Goda Devi’s Sacred Garlands Reach Tirumala for Garuda Seva
The tradition of adorning Malayappa Swamy with garlands offered to Goda Devi at Srivilliputhur during Garuda Seva has been followed for generations.
Tirupati: Sacred garlands of Goda Devi from Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu reached Tirumala on Friday to adorn Sri Malayappa Swamy during the Garuda Vahana Seva on Saturday evening as part of the ongoing Salakatla Brahmotsavams.
The garlands were taken to Pedda Jeeyar Mutt near the Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple, where special pujas were performed under the guidance of Pedda Jeeyar Swamy and Chinna Jeeyar Swamy.
They were later taken in a ceremonial procession through the four mada streets, accompanied by traditional mangala vadyam, before being brought to the Srivari temple.
The two garlands, Andal Mala and Shikhamani Mala, are traditionally prepared and offered by two florist families from Srivilliputhur, around 650 km from Tirupati.
The tradition of adorning Malayappa Swamy with garlands offered to Goda Devi at Srivilliputhur during Garuda Seva has been followed for generations.
According to temple tradition, Goda Devi, daughter of Periyalvar, was deeply devoted to Sri Rangamannar Swamy.
She would first wear the garland prepared for the deity before offering it to Him.
Devotees believe Sri Ranganatha accepted the garlands worn by Goda Devi after recognising her devotion.
Goda Devi is also revered as an incarnation of Bhudevi, one of the divine consorts of Lord Venkateswara.
Meanwhile, the Chennai-based Hindu Dharmartha Samiti brought nine ceremonial umbrellas to Tirumala for Garuda Seva.
Trustee R.R. Gopalji handed them over to TTD executive officer Muddada Ravichandra, additional EO C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary and other officials.
The trust has been presenting the ceremonial umbrellas during Brahmotsavams for the 22nd consecutive year.