Lord of knowledge and wisdom Hayagreevar blesses the devout from the temple he is enshrined in in the temple town of Nanganallur.
Every year, during August, Brahmotsavam is celebrated in this temple.
Dwajarohanam at dawn on Saturday August 14 kickstarted the Brahmotsavam festival that goes on for a fortnight.
In the evening, the Lord looked resplendent on Simha Vahanam. The processional deity –utsavar icon of the Lord - is placed on the vahanas every day and he goes out on a tour of the town to bless those who cannot make it to the temple.
The Simha (lion) looked fierce with protruding eyes as if waiting to pounce on its prey. On all fours, Simha looked glossy in yellow with its mane dishevelled. Lord Hayagreevar sat on top of the Simha adorned with rose and jasmine garlands with strands of jathi malli tied round his kondai.
On the second day morning, the lord looked bewitching seated on Hamsa Vahanam.
Hamsa – the bird in spotless white - looked ethereal with blue wings and unobtrusive eyes. It looked coy like a bride and had samandhi garland around its slender neck. The Lord looked matchless attired in brocaded silk. The Hamsa’s sharp beak is long enough to catch a prey. The Lord sat on the Hamsa and took a tour of the town.
In the evening, when the sun hid behind clouds and darkness descended, Surya Vahanam – called Surya Prabha dispelled the darkness with its striking white rays with reddish tinge. It resembled a brilliant sun and the Lord’s presence enhanced its appearance. The backdrop of a radiant sun with God seated majestically was a visual treat.
There are 30 men carrying the Lord in the vahanams and they halt at intervals for Hayagreevar to accept sugar candy, coconuts and fruits offered by the devout who stand at pavements and road corners waiting to worship the Lord.
(To be contd)
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