Kalpa Vriksha of Kali Yuga

The Fifth Delight

Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma

39. Venkatanatha’s Wedding

At Gururaja Acharya’s residence in Ramachandrapura, the wedding celebrations of Venkatanatha were being conducted with great grandeur in honor of the family deity, Srinivasa. The event was attended by relatives and well-wishers, filling the atmosphere with joy and festivity.

The morning began with auspicious rituals, including Puṇyāha (purification ceremony), Nāndī (ancestral blessings), Kuladevatā (family deity worship), Navagraha Pūjā (offering to the nine planets), and the sacred homa (fire sacrifices). After these rites, Venkatanatha, dressed in his initiation garments, sat on a sacred seat, marking the transition from Brahmacharya (celibate student life) to Gṛhasthāśrama (householder life). He then formally accepted the four Vedic vows—Prājāpatya, Saumya, Āgneya, and Vaiśvadeva—through the prescribed Vedic rituals.

Following this, Sumangalis (auspicious married women) performed the Ārati, and Brahmins bestowed their blessings upon him. After the deity’s worship, floral offerings, and prayers, a grand feast was served to all attendees, followed by the ritual offering of fruits, betel leaves, and Dakṣinā (gifts to Brahmins). Once all family members had completed their meal, the wedding procession set out from the groom’s house towards the bride’s village.

That night, the wedding party halted at the house of Lakshminarasimha Acharya’s nephew in Achyutappa Nayaka Agrahara. The next morning, after an early meal, the procession resumed its journey, reaching Kaniya village by noon.

Awaiting them was Vasudevacharya, the Jagirdar of the village, a wealthy and noble scholar, who had meticulously arranged the wedding preparations. With a grand musical welcome, he, along with his relatives and friends, stepped forward to receive the groom’s party with utmost reverence.

At this moment, Gururaja Acharya, along with his wife Kalasagitti Venkatamba, stepped forward with Venkatanatha standing beside them. Upon seeing the groom, radiating with unmatched beauty, wisdom, and divine brilliance, Vasudevacharya and his wife were overwhelmed with joy and admiration.

Following the customary exchanges of greetings and blessings, the elders blessed the younger members, and peers embraced each other in warmth and camaraderie. The younger ones bowed before their elders, while senior family members inquired about each other’s well-being, filling the air with affection and cheer.

Vasudevacharya and his wife performed the Seemanta Puja for the groom, while the women of the house conducted the Gadinīru ritual, applying kumkum and sandalwood paste on Venkatanatha, adorning him with garlands, and offering a turmeric-anointed coconut as a symbol of prosperity.

With festive music filling the air, they seated him in a beautifully decorated twin-horse chariot and escorted him to their grand, adorned mansion. Upon reaching the entrance, the bride’s family performed Arati, broke an auspicious coconut to ward off the evil eye, and guided him into the house facing eastward.

Both families exchanged ceremonial greetings, showering each other with sacred Bukkittu (colored rice powder) as a mark of respect and welcome. The groom’s party was then seated on honored seats and served milk and fruits as a token of hospitality. After seeking the permission of the elders, the guests from the groom’s side departed to their lodging for the night.

Later, the groom’s family returned to the bride’s house, bringing with them auspicious gifts, ornaments, and wedding presents, accompanied by the resonance of divine musical instruments. The formal bride-viewing ritual (Kanyā Nirikṣaṇa) was conducted, and upon seeing the bride, the groom’s relatives were astonished by her divine beauty and grace.

Saraswati’s father had named her with devotion to the Goddess of Wisdom, and indeed, her name was perfectly fitting. She was highly proficient in music, literature, and fine arts, making her a living embodiment of Goddess Saraswati herself.

It was believed that when Saraswati had existed as a river, she was the consort of the ocean. Now, in her human birth, she was destined to be the wife of a Vaishnava of the highest order, bearing the divine marks of the conch and chakra. Vasudevacharya had prayed to Lord Brahma for such a noble alliance, and thus, upon receiving such an illustrious daughter, he had named her Saraswati.

