Author: Srianthi Perera
Publication: Azcentral.com
Date: May 16, 2012
URL: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/05/11/20120511tempe-temple-authentic-hindu-ceremony.html

Each year, millions of people flock to Srinivasa Temple in Tirupati, India, to witness the portrayal of a celestial marriage ceremony performed by its priests.

On Saturday, local residents need only drive to Tempe to see the same ceremony.

Hindu devotees and other well-wishers will have a rare opportunity to witness Srinivasa Kalyanam, "The Marriage of Srinivasa," at the Sri Venkata Krishna Kshetra Temple in Tempe. Visiting priests from the Tirupathi temple will perform the ceremony there from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The temple is one of 10 in the country to host the original, centuries-old "uthsav murthis," portable statues of deities used in religious ceremonies from the Tirupathi temple.

The Tempe temple was chosen from 43 Hindu temples around the country that applied to host the venerated delegation and religious ceremony.

"The Marriage of Srinivasa" is a long story in Hindu mythology. Lord Srinivasa (a manifestation of god Vishnu, also known as Venkateshwara, who is devotional focus at the Tempe temple) is fulfilling a promise to marry his consort Maha Lakshmi, in Kali Yuga. The lord is believed to be the savior of this yuga, the last of the four stages the world goes through, according to Indian scriptures. People pray to him to fulfill wishes and bring good fortune.

"We are indeed proud and feel blessed that our temple has been chosen as the site," said Kiran Kumar, local chief priest.

Beenu Govind Rao, a temple devotee from Chandler, has witnessed the authentic ceremony in Tirupati.

"Only some priests know the right way and when they perform this ritual, it really feels like you're watching the gods getting married," she said. " They ask the groom to tie the sacred thread around their neck. It's just really feels like you're in the heavens watching the gods get married."

Last week, Rao and Archana Kiran spent hours painting the 30-foot temple facade that will be erected on a stage in the temple parking lot.

She made it culturally significant with various colorful symbolic decorations, such as the chakram (circular weapon) and conch, and a gopuram, a tower such as those found at the entrance of a southern Indian temple.

Kiran said thousands of devotees visit Tirupathi daily to get a glimpse of the deity for just a few seconds.

To perform a ceremony at the Tirupathi temple, tourists need to book several months and sometimes years ahead, he said. Lately, the temple administration has taken the deities on a tour to perform the ceremonies throughout India so that more can participate.

Kiran said more than a thousand people are expected Saturday. Arrangements include renting the US Airways parking garage in downtown Tempe and running a shuttle from the garage to the temple. He said he sees the ceremony not just as a temple event, but as a community event.

"When we decorate and perform the kalyanam for God, our belief is that those who are married will have a long married life and those who are yet to be married will be married soon," he said. "Therefore, this wedding of the Lord is performed for the community to bring happiness, joy, harmony in the family, health and wealth."

Rare Hindu ceremony

* What: The Hindu temple Sri Venkata Krishna Kshetra presents "Srinivasa Kalyanam," which portrays a divine marriage, performed by visiting priests of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in India.

* When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday.

* Where: 615 S. Beck Ave., Tempe.

* Regular hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

* Cost: Free, donations accepted.

* Parking: The US Airways Parking Garage, 111 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, is recommended. Two shuttles will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from the garage to the temple. The Scales Technology Academy parking lot, next door to the temple, is also available.