Tirupati Balaji's 'celestial marriage' in Mumbai on Nov 29

Mumbai, Nov 27: The "celestial marriage" of the Lord of Seven Hills, Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji, with his consorts, goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi, will be solemnized in Mumbai on Sunday, Nov 27 an organizer said.

The ceremony will be held at the Shanmukhananda Hall where the idols are being brought after a gap of three years.

"It is not possible for everybody to visit Tirupati. So, we decided to bring the idols to Mumbai where we can pray for peace," said Bombay South Kanara Brahmim Assocaiton President Suresh Rao.

The ritual is performed daily in the Tirupati hilltop temple in Andhra Pradesh.

On Sunday, the idols of Lord Balaji and his consorts shall be taken in a procession to the hall with priests from Tirupati chanting vedic verses in their praise.

The Vedic Pancharatra Aagamam system of Vaishnavism has prescribed an elaborate procedure for the divine marriage, Rao said.

"All the elements of the marriage in our systems are taken from what the Lord himself has prescribed," he added.

The ceremonies include a havan, Thirumangalya Dharanam (tying the mangalsutra) and chanting Mangalyam Thantunanena, beating of drums and playing the nadaswaram as Balaji ties the divine knot with his consorts, explained Rao.

The event will also coincide with the BSKB's plans to start its Gokul Projects - Vision 2020 which includes plans to expand Ashraya, a senior citizens' home in Navi Mumbai, constructing a full-fledged Lord Krishna Temple in Sion, launching various educational institutions, scholarships and loans for students, Rao added.

The Tirupati Temple is ranked the richest in the world in terms of donations received and its wealth, and is visited by around 30-40 million people annually.

IANS