Lord Hayagreevar who is the presiding deity in the temple in Nanganallur had tight schedule making a tour of the town in his Vahanas, during the 16th annual Brahmaotsavam which was celebrated with piety and grandeur in this temple town.

Dwajarohanam which kick started the festival was conducted at dawn and Kodi Etruthal followed this with accompaniment of Vedic chants. The Lord with his divine consorts mounted on the Simhavahana and went on a Thiruveethi ula. Simha (lion) looked fierce but flashed a contented smile be cause he was carrying the lord on his back.

The golden tinge made it attractive and the round big eyes were dreamy.

Hamsa Vahana followed the next morning. Hamsam looked ravishing with its spartan white body and multi hued fluffy wings. The Lord looked resplendent dazzling jewelery and his consorts seated coyly besides him.

The glittering Surya prabhai at night looked radiant and dispelled darkness. Hayagreevar shone in all his splendor and the crimson red rays that formed a backdrop to the lord was attractive and glittery.

Can any one miss the Garuda Seva ? The lord's mode of transport Garuda was impatiently waiting to carry his master . Garuda has a distinct nose that differentiates him from the other vahanas,

Hanuman is another obedient servant of the lord was soaked in joy transporting his lord.

Sesha vahana ( five hooded serpent) was pleased to guard the lord with his hood when he rested on it. The lord rests on Sesha Vahana on Parkadal-milky ocean.

Chandra Parbhai blanketed the area in chillness as the lord took a tour of the streets.

The lord and his consorts blessed the devotees ascending on the Yali vahanam. Yali is animal with gory features but looked mellow and devoid of bestial qualities

The festival reached a crescendo on the day of CAR festival -Thiruther. The wooden car was festooned with flowers and pother images to make it appear aesthetic. Iravatham the white elephant waltzed with the lord and reminded us of the Baby elephant walk. The galloping horse was bridled with icons of the Lord but in keeping with its nature it galloped suddenly much to the surprise of the devout gathering. Is it any surprise that the aquiline creature did so as Hayagreevar has incarnated with the horses face and the body of a human being. It was like a heaven on earth and the festive fever seized the people residing here.

Usha Raja

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