Govindaraja Swamy Rathotsavam in Tirupati Draws Thousands
Festivities continued on Saturday evening with the Unjal Seva from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the divine Ashwa Vahanam procession between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Nellore: The streets of Tirupati echoed with resounding chants of ‘Govinda, Govinda’ as thousands of devotees participated in the magnificent Rathotsavam of Lord Sri Govindaraja Swamy on Saturday, the eighth day of the annual Brahmotsavams.
The grand chariot procession commenced at 5:40 am and passed through the historic thoroughfares of Karnala and Beri Streets apart from Gandhi Road before returning to the temple’s ratha mandapam. Devotees enthusiastically pulled the richly decorated chariot amid a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Along the procession route, devotees offered coconuts, performed camphor aarti, and sought the blessings of the presiding deity. Temple authorities underlined that the Rathotsavam is not merely a ceremonial procession but conveys a profound spiritual message. Drawing from ancient philosophy, the chariot symbolises the human body, soul rider, intellect the charioteer, mind the reins, and senses the horses. Rathotsavam festival thus serves as a reminder of self-realisation and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom.
Following the procession, authorities organised a grand Snapana Tirumanjanam for Sri Govindaraja Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, and the utsava idols of Nammalwar. Priests ceremonially bathed the deities with milk, curd, honey, sandalwood paste, and a variety of fruit juices.
Festivities continued on Saturday evening with the Unjal Seva from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the divine Ashwa Vahanam procession between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Prominent religious heads, including the Pedda Jeeyar Swamy and Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, TTD Board member G. Bhanu Prakash Reddy, Srivari Sevaks, temple officials, police personnel, and a large number of devotees participated in the celebrations.
As part of the Brahmotsavams, the grand Chakrasnanam will be held at Kapilatheertham on Sunday morning. The procession carrying the deities and Chakrathalwar will leave the temple at 6 a.m., culminating in the sacred ritual between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., marking the spiritual finale of the annual Brahmotsavams.