Kalyanotsavam in Tirupati

Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple celebrates a festival called the Kalyanotsavam (marriage of the Lord). It is celebrated every day at the Kalyanmandapam except during the Brahmotsavam and on certain other festive occasions.

Kalyanam" means Wedding in Sanskrit. Performing or watching a divine wedding is considered to be very auspicious by the Hindus. It is believed to cleanse the family of all sins. This can be performed only by wedded couples accompanied by their family not exceeding 5 at an admittance fee of Rs.2500/-. It starts around 10 AM and continues till 3.30 PM. After completing all the participating families have a free view of the deity. The couples are then gifted with silk upper clothes and about 20 pounds of "Prasadams" or a meal that is cooked only inside the temple`s boundaries and consecrated to the Lord earlier.

Lord Balaji is the bridegroom while his two consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi are the brides in this celestial wedding. The rituals followed are exactly the same as the one carried out during Hindu marriages. The idols of Lord Malayappaswami (Balaji), Sridevi and Bhoodevi are placed in a manner that Lord faces his brides. A screen to separate the bridegroom and brides is then placed in between After the observance of rituals the screen is then removed so that the deities now face to face. This auspicious ceremony is held amid the chant of Vedic mantras by the priests. This also includes pronouncing the family lineage of the brides as well as the bridegroom. It`s a divine feeling out there.

There also good numbers of budget, as well as luxury Hotels in Tirupati located near the Venkateswara temple, which provides all the comforts and luxuries at best price tags. The travelers can also avail Tirupati Tour Packages which include a stay at one of the finest Hotels & Homestays in Tirupati, a platter of meals and cab service to commute within the precincts of the region.