Vijaya Masi Kritthikai, Friday the 7th of March 2014. was an important day in the SriRangam calendar. Nam Perumal came on the silver Garuda mount in the evening of 5th day of Tirupaliyodai Tirunal. He was in Kasukadai Chettiar Mandapam in Thathachariar gardens from noon and left inVelli (silver) Garuda vahanam at 6.00 p.m.There are four Garuda sevas for NamPerumal in a year that is in Thai, Masi, Panguni and Chitrai. Masi alone silver Garuda sevai takes place. SriRangam is associated with Sukra and white silk is a favourite offering and silver is in profuse use. Silver Velli Garuda on a Vellikizhamai is a significant occurence. Clad in yellow silk with a broad red zari border with wings spread in both directions and claws and feet nails painted red with head tilted and right foot held up and palms opened wide with cushions to hold NamPerumal’s Tiruvadis, Periya Tiruvadi was a picture of handsomeness. Garuthman is the personification of The Vedas, who is the vahana of Vishnu known for His speed. Swami Vedantha Desikan’s Garuda Dandakam gives us some idea of Garuda’s speed while flying. But Garuda moved slowly to please the lovers of Ranganatha.
SriRangam streets were packed with devotees who had come to have a look at their Perumal atop the silver Garuda. They waited patiently ascertaining now and then about NamPerumal’s whereabouts. As the elephant Andal was seen the crowd grew expectant. Hari the horse followed as also the men carrying sankhu chakra Tiruman posts, two white umbrellas followed by the arulachezyal goshti and NamPerumal could be seen at a good height. As He came close to us we spotted His white silkveshti with green zari border covered with garlands and the golden umbrella held above His crown. But it seemed as if He was more interested in promoting His devotee that is why Garudan caught our attention more than His Master very much like a proud parent carrying his child for everyone to see. The nadhaswaram players accompanied Him all through the route entertaining one and all with their beautiful notes and everyone returned home with satisfaction.
Masi Velli Garudan Videos :
http://youtu.be/TzpDjzuCa3M
Writeup & Photography : Vyjayanthi and Sundararajan
