Annual Jyestabhishekam begins at Tirumala temple
Tirumala, June 26 (TNT): The annual three-day Jyestabhishekam festival commenced with religious fervour at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on Friday.
The festival, observed every year during the Hindu month of Jyestha and concluding on the day of Jyestha Nakshatram, was introduced in 1990 to preserve the ancient processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi from wear caused by repeated sacred ablutions over the centuries.
The rituals began at the Kalyana Mandapam in Sampangi Pradakshinam with Shanti Homam, followed by Shata Kalasa Pratishtha, Nava Kalasa Pratishtha and Kankana Pratishtha. After offering Arghyam, Paadyam and Aachamaneeyam, the priests performed Kankana Dharana to the deities.
Later, Snapana Tirumanjanam was performed to Sri Malayappa Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Amid Vedic chanting of Sri Suktham, Bhu Suktham, Purusha Suktham, Neela Suktham and Narayana Suktham, the Utsava deities were ceremonially bathed with milk, curd, honey, coconut water, turmeric and sandalwood paste.
In the evening, the Utsava deities were adorned with the Vajra Kavacham (Diamond Armour). Following the Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, Sri Malayappa Swamy, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi, was taken in a procession along the four Mada Streets, blessing devotees.
On the second day of the festival, the Lord will be adorned with the Mukta Kavacham (Pearl Armour), while on the concluding day, the deity will bless devotees in the Swarna Kavacham (Golden Armour).
TTD Executive Officer M. Ravichandra, Additional Executive Officer C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary, TTD Board Member Panabaka Lakshmi, Deputy Executive Officer Lokanatham and other officials participated in the festival.
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