It was a privilege being part of Sri Radha Kalyanam in Puthur Agraharam (Trichy) last sunday. I was told that it was the 59th year in a row that this kalyanam was performed. A completely soul enriching experience and the celebrations included a whole lot of Nama sankeerthanam (Manthra chanting), Bhajans, and of course the regular maariage rites including Chhornika, Pravaram, Kannika Dhanam, Panigrahanam, Nalangu.
Throughout the celebration i was having a lingering doubt as to why Radha-Krishna marriage while it should have been Rukmini/Satyabhama- Krishna Maariage. This doubt was put to rest by the Shastrigal performing the utsav. According to him, the whole process signifies the Jeevaatma merging with Paramatma.It also signifies that Radha realising her status in Krishna's life as the Eternak Bhakta. She wants to become one with the Soul-The Lord Himself. Radha is the embodiment of life and Krishna the soul - so literally the kalyanam was Life joining the soul . . and it is the spiritual essence of Radha Kalyanam. The various rites being performed are simply for the Bhaktas delight.
The function is conducted with the funds contributed by the devotees and after the celebrations the devotees are rewarded with an authentic wedding spread !
A few clicks that i managed to take after juggling with the heavy crowds and of course my 2 kids----
The ceremony was performed in a Kasi Vishwanath Temple inside the agraharam; a shot of the presiding deity - Lord Shiva
Celebrations about to begin:-
A vilakku (Lamp) lit and placed in the middle --
Men folk of the Bhajana Samajam gathering around the Vilakku (diya) for the Gummi/Kolattam ( a form of dandiya/garba in praise of the Lord)
A small video showing the gummi and the bhajans that were chanted
Vasthra Dharanam
Thali Mudiyal to the accompaniments of Vadhyam !!
Radhe Krishna
