TIRUPATI: In a divine interlude that drew lakhs of devotees from across India, Lord Venkateswara rode on the Garuda Vahanam on Friday on the fifth day of the annual Brahmotsavams.
The sacred hill-top town had been enveloped in a sea of devotees right from the break of dawn. The devout remained seated throughout the day in the galleries lining the four mada streets despite inclement weather.
Fearing limited space and unprecedented restrictions on pilgrim movement, many pilgrims chose to remain in the galleries following the Mohini Avataram procession in the morning. Garuda Vahana Seva commenced in the evening amid resounding chants of Garuda Vahana Govinda.
Devotees could witness the processional deity adorned with rare and precious jewels, including the diamond-studded golden crown, centuries-old Makara Kanti and Lakshmi Kasula Haram, and the Venkateswara Sahasra Nama Mala. A palm-sized emerald, which graced the idol's chest, became the focal point of admiration for all in attendance.
According to the ancient legend, Garuda, the eagle, is Lord Vishnu's favourite vehicle. It is strongly believed that witnessing the Universal deity on Garuda can bestow blessings, cleanse sins, and bring good fortune.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and executive office A.V. Dharma Reddy personally supervised the arrangements and the Garuda Vahanam procession. They ensured that the celestial vehicle halted before each gallery, ensuring a delightful darshan for devotees who had waited for hours on the four mada streets.
Every inch of mada streets got filled with pilgrims from the early hours. The galleries, with a capacity of approximately 1.69 lakh devotees, transformed into open-air auditoriums for the procession.
Over one lakh pilgrims outside the galleries witnessed the procession on giant LED screens. To ensure devotees’ comfort, TTD organised continuous distribution of food, water and beverages.
Joint efforts of TTD’s vigilance and security wing and police ensured a secure environment, preventing any untoward incident during the grand celebration. Medical teams stationed throughout Tirumala provided free medicines, with paramedical teams and ambulances on standby at every corner of the mada streets for responding to emergencies.
