Jyestabhishekam
is the Abhisheka ceremony performed to the Lord of Tirumala in the month of Jyesta.
This is a three-day ceremony of holy both to Sri Venkateswara which is annually performed to be concluded by the constellation of Jyesta.
Abhidheyaka Abhisheka is another name for this ceremony.
The word ABHIDHEYA means to protect something from being broken. During this annual festival, enough care is taken to protect the three most ancient idols of Sri Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi from being broken for any reason.
Hence this is called Abhidheyaka.
Abhisheka is a ceremony of a sacred bath to the Great God with holy material like Pancha Amritas (Five Nectars). So also is Jyesta Abhisheka.
The process of the ceremony
As per the daily ritualistic procedures, Suprabhatham, Tomala Seva, Sahasra Namarchana and Naivedya offerings (of the First Bell) and immediately the second Archana and the Naivedya offerings (of the Second Bell) are all performed.
Then the idols of Sri Malayappa Swami and His Two Divine Spouses, the Mothers of the Universe – Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are brought to the Kalyana Mandapa of Sri Swami Varu.
Santi Homa (Homa for Peace), Sata Kalasa Pratista Avahana (Installation of Hundred Divine Vessels (Kalasas) inviting the Divine beings into it) and Nine Kalasa installation Avahana ceremonies are performed during which all the Gods are worshipped with great devotion having kept them on an elevated dais.
Naivedyam and Harati are also performed. Then the Kankana Pratista ceremony is performed.
The Kankanas thus made ready are bound to the idols of Sri Malayappa Swami, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi while the recitation of the mantras is in progress. The Homa Tilaka is adorned on the foreheads of the three Deities at the beginning of the Snapana Tirumanjana (Holy Sacred Bath event).
At the outset of the sacred bath, the priests fill the golden conches with the holy pure waters and pour from head to toe Sri Malayappa Swami while the Vedic scholars chant Purusha Sukta and then to the Two Goddesses chanting Sri Sukta, Bhusukta, Nila Sukta and Narayana Sukta.
After the Pure water abhisheka the milk is taken for abhisheka of all three.
Then the priests take the waters from some of the hundred vessels and continue the abhisheka process to them. Then the Abhisheka with Curd and again with waters from some more Kalasas are performed to all the three Deities.
After that in a sequence, the Abhisheka with Honey, Coconut water, Turmeric Water and Pure water from the remaining hundred vessels are offered to the deities. Then in a very systematic and artistic manner, the sandal paste is smeared to the Lord and His Spouses.
All three are adorned with the Garlands of Tulasi leaves after marking their foreheads with holy Tilaka.
Sahasra Dhara Abhishekam
Afterwards, the abhisheka with the waters from the Nine Kalasas is performed through the thousand holes Plate which is called ‘Sahasra Dhara Abhisheka’. The Abhisheka Waters thus poured from the head to the toes of the God and two Goddesses were collected into some vessels.
Puto Bhava
After the completion of the Abhisheka process, the priests sprinkle first the abhisheka waters on their heads and then sprinkle on the heads of all those devotees who participate in this Jyesta Abhisheka Ceremony uttering the words “Puto Bhava” (Become Sacred with these waters sprinkled on your head) in Sanskrit.
Then the three Festive Idols are well dressed and adorned with garlands and other ornaments and sacred offerings (Naivedya) is offered.
Diamond Armour
In the evening Malayappa Swami is decorated with the Diamond Armour, different kinds of other ornaments and garlands and taken around into the holy Mada Streets of the Tirumala Temple.
On the second and third days, the Abhisheka Process is the same. But in the evening Malayappa Swami is adorned with Muthangi Armour (Pearl) on the second day and the third day with Golden Armour.
This is a very grand occasion for the devotees to receive the Divine Blessings of God and the Two Goddesses for all kinds of prosperities, pleasures, happiness and good health.
