Tirupati: On the fifth day evening, on Friday, as a part of the ongoing Srivari Sallakatla Brahmotsavams, Lord Venkateswara took celestial ride on His most favourite vehicle, Garuda Vahanam, in all His splendor and majesty. “Kapilaksham Garutmantam Suvarna Sadrusa Prabham Dirghabahum Brihatskandham Vande Nagangabhushanam” Garuda — the divine bird is the King of aves with gigantic Golden Wings and he is often revered as the ‘Soul of Vedas’ in Hindu mythology.
In Garuda Panchakshari Mantri, there are only five letters, so the festival of Garuda is hailed as Panchavarna Rahasya, is being performed on fifth day. In this connection, the Garuda Seva is performed on the fifth day during Brahmotsavams. The divine bird is blessed to serve His beloved Master in different forms during annual Brahmotsavams. Garuda stands on the temple flag post. He serves Lord as carrier. The grand event ends by descending the Garuda flag on the last day. Even as the Garuda Vahana Seva commenced on the pleasant evening on Friday, the entire Tirumala echoed with Edukondalavada Venkataramana Govinda Govinda that emanated out of the devotion filled voices of lakhs of pilgrims who converged to catch a glimpse of Lord Malayappa Swamy on His favourite carrier. Over five lakh people have witnessed this mega religious fete in the hill town which is filled with spiritual fervour, joy and pomp.
TTD chairman Ch. Krishnamurthy, TTD EO Dr D. Sambasiva Rao, JEOs K.S. Sreenivasa Raju, Pola Bhaskar, TTD Trust Board members A.V. Ramana, D.P. Anantha, Sandra Venkata Veeraiah, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Krishnamurthy, Sekar, Narsa Reddy, Smt Suchitra Ella, temple DyEO Rama Rao, Peishkar R Selvam, TTD officials and devotees took part.
