Summary:
By: Sandeep RaghavanTIRUMALA: Lakhs of devotees witnessed the majestic procession of Lord Malayappa Swamy when the idol was brought out of the Vahana Mandapam on the Suryaprabha Vahanam, at Tirumala on Wednesday. The Sun God himself was the Lord’s charioteer on the 7th day of the annual Brahmotsavam festivities.To bring new light into the world and dispel the sins of his devotees, Lord Malayappa Swamy, majestically seated atop the glittering Suryaprabha Vahanam, entered the four Mada streets. The chariot proceeded amid thunderous chants of Govindanamas by lakhs of devotees assembled around the main temple complex.Garlands made of jasmine flowers, laced with red and orange Kanakambaram, and roses adorned the processional deity. The procession of the Lord, amid the alluring breeze atop the hill shrine, was cynosure of all eyes witnessing the processions.Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams executive officer, Anil Kumar Singhal, KS Sreenivasa Raju, JEO of the Devasthanam, CVSO T Siva Kumar Reddy, trust board members also took part in the Brahmotsavam festivities at Tirumala on Wednesday. There is a firm belief that ‘one is provided with a long life and is relieved of all illness’ by taking part in the Suryaprabha Vahanam, and hence the procession saw a huge turnout.Lord Malayappa Swamy, in all his grandeur, and in the guise of Lord Venugopala Swamy, stepped out of the Vahana Mandapam atop the Chandraprabha Vahanam in the evening.According to the holy Hindu scriptures, ‘Chandra’ or the Moon represents promotion of medicinal values among living beings, and holds great significance in the several processions held at Tirumala..