Garuda sevai. 17.5.11

Hoping to see the processional deity of Sri Varadharajaperumal on Garuda vahanam, we slipped out early in the morning.The traffic wasn't threatening ,however Kanchipuram was brimming with people and vehicular traffic.

Even though an local holiday had been declared at Kanchipuram, for the most important festival of Vardharaja perumal ---'Garuda sevai'.Every millimetre of the space on the side as well as the middle of the streets through which the deity was to be taken in procession was occupied.

The devouts whiled away the time downing cups of salted buttermilk, a heaven send in this terrible heat of mid May, distributed generously by groups of people as a seva ! Paper plates heaped with sambhar and curd rice as well as sweet pongal and payasam in dhonnai's---leaf cups, were also handed around liberally to any one stretching their arm towards the willing donors.

Vedic chants by Brahmin priests heralded the arrival of Sri Varadharajar on Garuda,over the palanquin borne by able bodied men.I had a good darshan at the brief halt of the procession on the road side.

Like the Garuda seva at Tirumala the Garuda seva of Vardharajar is also the most important festival of all festivals performed in the temple through out the year.