SRINIVASA KALYANAM HELD IN KHATMANDHU, NEPAL

The grandeur of Lord Venkateswara has been felt in one of the world famous pilgrims cities of Nepal, Khatmandu City as the City of Gods witnessed sea of humanity turned out for the mega religious event “Srinivasa Kalyanam” being conducted by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for the first time in this Country on Saturday.

Earlier during the day the delegates of TTD including its chairman Sri K Bapiraju, members Sri Muthyam Reddy, Sri Rautu Suryaprakash Rao, Smt Rajeshwari, EO Sri LV Subramanyam, JEO Sri Venkatrami Reddy formally met the President of Nepal H.E. Dr. Sri Ram Baran Yadav who heartily welcomed the representatives of TTD.

Later the meet was followed by a colourful, grand procession of the deities of Lord Malayappa Swami and His two Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. All the delegates of TTD as well as the locals took part in the ceremonious procession of Lord covering over 12 kilometers to reach spacious Kullamunch grounds where the celestial marriage of deities took place. Over 50thousand people took part in the grand religious event chanting “Govinda Namas” all through the way. About 70thousand people had darshan of the processional deities in the ground from morning till 3pm in the evening.

Later the much awaited celestial marriage event of Lord Venkateswara began on a grand note with Punyahavachanam, Kankana Dharana, Kanyadanam and concluded with Aarti. Over one lakh witnessed the first of its kind religious wedding.

Earlier speaking on this occasion the Honourable President of Nepal, H.E. Sri Ram Bharan Yadav said that Lord Venkateswara, the benign, resplendent Lord of Tirumala is being worshipped across the globe by millions of devotees as the most benevolent boon-giving deity of KALIYUGA and this makes Him as the most sought after deity in the entire world. “I have been visiting the hill shrine for the past several years and I am an ardent devotee of Lord Venakteswara. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTDs) being the custodian of the world famous temple of Lord Venkateswara, is dedicated to the propagation of Sanatana Hindu Dharma and service of Lord Venkateswara whose abundant grace is the source of all bliss. Today our people of this land are blessed to witness the grandeur of Lord in the Celestial Srinivasa Kalyanam”, he added.

Later TTD Chairman Sri K Bapiraju said, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust Board, its Executive Officer and the Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad wing of TTD has planned unique marriage of Lord – “SRINIVASA KALYANAM” with an aim to propagate, preserve and protect Hindu Sanatana Dharma.

“The Devasthanams has been organizing the celestial marriage of Lord outside Tirumala in various district head quarters of the state of Andhra Pradesh every year since the inception of programme six years ago as a part of its mission to spread Bhakti and promote spiritual values in the society. The Srinivasa Kalyanams became so popular among the public and TTD commenced the performance of celestial marriages in all the major cities of India apart from the state of Andhra Pradesh in recent times. As a part of it Srinivasa Kalyanams have also been performed with religious pomp and gaiety in Kanyakumari and in ten major cities in the state of Maharastra. As Devotion knows no boundaries and the significance of ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ today, has spread to overseas and for the first time we are performing the celestial Marriage of Lord Venkateswara in the LAND OF GODS – Khatmandu City the capital of Nepal in a big way”, he added.

Later TTD Executive Officer Sri LV Subramanyam said, the primary motto of Srinivasa Kalyanam is whereever it is performed, the land and the people are blessed with peace and prospreity. Nepal is considered to be the second largest Hindu populated land on the globe after India, with over 80% of the people adhering to practicing Hindu faith. The capital city of Khatmandu has over one million inhabitants and is often described as the Land of largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines which speak about the enormous treasure house of art and sculpture.

EO also said, With this Srinivasa Kalyanam, the people of Nepal will get a rare opportunity to witness the Divine Wedding of the Lord and His consorts. The archakas who perform pujas at Srivari Temple in Tirumala are the officiating priests for Srivari Kalyanam. The Festival is conducted as per the Hindu custom of marriage with Homam, Samprokshana and Pravara (recitation of the line of ancestors of the Lord and Goddesses). The marvels of Lord is omnipresent which is witnessed today as lakhs of people has turned out for the celestial event”, he added.

Elaborating on the activities taken up by TTD the EO said, TTD besides organising religious events and providing darshan to multitude of visting pilgrims, is also offering impeccable service to humanity with a motto “MANAVA SEVAYE MADHAVA SEVA-SERVICE TO MANKIND IS SERVICE TO GOD” by running various welfare schemes like free meals, free medication, free education, free home to destitute etc. ‘Srivari Kalyanam’ is a unique opportunity for devotees to participate in a solemn ritual without any distinction of caste or creed. Srinivasa Kalyanams ensure prosperity of the entire country”, he expressed.

Later the devotees were mused by the grandeur of ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ which was organised with utmost religious fervour and splendour in the City of Gods. The public representatives, dignitaries from different cities of Nepal, tens of thousands of devotees, dignitaries from TTD including Trust board members, top brass officials were also present in the celestial wedding.

ISSUED BY TTDs PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (CAMPING AT KHATMANDU CITY, NEPAL)