On the seventh vibrant day of the annual Brahmotsavams, Tuesday witnessed a magnificent display as Lord Malayappa graced the devotees aboard the radiant Surya Prabha Vahanam. This divine procession is a highlight of the festival, drawing immense crowds.
The processional deity of Lord Malayappa, resplendent in the sacred attire of Lord Badrinarayana, embarked on a grand tour around the sacred hill shrine. This spectacular sight provided a truly unforgettable visual feast for the multitude of devotees who eagerly lined the mada streets.
Profound spiritual significance is attributed to the ‘vahana seva’. It is widely believed that receiving the Lord’s darshan (sacred viewing) during this event bestows abundant health and prosperity upon the devotees, as the Sun God is revered as the ultimate dispeller of illness and a source of vital energy and well-being.
During a media briefing, TTD PRO T. Ravi proudly highlighted the exceptional dedication of the Srivari Sevaks on the preceding Garuda Seva day, noting that their tireless efforts had earned widespread praise from the grateful devotees. Approximately 3,500 sevaks worked diligently to ensure that every single devotee in the galleries received complimentary food packets, refreshing beverages, and essential drinking water at regular intervals.
The Special Officer (catering), Sastry, further elaborated on the massive undertaking, confirming that over 9.28 lakh food packets were distributed among pilgrims, alongside 6.27 lakh cups of beverages and 4.36 lakh biscuit packets, all on the auspicious day of Garuda Seva alone.
The afternoon festivities were marked by the second ‘Snapana Thirumanjanam’ ritual for the deities. This ceremonial bath took place at the Ranganayakula mandapam, which was exquisitely decorated with a vibrant array of colorful orchids and fragrant blossoms. The intricate garlands adorning the deities were crafted from a unique combination of dry fruits, kiwi, pineapple, ‘vatteveru’, cloves, fragrant roses, and sacred tulasi leaves.
As evening descended, the traditional ‘mirasidars’ of the Kalyanakatta meticulously affixed the golden umbrella atop the majestic wooden chariot, in preparation for the much-anticipated ‘Rathotsavam’ (chariot procession) scheduled for Wednesday.
The day’s extensive celebrations culminated with the enchanting procession of the ‘Chandraprabha Vahanam’ under the night sky, followed by a series of other sacred rituals conducted at the ‘yagasala’ within the temple precincts.