A group of 18 Govinda devotees from here on Sunday embarked on a 280-km ‘padayatra’ to Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, for the auspicious Mukkoti Ekadasi , which coincides with the English New Year this year.
After observing the Govinda mala deeksha for six weeks, like Ayyappa devotees, the devotees under leadership of Ch. Govindaswamy began the arduous march from the ancient Bhoo Neela Sameta Chennakesava Swamy temple here on Sunday.
Akin to Ayyappa devotees carrying Irumudi , Govinda devotees carried on their head the sacred mudupu with reverence. Chants of Govinda Govinda rent the air.
The mudupu comprised a coconut and dry fruits and species used in making of the delicious laddu and other prasadam for the Lord of Seven Hills, explained Mr Govindaswamy while talking to The Hindu .
“We plan to cover 30 to 40 km each day from dawn, unmindful of the biting cold and continue walking till late in the night,” added another devotee Srinivasa Rao after performing a special puja to Lord Chennakesava.
“We will offer prayers to the mother goddess in Thiruchanoor and at Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati before proceeding to Tirumala for the special Ratha Ranga Dolotsavam , they said.