Her qualities of discernment, skill in household management, humility, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her husband—seeing divinity in him—were all signs of an ideal woman, and Saraswati was endowed with them even before her birth.

Her feet had the tender beauty of young leaves, her toenails shone like polished jewels, and her knees had the smooth roundness of a turtle’s back. Her thighs resembled the sturdy trunk of a majestic elephant, and her waist was high at the front yet slender at the center like a lion’s frame.

Her hands were delicate as lotus petals, and her fingernails and toenails gleamed like rubies. Her arms were soft and slender like lotus stalks, and her deep navel was a vision of beauty—a form so exquisite and enchanting that it captivated all who beheld her.

Saraswati’s grace and beauty were beyond comparison. Her neck was so elegant that there was nothing in the world to match it. Her rounded cheeks were full and radiant, while her face seemed ready to rival the moon—in fact, it had already surpassed the moon’s beauty, for her features held every charm and virtue in greater measure.

Her teeth were like budding jasmine flowers, and her lips exuded the sweetness of nectar. Her nose, tall and well-formed, resembled the delicate bud of a Champaka flower.

Her broad forehead gleamed like Manmatha’s cradle, and the tilak (kumkum mark) adorning it resembled baby Manmatha himself. Saraswati had four long, black braids woven with ornaments, which looked like the four ropes securing a divine cradle. The pearl-studded choodamani (crown jewel) on her forehead shone like a toy ball tied to the cradle, as though symbolizing her celestial origin.

Seeing Saraswati’s extraordinary beauty, virtues, and wisdom, the groom’s family was awestruck, exclaiming in joy:

"Indeed, Brahma himself must have created this maiden for none other than our noble Venkatanatha, a true ocean of virtues and wisdom!"

Following the command of Gopikamba Devi, Venkatanamba and Kamalamba seated Saraswati on a beautifully decorated jewel-studded carpet. They anointed her with turmeric and kumkum, adorned her with flowers, applied kajal (collyrium) to her eyes, and gifted her the finest ornaments, golden bangles, silk garments, and sacred yellow robes. After filling silver trays with auspicious fruits, they performed Arati, blessed her, and returned to their quarters.

Soon after, the bride’s parents, relatives, and community elders arrived with great pomp, accompanied by musical processions, to formally invite the groom for the wedding ceremony. They offered him consecrated rice (Mantrakshata) and led the groom’s party to the temple.

At the temple, the families exchanged ceremonial greetings, showering each other with sacred colored rice (Bukkittu), before the bride’s family performed an Arati for the groom and led him inside for the temple’s grand Mangalarati and Prasada offering.

The groom was then seated on a grand jewel-studded carpet, alongside the bride’s family elders, and under the guidance of the temple priests, the formal Groom Worship (Varapuja) began.

Saraswati’s parents ceremonially washed the groom’s feet, sprinkled the water as a blessing upon themselves, and then applied turmeric and kumkum to his feet and forehead. They performed the evil-eye removal ritual, adorned him with a grand garland, and offered him Madhuparka (a sacred honeyed drink).

They also presented gifts to the groom, his relatives, and the senior members of the wedding procession. Following this, both families exchanged coconut-filled silver plates and sugar trays, symbolizing the formal union of both households.

A floral offering ceremony followed, where gifts were offered to the Srimatha (Guru’s institution) in gratitude, along with flowers, sandalwood, betel leaves, and sacred donations.

Later, the bride’s family escorted the groom’s party back to their lodgings, preparing for a grand feast known as Rukkotha or Janavasa.

At the wedding venue, the groom was seated in the grand ceremonial hall, where an elaborate banquet featuring various delicacies was served, ensuring that all guests were satisfied and honored with betel leaves and areca nuts as a traditional token of gratitude.

