Vahana Sevas Begin With Pedda Sesha Vahanam in Tirumala
Sri Malayappa Swamy’s procession draws thousands of devotees along Tirumala’s Mada streets
The day started with morning rituals, followed by a procession of the lord with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on a golden palanquin. The procession of deities, dressed in rich silk clothes, floral garlands and diamond-studded ornaments, drew a swarm of devotees to the galleries and the mada streets.
The traditional Dhwajarohanam was later performed inside the hill shrine.
In the evening, Sri Malayappa Swamy appeared on the Pedda Sesha Vahanam for the first official Vahana procession. The Vahana was decorated with ornaments, while cultural groups accompanying the procession presented the traditional dances, kolatam, bhajans and drum performances.
The Pedda Sesha Vahanam is associated with Dhyana Bhakti and Dasya Bhakti. In Hindu tradition, Sesha is regarded as the thousand-hooded serpent Adi Sesha, who serves Lord Vishnu as a resting place in the milky ocean. His hoods are also described as providing an umbrella and shelter to the Lord.
According to legend, Adi Sesha was given the responsibility of bearing the Earth on his head. The Vahana used during Brahmotsavams has seven hoods, symbolising the seven hills of Lord Venkateswara.
The festival traditionally begins with this procession, reflecting the association of Sesha with Lord Vishnu.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu participated in the vahana seva along with his wife Bhuvaneswari, son and minister Lokesh and daughter-in-law Brahmini. Endowments minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, revenue minister Anagani Satya Prasad, TTD board chairman B.R. Naidu, executive officer Muddada Ravichandra, additional EO Venkaiah Chowdary and others were also present.
