3 lakh devotees take part in 'Garudaseva'

About three lakh devotees from all over the countrytoday took part in the auspicious 'Garudaseva' procession of Lord Venkateswara on the fifth day of the annual Navaratri Brahmotsavam at Tirumala near here.
The ancient idol of Lord Venkateswara, adorned with several diamond ornaments, including the 'Sri Lakshmi Kaasula Haaram', 'Makharakanti Haaram' and 'Chandra Haaram' mounted on a decorated golden 'Garuda Vahanam', was taken out in a grand procession, which lasted nearly six hours, around the shrine, temple PRO Talari Ravi told PTI.
Over one lakh devotees had reached the hill on foot crossing the 10-km pathway leading up to the shrine starting from Alipiri point here, he said.

There was adequate police deployment for the occasion on the hill as well as on the routes leading to the hill shrine.