This morning, thousands of devotees gathered in large numbers at the Kanchipuram Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple to witness the magnificent Garuda Seva. The event, part of the third day of the annual Brahmotsavam festival, saw the processional deity of Lord Varadaraja taken out on the Garuda vahanam amidst the fervent chanting of Vedic hymns.
Special arrangements were made to ensure a hassle-free darshan for the multitude of devotees. The procession began around 4 am, with the deity mounted on the Garuda vahanam. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as the crowd chanted ‘Govinda … Govinda’ in unison, celebrating the auspicious occasion with great fervor. The annual Brahmotsavam festival at the temple commenced on May 20 and continues to attract devotees from all over.
Adding to the spiritual ambiance, Vedic scholar Sowmya Narayanan shared an inspiring story about Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Garuda Sevai. He recounted the tale of Thottachariyar, a devout follower who lived in Sholingur. Thottachariyar regularly attended the Garuda Sevai, but on one occasion, he was unable to make the journey and felt deeply distressed. Standing by the sacred tank in Sholingur, he prayed fervently to the Lord. In a moment of divine grace, Lord Varadaraja appeared to him on the Garuda vahanam for just a second. This miraculous event established a tradition during the temple festival, where the deity is momentarily hidden with an umbrella during the Gopura Darshanam (viewing of the temple tower).
Sowmya Narayanan explained, “It is believed that witnessing the deity in this form grants moksha (liberation), just as it was bestowed upon Karna in the Mahabharata war. Viewing the deity in this form ensures moksha for devotees. In this divine form, the Lord once granted darshan (sight of the deity) to a crippled devotee.”
This unique Garuda Sevai is highly renowned, drawing thousands of devotees during the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam festival. The third day of the festival, featuring the Garuda Sevai, is particularly significant, as devotees believe that seeing the deity on this day brings immense spiritual benefits.
The Kanchipuram Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple continues to be a beacon of faith, drawing devotees from near and far to partake in its grand festivities and seek the blessings of Lord Varadaraja.