Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Abhideyaka Abhishekam

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Abhideyaka Abhishekam

Abhideyaka Abhishekam or Jyestabhishekam is a festival conducted in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh in India. The purpose of the festival is to conduct special Abhishekam to protect the Utsava deities - Lord Malayappa Swami and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi from damage that might occur while conducting processions and Tirumanjanam (holy baths).

“Abhidhyeyakam” means protective shield or armour (that which cannot be destructed). To fight against the evil, the Lord emerged with this protective armour in this Kaliyuga. Since the special Abhishekam (celestial bath) is conducted to this special “Armour of God” this festival is also called Abhidhyeyakam Abhishekam.

History

There is no record on the history of the festival and the start dates.

Festival

The festival is performed in the Hindu calendar month of Jyesta. In the Gregorian Calendar, this falls in June/July. Because of the association with the Jyesta month, the festival is also called as Jyestabhishekam. The festival lasts three days and on each of these days, after the second bell, the lord and his consorts are taken to the Kalyanotsava Mandapam (Hall used for celestial wedding) and Snapana Tirumanjanam is conducted amidst vedic chants. Snapana Tirumanjanam involves performing a bath to the deities involving holy and consecrated water mixed with spices including turmeric. The lord and his consorts are attired in different kavacham (armours) on each of these days.

·        First Day: Vajrakavacham (armour studded with diamonds)

·        Second Day: Muthyala kavcham (armour studded with pearls)

·        Third Day: Svarna kavacham (armour of gold) on the third day.

The Svarna kavacham is adorned to the Lord and his consorts throughout the year as well. and only removed for Abhidhyeyakam Abhishekam in the year next.

Pilgrims Participation

The festival is considered as Arjitha Seva (paid service) and hence devotees can pay to view the performance of the Abhishekam. The purchase of a ticket allows access five people to the Kalyanotsava mantapa and the primary ticket holder is gifted Vastram (One Upper Cloth and a blouse), One laddu and one Vada.