TIRUMALA: On day five of the Srivari Brahmotsavams, a sea of devotees thronged the galleries of the Srivari temple and Mada streets in Tirumala to get a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara on the Garuda Vahanam.
Unofficial estimates put the devotee turnout to be more than 3.5 lakh, which was beyond the expectation of TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) officials. This is the first time after the Covid pandemic that so many devotees gathered to witness the Garuda Seva. Chants of “Garuda Vahana Govinda Govinda...” reverberated the hill as the curtains at the Vahana Mandapam were raised on Tuesday.
Garuda Vahana Seva, considered as the most significant of all Vahana Sevas, was performed with utmost devotion, leaving the scores of devotees enthralled. On the auspicious occasion, Garuda Gamana Garudadhwaja Sri Malayappa Swamy appears on His favourite carrier, decked in precious jewellery worn by the Mula Virat.
Tirumala Mada streets fully packed
Devotees believe that the darshan of the Lord on the mighty Garuda would shower them with boons and fortune, and purge their sins.
Devotees poured in through the footpaths from Alipiri and Srivari Mettu in Srinivasa Mangapuram. Sources said between 3.5 lakh and 3.8 lakh devotees witnessed the Seva. All the 180 and odd galleries along the Four Mada streets were filled by 10:30 am. Some people reportedly stayed in the galleries overnight so they did not miss the view of Lord Srinivasa. Devotees were offered food, milk, and water throughout the day. Some of the devotees even entered the Pushkarini to ensure that they were not caught in the huge crowd.
TTD officials ensured there was no scope for any stampede-like situation. Huge screens were erected at several places so devotees could get a clear view of the Garuda Seva.
TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao and Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Choudary inspected the arrangements and supplied food and water to the devotees.
Tirupati Superintendent of Police (SP) L Subbarayudu personally oversaw the arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the Vahana Seva. He monitored CCTV footage from the police control room and gave real-time instructions to officers on the ground.
The SP also inspected the four Mada streets and regularly updated police personnel on crowd control measures.
Anantapur Range DIG Shemushi Bajpai, SP Subbarayudu, and others visited the inner ring road, entry points, and galleries, offering guidance on effective crowd management.
Lord blesses devotees in Mohini Avataram
In the morning, Sri Malayappa Swamy appeared in the form of Universal Celestial Beauty Mohini to charm His devotees. As per legend, the appearance of the bejewelled and charming Mohini confuses the demons (Asuras), securing the Devatas victory in the celestial battle.
Wearing dazzling jewels and seated in style atop the finely decorated palanquin and accompanied by Sri Krishna Swamy on another Tiruchi, Mohini conquers the four Mada streets by casting “His” magical spell on the tens of thousands of devotees. The devout say that by appearing as Mohini during the Brahmotsavams, the Lord sends a message that the entire universe is a creation of His Maya.