About three lakh devotees tonight offered prayers at the auspicious 'Garudaseva' procession of Lord Venkateswara on the fifth day of the annual Navaratri Brahmotsavam at Tirumala near here.
Temple sources told PTI that the idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with several diamond set ornaments, including the huge multi folded "Sri Lakshmi Kaasula Haram", "Makharakanti Haram" and "Chandra Haram", mounted on a decorated golden 'Garuda Vahanam' (carrier), was taken out in a grand procession.
Over one lakh devotees had reached the hills on foot through the 11-km long stairway leading to the shrine from Alipiri point here, they said.
A thick security blanket was put in place on the hills and routes leading to the hill shrine on the occasion.
