On a bright sunny morning of the fifth day of the ongoing Navarathiri Brahmotsavams, Lord Venkateswara dressed up as Mohini Avatar was taken in a huge procession, along with Sri Krishna in an ivory palanquin. The Lord enthralled his devotees by appearing in the form of celestial beauty Mohini (female costumes) – an adorable form of beautiful enchantress. Legends say that it was Lords message that His devotees should not fall prey to worldly desires and come out of Maya by appearing as Mohini. Besides he is also cautioning that the entire universe was a creation of his Maya and to overcome the same, everyone should worship Him. At the same time, Lord Venkateswara appeared as Sri Krishna before His countless devotees on a pallaki (palanquin) made of ivory and rosewood, presented to the temple by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore. It was a pleasant surprise to see the presiding deity decked up as Mohini and riding a bright white palanquin made of silver and ivory. The devotees are thrilled by the twin presence of Mohini and Lord Srikrishna, as both are alankara priyas and also highly adulated by people. The superb decoration of the idol baffles even young damsels wondering at richness of the jewels and also the beauty of the utsava idol of Mohini. The most auspicious of events of Navarathiri Brahmotsavams, the Garuda Seva, procession of Lord Venkateswara on his pet vehicle of Garuda was a big draw at Tirumala this evening in spite of traffic and security issues. Garuda Vahana Seva is considered to be the most important and prominent one among the vahana sevas in Sri Vaishnavaite temples.The procession of Lord Malayappa Swamy adorned with dazzling jewels , special diamond Keeratam and in bright silk vastrams and seated on Garuda Seva was a feast for devotees.
The following are the photos taken during the Utsavam:
