The sacred hills of Tirumala were abuzz with devotion as lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the magnificent Garuda Seva of Sri Malayappa Swamy during the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams on Tuesday. The fifth day of Brahmotsavams saw the celestial procession of Lord Venkateswara in his divine form as Malayappa Swamy, riding majestically on Garuda, his eagle carrier.
Devotees from all across India flocked to Tirumala, transforming the temple town into a sea of humanity, showcasing the immense reverence and faith the Lord commands, as per a report on The Hindu. The air was filled with chants of "Govinda...Govinda," as the spiritual energy reached new heights.
Garuda Vahana Seva
Garuda Vahana Seva is considered one of the most significant and auspicious events in the Brahmotsavams. Garuda, the majestic eagle, symbolises absolute devotion and servitude and serves as the preferred charioteer of Sri Venkateswara. This procession represents the profound connection between the deity and his devotees with the darshan of Srivaru on Garuda Vahanam believed to fulfil the deepest desires of the faithful.
Legends portray Garuda as the King of Aves and the most trusted follower of Lord Vishnu. The sight of Lord Venkateswara on Garuda during this special occasion is said to bring divine blessings and prosperity to those who witness it.
Key figures in attendance included TTD EO J Syamala Rao, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, JEOs Goutami and Veerabrahmam, and CVSO Sridhar, among other officials. The temple town wore a festive and spiritual glow, as devotees offered prayers with unwavering devotion during this celestial celebration.
The Brahmotsavam celebrations come after a major controversy where Andhra Pradesh government accused previous YRCP-led government of using substandard ghee with alleged presence of animal fat for the making of laddu prasadam.
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