After the feast, the groom’s family was escorted back to their quarters, while the bride’s family concluded the day with prayers, rest, and final wedding preparations.

On Chaitra Shukla Panchami in the Ananda-nama Samvatsara of Shalivahana Shaka 1536 (April 1614 CE), the bride’s family arrived in a grand procession, bringing warm water in silver vessels, accompanied by festive music, and offered it to the groom’s family for the Mukhamārjana (face-cleansing ritual).

Following this, the rituals of sesame oil anointment (Enne Shāstra), Suruge Yerata, and Kadala Arati were performed. Then, Punyāha (purification), Kuladevatā Pūjā (ancestral deity worship), and Aṣṭavarga offerings were conducted. Vasudevacharya, the bride’s father, performed the Devatā Pūjā with great devotion.

Accompanied by triumphant musical processions, Vasudevacharya brought forth the ceremonial gifts (Sopaskara) for the groom. The priests adorned Venkatanatha with these sacred items, including a mirror, brass pot, footwear, an umbrella, a staff, and initiation garments. With ritualistic chants, he was decorated with sacred ear ornaments (Pishtakoda Bale) and sent forth for the symbolic Kashi Yatra.

As per tradition, the bride’s parents intercepted the groom on his symbolic pilgrimage. They washed his feet, performed the Pādapuja (ritual foot-washing), and honored him with sacred offerings. When the groom sought permission to proceed to Kashi, the bride’s father stopped him with a solemn vow, declaring:

"I shall give you my daughter, who is devoted to dharma, endowed with beauty, and ever devoted to your will. Become a householder and lead a prosperous life."

Thus, he escorted the groom and his procession back to the wedding mandap (sacred pavilion).

Meanwhile, on behalf of the bride’s family, her mother set up an elaborate altar with adorned images of Goddess Gauri, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The bride, Saraswati, dressed in a white silk saree, performed the sacred Gauri Puja as part of the pre-marriage rituals.

After Vasudevacharya offered Madhuparka (a sacred honey-milk mixture) to the groom, Venkatanatha formally accepted the marriage proposal and instructed the priests to bring forth the bride.

Saraswati, after completing her Gauri Puja, was led to the wedding pavilion and seated in a designated area for the betrothal ceremony (Nishchitārtha). The priests invoked the blessings of the celestial betrothal deities—Brihaspati and Shachīndraṇī—before commencing the family lineage recitations (Pravara Ucchāra).

The elders of the bride’s family solemnly proclaimed:

"Saraswati, the granddaughter of Narayanacharya Sharma, the daughter of Vasudevacharya Sharma, and born in the Bhāradvāja Gotra, is offered in marriage to this noble groom."

The elders of the groom’s family then chanted:

"The illustrious Venkatanatha, the great-grandson of Krishnacharya Sharma, the grandson of Kanakachalacharya Sharma, and the son of the renowned Timmannacharya Sharma, bearing the divine presence of Lakshminarayana, is the chosen groom."

Upon this formal declaration, the bride’s father recited the sacred Kanyādāna vow, saying:

"I offer my daughter in sacred marriage, along with all righteous duties and responsibilities."

The groom’s family responded in unison, affirming:

"We accept your daughter in sacred marriage, along with all duties and responsibilities."

This solemn vow was repeated three times, after which the groom’s family performed the Arati for Saraswati and led her back to the temple.

Saraswati then returned to the temple sanctum to continue her prayers to Goddess Gauri, awaiting the next phase of the wedding ceremonies.

As Venkatanatha, along with Kalashagitti, his elder brother, and sister-in-law, stood facing east on the sacred wedding platform (Hasemane), the relatives held up the ceremonial curtain (Antahpata) between the bride and groom.

The bride’s maternal uncle then escorted Saraswati to the platform, where she stood facing west. Following the priests’ instructions, both the bride and groom held cumin seeds and jaggery (Jeerige-Bella) in their hands, symbolizing sweetness and unity in their married life.

