Jyeshtabhishekam Significance
Jyeshtabhishekam is essentially an annual ritual performed to the holy processional deities at Tirumala. It is held on the full moon day of the month of “Jyeshta in the GreeshmaRitu, the hottest period of the year. It is at the time when the moon is nearest to the constellation of the Jyeshta star and it is when Sri Maha Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Trivikrama, theconquerer of all the worlds.
Jyeshtabhishekam is also called Abhideyaka abhishekam, since Abhideyaka (Sanskrit) means “protective shield” for Malayappa. The holy deity of Malayappa and His Consorts were found, about 800 years ago in a deep valley called Malayappa kona, a valley in the dense forests of Seshachala Hills, also part of the seven hills of Tirumala. Since the icons are so ancient, they need to be preserved with utmost care. Hence, for this reason, every year “Jyeshtabhishekam is conducted. It is usually begin on the 13th day of the month of Jyeshta and concludes on the Purnima, the full moon day.
The glory of Tirumala cannot but described with a few paltry lines of prose. The divine hills are home to abundant wealth, both spiritual and material. It is where one can experience inexplicable joy; it is where Lord Vishnu in His most attainable form resides with His consorts. It is where each and every rock, leaf, stone and pillar becomes glorified to just exist on the same plane as that of Lord Srinivasa. The entire hills reverberate with the chanting of “Govinda” Pilgrims are in awe of the sanctity that surrounds the temple. They are mesmerised by the grand festivals and celebrations held throughout the year.
The festivities are innumerable! Each festival is part of ritualistic ceremonies that either commemorate important events in the history of the temple or hold a religious significance. The rituals are performed according to the divine Vaikhanasa Bhagavacchastram, an ancient and most coveted philosophy for the worship of Vishnu in iconic form. The prescribed procedures and prayers when performed with utmost reverence ensures universal peace and nourishment to all beings.
Abhideyaka Abhishekam
Jyeshtabhishekam or Abhideyaka abhishekam is one such Annual festival with immense significance attached to it. It is a ritual that is performed for the sake of preserving the most valuable processional deity of Lord Venkateswara. Lord Malayappa along with the deities of Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi. The ancient icons are made of pancha-loha (an alloy of brass, gold, copper, silver and lead) and are atleast 800 years old. Hence it is very important that these invaluable deities be preserved very carefully. The Vaikhanasa text, PrakeernAdhikAra prescribes a very important ritual, Abhideyaka Abhishekam. The golden armour that is always present on Malayappa is removed very carefully on this occasion. It is the only time when Malayappa can be seen in His truest form without the ornamental armour.
Jyeshtabhishekam will be observed for 3 Days
- On First Day Lord amuses pilgrims in Vajrakavacham (armour studded with diamonds).
- On Second Day in Muthyala kavcham (armour studded with pearls) The Vajrakavacham and Muthyalakavacham are adorned to Lord only during this time in a year.
- On Third Day in Swarna Kavacham (in this golden armour the deity graces the devotees all through the year).
Also read Story of Vajra Kavacham
