Tirupati: On the third day of the Srivari Navaratri Brahmotsavams on Friday morning, Lord Sri Malayappa Swamy dressed as Yoga Narayana blessed devotees from his ferocious golden Simha Vahanam.
As part of the ceremony, the processional deity, adorned with dazzling and precious ornaments, was taken in a procession atop the Simha Vahanam, enthralling devotees gathered in large numbers around the four mada streets to witness the Vahana Seva.
According to the mythology, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Mrugendrudu (most ferocious and strong among the animals- Lion) is an indication of the Lord in a powerful avatar to punish the wrong doers in the universe and protect the righteous, the poor and the weaker sections of the society. In Yoga shastra – a Lion is seen as an embodiment of power and speed. The valour of Lord Venkateswara, who had made such an animal his vehicle, is thus displayed in abundance. The day came to an end with the procession of Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam in the night.
During the procession, Lord Venkateswara appears before his devotees on a vehicle decorated with priceless and resplendent pearls which spread the message of peace, love and co-existence in the society. Legend says that pearls, a produce of the sea, is formed when the dew and rain drop into the pearl chip in the ocean. Meanwhile, the pilgrim crowd which was less during the last two days picked up moderately as thousands turned out in the morning to witness the divine procession.
Later in the evening, the temple management conducted Unjal seva at the Sahasra Deepalankara Seva Mandapam. The processional deity, along with his two divine consorts, was put on a silver swing and rocked gently.
