TIRUPATI: It was fun and frolic at the ancient Paruveta Mandapam on Friday when Sri Malayappa was taken out on a hunting safari. The hunting expedition usually is observed on Kanuma festival every year. Navarathri Brahmotsavams occured in Adhika Masa while the mock hunt festival is observed on the day after the conclusion of the annual fete.
Paruveta Mandapam is situated near Gogarbham dam about two kilometres from the temple. Thousands of devotees took part in the mock hunting jubilations organised in connection with the Kanuma festival. The processional deity of Lord Malayappa dressed in the royal robes of a King hunter was taken out to the venue in a grand procession which passed through the thick woods. The deity was armed with the panchayudhas including gada, khadga, sankhu, chakra and bana befitting the occasion.
The priests threw silver spears at a wild beast tied to the bushes as if the Lord is hunting them. The pilgrims thoroughly enjoyed the fete. Later the Lord returned to the temple. TTD Chairman Putta Sudhakar Yadav, Temple DyEO Haridranath, Peishkar Ramesh, Parpathyedar Ramachandra and devotees took part.
