The grand divine wedding, called 'Kalyanotsavam', of Lord Srikalahastheeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika took place early Wednesday at Srikalahasti Temple. This ceremony is the most important during the ongoing Brahmotsavams and coincides with the 'Mahasivaratri' festival. The bejewelled idols were carried in a grand procession on elegant palanquins before the wedding rituals. The event concluded with the Lord tying the nuptial knots. Thousands of devotees witnessed this sacred moment. After the wedding, the idols were placed on the 'Gaja Vahanam' (elephant mount) and 'Simha Vahanam' (lion mount) and paraded through Srikalahasti streets. An ancient local custom sees many eligible brides and grooms marry at the same time as the divine wedding. People from nearby villages came early, dressed up, and waited for the temple drums to announce the wedding. As the drums sounded, the grooms tied the 'Mangalasutram' around their brides’ necks amid blessings. Temple officials confirmed that 59 couples married in the temple on Wednesday. Authorities remained alert to stop any child marriages, a problem in past years. The Police Department and temple staff ensured the tradition was celebrated safely and respectfully.