Heavy rush in temple town

Tirumala, Oct 12 (UNI) Thousands of devotees thronged the four mada streets of Sri Vari temple and witnessed Sri Malayappa Swamy taken out in a procession, along with consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Peddaseshavahanam, the first of the vahanams during the nine day festival, today evening.

Lord Malayappa Swamy and his consorts were decked in sparkling ornaments and fragrant flowers after receiving 'Sarkari Harati'.

Earlier, in the morning, deity of Sri Malayappa Swamy was taken out in a procession along with consorts on the golden Tiruchi.

After performing pooja, temple priests led by Chief Priest A V Ramana Deekshithulu presented 'Panniavatam' to TTD Agama advisor Sundara Bhatacharyulu.

Divine music by the sannai melam and pancha vaidyam accompanied the procession.

In view of Sri Vari Navarathi Brahmotsavam and Dasara holidays from tomorrow, heavy rush of pilgrims were witnessed in the temple town.

Some of the pilgrims who had taken shelter under trees and platforms were shifted to temporary accommodations, which were made ready expecting more pilgrims from tomorrow, a TTD official said.

Meanwhile, the pilgrims, who were coming from various places across the world, were facing hardships following the flash auto strike here.

UNI