On the third day of Navaratri Brahmotsavams, the processional deity of Lord Malayappa was taken around the mada streets on a golden “Simha Vahanam’ in a grand procession. Thousands of devotees witnessed the colourful procession from the make-shift galleries set up along the processional route.
While the lord’s paraphernalia that includes horses, elephants, oxes and artistes performing various cultural
activities leading the procession from the front, the Lord studded with diamonds and gold ornaments rode the Simha Vahanam which, was decorated with choicest flowers.
The incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the Mrugendrudu (Lion- most ferocious and strong among the animals) is an indication of Lord Venkateswara as a powerful entity born to punish the erring and devoted for protection of the righteous, poor and the weaker sections in the society.
Being a Simha, is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as ‘Narasimha’ whom the puranas and legends speak in volumes for his drive against ‘Dushta’(wrongdoers) and protection of the weak, poor and the god-fearing persons. In the Yoga shastra a Lion is seen as an embodiment of power and speed. The statues of lions in the Ananda Nilayam in the Srivari temple complex has displayed the affection the Lord has for lions.