Idols of Lord Srikalahastheeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika are carried on separate litters during the ‘Kalyanotsavam’ ritual at Srikalahasti temple in Tirupati district on Wednesday. | Photo credit: ARRANGEMENT
The ‘Kalyanotsavam’, the divine wedding of Srikalahastheeswara Swamy and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi took place in a grand manner at the Srikalahasti temple early on Wednesday. This event is considered the most important of all the rituals and processions during the ongoing Brahmotsavams which coincide with the ‘Mahasivaratri’ festival.
Decorated idols were placed on impressive litters and carried in a procession before the wedding. The series of rituals culminated in the sealing of the marriage by the Lord, witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Later, idols of Lord Srikalahastheeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika were installed on ‘Gaja Vahanam’ and ‘Simha Vahanam’ and paraded in the streets of Srikalahasti.
An ancient practice
In this area, it was an ancient practice for eligible brides and grooms to tie the knot at the same time as the divine wedding.
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 celestial wedding drumming sounds from the temple. The groom immediately ties the ‘Mangalasutram’ around the bride’s neck while families and relatives bless them.
According to temple sources, 59 couples got married at the temple on Wednesday.
For several years, cases of child marriages have taken place on this occasion, but the temple officials and the police department have remained vigilant this time to prevent such incidents.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 20:44 IST