On Sri Ramanavami day, this year Sita Kalyanam was conducted in the Statue of Equality premises in Muchintal under the direct supervision of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji with great Bhakti and devotion. For thousands of devotees who thronged the venue, the presence of Swamiji was the main attraction apart from the opportunity to witness the Holy Kalyanam. Normally, Sita Kalyana in any temple or Mandapam was performed with one set of idols of Rama and Sita. But in Statue of Equality, Sri Rama Navami day, the Kalyanam was celebrated with seven sets of idols, a rare event by any standard. For the multitude of devout audience present, it was a unique visual treat to witness seven kalyanams simultaneously.
The presiding deity of the Divya Saketa Kshetram was kept at the centre of the mandapam, next to him on his left was the Lord Rama idol worshipped by HH Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji. Other idols were from Divya Desams where the moolavar (presiding deity) is Lord Ram viz.,Ayodhya, Thirupullani, Thiruvelliyangudi, Thirupullamboothangudi, Thiruputkuzhi etc.
At the beginning of thiru kalyanam, Jeeyar swamy explained the context of their marriage in Threthayuga.
Sita was the princess of Mithila Kingdom and her father King Janaka had already announced an open competition or Swayamvaram for her wedding, the condition set was that any prince wanting to marry Sita should lift and fix the ancient Siva Bow (Siva Dhanus). Lord Rama was a prince of Ayodhya and was about 13 years old and already well known for his bravery and archery skills. There was no way a proud prince Rama could go and participate in the contest for Sita. And there was no possibility of Sita coming to Ayodhya to meet and wed Rama. But the whole Universe was eagerly waiting for that divine union, where both to meet and wed. So it conspired a circumstance which would make that happen.
Hence the character of Viswamitra (friend of Viswa or Universe) enters. He convinces a very reluctant father, King Dasaratha to send Rama (and Lakshmana) with him to protect a Yagnam that he is planning to organize. On the way Viswamitra taught Rama, various Devastras like Brahmastra, divine mantras like Bala and Atibala, battle strategies, history etc. He takes Rama to Gautama’s hermitage to liberate Ahalya of her curse. After all this, Viswamitra tells Rama about the Siva Dhanus and that no one was able to lift it. He presents the issue of swayamvaram in a way that it challenges Rama’s pride! Viswamitra asks Rama if he wants to see this Siva’s bow. Rama agrees to see that and goes to Mithila and as we all know the rest is history!
Another incident that took place in Ayodhya after Coronation of Lord Ram was narrated by Swamy ji. Lord Rama was felicitating all the guests, priests etc, he passed on a pearl necklace of great value to Sita. She was surprised and looked at Rama enquiring as to what she should do with the string of pearls. Lord Rama told Sita to present it to some one who has the virtues like Tejas (Spledour), Dhriti (Firmness), Yashas (Glory), Daksha (Dexterity), Vinaya (Modesty), Wisdom, Paurusha, Vikrama and Buddhi ! Sita didn’t take much time to appreciate Rama’s intention and presented the Pearl Necklace to Hanuman!
Through out the ceremony, in his inimitable style, HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji explained the context of each process, taking the audience to the splendour of Mithila in Trethayuga. Sri Raghu Datta swamy was the main ‘master of ceremonies’ engaging the audience from time to time, helping them recite sankalpams, explaining various steps like Viswaksena aradhana, Punyaha vachanam etc. The ceremony reached its crescendo with the coronation of Lord Rama.
BY
N. Venudhara reddy,
Retd. Director from All India Radio, Delhi
Presently giving voluntary service.
