Devotees had an ecstatic spiritual experience as they watched the processions of Sri Govindaraja Swamy and His consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, during two of the most sought-after and philosophically significant rituals on Tuesday.
Artistes performing Kolatam in front of the procession of Sri Govindaraja Swamy on the Kalpavriksha Vahanam during the Brahmotsavams in Tirupati on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: K.V. Poornachandra Kumar
On the fourth day of the ongoing Brahmotsavams, the deities were taken in procession on the Kalpavriksha Vahanam in the morning, symbolising the mythological wish-fulfilling tree. The procession passed through the mada streets surrounding the temple amid chanting of hymns and religious fervour.
According to Hindu mythology, the Kalpavriksha emerged, along with Mahalakshmi, during the churning of the ocean by the devas and asuras in search of amrit. The celestial tree thus occupies a revered place in the Puranas.
Large numbers of devotees gathered along the procession route, as it is widely believed that having darshan of the Lord on the Kalpavriksha Vahanam fulfils devotees’ wishes and absolves them of sins.
In the evening, the deity was taken on the Sarvabhoopala Vahanam, designed in the form of a celestial canopy symbolising the universe. The procession signifies the Lord as the supreme power presiding over and protecting the cosmos.