TIRUPATI: It was a sea of devout at Tirumala on Monday night with lakhs of pilgrims turning up to witness the glory of Lord Venkateswara riding Garuda Vahanam on the night of the fifth day of the Srivari Brahmotsavams.Entire Tirumala echoed with chants of Govinda Namams when the Lord set out from the Vahana Mandapam in a procession at 8 p.m., one hour before the normal commencement of the night procession.Earlier, Lord Malayappa Swamy was brought in a procession to Vahana Mandapam after Unjal Seva.It was followed by the procession of Sri Lakshmi Haram, Makara Kanti, Sahasra Namavali Haram and New Melchat Vastram to the Vahana Mandapam.Rare ornaments, which are normally adorn Mulavarulu in Srivari temple are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum to adorn Utsavavarulu on the occasion of Garuda Seva.The beauty of the Lord is enhanced with the rare ornaments.Sitting majestically on the shoulders of Garuda, His regular Vahanam, Lord Balaji, went out in a procession along the four Mada streets.It is the only occasion, when Garuda, who is counted foremost among the devotees of the Lord, shares the glory with Him today, when he too is decorated with precious ornaments and lakhs of devotees witnessing the procession also offer prayers to him along with Lord Venkateswara.With folded hands and the name of Lord Venkateswara on their lips, devotees prayed to the Lord of seven hills.Harathis were offered, songs hailing Lord Balaji were sung and devotees danced in ecstasy along the procession.Brahma the creator in an invisible form, led the procession from front with horses and elephants following behind.Cultural troupes had a field day as they got a chance to perform in the presence of Brahmanda Nayaka and His devotees.Security for the Garuda Seva was unprecedented.Expressing happiness over the large turnout of devotees from far and wide, TTD executive officer LV Subramanyam estimated the crowds to be around five lakh.TTD chairman K Bapiraju and board members were among those present.
Comments
0 comment