Malayappa Swamy taken out on Chinna Sesha, Hamsa Vahanams

Tirupati: Large numbers of devotees gathered along the four mada streets in Tirumala on Wednesday to witness Lord Malayappa Swamy’s processions on the Chinna Sesha Vahanam in the morning and Hamsa Vahanam at night on the second day of the Salakatla Brahmotsavams.

Lord Malayappa Swamy appeared as Sri Panduranga Swamy on the Chinna Sesha Vahanam, which is associated with Vasuki, the king of serpents. According to Vaishnava tradition, the Lord is considered the Sesha and the world the Sesha Bhuta. The vahana represents this relationship and is traditionally associated with family welfare and the spiritual benefits of Kundalini Yoga.

In the afternoon, Snapana Tirumanjanam was performed for Sri Malayappa Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. The ritual was conducted according to Vaikhanasa Agama traditions amid Vedic chants. The utsava idols were given a ceremonial bath with milk, curd, coconut water, honey, turmeric and sandalwood paste.

The deities were specially decorated with garlands made of cardamom, vettiver, dry grapes, almonds, pistachios, turmeric, lotus and nandivardhanam flowers, along with rose petals. TTD Veda Parayanadars recited Upanishad, Dashashanti, Purusha Sukta, Sri Sukta, Bhu Sukta, Neela Sukta and Vishnu Sukta mantras during the ritual.

The Snapana Tirumanjanam was followed by Unjal Seva in the evening. The day’s events culminated with the Hamsa Vahanam procession at night. Hamsa, the divine swan, is considered a symbol of intellectual prowess, and the Lord’s ride on it is believed to signify His supreme knowledge and the importance of education.

Cultural programmes were held along the four mada streets as part of the Brahmotsavams. About 430 artists from 10 states presented traditional art forms, including Krishnaleela Tarangini Nritya Rupakam, Kathakali, Bortal dance of Assam, Jhoomer of West Bengal and the umbrella dance of Tripura, in front of the Chinna Sesha Vahanam.