At that moment, the assembled priests and Vedic scholars began chanting the Mangalashtaka hymns, invoking divine blessings:

"May Lord Vishnu, whose feet are revered by Brahma and all celestial beings, the eternal sustainer of the universe, the grantor of devotees’ wishes, and the slayer of demon Panchananas, bestow auspiciousness upon us!"

The hymns continued, praising the lineage of great sages, scholars, and revered ancestors, seeking their blessings for an auspicious union:

"Let Vyasa, the supreme sage, who presides over the divine assembly of Krishna Raja and churns the ocean of knowledge, bless this occasion.

Let the learned scholars of Bharadvaja Gotra, the revered saints of Nallur, and the divine lineage of Jamadagni Gotra bring prosperity and well-being.

Let the selfless donors, the wise, the compassionate, and those devoted to dharma shower their divine grace upon this sacred event."

As the auspicious moment (Sumuhurta) approached, the officiating priests declared the alignment of celestial forces, affirming the time was perfect:

"This is the most blessed moment! The most sacred day! The stars are aligned favorably, the planets shine in harmony, knowledge and divine will are in perfect balance! We invoke the divine grace of Lord Lakshminarayana!"

With this, the ceremonial curtain (Antahpata) was removed, marking the moment of sacred union.

In accordance with tradition, Venkatanatha and Saraswati showered cumin and jaggery over each other’s heads, signifying their mutual acceptance and the sweetness of their forthcoming marital life.

The assembled Brahmins showered them with consecrated rice (Mantrakshata), blessing them with prosperity, longevity, and marital bliss.

Finally, in an emotionally profound moment, the newlyweds gazed into each other’s eyes, formally beholding each other as husband and wife for the first time, as divine hymns echoed in the background.

As Venkatanatha and Saraswati gazed at each other, Venkatanatha noticed that Saraswati, overwhelmed with shyness, lowered her lotus-like face upon seeing her husband's radiant countenance. However, gathering courage, she lifted her wide, expressive eyes and beheld her husband’s face, her gaze blossoming like a fully opened lotus.

At this moment, Venkatanatha recited the "Abhrātṛjñam" and "Aghorachakṣu" mantras (“ಅಭ್ರಾತೃಜ್ಞಂ” ಎಂಬ ಮಂತ್ರ, “ಅಘೋರಚಕ್ಷು”), invoking divine blessings:

"May my wife shine with divine grace, protecting her husband and future sons. May she remain composed, bring prosperity to the family, and be blessed with long-lived children who are devoted to dharma."

Following this, Vasudevacharya, the bride’s father, sought the permission of the elders to perform the sacred Kanyādāna (giving away the daughter in marriage). The officiating priests chanted the Mahāsankalpa (great vow), and Saraswati, adorned in bridal ornaments, stood facing east, while Venkatanatha stood facing west.

With utmost devotion, Vasudevacharya placed his daughter’s hand into Venkatanatha’s hands, along with a sanctified Shāligrāma, betel leaves, tulasi leaves, and dakṣiṇā, while Saraswati’s mother poured holy water over their hands in a ritualistic gesture of renunciation. The priests chanted:

"I offer this daughter, adorned with gold and virtue, in sacred marriage."

The formal pravara (lineage declaration) was recited, affirming the sacred bond between the two families.

At this moment, Venkatanatha vowed, saying:

"I shall never forsake my wife in dharma, wealth, or love."

Vasudevacharya then bestowed upon his son-in-law lavish gifts, including cows, land, silver, gold ornaments, fine clothing, and other valuable items.

Mangalyadharana – Tying the Sacred Nuptial Thread

Venkatanatha then performed the "Udvāha Karma" (wedding rites) according to the Yajurvedic tradition. He placed a sacred bundle of darbha grass on Saraswati’s head, followed by a yoke and a golden coin, sprinkling sanctified water over her head while reciting powerful Vedic mantras.

