the journey continues…

I have shared some pictures of Srinivasa Kalyanam performed at home.
What is it ?
Srinivasa Kalyanam or Venkatesha Kalyanam is the divine wedding of Lord Sri Venkateshwara.
Why is it performed?
Srinivasa Kalyanam is the symbolic celestial wedding of Sri Venkateswara with his two consorts Padmavati and Laxmi.In general Kalyanam means auspicious. When it is the Kalyana of the Supreme Lord Srinivasa,the auspiciousness will be in abundance and it will be for the well being of the whole family.
How is it performed?
Lord Balaji is the bridegroom while his two consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are the brides in this celestial wedding. The rituals followed are exactly same to the one carried out during Hindu marriages.A purohit conducts the marriage and an archaka is consecrated to perform other rituals on behalf of the bridegroom.
Initially the abhishekam or holy bath is done to all the idols with milk,coconut water and banana.Then all the idols are nicely dressed. Sri Venkateshwara with Dhoti and brides SriDevi,Bhoo Devi with sarees.Then brides and bridegrooms are tied with Kankanam [a holy thread colored in yellow].The idols of the Lord and his brides face each other with a screen in between. In the auspicious time,they would tie the Mangalyam to the brides SriDevi and BhooDevi.
Religious people believe that performing a kalyanotsavam [marriage] or participation in marriage is very auspicious.The kankanam/holy thread tied to the lord would be given to unmarried girls in the family so that they will get a nice groom soon.

Lord Srinivasa with SriDevi and Bhoo Devi

Abhishekam

After the Alankaram

Mangalyam

MangalyaDharana

Chamara Seva

After the wedding

TTD [Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams] conducts Kalyanotsavam in various locations around the world and this is a small version of it.