K M Dayashankar
TIRUMALA, JULY 21, 2024: The Pournami Garuda Seva was observed at Tirumala on the auspicious day of Guru Poornima on Sunday (July 21) with religious fervour and gaiety.
On this occasion, the presiding deity Malayappa Swamy adorned with ornaments and regalia, took a celestial ride on Garuda vahanam from 7 pm to 9 pm on the Mada streets of Tirumala to bless his devotees.
The procession begun from Vahana mandapam where Lord Malayappa mounts his devotee Garuda. The streets of Tirumala were filled with large number of devotees who eagerly await the sight of their beloved deity. As the procession started, the devotees lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Lord Malayappa and offer their prayers.
As the Vahanaseva, or the act of carrying the deity on a vahana (vehicle) is considered a visual delight for all the devotees present, the atmosphere was filled with the chanting of Govinda namasmarans, which are the only names of Lord Vishnu. Artists of various cultural forms and traditional acts also participated in the procession.
Chathurmasa Vratham commences
The Chaturmasa Vrata Deeksha of senior and junior pontiffs of Tirumala commenced on a sacred note on Sunday. Following the tradition Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swamy followed by Sri Chinna Jeeyar and other disciples started from Pedda Jeeyar Mutt located adjacent to Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple. It reached Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple and offered prayers.
At the Mahadwaram of Srivari temple, the Jeeyar duo were offered a traditional welcome by TTD EO J Syamala Rao and JEO Veerabrahmam. After offering prayers, at Ranganayakula Mandapam Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swamy was offered ”Melchat” while his deputy with ”Ulchat” Vastram. Temple DyEO Lokanatham was also present.
