Kalyanotsavam - FAQs

Answers to all your questions about kalyanotsavam. Find out what it is, how to participate, benefits, rules, and more.

kalyanotsavam

Why is kalyanotsavam done?

The main purpose of Kalyanotsavam is to provide both yoga and kshema for the devotee. Yoga means to get something that you do not have, such as children or a house. Kshema means securing what you already have, like wealth and health. Performing Kalyanotsavam allows both wishes to be fulfilled.

Kalyanotsavam - meaning

Anything that brings joy and contentment is referred to as kalyanam. Kalyam sukham anayati prapayati iti kalyanam. Kalyanam is commonly associated with marriage because marriage can bring immense joy to one's life. Since it is the marriage of Swamy Venkateswara, it is celebrated as an utsava (festival). Swamy Venkateswara’s marriage with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi is celebrated every day to honor their divine union. The festivities associated with this sacred event are a joyous occasion for everyone involved.

History of kalyanotsavam

The kalyanotsavam at Tirumala was started by Tallapaka Annamacharya in the 15th century. 120 varahas were transferred to the Lord’s treasury for this purpose. Furthermore, he donated a number of villages so that the festival could continue uninterrupted.

Annamcharya’s descendants carried on the tradition. According to an inscription, Tallapaka Chinna Tirumalacharya, the grandson of Annamacharya conducted kalayanotsavam in the year 1547 at the Lakshmi Devi Pandal of Govindaraja Perumal temple. Originally, kalyanotsavam was held once a year.

Chinna Tirumalayyangar, and Tiruvedayyan have also contributed towards the development of kalyanotsavam into a grand festival.

At Tirumala, the venue kept shifting from the golden entrance of Mahadwaram to the marriage hall on the way to Vimana parikrama to Ranganayaka Mandapam to the present Venkata Ramana Swamy marriage hall.

Kalyanotsavam procedure

Kalyanotsavam is the grand celebration of the wedding of Venkateswara Swamy (Malayappa Swamy) with Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Kalyanotsavam is conducted by Vaikhanasa priests along with another purohita called the Brihaspati. There is also a torch-bearer called Vochi who is part of the ceremony.

Perumal(idol) sits on one simhasana. The brides, Sridevi and Bhudevi sit on another simhasana. First, the marriage of Perumal with Sridevi takes place, thereafter with Bhudevi. All the standard steps of Vedic marriage are performed as below -

Vishwaksena aradhana
Punyaha vachanam
Ankurarpanam
Raksha bandhanam
Agni sthapanam
Madhuparkam
Koorcha pradanam
Vastra pradanam
Mahasankalpam
Mangalya dharanam
Vivaha homam
Aarati

During the ceremony, a curtain is held between Perumal and the Goddesses. They can see each other only after the curtain is removed at an appropriate time.

Kalyanotsavam benefits

21 generations of the participant devotee will be absolved of all sins.
Participants will live a long life.
It will bring peace and harmony to the family,
The bond among family members increases.
Brings generosity and compassion.
Elevation of spiritual level.
Health
Wealth.
Gain of knowledge.
Blessing for successful and timely marriage for son or daughter.

Kalyanotsavam timings

Kalyanotsavam is held during Abhijit muhurta. It starts at 12.00 noon and finishes at 1.00 pm.

Is kalyanotsavam only for couples?

Yes. Only couples are allowed to participate in kalyanotsavam at Tirumala.

Kalyanotsavam rules in tirumala / ttd kalyanotsavam rules

Only two adults are allowed entry per ticket.
Children are not allowed.
Men should wear veshti/dhoti and uttareeyam.
Women should wear a saree or churidar with a dupatta.
Reporting time at Supadham entrance is 10.00 am.
Kalyanotsavam participants are also eligible for darshanam at the temple after that.
Access to the complex is via Supatham (South Mada Street).
You are required to be present at the venue by 10:00 am.
After 10:30-10:45, you will be sent to the venue.
You must be seated at the venue by 11:30.
Coming early will allow you to have a better view of the ceremony as you will be able to sit in the front rows. It is better to arrive at the entrance between 09:00 and 09:30.
You will be able to conclude your between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM following the darshan.