah Raju, who played a major role in shaping his artistic skills.
Around 1970, Srinivasan reportedly received a rare opportunity to observe Lord Venkateswara’s idol inside the Tirumala temple. He later created two famous versions of the deity, depicting the Lord in his richly decorated form and his natural form.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) approved his paintings, which were later widely circulated through calendars, posters and framed pictures.
Over the years, his artwork became a familiar sight in homes and temples, allowing devotees to feel connected to Lord Venkateswara even from far away. Though Srinivasan lived away from the limelight, his paintings earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions of devotees.
