Golden Chariot Glitters as Devotees Celebrate Navaratri Brahmotsavam in Tirumala

Tirupati: The penultimate day of the Navahnika Navaratri Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala saw a spectacular procession featuring the processional deities atop the Swarna Ratham, or golden chariot. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness this grand spectacle, offering their prayers to Lord Malayappa Swamy and his two consorts.

The utsava murtis, adorned with dazzling ornaments, were carried in a ceremonial procession from the main temple to the Ratha mandapam near the shrine on Sunday morning. After a brief ritual, the deities were placed on the golden chariot, which gleamed in the morning sun.

What made this occasion even more unique was the participation of women devotees who had the privilege of pulling the Swarna Ratham. In accordance with age-old traditions, the deities were carried on the golden chariot in the second Brahmotsavam (Navaratri Brahmotsavam), while the grand wooden chariot of the Lord is paraded only once a year.

The golden chariot, beautifully adorned with flowers and ornate decorations, carried Lord Malayappa and his consorts on a journey through the four mada streets around the hill shrine. Devotees lined the route, chanting ‘Govinda, Govinda,’ as the divine procession passed by, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.

In the night, thousands of people gathered to witness the grand ‘Aswa Vahanam’ procession. During this event, Lord Malayappa appeared in his Rajamannar rupam, wielding a sword and exuding valour and majesty. This marked the culmination of the vahana sevas as part of the nine-day-long festivities, during which Lord Venkateswara Swamy graced devotees from sixteen different carriers.

The ‘Aswa Vahanam’ procession holds a special place in the Brahmotsavams, as it signifies the Kalki avatar of Lord Venkateswara. Kalki is revered as a protector of the righteous and a vanquisher of evil in Kaliyuga, making it one of the most cherished forms of the Lord. The Aswa, being the only living creature to witness the love story between the Lord and his consorts, serves as a reminder to all to steer clear of the Kali-dosha (age of vice) and to continually offer prayers and sing the keertanas of Lord Venkateswara to ward off the impact of wrongdoing.