Garuda flag hoisted on the golden dwajasthambam — a divine invitation to all devas to attend the festival.

The Lord rides the seven-hooded Adisesha, his eternal serpent — symbol of the cosmos resting on the divine.

The Lord on the five-hooded Vasuki — grants devotees relief from worldly afflictions.

Sacred abhishekam (holy bath) of the processional deities.

As Saraswati on the swan — the swan discerns good from bad, symbol of pure wisdom.

The Lord on the lion — recalling the Narasimha avatar, embodiment of raw valor.

Beneath a canopy of pearls — bestowing coolness, serenity and prosperity on devotees.

On the wish-fulfilling divine tree — the Lord grants the prayers of all who seek him.

Borne by the kings (bhoopalas) of all directions — the Lord as the supreme sovereign of the universe.

The Lord as the enchantress Mohini, taken in procession in a palanquin.

The Lord as Rama on Hanuman — the supreme symbol of selfless devotion.

Procession on the golden chariot through the mada streets.

On the elephant Gajendra — recalling how the Lord rushed to save his devotee, granting moksha.

On the radiant sun chariot drawn by seven horses — the Lord as the source of all light.

Sacred abhishekam (holy bath) of the processional deities.

On the moon vehicle — bestowing coolness, peace and serenity on all devotees.

The grand temple-car (ther) pulled by thousands of devotees through the four mada streets — seeing it is deeply auspicious.

On the horse — the Lord as Kalki, the awaited future avatar.

The sacred bath of the Sudarshana Chakra in the Swami Pushkarini — devotees bathe alongside for purification.

The Garuda flag is lowered — the formal, grateful conclusion of the nine-day Brahmotsavam.