Rathotsavam Marks Penultimate Day of Tiruchanoor Karthika Brahmotsavams

Tirupati: The idol of Sri Padmavathi Devi was taken out in a procession on the mammoth wooden chariot of Ammavaru on the penultimate day of the annual Karthika Brahmotsavams in Tiruchanoor on Friday morning.

The Goddess was seated inside the chariot in Her divine glory while the procession went through the temple streets amidst singing of Vedic hymns, Mangala Vayidyam and performances by various artists.

Earlier in the day before dawn, priests performed the sacrificial rituals to the wooden chariot. The massive chariot was then to the Ratha Mandapam, the starting point of the chariot-ride.

This was followed by the magnificent “Ratharohanam.” A sea of devotees turned up to pull the massive wooden chariot along the four mada streets, chanting the Goddess' divine names. Eager devotees vied with one another to pull the chariot and catch a glimpse of the bejewelled deity, dressed in a pearl-embellished saree.

As per tradition, devotees hurled rock salt and pepper at the chariot, believing it will cure them of illnesses.

In the evening, Goddess Padmavathi was taken in a procession around the temple on the gold-gilded “Aswa Vahanam.” The goddess dazzled in colourful silks and glittering jewellery.

The Karthika Brahmotsavam festivities will conclude on Saturday with Panchami Theertham.

TTD board chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy and local MLA Dr. Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy were among those present at the celebrations.