3 lakh devotees witness dazzling Garuda Seva

​Tirupati: A large number of devotees witnessed Garuda Seva, the major event held on the fifth day of the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams here on Friday.

The processional deity adorned with dazzling and rare ornaments like Makarakanti, Lakshmi Haram which will be adorned on the deity once in year during Garudaseva was taken in a procession atop Garuda Vahanam, the celestial carrier of Maha Vishnu in the Mada streets, around the shrines enthralling the devotees gathered in massive number.

The multitude of devotees patiently waiting for hours in the galleries which were jam-packed, turned ecstatic on seeing the Lord atop his favourite Vahanam and chanted Govinda, Govinda reverberating the skylines of the holy hills.

All along the procession, Harathi was offered to the deity, while the devotees too who were confined to galleries worshipped the deity from there with Harathi and chanting the names of Lord.

The TTD and the Tirupati Urban police made elaborate arrangements which saw the major event which attracted about three lakh devotees from all over the country, pass off smoothly.

It is needless to say that the police and TTD personnel had a hard time in regulating and controlling the large number of devotees in the gallery and outside.

The TTD authorities took a laudable decision to commence the Garuda Vahana Seva at 7.30 pm, 30 minutes ahead of the usual 8 pm.

This was to provide an opportunity for more number of devotees to witness one of the major events of Brahmotsavams.