Next, he draped a sacred silk cloth (Pītāmbara) over Saraswati’s shoulders, symbolizing their eternal bond, and placed the Sambandha Māle (union garland) around her neck.

Following this, the Mangalyadharana ritual began, where the auspicious wedding thread (Mangalsutra) was purified and blessed by the elderly women and priests. The gathered elders, including Veṅkaṭāmbā and Kamalādevī, tied knots on the sacred thread, invoking divine blessings for a prosperous married life.

With sacred hymns playing in the background, Venkatanatha, seated facing north, gently placed the sacred Mangalsutra around Saraswati’s neck. As he did so, he solemnly recited:

"Māṅgalyaṁ tantunānekaṁ mama jīvana hetunā |

Kaṇṭhe badhnāmi subhage tvaṁ jīva śaradaśataṁ ||"

("This sacred thread is a bond of auspiciousness, the sustainer of my life. I tie it around your neck, O beloved! May you live a hundred autumns.")

After securing the Mangalsutra, he anointed it with turmeric and kumkum, showering her with flower petals and sacred rice (Mantrakṣata).

The assembled Brahmins and elders blessed the couple, showering them with Akshata (consecrated rice) as the sacred marriage was officially solemnized.

Finally, Venkatanatha completed the ritual of "Maunji Bandhana" (sacred waistband tying), signifying his transition into the role of a householder. The wedding pavilion resounded with the joyous sounds of Mangala Vādyas (auspicious music), marking the successful completion of the sacred nuptial rites.

Following the sacred wedding ceremony, the elder Sumangalis (auspicious married women) performed the Hadiṇāravartiga Arati and Kadala Arati rituals. Thereafter, a Phala Pūjā (offering of fruits) was conducted, and Guru Pūjā was performed at the Śrīmaṭha, where sandalwood, flowers, betel leaves, and dakṣiṇā were offered. The elders then distributed phalatāmbūla (fruit and betel leaves) along with gifts to all the guests, marking the end of the Sabha Pūjā.

Next, a grand feast was arranged for all the gathered Brahmins, Sumangalis, and relatives, with Vāsudevācārya personally ensuring that everyone was well-fed and satisfied, offering them dakṣiṇā and betel leaves as a token of gratitude.

Following the feast, the Saptapadī (seven steps signifying the couple's lifelong commitment) was performed, along with the final Homa rituals. Venkatanatha, now seated beside Saraswati, conducted the Lājā Homa (sacred fire ritual of offering puffed rice), symbolizing the bride’s prayers for the longevity and prosperity of her husband.

At this moment, Venkatanatha presented his brother-in-law with a ceremonial gift, marking the completion of the ritual. Vāsudevācārya then performed the Phalahāra ceremony for the newlyweds and the bridal party, offering them an array of fruits and sweets as a sign of celebration.

By then, the evening had set in. After completing the Sāyaṁ Sandhyā (evening prayers), Venkatanatha performed the Arundhati-Vasiṣṭha Pūjā, wherein the couple was shown the divine star Arundhati as an emblem of marital devotion and virtue. The ritual of offering Marada Bāgina (a symbolic wooden offering to married women) was conducted, followed by the couple's first joint Vedic Agni worship, known as Āupāsana.

After these formalities, the women of both families gathered together in joyous celebration. A Sumangali from the bride’s side playfully encouraged Saraswati to perform Urutani (the custom of applying turmeric and kumkum on her husband's forehead).

Saraswati, blushing with shyness, hesitated at first, but with trembling hands, she applied turmeric and kumkum on Venkatanatha’s forehead. At this moment, she posed a playful riddle (ogata) to her husband, expressing admiration for his intellect and talents:

"Venkatanatha, a confluence of knowledge and arts,

On his forehead, I place turmeric and kumkum with devotion."

