TIRUMALA, OCTOBER 16, 2026: The most important of Vahana Sevas, the Garuda Vahana Seva, was held with religious fervour, during which Sri Malayappa Swamy, the processional deity of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, took out a celestial ride on the mighty Garuda Vahanam on the fifth day evening of the ongoing Navaratri Brahmotsavams on Friday evening.
Grandeur and devotion marked the Garuda Seva, as tens of thousands of devotees gathered to witness the celestial procession. The deity was adorned with rare and precious jewellery, including the Makara Kanti, five-layered Lakshmi Kasula Haram, Sahasra Namavali Haram and a diamond-studded golden crown, besides the Sankhu and Chakram and other traditional ornaments steeped in temple lore.
Undeterred by the sudden rains, the devotees thronged in large numbers. All the 221 galleries around four mada streets surrounding the temple were filled with pilgrims.
Legends say that Garuda, the King of Aves and favourite charioteer of Sri Mahavishnu (Sri Venkateswara), is
considered the most respected and most sought-after follower of His Master. The darshan of Srivaru on Garuda vahanam is strongly believed to be very auspicious, which fulfils the desires of all His devotees. The devotees who were waiting on the inner ring road formed queues in all the corners and were provided darshan.
As part of the ongoing Srivari Navaratri Brahmotsavams in Tirumala, TTD Executive Officer Sri Muddada Ravichandra inspected the arrangements along four mada streets made for the Garuda Seva on Friday.
Later, in the afternoon, TTD Additional Executive Officer Sri Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary also inspected the facilities provided to devotees in the galleries.
The officials said that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that every devotee has a comfortable darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and a clear view of the Garuda Vahana Seva.
They added that annaprasadam, drinking water and buttermilk are being distributed to devotees in a planned manner, while special attention is being paid to cleanliness and sanitation.
The officials also interacted with devotees who had arrived from different parts of the country and ascertained their feedback on the facilities.
The devotees expressed immense satisfaction with the arrangements made by TTD and especially complimented the services of Srivari Sevaks.
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