Tirupati, March 24 (H.S.): Thousands of devotees participated in the Rathotsavam of Sri Kodandarama Swamy held on Tuesday on the penultimate day of the annual Brahmotsavams at the historic Kodandarama Swamy temple in Tirupati.

The procession began around 8:30 am with the deities of Sri Kodandarama Swamy along with Sita and Lakshmana taken out on a decorated wooden chariot through the Mada streets surrounding the temple.

Devotees gathered in large numbers, chanting “Sri Rama Nama” and taking part in pulling the temple chariot. The procession was accompanied by traditional drum beats, bhajan groups and cultural performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Rathotsavam symbolises the body as a chariot and the soul as the rider, reflecting the spiritual concept of Atma–Anatma Viveka. Devotees offered camphor harati at various points during the procession, which lasted for nearly an hour.

Later, religious rituals including Prabandham and Veda Sattumora were performed, followed by harati. Tirumanjanam and Asthanam rituals were conducted in the afternoon, while Ashwa Vahana Seva was held in the evening.

Tirupati police along with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams vigilance and security officials made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event.

The Brahmotsavams will conclude on Wednesday with Chakra Snanam at Kapilatheertham followed by Dhwaja Avarohanam.New Delhi, 24 March (H.S.)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar