Lakhs of devotees thronged the holy town of Bhadrachalam on the banks of the river Godavari, in Khammam district to witness celestial wedding of godess Sita and Lord Ram on the occasion of Ramnavmi today.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy participated in ‘Seetharamula Kalyanam’ along with his wife, and presented ‘Muthyala Thalambralau’ (pearls), and ‘Pattu Vastrams’ to the god on behalf of the state government.
The celestial wedding was held at Mithila Stadium at exactly 12 noon according to the ‘Agama Shastra’ in Abhijith Lagna, by placing Zeelakarra and Bellam on the heads of Sita and Rama.
The Archakas presented a Thalibottu, which was prepared by the then Ramadasu, to Seethamma on behalf of Rama.
Later the Archakas offered the ‘Thalambralu’ to Seetha Ramulu.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and his spouse worshipped the lord Ram and his consort Sita and performed special Pujas in the temple.
On behalf of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), its Chairman Kanumuri Bapi Raju and his wife presented the Pattu Vasthrams (silk garments) to the presiding deities.
As part of the celestial wedding, the Archakas brought the Murthies to the Mantapam at 0930 hrs in a procession.
At 12 noon, they performed the wedding. The Archakas performed Thiruveedi Seva on Chandraprabha Vahanam from 2000 hrs to 2200 hrs as part of Vahana Seva.
The devotees reached the temple town after taking holy bath in the Pavana Godavari River and visited the Bhadradri Rama temple.
The police deployed heavy police force to prevent any untoward incidents as the Chief Minister was participating in the celebrations.
The Chief Minister in his greetings to the people of state on the occasion said the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Sita was auspicious.
Rama Navami celebrations across the state was held in a grand finale, reports reaching here said.
—UNI