Sri Sitarama Tiru Kalyana Mahotsavam, the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and goddess Sita, was performed in the auspicious Abijit Lagnam with religious fervour and spiritual splendour in this historical town popularly known as Bhadradri on Friday.
Undeterred by hot weather, tens and thousands of devotees turned up for the ceremony from far-flung places. They witnessed the celestial wedding of the divine couple at Mithila Stadium on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy presented Mutyala Talambralu and Pattuvastram to the temple deity on behalf of the State government in tune with the temple traditions. Earlier, the utsav idols of Lord Rama and his consort Sita Devi were brought out in an aesthetically decorated palanquin to the venue in an impressive ceremonial procession from Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy shrine.
The priests underlined the essence of the celestial wedding for universal peace and prosperity. They extolled the virtuous qualities of Lord Rama and his people-friendly rule. The deities were adorned with glittering ornaments – the Patchala Pathakam and Chintaku Pathakam gifted by saint composer Bhakta Ramadasu, the founder of the Bhadradri temple. Echoes of Jai Sri Ram slogans filled the air even as Lord Rama and Sita Devi were united in a wedlock.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman K. Bapiraju and executive officer L.V. Subramanyam presented pattuvastrams on behalf of the TTD at the ceremony. Vedic pundits from Srirangam gifted a Seshamalika, a huge garland, to the temple deity on the occasion.
Union Ministers P. Balram Naik and Killi Kruparani, Ministers P. Balraju, C. Ramchandraiah, R. Venkat Reddy and Pithani Satyanarayana, Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and others were present. Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the visit of Chief Minister to the temple town on Friday.
