Lord rides on Simha Vahanam

Tirumala: On the third day of the Srivari Navaratri Brahmotsavams on Friday morning, Sri Malayappa Swamy blessed devotees on ferocious golden Simha Vahanam.

The incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the Mrugendrudu (The Lion - most ferocious and strong among the animals) is an indication of Lord as a powerful avatar to punish the wrongdoers in the universe and protection of the righteous, poor and the weaker sections in the society.

The idols of lions in Ananda Nilayam at the Srivari temple complex also indicate the power of the Lion King. The idols of Narasimha in Yoga mudra in the temple and also the idol of Lakshmi Narasimha on the way to Tirumala at Alipiri footpath route exhibit the significance of Lion (Simha) in the celestial entourage of Lord Venkateswara.

Meanwhile, kolatams, walking Gods and frenzied drum beating by hundreds of artisans as part of the Brahmotsavams enthralled devotees as the celestial Simha Vahanam of Lord Malayappaswamy sped ecstatically on the Mada streets on Friday.

HDPP, Dasa Sahitya project and the Annamayya Projects participated. The team from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu conducted fantastic drum beating by 20 odd artistes comprising of 10 big drums, 10 small and 9 dapulus. A team from Tumkur in Karnataka led by Sujayakrishna staged Prahalad Charitr - a skit on the mada streets earning kudos by devotees in the galleries.