On the sixth day of Samatha Kumbh 2025, a rare spectacle unfolded in Statue of Equality campus. There are 108 places of worship which are very important to followers of Swami Ramanuja. A replica of each of these temples was built around the magnificent 216 feet high Statue of Equality. Third anniversary celebrations of this spiritual and inspirational edifice were being celebrated with great cheer. Today, we got to witness a very rare spectacle of seeing Kalyanam for the Lord in all 108 forms at a single place. Here is a detailed report of today’s events.
The day started in a serene atmosphere at about 6 AM, where the devotees, scholars and vedic students assembled for morning prayers and meditation.
HH Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji led the process of doing meditation by performing sankalpam and prayers at the beginning of session. The process is quite simple and consists of following steps – Sankalpam, Guru Parampara chant (Remembering our acharyas respectfully), Murthi dhyanam (contemplating on God, the recipient of our services) followed by japam. In previous days, Swamiji explained the train of thoughts that we need to have during this japam process.
We use this mechanism of daily meditation to refresh and recharge our mind and body so that we lead our life as a service to God.
Devotees proceeded towards yaga sala after japam. Morning prayers were offered.
Morning Aradhana was performed including chanting of Thiru Pallandu, Thiruppalliyezhuchchi and Thiruppavai. Veda, Purana, Itihasa, Stotra vinnapams were doing before Lord. Mangalasasanam to Perumal was done by HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
Swamiji gave a brief outline of today’s schedule and spoke about the importance of Gadya Thrayam. He later graced Teertha goshti to the assembled devotees.
It is customary to offer abhishekam, divine showers to Lord after returning from Garuda seva. Since we are having Garuda seva uthsavams in the evenings during this event, the Lord in 18 forms accepts evening prayers and rest for the day at their abodes. So the thirumanjanam event happens the next day morning.
Today, Thirumanjanam happened in privacy as the main hall was getting ready for the magnum opus event of the evening – Santhi Kalyanam to Lord in 108 forms
Getting to witness 108 Kalyanams at the same time and place, can happen only at this venue – Statue of Equality.
The event started with Punyaham and Vishvaksena puja. The sacred Kalasa-theertham was sprinkled on all the materials to purify and also on the assembled devotees.
Swamiji was explaining some interesting information throughout the event, related to Santhi Kalyana Mahothsavam. Here are few:
Archa murthi’s father is Vibhava-vasudeva (the God in form of avataras). Grand father is Vyuha-Vasudeva (God in form of Ksheera Sagara Sayana). Great-grand father is Para-Vasudeva (God in Parama padam). Similarly, for the Goddess Lakshmi, she belongs to ‘Sowbhagya’ gotram. Her father is Viswambhara. Her grand father is Rathnakara. Her great-grand father is Ksheerarnava. Goddess Bhudevi belongs to ‘Lavanya’ gothram. Her father is Vibudha. Her grand father is Gahwara. Her great-grand-father is Kashyapa.
2. When we as devotees prepare to do divine Kalyanam, we take the role of bride’s parents. We offer both Lakshmi and Bhudevi to Lord in divine marriage.
3. Akshata-aaropana (talambralu) is offered four times. First time is with the wish that the couple begets children who protect the dharma (sath-santanam). Second time is with the wish that the couple be bestowed with sufficient wealth to take care of those children. Third time is with the wish that they lead their lives as service to God. Mantras are chanted for these three rounds. The fourth and final round of Talambralu is independently done without mantra. It is with the wish that they be blessed with all necessary facilities to lead their lives. 4.“Vaaranam Aayiram” is a prabandham consisting of 10 verses given to us by Goda devi. That is chanted after Akshata-aropana during weddings, while exchanging coconuts multiple times.
At the end of Kalyana Mahothsavam, Swamiji chanted the mantras pertaining to all 108 deities. When the mantra belonging to a particular deity was being chanted, the archaka swami corresponding to that divya desam offered the flowers to the corresponding divine couple. That was shown in mega screens. That way, the devotees got a chance to look very closely at each and every Perumal and consorts.
Few people who were instrumental in running these organizations were felicitated by Swamiji.
Devotees retired for the day with great memories and experiences.
Pada-prakshalana (washing of feet) as part of vara-puja. As Sri-sathari is considered as Lord’s feet, it is washed as part of pada-puja.
Vastra-samarpanam (Offering new clothes)
Guda-jeerakam (Jeelakarra-bellam) being offered to the couple
Mangala-sutra aradhana
Archaka-swamis displaying the mangala-sutras to us before offering to Lord to tie to bride
Preparing for Akshataropana (Talambralu)
Chanting of Vaaranam-Aayiram while exchanging coconuts (playfully) multiple times
Swamiji and devotees also exchanged balls made of flowers while this chant was going on
Stay Connected with Statue of Equality & Teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya
