Tirupati: Sri Padmavathi Devi Ammavaru of the Tiruchanoor Temple rode Her mammoth wooden chariot through the Mada streets as part of the Rathotsavam on the penultimate day of the annual Karthika Brahmotsavams on Thursday morning.
With the idol of Padmavathi Devi adorned in a pearl-embellished saree sat gracefully inside the richly decorated Ratham, the chariot proceeded along the temple streets amidst chanting of Vedic hymns, melodies of Mangala Vayidyam and captivating performances by artists.
The penultimate day of Karthika Brahmotsavams began in the early hours with priests conducting rituals to sanctify the chariot. Priests then brought the Deity to the Ratha Mandapam, the starting point of the ceremonial chariot ride. Ratharohanam ceremony followed, during which thousands of devotees gathered to pull the colossal chariot through the four Mada streets, fervently chanting the divine names of the Goddess.
Devotees threw rock salt and pepper at the chariot, believing the mixture crushed under the Ratham’s wheels would cure ailments.
As the day transitioned to evening, Goddess Padmavathi, radiating in vibrant silk attire and exquisite jewellery, rode the Aswa Vahanam, the gold-gilded carrier symbolising a horse. This marked the final Vahana Seva of the nine-day Brahmotsavams.
The Tiruchanoor festivities will conclude on Friday with the sacred Srivari Sare procession starting from Tirumala. Passing through several key locations, including Alipiri and Komalamma Satram, it will reach the Pasupu Mandapam in Tiruchanur. Abhishekam for the Goddess at the Panchami Teertha Mandapam will mark the conclusion of the Karthika Brahmotsavams.
TTD executive officer J. Shyamala Rao, additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary and SP L. Subba Rayudu are supervising the arrangements. Shyamala Rao said food will be served to devotees along the route from Tirupati to Tiruchanur.
SP Subba Rayudu said over 1,200 police personnel are being deployed to ensure safety during the celebrations.