Upon hearing this, the gathered women burst into laughter, appreciating the wit and sweetness of the moment. Hearing their laughter, the men also joined in, eager to witness the joyful exchange.

Gopikāmba, deeply pleased with the event, asked Saraswati to sing a song as she performed Urutani. Overcoming her initial shyness, Saraswati, with a full heart and a melodious voice, sang beautifully while applying turmeric and kumkum to her husband’s forehead, bringing immense joy to everyone present.

Following the sacred wedding rituals, Venkatanatha gently applied turmeric to Saraswati’s cheeks, kumkum to her forehead, and fragrant paste to her neck. He then placed a garland around her neck, adorned her hair with flowers, and gifted her with the ceremonial suttuvīḷya (betel leaves and nuts).

As the joyous gathering watched the playful Urutani ritual, teasing and engaging in witty exchanges, young Venkatanarayana eagerly took his uncle’s hand and insisted, "Chikkappa, compose a verse incorporating Chikkamma’s name!"

Without hesitation, Venkatanatha, smiling softly, spontaneously composed a verse and recited it aloud:

Sangīta sāhitya-kalā prapūrṇām

Vidyāvatīṁ mānavatīṁ guṇāḍyām |

Saundarya-lāvaṇya-viśobhita-āṅgīṁ

Sarasvatīṁ viddhi satīṁ madīyām ||

"Know this Saraswati, my virtuous wife, who is accomplished in music, literature, and fine arts. She is full of wisdom, dignity, and noble virtues, and her beauty and grace radiate splendidly."

Hearing Venkatanatha’s spontaneous poetic brilliance, the entire gathering erupted in joyous appreciation, exclaiming, "Bhale, Venkatanatha!"

At that moment, Kamala Devi stepped forward and playfully remarked, "Now it’s Saraswati’s turn!" The new bride, already blushing deeply, was visibly moved by her husband’s eloquent praise. Lowering her gaze, she nervously traced patterns on the ground with her toe.

Sensing her hesitation, Narayan playfully urged, "Atte, now you must compose a verse about Chikkappa!"

To tease Saraswati, Venkataamba, smiling mischievously, interjected, "Poor girl! Why are you pressuring her? Does she even know how to compose poetry?"

At this, a young woman from the bride’s side defended Saraswati proudly, "Why not, Akka? Our Saraswati is the very embodiment of the Goddess Saraswati herself!"

Hearing this exchange, Gururaja Acharya, amused by the situation, affectionately declared, "My dear brother is Saraswati’s husband!" The entire gathering laughed heartily at his clever wordplay.

Venkatanarayana, persistent in his enthusiasm, said, "Alright, at least let Chikkamma sing a song with Chikkappa’s name in it!" The crowd eagerly awaited Saraswati’s response, eager to hear the bride’s poetic tribute to her husband.

Saraswati, with a shy smile, glanced at her husband out of the corner of her eye. Gathering courage, she composed and sang a hymn in Hindola raga and Adi tala, beautifully extolling Venkatanatha’s virtues:

Ṣāṣṭika-kula bhūṣaṇarī pūjyaru |

Ṣaṭ śāstragaḷoḷu pariṇataru ||

Sṛṣṭiśanivarige olidihannammā |

Eṣṭu baṇṇipe enninayara guṇaṅgaḷa ||

Sakala-kalā-vallabharivarammā |

Nikhila-sudhījana-mānitavarm ||

Veṅkaṭācala-pati varajātarammā |

Veṅkaṭanāthareṅna prāṇa-vallabharammā ||

"He is the revered jewel of the Shastik lineage,

A master of all six scriptures,

Favored by the great Creator himself!

How can I ever fully describe his virtues?

He is the Lord of all arts,

Respected by the wisest of scholars,

Born by the grace of Lord Venkatesha!

Venkatanatha, the beloved of my soul!"

Having sung her heartfelt hymn, Saraswati bashfully covered her face with her hands.

