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| . 91st Garuda Sevai, Thanjavur June 2025 thehindu.com |
It is a rare religious event to witness as many as 25 Garuda Sevai at the same place with the participation of a large number of devotees with religious fervor and devotion. One such event took place recently at Thanjavur city, once the capital of Chola Dynasty followed by Naiks and finally Maratha rulers. Just like this year's grand event in June 2022 - 88th Garuda Sevai was held with 24 Garuda Vahaha carrying processional idols of Lord Vishnu from 24 Divyadesa Perumal temples near by.
The 91st annual Maha Garuda Sevai, considered a grand festival, was held on the 16th June of this year in the Thanjavur fort area, Tamil Nadu. What is unique about this religious event was the procession of a series of 25 Garuda vahanas, featuring 25 decorated and bejeweled deities mounted on them. Garuda, a mythical bird, is the prime vehicle of Lord Vishnu (Perumal). Garuda's mount symbolizes Lord's quick arrival to alleviate their sufferings. Though the exact date for the 2025 festival is not specified, it normally takes place during the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam festival in May.
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| Garuda en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Garuda is normally portrayed as a protector with the power to swiftly travel anywhere, ever vigilant and his arch enemy is every serpent. Also known as Tarkshya and Vainateya he is often pictured either in a zoomorphic form (a giant bird with partially open wings) or an anthropomorphic form (a man with wings and some bird like features)..............
The festival it is said to have close link with the legend of Lord Vishnu rescuing Gajendra, the elephant king (owned by demi god Indira) from a ferocious crocodile. Garuda Sevai festival took place in the morning between 7 am to 11 am, marking the procession on the four traditional main Raja Veethis- east, south, west and north main streets. Deities (processional idols of Perumal) were drawn from various Vishnu temples around this area managed by the HR & CE of the T. N. Government and Aranmanai Devasthanam (traditionally headed by the Maratha Prince).
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| 91stThanjavur Garuda Sevai June 2025 Daily Thanthi |
Every year in the Tamil Month of Vaikasi this spectacular festival is held under the aegis of Sri Ramanuja Dharsana Sabah. Last year 90th festival was held on 15th June. thisyear following Mangalasasanam - (practice of offering blessings and prayers for the well-being of the Lord and His devotees, especially by the Azhwars - Vaishnavite saints) of Thirumangai Azhwar at the Narasimha temple of Vennar Bank, the June 16 th and 91st Garuda Sevai Purapadu (beginning of procession) was held accompanied by Mangala Isai and Nadasswaram. for a long time the annual Garuda Sevai begins at the Vennar bank, a suburb of old Thanjavur
Mounted on the Hamsa (Swan) Vahana, Azhwar led the procession followed by Neelamega Perumal, Narasimha Perumal, Kalyana Venkatesa Perumal, Yoga Narasimhar, Kaliyuga Venkatesa Perumal, Venugopala Perumal and others.
The Annual Garuda sevai festival has been held in this old part of Thanjavur for more than 90 years. This grand event will be traditionally followed a few days later by equally inspiring Vennai Thazhi (palanquin carrying Lord Bala Krishna with a pot full of butter) procession on the main Raja Veethis (streets).This popular Garuda Sevai annual function was held with meticulous care and security cover.
https://www.dailythanthi.com/Others/Devotional/25-perumals-garuda-seva-in-thanjavur-1107724
https://www.maalaimalar.com/devotional/worship/24-perumal-garuda-seva-in-thanjavur-474944
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