Goddess Padmavathi Devi Shines on Suryaprabha Vahanam

Tirupati: On the seventh morning of the ongoing annual Karthika Brahmotsavams, Goddess Padmavathi Devi Ammavaru was adorned as Govardhana Giridhari and mounted on the Suryaprabha Vahanam at the Tiruchanoor temple near Tirupati on Wednesday. The Goddess blessed the devotees along the four Mada streets of the temple amidst the chanting of mangala Vaydyam.

The Suryaprabha Vahanam holds a unique significance among all vahana sevas during the festival. The Sun God, symbolising the controller of the universe, is revered as Trayimaya, representing the essence of the three Vedas—Rig, Yajur, and Sama.

Ancient scriptures vividly describe the grandeur of the Sun God's chariot, with a massive carriage estimated to be 36,00,000 yojanas (28.8 million miles) in length and 9,00,000 yojanas (7.2 million miles) in width. Travelling at an astonishing speed of 2,000 yojanas and two krosas (16,004 miles) in a moment, the Sun God traverses an immense distance daily, reflecting the divine architecture of the cosmos.

According to legends, the Sun God, drawn by seven horses and guided by his charioteer Aruna, is regarded as the harbinger of life. Devotees believe that a glimpse of the Goddess on Suryaprabha Vahanam grants good health, longevity, and relief from ailments.

Later in the evening, Goddess Padmavathi Devi graced the Chandraprabha Vahanam. The Moon God, Chandra, is revered in Hindu mythology as a symbol of the mind and emotions, complementing the Sun’s representation of the soul. Ancient beliefs associate the moon with fostering the growth of medicinal plants and vegetation. Through her divine presence on the Chandraprabha Vahanam, the Goddess conveyed a message of universal prosperity, signifying that her blessings ensure the health and well-being of all creation.