Day 4: Lord Malayappa Swamy dons Rajamannar avatar to wow devotees

Tirupati: The fourth day of annual Brahmotsavams in Tirumala on Thursday saw Lord Malayappa Swamy in the guise of Rajamannar. Riding the ‘Kalpa Vruksha vahanam’ and adorned with antique ornaments, the presiding deity flanked by his divine consorts showered blessings on thousands of devotees who had thronged the four mada streets encirling the main temple.In the evening, the Lord boarded the ‘Sarva Bhoopala vahanam’ to spread the message that all Dikpalakas (guardians of the eight cardinal directions governing the universe) are under his direct control and vigilance and the mankind prospers with timely rains.Meanwhile, the customary practice of presenting the Andal Goda Devi garlands from Srivilliputtur temple in Tamil Nadu to Lord Venkateswara was performed during the day. The practice has been followed since ancient times before the Garuda Seva eve during the Brahmotsavams. Following the tradition, special pujas were performed to the sacred garlands at the Jeeyar mutt in Tirumala following which they were carried in a colourful procession to the Tirumala temple. The garlands will adorn the Lord during Garuda Seva ritual on Friday evening. Earlier, top officials of the TTD and Tirupati police, including EO Anil Kumar Singhal, additional EO AV Dharma Reddy, CVSO Gopinath Jatti and Tirupati SP KKN Anburajan, reviewed the final arrangements for the Garuda Seva. Over two lakh devotees are expected to throng the hill town to witness the festivities. Traffic curbs will be in place on Friday, and movement of two-wheelers along the twin ghat roads leading and exiting Tirumala will remain suspended from Thursday midnight to Friday midnight. Traffic diversions will also come into effect at other places.