Yesterday, 9 March 2014, Vijaya varusha Masi Mrugaseerusham; was the 6th day of Tirupaliyodai Tirunal and NamPerumal emerged on Yanai vahanam at 8.00p.m.Usualy the gait of an elephant is slow and elegant and referred to as Gajagathi. An elephant like the cow is an auspicious animal and is often compared to Perumal. An elephant makes the old and the young happy and attracts attention. Perumal always invites a second look. An elephant sits down to seat the mahout, Perumal bends down for His devotees. What does one do when both get together? The crowds around the vahana mandapam and in every nook and corner of Utthira Veedhi waited with bated breath to see their Perumal on the huge silver yanai vahanam.
One would imagine an elephant to walk slowly but this elaphant carried by devotees carrying Rangaraja held carefully by Bhattar swami dressed in colourful turban and another priest in white flowing robes holding the royal golden umbrella ran so fast that it was difficult to keep pace. The old and the young ran along and everyone cheered when the round was completed. At 10.00 p.m. there was exchange of garlands at Ul Andal sannidhi. He reached Moolasthanam after the garland exchange was done. There will be no purappadu in the morning tomorrow the 7th day.
Writeup & Photography : Vyjayanthi Sundararajan
