Devotional ecstasy marks Garuda Seva in Tirumala

An overwhelming tide of devotion swept across the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara on Friday as the spectacular Garuda Seva, the centrepiece of the annual Brahmotsavams, drew tens of thousands of pilgrims, turning the fifth day of the celestial festivities into a magnificent confluence of faith and religious fervour.

Lord Malayappa Swamy, adorned with an exquisite array of priceless traditional jewellery, was taken in a grand procession around the four Mada Streets on the resplendent golden Garuda Vahanam.

The celestial spectacle triggered waves of devotional ecstasy, with pilgrims breaking into fervent chants in the praise of Lord as the procession commenced from the Vahana Mandapam.

The galleries and thoroughfares circumambulating the temple were packed to capacity by evening, with devotees arriving hours in advance to secure vantage points to catch a glimpse of the processional deity. Undeterred by intermittent showers that lashed the hill town from the afternoon, they stood their ground, offering ‘harati’ as the golden vahanam made its passage through the crowded streets.

TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra and Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary monitored the arrangements, inspecting the galleries in turns, alongside senior officials and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of food and drinking water. The authorities also drew encouragement from the positive feedback received from pilgrims on the facilities provided.

In the evening, the golden Lakshmi Kasula Mala, Saligrama Haram and centuries-old Makara Kanti, along with other precious ornaments, were ceremonially brought from the main temple to the Vahana Mandapam in a grand procession to adorn the deity.

Several private Mutts atop the town, supplemented the TTD’s logistical efforts by supplying thousands of food packets, which were collected and distributed among pilgrims by the temple administration.

Earlier in the morning, Lord Malayappa Swamy, attired as Mohini alankaram, captivated devotees during the procession on the magnificent ivory palanquin, providing an elegant prelude to the day’s principal event.

To accommodate the massive influx of devotees and enable more pilgrims to witness the celestial spectacle, the TTD extended the Garuda Seva procession well into the night, ensuring that intermittent rain proved no match for the fervour of the faithful.