SNAPANAM TO BE PERFORMED TO “ARMOUR OF GOD”

Tirumala, 10 June 2014: The temple administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is all set to perform the annual fete of Jyestha Abhishekam in Srivari Temple for three days from June 11 to 13.

This festival is performed in the holy month of Jyestha as per Hindu Almanac and the fete will be completed coinciding the star of Jyestha in the constellation.

“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 Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam. As this festival takes place in the month of Jyestha it is also nomenclature as “Jyesthabhishekam”.

As per the temple legendary, this special Abhishekam is usually performed every year to protect the Utsava deities of Lord Malayappa swami and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi from damage that might occur while conducting processions and Tirumanjanam (holy baths) all through the year during different festive occasions.

 Meanwhile the festival lasts for three days starting from Wednesday and on each of these days, after the second bell, the lord and his consorts are taken to the Kalyanotsava mandapam located in Sampangi Prakaram and Snapana Tirumanjanam is conducted amidst the chanting of vedic mantras. Snapana Tirumanjanam involves performing a bath to the deities involving holy and consecrated water mixed with spices including turmeric, sandal paste, honey, milk and curd.

Later the lord and his consorts will be adorned in different attires (special kavachams)on each of these days, with First Day in Vajrakavacham (armour studded with diamonds), followed by Muthyala kavcham (armour studded with pearls) on second day and Svarna kavacham (armour of gold) on the third day. This Svarna kavacham is adorned to the Lord and his consorts throughout the year as well and only removed for Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam in the year next.

Meanwhile TTD has cancelled  arjitha sevs ncluding Sahasra Kalasabhishekam and Vasanthotsavam on June 11, Tiruppavada and Vasanthotsava sevas on June 12 and Nijapada Darshanam, Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam and Vasanthotsavam on final day on June 13.

TTD top brass officials will take part in this three day fete while pilgrims throng to witness the grandeur of Lord Malayappa Swamy in three different armours during the procession along four mada streets on each day evening.

ISSUED BY TTDs PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, TIRUPATI