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Goddess Padmavathi takes celestial ride on Kalpavriksha Vahanam

Tirupati: The annual Karthika Brahmotsavams in Tiruchanoor reached a divine zenith on Sunday as devotees witnessed Sri Padmavathi Devi Ammavaru taking a celestial ride atop the Kalpavriksha Vahanam on the fourth day of the grand festival.

The Kalpavriksha, a divine wish-fulfilling tree that emerged during the Ksheera Sagara Madhanam alongside Goddess Lakshmi, holds special significance as a sibling of Lakshmi. Devotees believe that praying to the goddess during this celestial ride fulfils their wishes. Ammavaru, seated on the golden Kalpavriksha Vahanam, gracefully circled the temple’s four mada streets, captivating devotees with her celestial presence.
Later in the evening, the goddess was placed atop the Hanumanta Vahanam for a procession around the mada streets. Hanuman, the devoted follower of Lord Rama and Sita, was honoured with the opportunity to carry the goddess on his vehicle during this sacred occasion.
In addition to the ongoing Brahmotsavams, the 'Lakshmi Kasula Haram,' one of the most prized jewels in the Lord Venkateswara temple’s treasure, will be adorned on Goddess Padmavathi Devi on Monday evening during the Gaja Vahana Seva.
This intricate jewel, consisting of 500 coins embossed with the image of Mahalakshmi, is traditionally worn by Sri Malayappa Swamy during the Garuda Seva in Tirumala. The jewel will be transported with tight security from Tirumala to Tiruchanoor and placed on the goddess during her celestial ride on the Gaja Vahanam, symbolising the divine connection between the deities.

Photo caption: 1TPT4A-D: Sri Padmavati Devi, adorned as Rajamannar, blessed devotees atop the Kalpavriksha Vahanam on the fourth day of the Karthika Brahmotsavam at Tiruchanoor on Sunday.
IndiGo airlines resumes direct Mumbai-Tirupati flight service

Tirupati: IndiGo Airlines has reinstated its direct flight connecting Tirupati to Mumbai, marking a milestone in enhancing air connectivity between the temple city and India’s financial capital. The inaugural flight, equipped with 186 seats, took off from Tirupati airport on Sunday.
This service positions Tirupati as a critical travel hub, catering to both pilgrims and business travellers.
According to Tirupati Airport Director M Srinivasa Rao, the Mumbai-Tirupati flight will depart from Mumbai at 5:30 am, arriving in Tirupati at 7:15 am. The return flight will leave Tirupati at 7:45 am, reaching Mumbai at 9:25 am.
This direct flight is expected to improve accessibility for devotees visiting the sacred temple of Lord Venkateswara, while fostering commerce and cultural exchange between the two cities.
The initiative was made possible through the combined efforts of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy played a key role by persistently raising the issue with the Civil Aviation Ministry, ensuring the launch within five months. Tirupati MP Dr Maddila Gurumurthy has also been actively advocating for increased connectivity from Tirupati Airport.



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