On January 3, 2026, the Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Charitable Trust in New Zealand achieved a significant milestone by successfully hosting the Dhanurmasa Pooja and Srinivasa Kalyanam at the Ramarama location in South Auckland. This event, the first since the Auckland Council issued Resource Consent on July 23, 2025, unified devotees and community leaders in a profound expression of faith. Guided by JETNZ and assisted by prominent trustees and priests, the rituals represented the spiritual awakening of the land. With architectural designs completed in collaboration with Sthapathy in India, the temple project is now poised to advance confidently into its next stage.
Venkateshwara, the Lord of Infinite Grace: The Dhanurmasa Pooja and Srinivasa Kalyanam at the Temple Site in South Auckland’s Ramarama on January 3, 2026 was marked by piety and selfless service (Photo Supplied by Madhavi Padullaparty)
Regular Prayers planned at Lord Venkateshwara Temple Site, 378 Ararimu Road
Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Charitable Trust, New Zealand, conducted the Dhanurmasa Pooja at the Temple Site in Ramarama, South Auckland today (January 3, 2026), heralding a significant and auspicious phase of the Temple Project.
The event featured religious and community leaders in addition to Lord Venkateshwara devotees. The centerpiece of the event was “Srinivasa Kalyanam,” which was led by Chief Priest Sandeep Pyaraka and President Madhavi Padullaparty of JETNZ (Jeeyar Education Trust, New Zealand).
The Divine Carriers of the Deities (from left) Swathi Pyaraka, Srinivas Singaraju, Prasad Nory, Ram Prakash, Sriram Chary, Sandeep Pyaraka, Kesavan, and Rishikesh (Photo Supplied)
This was the first event of Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Charitable Trust after the grant of Resource Consent by the Auckland Council on July 23, 2025. The post-consent period was spent in discussions with designers, architects, engineers, ecologists and others to comply with the set terms in New Zealand and with political and religious leaders in India.
Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Charitable Trust Chairman Indra Sirigiri and Trustee Manasa Sirigiri held detailed meetings with Sthapathy D N V Prasad in Hyderabad (India), dealing with various aspects and stages of Temple development.
These high-level consultations in India were crucial to ensure that the ‘Agama Shastras,’ the ancient scriptures governing Temple Architecture, are harmonised with the modern engineering requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.
The Organisers
Dhanurmasa Pooja and Srinivasa Kalyanam were spearheaded by Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Trustees Vasu Kunapuli and Govardhan Mallela. Trustees Krishna Avala and Harish Mahankali handled significant preparation, with the capable help of Mr. and Mrs. Sirigiri and Mallika Janakiraman.
Numerous volunteers, as well as the presidents and representatives of various organizations, including the Telugu Community, offered various sorts of assistance. The Divine Event was essentially theirs.
Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Charitable Trust Chairman Indra Sirigiri and Trustee Manasa Sirigiri await the arrival of the Deities at the Ramarama Temple Site on January 3, 2026 (Photo Supplied by Madhavi Padullaparty)
The Sacred Observance of Dhanurmasa Pooja
The Dhanurmasa Pooja, conducted in the pre-dawn stillness of the Ramarama site, was a display of profound devotion and traditional precision.
Dhanurmasa is a month-long period dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, occurring when the Sun enters Dhanur Rashi (Sagittarius). In the Vedic tradition, this time is considered the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ of the Devas, making every prayer offered during this month exponentially more potent.
The Poojas at Ramarama were conducted by JETNZ President Madhavi Padullaparty, Trustee & Secretary Prasad Nory, and Trustee & Treasurer Srinivas Singaraju and their Executive team. Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Trustee Ragavan Rengachariar and religious leaders N S Venkatachalam and Sundar Ranganathan were part of the Priests’ group, ensuring that the chants resonated with the purity required for such a foundational site.
The rituals began with the chanting of the Thiruppavai, thirty verses composed by the poet-saint Andal. Each verse was recited with a focus on its spiritual meaning, inviting the divine presence to inhabit the land where the temple will soon rise. The devotees, despite the early hour, participated with a fervour that spoke of their long-held anticipation for a permanent spiritual home. The Ceremony included the Aradhana and the offering of special Naivedyam, prepared with traditional ingredients that signify purity and gratitude. This observance was not merely a ritual but a spiritual cleansing of the site, preparing the earth for the monumental task of construction that lies ahead.
The Significance of Srinivasa Kalyanam
The “Srinivasa Kalyanam,” the celestial marriage ceremony of Lord Venkateshwara and His spouse Padmavathi, was the main event of the day. In Hinduism, this rite is extremely important because it symbolizes the union of the universe and the Supreme Soul. The devotees in attendance at the location and elsewhere online were motivated by the spiritual importance in a discourse that continued throughout the ceremony. The welfare of the entire world, or “Loka Kalyanam,” is thought to be brought about by “Kalyanam.” Devotees hope to bring peace, prosperity, and harmony into their personal lives as well as the larger community by seeing the marriage of the Lord.
The significance of the Lord’s wedding also highlights the protective nature of the Divine; just as the Lord protects His consorts, He is seen as the protector of the Dharma and the devotees who uphold it.
JETNZ President Madhavi Padullaparty honouring Indra and Manasa Sirigiri at the Dhanur Pooja and Srinivasa Kalyanam at the Temple Site in South Auckland’s Ramarama on January 3, 2026 (Photo Supplied)
Pooja Mandapam ready, support sought for Balalayam
According to Mr. Sirigiri, a temporary (provisional) Pooja Mandapam has been set up inside the current structure at the Lord Sri Venkateshwara Temple Site, which is situated at 378 Ararimu Road, Ramarama, Auckland.
“Poojas and prayers are being performed in the Mandapam, which has been consecrated and equipped with an image of Lord Venkateshwara. He remarked, “On January 3, 2026, the Dhanurmasa Pooja was solemnly performed in the temporary Pooja Mandapam, invoking the grace of the Lord for the welfare of the community and the smooth advancement of the Temple construction.”
According to Mr. Sirigiri, until the next phases of building are finished, the Mandapam will only be utilized for religious ceremonies.
He declared, “The Pooja Mandapam is now available for Darshan, and all devotees are welcome to attend and offer prayers during designated visiting times, which will be announced shortly.”
It is expected that Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Trust will organize the construction of the Balalayam following the Auckland Council’s issuance of the building consent.
“The Balalayam will house the Alankara Moorthies and Utsava Vigrahas. Formal rituals and regular Priest-led services will commence at that stage, while construction of the main Temple complex continues,” Mr Sirigiri said.
“The realisation of this Sacred Project depends greatly on the collective blessings, participation, and generous support of the community. We request all devotees to extend their cooperation and contribute towards the Temple development and associated religious activities,” he added.
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