Lord gives darshan as Sri Rama

The presiding deity at Tirumala also rides on Swarna Ratham and Gaja Vahanam

Tirumala: The processional deity of Lord Malayappa Swamy in the guise of Venkatadri Sri Ramachandra Murthy was taken out in procession atop Lord Hanumantha Vahanam in Tirumala on the sixth day morning as part of nine-day Brahmotsavams.

Hanumantha Vahanam Significance: Lord Hanuman is known for total Saranagathi or total surrendering before his Master Lord Sri Rama by performing the duties as a disciplined soldier without deferring the orders. Hanuman is believed to be incarnation of Lord Siva.

Noticing the mightiness of Lord Hanuman which enhanced further when he carried Lord Malayappa Swamy, and took him along four Mada streets, Annamacharya penned the famous sankeertan, Mangambudi Hanumanta Nee Sharana" which spells the divine magic on the hearts of devotees.

Another interesting feature is while all other carriers are noble servants of Lord, it is only Hanuman who holds the credit of being worshipped as a Lord. So Lord Malayappa takes ride on Lord Hanuman.

In this manner the devotees get the double dhamaka darshan of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva in the form of Lord Malayappa as Venkatadri Sri Rama and Lord Hanuman. After Garuda, Lord Malayappa takes a ride on Hanumantha Vahanam to show the devotees the true meaning of “Sampurna Sharanagathi.” In the pleasant evening on Thursday, the Lord Malayappa Swamy flanked by His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on His either sides, dazzled on the Swarna Ratham and blessed the devotees.

The richness, majesty and grandeur of Lord Malyappa Swamy is clearly exhibited on the glittering golden chariot procession - Radharanga Dolotsavam. After taking rides all alone on His favourite cars, Garuda and Hanumantha consecutively, the Lord took a colourful ride with His two consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Swarna Ratham.

All the three deities decked in Pattu Vastrams and precious stone studded gold jewels, took a majestic ride on Swarna Ratham and the beauty of the mighty chariot enhanced when the setting rays of the Sun fell on it giving a new look.

Legends say that The practice of Rathotsavam began during the period of Vijayanagara king Sri Krishnadevaraya who had donated gold to the Srivari temple. The practice is being continued even today as part of the Brahmotsavam and also on some other significant festivals at Tirumala.

On the sixth day evening, Lord Malayappa Swamy took celestial ride on the mighty Gaja Vahanam on Thursday.Gaja - the elephant king is symbol for its loftiness, royalty, pride and intelligence. According to Puranas, Gaja is a symbol of richness and is a sibling of Goddess Lakshmi, who is also the goddess of prosperity.

It has been a tradition which is continuing even today where the Maharajas, temples showcase their richness with the elephant procession.By taking a pleasure ride on Gaja Vahanam, Lord showcases His royalty and majesty.