Thousands of devotees from all over Chittoor district and neighbouring States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka thronged the famous temple of Lord Varasiddi Vinayaka Swami at Kanipakam near here on Friday, and took part in the majestic chariot festival (Rathotsavam).
The chariot festival commenced at afternoon amid heavy police security, while the temple authorities cleared all obstacles along the temple streets.
The festival which falls on the eighth day of the 21-day Brahmotsavams has a special significance as it symbolises the Lord annihilating the demon Mooshikasura after going to the battlefield in the chariot. The chariot was prepared by none other than Lord Brahma, while the battle was believed to have been witnessed by three crores of gods of Hindu pantheon. The chariot presented a colourful spectacle with the images of seven horses at the forefront.
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The local police diverted the traffic from the outer points of the temple town and earmarked the parking lots for the visiting devotees. The temple authorities heaved a sigh of relief with no untoward incident taking place during the mega occasion of chariot dragging by the devotees. The chariot festival usually draws huge crowds following the sentiment according to ‘puranas’ that those who participate in it will have no rebirth. The devotees threw pepper and puffed rice on the processional deity of the Kanipakam Lord as he rode through the temple streets. The chariot dragging was halted for a brief while due to downpour in the evening.