Being the beloved consort of the Sarva bhoopala, the Universal God, Sarva Jagdrakshaki took a pride ride on the Sarvabhoopala Vahanam on Sixth day morning in Tiruchanoor. The Goddess takes charge of the earth, water and air along with the Sarva Bhoopalas, the Dikpalas including East-West and South-North etc. and took a royal procession in the holy Mada streets. The objective is to display that all the Dikpalas of the universe were not just under Her control but also that there was no chance for misuse of office by them under Her diligent vigilance and directions. Indra who is considered as the King of all deities obeys the orders of divine mother. Apart from Indra who takes care of the direction towards East), Agni (south-east), Yama (god of death on the South), Niruti (North – East), Varuna on (West), Vayu (south-west) and Kubera (god of wealth on North) and Parameswara on (North-west) also follow the instructions of Universal Mother. By riding this vehicle, the Goddess sends message to Her devotees that she controls entire universe, and ensures that the people are benefited and prospered with timely rains and course of the activities by all the elements that encompassed the universe.
She is known as Goddess of wealth, riches and prosperity. Her grandeur enhanced when she was seated majestically on the glittering 20-feet tall Swarna Ratham on the Sixth day evening as a part of the ongoing Annual Kartheeka Brahmotsavams at Tiruchanoor. The processional deity of Goddess Padmavathi draped in colourful silk clothes with the accompaniment of dazzling diamond studded gold jewels, was taken out in a grand procession on Golden Chariot. The golden chariot for Goddess Padmavathi rolled out of the ‘Ratha Mandapam’ amid fanfare. The women devotees pulled the chariot reciting Govinda Govinda…Sri Padmavathi Deviai Namaha..’ The entire premises echoed to the divine chants. The entire temple town turned golden yellow with the rays of setting sun falling on the golden chariot enhancing its glory and giving a rare feast to the eyes of multitude of devotees who converged to witness the grandeur of Goddess of Riches on the celestial Swarna Ratham. Tiruchanoor turned out to be a Golden Shrine on this auspicious occasion giving a unique spectre to devotees.
On the sixth day evening the enchanting universal beauty Goddess Padmavathi Devi took celestial ride on Her better half favourite vehicle, the mighty Garuda Vahana in the pleasant evening. Garuda is the King of Aves and is has a heavy and powerful golden wings and holds the pride place being the celestial carrier of Lord Maha Vishnu. Meanwhile the Goddess appeared on the Garuda Vahana with the golden Padukalu which are believed to be gifted by Her husband for the grand occasion. Garuda Purana is one of the eighteen puranas which are part of the holy Hindu scriptures known as smriti. In this famous Vaishnava Purana, there are 19000 slokas in the form of a conversation between Lord Vishnu and Garuda, primarily emphasizing the reason and meaning of human life. By taking celestial ride on the golden Vahanam, the Goddess who is the universal mother reveals that the life is a myth. Only he who surrenders totally in the divine service of Lord like Garuda to His Master attains salvation.
The following are the photos taken during the Utsavam:
Courtesy: Tirumala Tirupathi
