6th DAY OF SRI VARI SALAKATLA BRAHMOTSAVAM-GOLDEN CHARIOT ON OCT 10

SWARNA RATHOTSAVAM

Tirumala, October 10, 2013: The Sixth day of Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam at Tirumala heralds a distinct and unique celebration popularly known Swarna Rathotsavam (the festival of the Golden chariot). This mighty Newly built 32-feet tall Swarna ratham will be the unique one of its kind in the country. About 74 kilos of gold, 2,900 kilos of copper has been used to design this chariot which weighs about 28,000 kilos. TTD has spent over 24 crores to prepare the new golden chariot. 18 gauge copper sheet, 9 layers of gold has been utilized to prepare this prestigious ratham”.

Legends say that the golden chariot is considered to be favourite vehicle of Lord Venkateswara. Malayappa gives darshan to his scores of devotees in grand style as his vehicle is preceded by Shunya ratham of Brahma and other chariots dragged by Elephant, Ashwa and Vrushaba (bull).

Mythology says that the golden chariot of Lord Venkateswara is driven by four horses namely Sugriva, Shaibya, Meghapuspha and Valahaka with Daraka as his sarathi.

The darshan of Lord Venkateswara on his golden chariot is an memorable experience to all devout Hindus. Many pious Hindus consider it an once in a life opportunity to witness the golden chariot festival as part of Brahmotsavam. It is comparable only to the colorful and picturesque Ratha yatra of Lord Krishna in Dwaraka.

Chairman TTDs Sri K.Bapi Raju, Hon’ble Minister Sri Pitani Sathyanarayana, Executive Officer Sri MG Gopal, JEOs Sri K.S.Sreenivasa Raju, Sri P.Venkatarami Reddy, CV&SO Sri GVG Ashok Kumar, DyEO’s Chinnamgari Ramana, Sri Rama Rao, Addl C.V.&S.O Sri Sivakumar Reddy, Temple Peishkar Sri R.Selvam and others took part.

ISSUED BY THE  PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, TTDs, TIRUPATI