Govindaraja Swamy rides atop a lion in Tirupati

The idol of Govindaraja Swamy being taken out in a procession on ‘Simha Vahanam’ around the temple as part of the annual Brahmotsavam, in Tirupati on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: K.V. POORNACHANDRA KUMAR

Lord Govindaraja took out a majestic ride on a lion in the morning and was paraded on a pearl-studded canopy in the evening, here on Wednesday, as part of the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams.

On the third day of the nine-day annual festival, the processional idol was mounted on ‘Simha Vahanam’, a celestial carrier resembling a lion and carried on the four streets encircling the temple.

The cultural troupes displayed colourful dance concerts and performed skits from various mythological episodes. Some artistes portrayed the role of ‘Narasimha’, the half-lion half-human incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

In the evening, the idol was seated on ‘Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam’, a pearl-studded canopy, and carried around the temple.

Tirumala Tirupati senior and junior pontiffs Pedda Jeeyangar Swamy and Chinna Jeeyangar Swamy, TTD’s Deputy Executive Officer V. Shanti and Assistant Executive Officer Munikrishna Reddy led the procession.

Published - June 04, 2025 09:02 pm IST