Abhideyaka Abhishekam is an age old religious festival in Andhra Pradesh. Abhideyaka Abhishekam is a festival conducted in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple of Andhra Pradesh. