Tirupati: On the eighth day, Monday, Lord Malayappa Swamy flanked by His two consorts took the celestial ride on the mammoth wooden chariot in the four mada streets of Tirumala on the penultimate day of Srivari annual Brahmotsavam. ‘Rathotsavam Kesavam Dristwa Punarjanma Na Vidhate’ meaning with just a glimpse of the Lord on Ratham, one will be free from all bonds and will have no rebirth.
The Kathopanishad describes affinity of the body and soul comparing with the car festival. The body is the chariot, discrimination is the charioteer, the senses are horses, the soul which is the spark of divinity within us is the traveller of the chariot. Among the important events during the nine-day Brahmotsavam, Rathotsavam is considered to be most splendid religious event that attracts the attention of pilgrims as in this the devotees are allowed to pull the chariot. The devotees pulled the strong ropes with all their energies and with devotional spirit chanting, ‘Govinda Govinda.’
The entire temple premises echoed with the Govinda Nama as thousands of pilgrims took part in this celestial event. It was a great visual treat to witness the procession of Lord Malayappa flanked by His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on the gigantic chariot. TTD chairman Dr Krishnamurthy, TTD EO Dr D. Sambasiva Rao, JEOs K.S. Sreenivasa Raju, Pola Bhaskar, CVSO G. Srinivas, TTD Trust Board Members A.V. Ramana, D.P. Anantha, Dr Hari Prasad, Sandra Venkata Veeraiah, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Krishnamurthy, Sekar, Narsa Reddy, Suchithra Ella, Ramachandra Reddy, Temple DyEO I. Rama Rao, Peishkar R. Selvam, TTD officials and devotees took part in the festivities.
