On the fifth day of Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam Lord Venkateswara enthralled his devotees by appearing in the form of celestial beauty Mohini (female costumes) and lived up to his reputation as an “alankara priyudu (well dressed, be-jewelled handsome personality. As legends put it Lords appearance as bejeweled and charming Mohini throws the demons (Asura’s) in confusion and wins the celestial battle in favor of the Devatas. The objective of the Mohini avatar is also to indicate that the entire universe is spell bound under the Mystic Mohini and that the Lord of Tirumala is the king pin and key architect of this high drama in the universe. The superb decoration of the idol baffles even young damsels wondering at richness of the jewels and also the beauty of the utsava idol of Mohini. Among the various forms donned by Lord MahaVishnu, Mohini-the universal beauty is the adorable form of supernaturally beautiful Enchantress. Through Mohini Avatara the lord enlightens his devotees not to fall prey to worldly desires and come out of that “Maya”.
Garuda Vahana Seva is considered to be the most important and prominent one among the vahana sevas in Sri Vaishnavaite temples.The procession of Lord Malayappa Swamy adorned with dazzling jewels and in bright silk vastrams,seated on Garuda Seva was a feast for devotees. Garuda or the Eagle is the favorite vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Besides being the daily transport, Garuda also occupied the top slot in the Dwajam that heralded the commencement of the Brahmotsavam As the Key watcher of happenings around Lord Vishnu,Garuda also supervised the entire Srivari Brahmotsavam,say the legends.Garuda Seva well known and prominently practiced in 108 countries in the Indian and South Asian countries and even widely watched with great revered in the countries like Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia. Tulasi Malas from Srivalliputtur and the Umbrellas from Chennai were also presented for special decorations of the Utsava Idols on the ocassion
The following are the photos taken during the Occasion:
Courtesy: Sekhar Perumal, TTD
It is indeed our Bhagyam to witness Mohini avatarakolam and Garuda Vahanam Purappadu for our beloved Lord through these photos. Bedecked with dazzling ornaments, wearing Sri Thayar malai from Srivilliputthur, carried by Sri Garudazhwar under beautifully crafted umbrellas, and worshipped by thousands of ardent devotees, He truly captures all our hearts and souls.