The procession of Lord Venkateswara on the seventh day of Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam atop the Suryaprabha Vahanam was an enthralling experience to all the devotees. The Tirumala deity rides atop a vehicle adorned by Surya, the sun god, who was the key architect of life of humans, animals and plants. All devout offer prayers to Sun god every morning and the chanting of Gayatri Mantram triggers a divine energy among all. Surya rides the chariot driven by seven celestial horses. He spread light and health in the world and also removed away darkness which symbolized poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. It is common belief the darshan of Surya Prabha Vahanam provided long life to all devotees and also relieved of all illness. On this occasion the people from all corners of the district bring their aged and sick parents to cure them with the sight of the Surya Prabha Vahanam procession.
Papinos and Ice guava from Thailand and Grapes from California were the main attraction of the Snapana Thirumanjanam ritual conducted in the Srivari temple as part of the Brahmotsavam event at hill shrine of Tirumala. The flower canopy overhead of the platform of Utsava idols of Malayappaswami, his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi was decked up with roses, jasmines, marigold ,kanakambara and other tulips. The garlands and kiratam (crown) of the celestial deities were made of plums, Litchi fruit, cardamom,dried grapes, orchids, Vattiveru, Kuruveru, Amla fruit and dates besides wild fruits of Thailand – Papinos and Ice guava. While a host of vedic pundits chanted the glory and significance of the ritual and praise of Lord Venkateswara’s contribution for world peace and prosperity, the traditional temple musical instruments were sounded along with drums to signal the crescendo of the holy and hoary day Thirumanjanam.
On the evening of seventh day of the Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam at Tirumala the presiding deity Lord Venkateswara rides atop a Chandra Prabha Vahanam to the delight of thousands of devotees who gather around the four mada streets to witness the divine event. Chandra, or the moon stands for promoting medicinal values among living beings including plants. As per the scripts in the “Purushottam Praptiyagam” Chandra is described as Lord Vishnu who as an invisible architect evolved solutions for all ills of the society. The Saint exponent Geeta Charya says “Nakshatrana Aham Shashi” (I am a spot on the moon) indicating the presence of moon as an integral part of the celestial system.
The following are the photos taken during the Utsavam:
Courtesy: Sekhar Perumal, TTD
Beautiful description of the meaning and events surrounding Surya Prabhai and Chandra Prabhai Vahanams for our beloved Lord. Many thanks to Sekhar Perumal Swamin of TTD.