Jyeshta maasa (May/June) is the third month of the traditional Hindu calender. The month gets the name after ‘Jyeshta’ star which falls on the Purnima or the full moon day of this particular month. It is also the time in Tirumala when a special ritual is performed for the sake of preservation of the most ancient and valuable processional icons, Lord Malayappa and His divine Consorts. The entire ceremony is called as the “Jyeshtabhishekam”. According to Vaikhanasa Samhithas, there are three types of Utsavams that can be conducted in a Vishnu temple. Among them, Jyeshtabhishekam is essentially an annual ritual, also called as ‘kalotsava’ in Agama which is performed to the holy processional deities at Tirumala. (‘kalotsava’ – a ritual in Vaikhanasa Agama, which is to be conducted to the presiding deities in a Vishnu temple without fail, during a particular time of the year as suggested by Agama.) It is held on the full moon day of the month of “Jyeshta”, in the Greeshma Ritu, 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, the conquerer of all the worlds.
Jyeshtabhisheka is also called as Abhideyaka abhisheka, 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, 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 begun on the 13th day of the month of Jyeshta and concludes on Purnima, the full moon day. Since the icons are very ancient, it is very important that these invaluable deities be preserved very carefully. An important Vaikhanasa text, Prakeernadhikara prescribes a sacred ritual, Abhideyaka abhisheka for preserving the deities. Since the ancient icons are made of pancha-loha (an alloy of brass, gold, copper, silver), a golden armour is always present to protect the original deity. The divine armour of Malayappa is thus removed very carefully on this occasion. It is the only time when Malayappa can be seen in His truest form, without the ornamental armour. As it is suggested in the Prakeernadhikara, Sage Bhrighu advises an auspicious time for the ritualistic anointing of the sacred icon of Lord Vishnu. The deities are carefully anointed with a specially formulated herbal preparation called ‘Visesha Sugandha Tailam’. It is advised that this ritual be performed on the full moon day (Purnima) during the month of Jyeshta, in the constellation of the Jyeshta star. According to Vaishnava tradition, the conduct of Jyeshtabhishekam festival is observed in many ancient Vaishnava Kshetras such as Sri Rangam, Kanchi, Triuvallikkeni, Vanamamalai, etc. The sole purpose of this ritual is to protect the ancient icons.
Since the processional deities are rather ancient in these kshetras, they have to be preserved as suggested by Agama. Traditionally, there is a notion that, since these ancient icons in the Vaishnavite shrines are directly sculpted and worshipped by Devatas, the cosmic energy in these icons are said to be very powerful. Hence devotees worshipping these icons will be blessed with all positive results due to the immense cosmic energy preserved in these icons generated due to the worship of Devatas. As part of this ritual, the existing golden armour affixed to the processional deities of Lord Malayappa Swami and the consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, are removed 15 days before. If there are any repairs to be made to this Kavacham (armour), the services of a qualified traditional jeweller (Sthapati) is made for the same. To protect and preserve the ancient deities from ravages of everyday worship arising due to Abhishekams, the Kavachams (holy armour) are to be adorned after duly performing all the cleansing and purifying rituals according to Sri Vaikhanasa Bhagavachhastram.
The protective golden armour that always adorns Malayappa, Sridevi and Bhudevi deities are ceremoniously extracted a fortnight before the actual ritual. During the ceremony, all three deities are brought to the special dais at the Kalyana Mandapam, that lies within the Sampangi prakaram (the second circumambulatory path) of the ancient temple. A divine Abhishekam or holy bath comprising of 108 silver pots filled with auspicious contents (Kushodakam, Ratnodakam, Haridrodakam, Ksheerodakam, etc, 9 sets of 12 different dravyams) are offered amidst divine chantings of the Panchasuktas. The sacred ritual is rightly termed as ‘AshtottaraSata Kalasha Snapana Tirumanjanam’. In the evening, the deities are bedecked with a most exquisite and dazzling armour called ‘Vajra Kavacha’ covered entirely in priceless diamonds. Thus, adorned in one of His most precious and beautiful jewels, Malayappa, along with His divine Consorts are taken out in a procession along the four streets around the temple. On the evening of the second day, devotees can feast their eyes with the Lord bedecked with a charming “Muthangi” or an armour of pearls. And on the third day a special ritual is held for sanctifying the redone golden armour. It is then adorned to the Lord in an elaborate ceremony. Once the armour is affixed, all holy ablutions are offered only to the feet of the deity. This practice ensures minimal wearing of the divine icons.
