Spiritual fervour marks Padmavathi Parinayam at Tirumala, devotees brave heavy downpour to take part in the annual fete

TIRUPATI: Spiritual fervour marked the Padmavathi Parinayam (celestial wedding) of Goddess Padmavathi Ammavaru to Lord Venkateswara, held at the world renowned Tirumala hill shrine on Friday. Tens of thousands of devotees took part in the annual fete, braving a heavy cloudburst on Friday evening.The professional deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and His two divine consorts Goddess Sridevi and Bhudevi were brought to the Parinayotsava mandal at Narayanagiri gardens in a colourful procession amidst the chanting of the Vedic hymns.Various key rituals part of Hindu marriage tradition such as "Edurkolu, Ppobanthata, Varanamayiram" etc were ceremoniously performed by the temple priests.Devotees were thrilled to take part in the Padmavathi Parinayam annual fete.Parinayotsava Mandapam: A Special attractionThe Parinayotsava mandapam spruced up with thousands of cut flowers in the shape of a lotus, the pictures of Lord Sri Krishna in Worli Art, the sun bond themes of Lord Krishna, Kora art painting work of Srinivasa Padmavati Parinayam stood as special attraction.TTD EO AV Dharma Reddy and other officials took part.