About 2 lakh devotees participate in Navaratri Garudaseva

TIRUPATI: About two lakh devotees today participated in the auspicious 'Garudaseva' procession of Lord Venkateswara on the fifth day of the annual Navaratri Brahmotsavam at Tirumala near here.

A temple official told PTI that the idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with several diamond set ornaments, including the huge multi-folded "Sri Lakshmi Kaasula Haram", "Makharakanti Haram" and "Chandra Haram", mounted on a decorated golden 'Garuda Vahanam' (carrier), was taken out in a grand procession around the hill shrine.

A thick security blanket was put in place on the hills and routes leading to the hill shrine on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accompanied by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandson and other family members offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara today, the official said.

Naidu's wife made an offering of Rs 20 lakh in the form of a cheque on behalf of their months old grand son Devansh for the pilgrim free meal trust run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the hill temple.

Later in the afternoon, the CM and his family had lunch in the pilgrim free meals canteen on the hills, the official said.