The gathering erupted in admiration, cheering "Bhale, Bhesh!" at her poetic eloquence. Venkatanatha’s face glowed with a soft, appreciative smile.

The bride’s mother handed Saraswati pearl and flower balls, saying, "Saras, sing a song and play ball with your husband!". The newlyweds sat across from each other and played the traditional ball game (Chennamane).

At that moment, Kamala Devi encouraged Saraswati, "Say another riddle, just one more!".

Saraswati, brimming with admiration for her husband, recited:

"Lōkadōḷu irabahudu paṇḍitaru kōṭi |

Veṅkaṭanātharige dhareyōḷārivaru sāṭi?"

"There may be a million scholars in this world,

But is there any on earth who can match Venkatanatha?"

Hearing her words, Lakshminarasimha Acharya nodded proudly and affirmed, "Indeed, my dear, no one on this earth can rival our Venkatanatha!"

Following this, Saraswati performed the Aarati for her husband, and soon after, the eldest married women of the family joined in, offering their blessings to the couple with sacred chants and a shower of auspicious Akshata (sacred rice grains).

After this, the beautifully adorned bride and groom were seated together in a decorated swing for the ceremonial Pakini Samaarambha. At this moment, Vedic scholars, learned priests, and Brahmins chanted auspicious blessings for the newlyweds:

"Bālāvētāvāpputāṁ dīrghamāyuḥ |

Nityāṁ prītiṁ cāppaputrān guṇāḍyān ||

Śastaṁ vittaṁ santatiṁ śobhamānāṁ |

Saukhyaṁ dhana dhānyabhūgōsamṛddhim ||"

"May this young couple be blessed with a long life,

Eternal love, virtuous sons,

Wealth and prosperity,

A glorious lineage, happiness,

Abundance in lands, cows, grains, and all riches!"

They continued their sacred recitation, comparing Saraswati’s role as a devoted wife to celestial goddesses:

"May Saraswati be to her husband like:

Shachi Devi is to Indra,

Saraswati is to Brahma,

Lakshmi is to Govinda,

And Parvati is to Rudra—

Always bringing him joy and prosperity!"

With these divine blessings, the ceremony concluded on an auspicious note.

That night, the Hari Bhooma Prakriya (sacred feasting) was held in grandeur. The wedding area was artistically decorated with intricate rangoli patterns, radiant lamps placed on handcrafted clay figurines, and an ambiance of divine sanctity.

After offering Naivedya (sacred food) and performing Mangalarati to the deities, the Brahmins were served holy water (Tirtha) before their meal.

Vasudevacharya, the bride’s father, then arrived at the groom’s feast row, accompanied by his family. At this time, Venkataamba and Beegarigitti (elder women of the groom’s family) carried a large platter filled with delicious offerings and placed it before the couple.

With utmost reverence, Vasudevacharya personally served Tirtha (holy water) to the groom, bride, and their relatives, offering his blessings with a Krishnaarpana (dedication to Lord Krishna).

As the bride and groom playfully fed each other, the joyous celebration filled the hearts of all present with laughter and happiness.

Following tradition, the women of both families engaged in a lighthearted "competitive singing" of Beegarige Haadu (wedding songs), making the atmosphere even more lively.

With the successful completion of Hari Bhooma, Tamboola (betel nut and leaves) was distributed to all.

Finally, Vasudevacharya and his wife, accompanied by festive musical arrangements, led the groom's family to their resting quarters before retiring for the night.

At sunrise the next day, the bride’s family prepared for the Suragi Yereta (ritual oil bath). The Kalashagittis (elder women of the family) bathed the bride and groom with fragrant turmeric-infused water, performed Aarti (auspicious lamp ceremony), and blessed them.

Dressed in sacred yellow silk garments (Pitambara), the newlyweds were seated on the wedding dais. After Venkatanatha completed his morning Sandhya prayers and Upasana rituals, the Naakabali Mahotsava (a ritual offering to ensure prosperity) was performed.

