Anivara Asthanam – Importance
The uniqueness of the festival is that the previous year’s accounts of the temple are presented before the Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
New account books will also be presented at the feet of the Lord for recording the accounts of the next financial year. The entire process is called ‘Asthanam’ which will be performed in the Sanctum Sanctorum near Bangaru Vakili in the presence of Processional Deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and his two consorts.
Pilgrims are not allowed for this Anivara Asthanam festival.
Sarvabhoopala Vahanam
On the day of Anivara Asthanam, after completion of Suprabhatam and Tomala Seva, Sri Malayappa Swamy along with his consorts will be placed on the Sarvabhoopala Vahanam in Ghantamandapam towards the east opposite Garudalwar.
Close to Sri Malayappaswamy, Senapathi Sri Viswaksena are placed towards the southern side and will be decorated with sword and armour as Supreme Commander.
Abhishekam, Archana will be done to the Lord Malayappa Swamy and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi and Sri Viswaksena. Naivedyam is offered to the Main deity and Utsava deities in Ghantamandapam.
After offering Naivedyam, the Executive Officer, Jiyangars, Ekaangas, Peshkar, and other temple officials, bring Silk Clothes and offer to the deities. Then Koluvu will take place and priests offer Mangala Harathi to the deities.
There is an interesting incident for this tradition. In 1843 the British Government issued orders giving Executive and Administrative powers to Sri Hathiramji Mutt for the maintenance of the temple.
In 1843 on 16th July, the starting day of Dakshinayana, Sri Seva Dasjee, the then Head of the Sri Hathiramji Mutt received the entire properties of the Lord including Jewelry, Ornaments, Crowns, etc., to his Custody.
A new book has been opened for entering the income and expenditure of the temple. From that day, it has become a practice to keep the temple keys before the Lord offering puja and handing over the keys to the Executive officer.
*Data Source: Saptagiri Magazine
