New Delhi: Amid chanting of hymns by
priests, thousands of devotees of Lord Balaji today witnessed
his celestial wedding with his two consorts -- Laxmi and
Padmavati.
The celestial wedding of Lord Balaji, the presiding
deity of Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati with his two
consorts -- Laxmi and Padmavati -- was held at the
Venkateswara Grounds in Dhaula Kuan in the presence of
thousands of devotees who had thronged the venue.
The 'Utsava Murthis' or the processional idols of Lord
Sri Balaji along with two consorts were brought all the
way to Delhi from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
About 30 priests, including the head priest who
escorted the sacred idols from Tirupati to Delhi in a special
rath, conducted the marriage, which is being held in Delhi for
the third time.
The 'Kalyana Mahotsavam' is the symbolic wedding of
Sri Venkateswara with Laxmi and Padmavati. 'Kalyana
Mahotsavam' is performed for over three hours at the temple in
Tirupati everyday.
A replica of the Tirupati temple was also erected at
the grounds to give a real feel of the Temple.
"It looked like the Lord had arrived to meet us
personally. I have attended this ceremony on previous two
occasions. This time I came along with my family and everyone
is delighted to have the sight of Lord Balaji," B
Satyanarayan, who lives in East Delhi, said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 21, 2010, 22:24