Azhagiya Singar Brahmothsavam - Day 3 - Garuda Sevai

Brahmothsavam is a grand Celebration – a festivity of 10 days conducted for the Lord at Divyadesams.  The origin of this Uthsavam is traced back to Brahma itself – Brahma originated the festivity and hence ‘Brahmothsavam’.

At Thiruvallikkeni, there are 2 Brahmothsavams – one for Sri Parthasarathi in the month of Chithirai and for Lord Azhagiyasingar in Aani.  The brahmothsavam starts with hoisting of flag [dwajarohanam] and ends a day after the unfurling [avarohanam].  For this purpose , there are two kodi marams [holy flag posts] in Thiruvallikkeni.

During the Brahmothsavam,  Lord astrides various vahanams – of which the most prominent are : Garuda, Hanuman, Yaanai, Horse [not necessarily in the same order].  The third day morning is Garuda Vahanam whence the servant of Lord – the mystic Garudan carries Perumal on his shoulders.  Those who have darshan of Lord on Garuda vahanam will get all their wishes fulfilled.  

Today [30^th June 2012] is the third day of Azhagiya Singar Brahmothsavam at Thiruvallikkeni and this morning was the fabulous purappadu – Garuda Sevai.  Thousands waited to have glimpse of Lord as he came out of the Western gate sitting on Garuda.  Then there was the decorative ‘aesal’ at Thulasinga Perumal Kovil Street.  On this day, people from far and wide come to the temple, offer vasthram, place before Lord coconut, fruits & other offerings and have darshan. 

ச்ரியபதியான சர்வேஸ்வரன் [கருட வாஹனத்தில்] பெரிய திருவடியின் மேலேறிக்கொண்டு வந்து தோன்றியதை பெரியாழ்வார், "பறவையேறு பரம்புருடா" என மங்களாசாசனம் செய்கிறார்.

Here are some photos taken  at Thiruvallikkeni during the Garuda Sevai purappadu

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.