Giant Rathotsavam held at Tirumala
Tirumala, Sept 22 (TNT): The annual Rathotsavam of Lord Venkateswara was held at Tirumala on Tuesday, with Malayappa Swamy, accompanied by His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, taken in procession on a 43-feet-tall and 47-metric-tonne wooden chariot through the four mada streets.
The Rathotsavam was held on the penultimate day of the ongoing annual Salakatla Brahmotsavams, with thousands of devotees participating in the procession and pulling the massive chariot with devotion.
Rathotsavam has been a traditional practice since ancient times and is considered significant in Hindu scriptures, with devotees believing that participation in the ritual bestows spiritual merit.
The chariot procession was conducted with necessary safety measures in place, officials said.
The chariot is traditionally regarded as symbolising self-realisation and the distinction between the body and soul.
The two Pontiffs of Tirumala, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra, board members, Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, CV&SO Murali Krishna, engineering officials and others participated in the Rathotsavam.
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