‘Kalyanotsavam’ celebrated at Srikalahasti temple

‘Kalyanotsavam’, the divine wedding of Srikalahastheeswara Swamy and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi, was conducted in a grand manner at Srikalahasti temple in early on Wednesday. The event is considered the most important among all the rituals and processions during the ongoing Brahmotsavams coinciding with the ‘Mahasivaratri’ festival.

The bejewelled idols were mounted on impressive palanquins and carried in a procession ahead of the wedding. The series of rituals ended with the tying of nuptials by the Lord, which was witnessed by thousands of devotees.

Later, the idols of Lord Srikalahastheeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika were mounted on ‘Gaja Vahanam’ and ‘Simha Vahanam’ and paraded on the streets of Srikalahasti.

Ancient practice

It has been an ancient practice in the region for eligible brides and grooms to tie their knots simultaneously as the divine wedding happens.

People from nearby villages arrive at Srisailam well in advance with their sons and daughters, dress up for the occasion and wait for the moment when the traditional drum beats of the celestial wedding is heard from the temple. The groom immediately ties the ‘Mangalasutram’ around the neck of the bride, while the families and relatives bless them.

According to temple sources, 59 couples got married in the temple on Wednesday.

For several years, there were instances of child marriages being performed on the occasion, however, temple officials and Police Department remained vigilant to prevent any such incidents this time.