All routes in Hyderabad lead to the NTR Stadium as a sea of humanity turned out to witness the celestial wedding and other poojas of Sri Srinivasa with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
As part of the five-day Sri Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavams, on the final day, this religious event took place amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras and rendering of Annamacharya Sankeertans by artists of Annamacharya Project during every episode of the traditional marriage ritual.
The ritual started with Devataradhana and Sabha Vandanam. The ritual-performing priests was seated in Kurmasana facing East to the deities. The celestial marriage of the deities was performed as per the traditional Hindu Marriage system in the following sequence.
Punahavachanam: This is a sanctifying ritual conducted to cleanse all the articles, premises before the commencement of celestial marriage.
Vishwaksena Aradhana: After Punahavachanam follows Vishwaksena Aradhana. Lord Vishwaksena happens to be Commander-in-Chief of Lord Venkateswara who supervises the ritual, was invoked. The purified water in the kalasam was sprinkled on all the articles in Homakundam and Mantapam.
Ankurarpana: Next followed Ankurarpana which signifies a healthy beginning before any ritual. The Asta Dikpalakas were invoked and worshiped in this ritual.
Pratisara Bandhana: This is yet another main part of the celestial wedding where in the sacred Kankanams (holy threads) were tied to the right hand of the Lord and left hand of His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi while the ritual performing priests tied it to their right hands only. Swasti Sooktam was recited during this episode.
Agni Pratishta: Then followed Agni Pratista where in the pious agni was lit and Prayaschitta homam was performed.
Vastra Samarpana: After the Agni Pratistha, a new set of silk vastrams were offered to the deities.
Maha Sankalpam: Then the important phase of the ritual, Maha Sankalpam was performed where in the descendent of Tallapaka family (the family which dedicated their lives in the service of Lord Venkateswara for the six centuries) performed Kanyadanam on behalf of Goddesses.
Union Minister Kishan Reddy and senior leader Dr Laxman graced the occassion. Srivari Laddus were sold at the counters. People attended in large numbers for the celestial wedding.
