Sri Garuda Temple

The temple of Garuda (also called Garudalwar), is directly opposite the presiding deity in the Sri Venkateswara temple.

Garuda is a faithful devotee of the Lord and he stands with his hands joined in supplication (the Anjali pose). Being the Lord's mount he is shown with outstretched wings, ever ready to carry him. You will find Garuda's image not only in the shrine but also at the corners of the prakarams, mandapams and vimanas. 

At the commencement of the annual Brahmotsavam of Lord Sri Venkateswara, a flag with the image of Garuda is hoisted on the Dhwajasthamba. It is believed that the Prasadam offered to Garuda in this temple, if partaken, will bless the sterile with children.

Every day, after completing the early morning puja conducted for Lord Sri Venkateswara, the Bali Bera of the Lord is taken out in a palanquin to give offerings to Parivaradevatas. The Lord is believed to personally supervise the food arrangements made for his subordinates, attendants and devotees. The palanquin called Sibika is considered to be Garuda himself.

An utsava murti of Garuda is kept in the Ramar Meda along with other bronze images.



Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Brahmotsavam Celebrations - Fifth Day

On the fifth day, Mohini Avatarotsavam is celebrated to commemorate the Lord's incarnation as Mohini, in the morning

According to legend, the Devatas and the Demons performed Ksheerasagaramadhanam that resulted in amrit (nectar which when consumed grants immortality) and other sacred qualities. The Devatas and the Demons fought for possession of the Amrit. Lord Vishnu then assumed the form of Mohini (a beautiful woman) and procured the Amrit for the Devatas.

The Lord is dressed like Mohini, and He is

taken in a procession in a Pallaki (palanquin).Lord Krishna is also taken in the same procession. This is to celebrate the assistance rendered by Lord Vishnu to the Devatas during Ksheerasagaramadhanam.

After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord and his consorts are seated on Garuda Vahana. Lord is decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranaramala that day.

According to the ancient Hindu texts, Garuda, the king of birds, is a replica of the Vedas (vedatma vihamgeswara), while Lord Vishnu is the God of the Vedas. Therefore, the Lord sees Himself in Garuda. In the Vaishnava Puranas, Garuda is also called periyatiruvadi, meaning the first devotee.

Therefore, Lord Venkateswara selected Garuda as his vehicle for the most important day of the Brahmotsavam. Garuda Vahana is the greatest of all the Vahanas. A large number of pilgrims visit the temple on this day.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org