By Sri. Raghunathan
Pranams. It is a pleasure to share our experience of Sri Andal Thirukalyanam hosted by Shri Mukund Swami and family. Though I could only partake on the last day (but the most important day) of the 3-day event, it was nonetheless enough of a blissful experience to dwell upon and share with all.
The day began with a generous blessing from above in the form of a heavy downpour, signalling a happy nod from the heavens. The continuous and intense rain did not deter the bhagawatas of all ages from participating in such a wonderful occasion. Full house was an understatement, as the house was brimming with enthusiastic and pious azhwars, andals, and little charming kids, all in traditional attire (swaroopam), as if it were their own family function. A touching aspect was the sense of bonding, belonging, participation, and collective effort (kainkaryam) among the attendees to ensure that the divine wedding of Sri Andal with Sri Ranga Mannar was performed in all its due glory. Kudos to the voluntary, tireless and energetic work by the core team of andals & azhwars.
The preparations for this big day were elaborately made with an eye for every detail and catering to the needs of the occasion. The whole event was divinely led by the learned Brihaspatis with apt kainkaryam support from the senior bhagwatas. The air was filled with positive vibrations all around from the start until the end of the divine wedding. Proof of the meticulous preparations included beautiful alankaram of the divine couple Sri Andal & Sri Ranga Mannar, varieties of delicious home-cooked prasadam with devotion by the andals, logistics of hosting, feasting and managing such a big crowd.
Some highlights which deserve special mention of this great occasion are the divine wedding rituals meticulously followed, the soulful and melodious singing by some of the andals to enhance the ambience & the occasion’s divinity, pleasing & beautiful dance by the cute little gopikas, hospitality of the hosts supported by the core team of bhagwatas, etc.
In short, it was a grand feast of devotion to the eyes, ears, soul and stomach. Kudos to Mukund Swamy and family for the passion & preparations, and for giving us all the opportunity to be spectators in this spectacular divine event. We look forward to more such moments in the midst of our mundane lives. Prayers to Sri Andal and Sri Ranga Mannar to shower their blessings on all.
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