Lord Balaji rides Swarna Ratham
TIRUMALA: The most auspicious event of the annual Brahmotsavams, Swarna Rathotsavam, which gave TTD some anxious moments during the recent trial run, was conducted successfully on Thursday.
Thousands of devotees thronged the hill shrine and took part in the rathotsavam. A new massive golden chariot was made for the event and during the chariot's trial run, the TTD had to face some anxious moments as the chariot developed some technical snags as well as other hurdles.
After rectifying them, the TTD took out the ratham on Thursday for the prestigious and auspicious event.
The newly built 32-feet tall Swarna ratham is made of about 74 kilos of gold, 2,900 kilos of copper and weights a total of nearly 30 tonnes.
The TTD spent over Rs 24 crore to prepare the new golden chariot. A team of engineers from Mumbai monitored the entire procession and ensured the chariot move smoothly.
The processional deity, Lord Malayappa gives darshan to scores of devotees in grand style as his vehicle is preceded by Shunya ratham of Brahma and other chariots dragged by Elephant, Ashwa and Vrushaba (bull).
Later, the processional deity was taken around the four Mada streets on Gaja (elephant) vahanam. Earlier in the day, the Lord Venkateswara was taken out in a procession on the Haumantha vahanam.
News Posted: 11 October, 2013
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