Devotees of Lord Venkateswara, hailing from Srivallioputhur, offered traditional garlands made of Tulasi, Sevanthi and Sampangi flowers on Tuesday.
2 garlands – Andal Mala and Shikamani Mala - were brought for offering by 2 families of flower makers from Srivalliputhur, 650 km from Tirupati. They were presented by families of R Ramesh and S Suresh, who were accompanied by around 50 devotees, who came in several vehicles carrying the garlands on their heads.
The Malas were presented to His Highness Ramanuja Pedda Jeeyar, who, in turn, will present them personally at the sanctum of Lord Venkateswara.
Accepting the garlands for the Lord Venkateswara, Pedda Jeyar said Dharma and peace were still available abundantly in India due to the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara. The officials of the Andal Koil - Ravichander, Swaminathan(JC) and Gurunathan (EO) - accompanied the Andal Mala.
Legend says that the garlands were worn by Goda Devi, who considered herself a consort of Lord Krishna. The garlands are presented on the day of Garuda Vahanam, on the day Lord Venkateswara presents himself to devotees in his avatar as Maha Vishnu.