Nayanthara puts an end to the Tirupati controversy

The newlywed couple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan’s first visit to Tirupati temple after their wedding created a controversy. They took a selfie in front of Lord Venkateshwara’s temple wearing footwear.

They received backlash. The couple offered apologies in a statement.

“We have always wanted our marriage to happen in Tirupati but due to logistical reasons that was not possible and we had to do our wedding in Chennai. To wholesomely complete our wedding, we made sure we headed to Tirupati directly from our wedding venue (without going home) to watch the Sami Kalyanam and to receive the blessings of Lord Balaji who we have utmost devotion towards. We had a wonderful darshan and wanted to click a picture outside the temple to have this day in our memory and to feel like the wedding got completed here, as per our wish but due to the crowd and chaos we had to exit the premises and re-enter at a time when there was a lesser commotion. In the hurry for a quick picture we did not realize we had our footwear on when we got back later for the quick picture outside the temple (sic),” said Vignesh Shivan in a statement.

He adds, “We are a couple who go to temples regularly and have immense faith in God. We have been to Thirumala almost 5 times in the past 30 days trying to do our wedding there!”

Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan got married in a Hindu tradition in a resort in Mahabalipuram.

“We sincerely apologize to those who we could have offended and we mean no disrespect to the lord who we love. We are grateful for the love and wishes we have received from everyone for our special day and we hope you continue to shower us with only the positivity we need from you,” they added.