Tirumala Brahmotsavams Day 7: Lord Malayappa Rides Surya and Chandra Prabha Vahanams
On the seventh day of Tirumala Brahmotsavams, Lord Malayappa Swamy was taken in procession on Surya Prabha and Chandraprabha Vahanams, with the Chatra Sthapana held ahead of Rathotsavam.
The seventh day of the annual Brahmotsavams at Tirumala brought together devotion and tradition on Monday, as Lord Malayappa Swamy was carried in procession along the four Mada streets on the Surya Prabha Vahanam. Devotees chanted as the processional deity moved through the streets, accompanied by traditional artistes performing chekka bhajans and kolatam, while mangala vadyams set a festive tone.
The Surya Prabha Vahanam, which represents the Sun, is associated with health, vitality and energy. Devotees hold that a darshan of the Lord on this vahanam brings health, prosperity, happiness and well-being.
TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra, Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary and Chief Vigilance and Security Officer K.V. Muralikrishna took part in the vahana seva, along with senior pontiffs, board members and other officials.
Later in the day, priests conducted Snapana Thirumanjanam at the Ranganayakula Mandapam inside the temple, giving Lord Malayappa Swamy and his two consorts a ceremonial bath.
In the evening, the traditional Chatra Sthapana, or Golden Umbrella Ceremony, was held on the eve of the Rathotsavam scheduled for Tuesday. The centuries-old ritual is conducted under the supervision of Kalyana Katta staff. Historical records trace its continuation to the descendants of Pantulugari, in line with a Dharmashasanam issued by Chandragiri ruler Srinivasa Mahadeva Rayalu during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya. The offering of the golden umbrella has continued since 1952.
The ceremony was led by Ramanathan, a descendant of Pantulugari, with TTD officials and Kalyana Katta staff participating.
The day ended with the Chandraprabha Vahana procession at night, which drew thousands of devotees despite intermittent showers.