Then came the emotional moment of handing over the bride to her husband. As Saraswati was formally given away to Venkatanatha, tears flowed from the eyes of her parents and family members. The pain of a mother who nurtured, raised, and protected her daughter, only to part with her, could only be understood by those who had experienced it. This scene moved everyone to tears.

Afterward, following the offering of Naivedya to the deities and the distribution of Tirtha Prasada, a grand feast was arranged. Brahmins and married women (Suvasinis) were served a divine meal, while the newlyweds and Beegaras (groom's family and relatives) were treated to a traditional wedding feast.

Following the feast, the bride was formally introduced to the custom of serving betel leaves and areca nut (Tamboola Charvana) to her husband, a symbolic gesture of devotion and care.

That evening, after Venkatanatha completed his Sandhya and Upasana, Vasudevacharya made a special request to Guru Rajacharya’s son, Chiranjeevi Venkatanarayana, to perform Veena recitals. For two hours, his melodious and mesmerizing performance captivated the audience, filling their hearts with divine joy.

Later, various traditional post-wedding rituals were performed, including Urutani (playful games between the bride and groom), Aarati, and feasts for Brahmins and Suvasinis.

The next morning, Vasudevacharya invited the groom’s family for the concluding ritual, the Shesha Homa (final fire sacrifice). Venkatanatha completed the Shesha Homa, symbolizing the successful conclusion of the wedding ceremonies.

Afterward, elder married women performed Aarti for the couple, and the Brahmins offered their final blessings.

Outside the wedding hall, beneath a beautifully decorated canopy, the Vasantha Madhava Puja (springtime prayers) was performed. The bride, groom, Kalashagittis, Beegaras, and relatives engaged in the joyous traditional game of Okaliyaata, a playful event symbolizing prosperity and fertility.

Following this, the wedding dais was adorned one final time. The priest recited the “Kankana Vimochayama” mantras, and the ceremonial wristbands (Kankana) were untied from the hands of the bride and groom, marking the conclusion of the sacred nuptial vows.

Finally, the deities invoked for the wedding rituals were respectfully bid farewell (Avahita Nandi Devata Visarjane), signifying the completion of the divine union of Venkatanatha and Saraswati.

After the completion of the wedding rituals, the bride was ceremoniously welcomed into the groom’s house with the resonance of auspicious music. The Lakshmi Puja and Phala Puja were performed as per traditional customs, followed by the offering of fruits, betel leaves, and gifts to Brahmins and Suvasinis (married women) as a mark of respect and gratitude.

On behalf of the groom’s family, Guru Rajacharya arranged a grand feast called "Maavana Prastha" (the farewell feast for the bride's family and guests) to honor the Beegaras (bride’s relatives).

For three days, Venkatanatha observed the post-wedding Diksha (vow of austerity), conducting rituals with utmost devotion. His hospitality, generosity, and humility won the hearts of scholars, Brahmins, and relatives alike. He personally distributed gifts, fruits, betel leaves, and Dakshina (donations) to everyone according to their merit, receiving their heartfelt blessings.

After the successful completion of the grand wedding, the next day Vasudevacharya hosted a farewell feast called “Kata” for the groom’s family and guests. He expressed his immense joy and gratitude by presenting lavish gifts to Venkatanatha, his family, and all the Beegaras.

As a token of love, he gave his son-in-law traditional sweets like Chakkuli and Gude, along with a symbolic “Kshematundala” (a ceremonial protective offering for the groom’s well-being).

Finally, Vasudevacharya and his wife accompanied the Beegaras to the groom’s house, where the bride’s Grihapravesha (formal entry into the marital home) was conducted with great grandeur.

On their journey back, the entire wedding entourage traveled via Kumbhakonam to seek the divine blessings of Sri Vijayindra and Sri Sudhindra Gurus, marking a spiritually auspicious conclusion to the wedding festivities.