Surya Prabha Vahanam In Tirumala

The Tirumala deity Lord Venkateswara, on Thursday, was taken out in a procession atop the Surya Prabha Vahanam, to mark the 7th day of the Srivari Navarathri Brahmotsavam.

On the occasion, devotees bring their aged and sick parents to cure them with the sight of the Surya Prabha Vahanam procession.

It is common belief the darshan of Surya Prabha Vahanam provides devotees with a long life, and also cures them of illness.

Devout Hindus offer prayers to the Sun God in the morning amidst the chanting of Gayatri Mantram.

The Chariot of Surya Prabha of Lord Venkateswara was decorated with flowers by a 20-member team of florists from Coimbatore.

"The entire Surya Prabha design is made of jasmine flowers and laced with red and orange Kanakambaras or roses," says S Srinivasulu, Temple official in charge of the Gardens Department.

According to Hindu belief, Surya, the Sun God rides a chariot driven by 7 horses. He spreads light and health in the world and also removes darkness, which symbolizes poverty, illiteracy and ignorance.

Special light arrangements, besides public toilets, drinking water, first aid and ambulances, are made around the 4 holy Mada streets to provide a total eyeful view of the procession of the Vahanam. Cultural troupes, including folk artistes, precede the Vahanam procession.

The event was also broadcast by the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti channel live.

TTD Specified Authority Chairman J Sathyanarayana, TTD Executive Officer I Y R Krishna Rao, Joint Executive officer K Bhaskar, Chief Vigilance and Special Officer M K Singh, Superintendent of Police P V S Ramakrishna, Superintendent of Police Ravindra, Superintendent of Police (Urban) Charu Sinha, DIG of Police (Urban) Gopalakrishna, Deputy EO (Temple) Chandrasekhar Pillai, temple peishkar, and a large number of devotees took part in the procession.

Courtesy: INN