आमुक्तमाल्यदा (विजयनगर सम्राट् श्रीकृष्णदेवराय - गोदा देवी आण्डाल भक्ति एवं साम्राज्य-नीति)

56 Goda's Garland of Devotion
accompanied by his divine retinue. He had a ceremonial bath and
was decked up with ornaments. The drums beyond resounded
and divine sages like Narada recited auspicious verses. Nectar
poured from the silver sky drenching the Lord. Wearing the Kaus-
thubha gem and other strings of pearls, and decked out in all
finery, Ranganatha the bridegroom (Pendli koduku) came sporting
garlands of tulsi and fresh blossoms.
Saraswati and Parvati sang wedding songs relating to the
marriage of Rama and Sita aeons before. Ekavali and Sragvini
fanned the bride who was given a ceremonial bath by the wives of
the sages. Scented oil was rubbed on her limbs. Goda Devi was
dressed in soft silk and her tresses were gently dried with scented
smoke. One divine damsel put rings upon the bride's toes. Another
added silver anklets. White silk with woven zari border was used
as the bridal dress. Among ornaments used to decorate the bride
were a golden belt, pearl necklaces, bangles, shoulder clips, ear-
rings, ear-studs and nose-rings. Collyrium was applied to her eyes,
musk rubbed on her limbs, the choodamani placed on her head and
red lotuses tied to her tresses.
The auspicious moment had come. The twelve Adityas glowed
as torches, the moon was the umbrella with stars as decorative
pearls, the ocean sprinkled lotus petals on the road, Mother Nature
with divine damsels added elegance to the scene, Agni raised
scented smoke, the God of Rain raised the bridal canopy, scholars
recited the Vedas, singers sent abroad waves of soulful music,
Garuda carried a golden plate heaped with jewels: and the Divine
Bridegroom (Alagiya Manavālan, Mannaru) entered the marriage
pandal.
He was received by Vishnuchitta with devotional salutations
(bhakti kalita bahupranaamapoorvakambugan) while ladies with
auspicious signs washed His feet. The Lord was seated upon a golden
stool while His feet were held on a golden plate and washed by
Vishnuchitta. Due honours were done. Then the devotee offered
madhuparka (bridal garments) to the Divine bridegroom. Vishnu-
chitta and his wife performed kanya daana, and Lord Ranganatha
received gladly Goda Devi. A white screen with pearl border
was held between the bride and the groom. At the moment of
auspicious union they offered each other jaggery and jeera seeds
(gudajeerakambulu), and the screen was removed. Ranganatha poured