On the sixth day of the Hayagreevar temple Brahmotsavam, the lord arrived on Karpakavriksha and blesses his devotees. Karpakavriksha is a tree which signifies prosperity and abundance. It is a lush green tree with fruits and flowers hanging from the branches. It forms a canopy over the lord’s head. The Karpakavriksha looked like a real tree.
In the evening, Hayagreevar attired in white silk looked like Prince Charming and enjoyed his elephant ride with the Yanai Vahanam.
The big, white, cheerful elephant resembled the celestial Iravatham. Its tiny eyes looked like two lines on its face. As soon as the lord was seated on its back, trumpets blared signalling the lord’s departure from the temple. Men who were carrying the vahanam with the lord, waltzed elegantly like an elephant which was a treat to the eyes.
A priest dressed as a mahout waved his magical whip as if to control the elephant.
The priest looked petrified as he was precariously perched on the elephant’s back clinging to the lord. Devotees offered coconuts, fruits to the lord while he was on the streets on a thiruveethi ula.
(To be contd)
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