Devotees pull a chariot carrying the idol of Lord Kodandaram around a temple in Tirupati | Photo credit: KV Poornachandra Kumar
The ‘Rathotsavam’ was performed in a grand manner on the penultimate day of the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams at Sri Kodandarama Swamy TTD Temple here on Tuesday.
The idols of Kodandarama, Sita and Lakshmana were mounted on the chariot after the obligatory rituals and the process was set in motion at 8.30 am. As devotees pulled a huge chariot decorated with flowers by ropes, it rolled through the streets surrounding the temple.
Chanting ‘Rama Nama’, the devotees pulled the chariot till it reached its original place, while many threw rock salt and pepper on the chariot, as is the custom in ancient times.
Women offered ‘Harathi’ at every step while members of the bhajan group performed folk dance and ‘Kolatam’ in front of the chariot. The final Harathi was performed after a traditional rendition of Tamil verses from ‘Nalayira Divya Prabandham’ and Vedic chant (Sathumora) which kept the crowd engaged in front of the chariot.
In the evening, ‘Aswa Vahanam’ was performed, with the idol of Lord Rama, disguised as a valiant emperor, mounted on a horse-like carriage and marched in procession around the temple.
The final event — ‘Chakra Snanam’ — will be held on March 25 (Wednesday) at the Kapila Theertham water pond from 9 am.
Published – 24 March 2026 20:41 IST
