KADAPA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday offered Pattu Vastrams to Sri Kodandarama Swamy at Vontimitta in Kadapa district as part of the ongoing annual Brahmotsavams. Accompanied by his wife Bhuvaneswari, he participated in the sacred rituals on the auspicious occasion of Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam and presented the ceremonial silk offerings to the presiding deity.
Upon his arrival at the temple, Naidu was accorded a traditional Poornakumbha Swagatam by the temple priests. Subsequently, he received Tirtha Prasadams and a portrait of Sri Kodandarama Swamy from the temple authorities.
Meanwhile, devotional fervour reached its peak at Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple on Wednesday as cultural programmes organised by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) immersed devotees in spiritual bliss.
The evening commenced with a traditional Nadaswaram-Dolu performance by faculty and students of the SV College of Music and Dance, setting a divine tone for the celestial celebrations. This was followed by classical and folk dance performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana, captivating the audience.
Highlights included Seeta Kalyanam in Bharatanatyam and Ramayana Sabdam in Kuchipudi, choreographed under the guidance of dance lecturer Sri Harinath. The sequences portraying the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Sita and the coronation of Sri Rama were presented with artistic finesse, drawing applause from devotees.
Adding to the spiritual ambience, Sri Rama Namamrutham bhajans rendered by Kumari Aishwarya and Kumari Soundarya from Chennai under the aegis of TTD’s Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad created a devotional wave among the audience. Devotees joined in chorus, enhancing the collective spiritual experience.
The Annamacharya Project artists, led by Sri Saraswati Prasad, further elevated the atmosphere with soulful renditions such as “Pidikita Talambrala Pendli Kuthuru,” “Adimulame Makku Angaraksha,” and “Antayu Neeve Hari Pundarikaksha.”
The Kalyana Vedika at Vontimitta was artistically designed by the TTD Horticulture Department to recreate the grandeur of Ayodhya from the Treta Yuga, reflecting the richness of Telugu wedding traditions.
Intricate acrylic paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and arrangements symbolising the Dasavatarams emerged as special attractions. The venue was adorned with traditional elements such as sugarcane, tender coconut inflorescence, banana stems and mango leaves, enhancing its cultural authenticity.
Nearly five tonnes of traditional flowers and 50,000 cut flowers were used for the Kalyana Vedika, while the temple itself was decorated with four tonnes of flowers and 30,000 cut flowers.
The grand procession of the Utsava Murthis of Lord Rama and Sita to the Kalyana Vedika was held colourfully on Wednesday evening.
A key highlight was the traditional Edurkolu ceremony, a significant pre-wedding ritual in Telugu culture symbolising the formal welcome of the groom’s family by the bride’s side. Temple priests performed the ceremony with Srinivas representing Ammavaru and Rajesh Swamy representing Swamivaru, conducting the ritual with festive spirit and elegance. The ceremony, marked by symbolic gestures and joyous exchanges, drew admiration from devotees.