Kanchipuram, May 30:
The sacred town of Kanchipuram came alive with intense devotion and spiritual energy in the early hours of Saturday as thousands of devotees thronged the revered Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple to witness the grand Garuda Sevai, one of the most significant events of the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam.
Held on the third day of the annual festival, the spectacle saw Lord Varadaraja Perumal taken out in a majestic procession atop the mighty Garuda vahanam. The atmosphere resonated with rhythmic chants of “Govinda… Govinda,” as devotees stood in awe, many with folded hands and tear-filled eyes, soaking in the divine moment.
The temple precincts began buzzing well before dawn. Around 4 am, the deity was ceremoniously mounted on the Garuda vahanam and carried through the temple streets in a grand procession. The air was filled with the sound of Vedic hymns, traditional instruments, and the collective devotion of the gathered crowd, creating an overwhelming spiritual experience.
Authorities had made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth darshan, as devotees poured in from across Tamil Nadu and beyond to be part of the once-a-year event. Despite the large turnout, the arrangements ensured an orderly and seamless flow of pilgrims.
Adding a profound spiritual dimension to the occasion, Vedic scholar Sowmya Narayanan recounted a moving legend associated with the temple. He spoke of Thottachariyar, a devout follower from Sholingur, who once missed witnessing the Garuda Sevai and stood heartbroken near a temple tank, offering fervent prayers. Moved by his unwavering devotion, Lord Varadaraja is believed to have appeared before him briefly on the Garuda vahanam.
This divine episode, still cherished in temple lore, gave rise to the unique tradition of momentarily shielding the deity with an umbrella during the Gopura Darshanam — symbolising the Lord’s boundless grace that transcends time and space. The scholar further noted that witnessing the Lord in this form is believed to grant moksha, echoing sacred beliefs rooted in epic traditions.
For devotees, the Garuda Sevai is far more than a ceremonial procession. It is a deeply spiritual experience that is believed to purify the soul and elevate one’s faith. From age-old chants reverberating through the temple corridors to timeless stories of divine grace, every aspect of the event reflects centuries of enduring devotion.
As the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam continues, the temple stands as a vibrant symbol of faith and tradition — a place where legends live on, devotion thrives, and the divine is felt in every heartbeat of the gathered faithful.