Thus, the ancient practices not only protected the sanctity of the temple and the deities but also play a significant role in preserving the 5000-year-old shrine. It is of some significance that a mention can be made of a statement that can be found in, Ahananuru, a Tamil literary work of the latter half of 1 st century A.D. It speaks of the glorious festivals and celebrations that were held at the Hill shrine then known as Thiruvengadam, the name that lives on even to this day. Thus, it can be easily concluded that through the centuries, the traditions and rituals are carefully followed even to this day for the benefit of all mankind only because of immense grace of Lord Venkateswara.
The long sojourn the pilgrim begins from his home to the holy hill of Tirumala at once becomes joyous as he approaches the foothills at Tirupati. With a spring in his step and a fervent prayer in his heart, the devotee ascends the seven hills in an unknown hurry. It is the same urgency that occurs when the dear pilgrim awaits his turn among thousands of others who throng the hill shrine for one glorious glimpse of their beloved Lord Venkateswara, the most benevolent and gracious Lord, who, at all times protects and preserves those who seek to take shelter at His Divine feet.
The glory of Tirumala cannot but be 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 Abhisheka
Jyeshtabhisheka or Abhideyaka abhisheka 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 Abhisheka .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.
Quoting from PrakeernAdhikAra
jyEshTE mAsi tu samprAptE jyEshTAnakshatra samyutE |
vishNOrEva viSEshasyAtsugandham taIlamAharEt ||
According to Sage Bhrighu , the auspicious time for the ritusalistic anointing of the sacred icon of Lord Vishnu with a specially formulated herbal preparation called ‘Visesha Sugandha Tailam’ is to be performed on the full moon day (Purnima) during the month of Jyeshta, in the constellation of the Jyeshta star.
pariliKhitamiti mantrENa kavacham pariSOdhayEt |
jIrNE bhinnE kavachE SilpinaIva susannayEt ||
As part of this festival the existing gold armour which affixed on the holy Tirumeni of the utsava icons of Lord Malayappa Swami and the consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, are to be removed 15 days before the commencement of the festival. If there are any repairs to be made to this Kavacham, the services of a qualified traditional jeweller (Sthapati) is made for the same.
yadyadrUpam tathAdhyAyEttattadbimbEshu yOjayEt |
tasmAtsarvaprayatnEna bimbarakshAm samAcharEt ||
To protect and preserve the holy icons from ravages of everyday worship arising due to Abhishekams , the Kavachams (holy armour) are to be adorned after duly performing all the cleansing and purifying rituals according to Sri Vaikhanasa Bhagavachhastram.
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 Greeshma Ritu, 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 , the conquerer of all the worlds.
Jyeshtabhisheka is also called as Abhideyaka abhisheka , 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. This year, the annual “Jyeshtabhishekam” will be conducted on the 7th, 8th and 9th of June 2017.
The protective golden armour that always adorns Malayappa, Sridevi and Bhudevi deities are ceremoniously extracted a fortnight before the actual ritual. During the ceremony , all three deities are brought onto the special dais called the Kalyana Mandapam ,that lies within the Sampangi prAkAram (the second circumambulatory path) of the ancient temple. A holy bath , comprising of 108 silver pots filled with holy contents ( Kushodakam, Ratnodakam, Haridrodakam,Ksheerodakam, etc, 9 sets of 12 different dravyams) are offered amidst divine chantings of the Panchasuktas. The divine event is rightly termed as ‘Ashtottara Sata Kalasha Snapana Tirumanjanam’.In the evening, the deities are adorned with a most exquisite and dazzling armour called ‘Vajra Kavacha’ covered entirely in priceless diamonds . Thus bedecked in one of His most precious and beautiful jewel, Malayappa ,along with His divine Consorts are taken out in a procession along the four streets around the temple. Thousands of devotees throng the streets to witness the Lord in His most dazzling attire.
Similarly, on the evening of the second day , devotees can feast their eyes with the Lord bedecked with a charming “Muthyangi” or an armour of pearls . And the third day begins with a special ritual for sanctifying the redone golden armour. It is then adorned to the Lord in an elaborate ceremony. Once the armour is fixated, all holy ablutions are offered only to the feet of the deity. This practice ensures minimal wearing of the divine icons. Thus the ancient practices not only protect the sanctity of the temple and the deities but also plays a significant role in preserving the 5000 year old shrine.
It is of some significance that a mention can be made of a statement that can be found in, AhanAnUru, a Tamil literary work of the latter half of 1st century A.D. It speaks of the glorious festivals and celebrations that were held at the Hill shrine then known as Thiruvengadam, the name that lives on even to this day. Thus it can be easily concluded that though the management of the temple changed several times in the history, each of the administrators contributed significantly for the ever increasing glory of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala. Also, the Vaikhanasa Archakas (priests), along with the Ekangis under the aegis of Jeeyangar of Tirumala, the acharyapurushas have carefully protected the sanctum and the decorum of the temple through centuries of dedicated service, practised to the last word, as dictated by ancient texts even to this day!
Vajra Kavacham – a tale of the armour of diamonds: A miracle in the modern times….
Oftentimes, in the age of Kali when materialism and so called scientific perspective rules the day, tales of divinity and miraculous events become rather inconceivable. But, in truth , those beings open to the divine vibrations of the Higher Self and those who have firm faith in His benevolence often experience miraculous happenings that look like mere coincidences. One such event that is recorded in the history of recent times, is the story of Kollegala Veeranna. He was a merchant living near Mysore of Karnataka state. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Narayana once appeared in a dream and ordered Veeranna Setty to make Him a diamond studded armour and bring it to Him. The merchant, dutifully got one made and took it to Melukote, the abode of Cheluva Narayana. Alas, the armour did not fit the deity there. The priests then asked Veeranna to go to Sri Rangam, the Vaishnavite hub. Veeranna took the armour and offered it to Nam Perumal , the processional deity of Ranganatha. Since it did not even come close to fit, they asked Veeranna to offer the precious armour to Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram at Tamil Nadu. The priests tried to adorn the armour to the deity of Varadaraja Swamy, but to no avail. It simply did not fit. Veeranna was in utter despair and cried out his helplessness. The priests then thought long and hard and then advised Veeranna to go to the hills of Venkatachala, as the Lord of Kaliyuga was none other than Sri Venkateswara. Veeranna continued his journey to the South and apprehensively offered it to Lord Malayappa. Wonder of wonders, the Kavachams fit perfectly! It was as though they were made to fit Malayappa precisely. Veeranna and the priests looked on wondrously at this miraculous event and the tale travelled far and wide .The proof that the incident actually occurred can be seen on the feet of the famous diamond studded armour, on which are inscribed the words, “Kollegala Veeranna Setty Seve”, in Kannada script!
Such is the glory of our Lord Venkateswara and a true devotee is bound to agree that not even a leaf flutters without the Lord’s consent. It is by His immense grace alone, that our very existence continues! Thus when one thinks of having His divine Darsan at Tirumala, it is not by our desire alone, but His design too! If and only if the Lord decides to bless us with His grace could we even get a glimpse of His ever loving visage!
Note: The scriptures of Vaikhanasa Agama (sp. Bhrigu’s Vasadhikara) dictate that the performance of Jyeshtabhisheka at the set time and the prescribed procedure would destroy all famine, drought and diseases as it would the sins of His devotees. It would also remove the ill effects of planets; crops would be protected and illnesses kept in check. Devotees can take divine darsan during Jyeshtabhishekam and receive innumerable blessings from the Lord of Seven Hills.
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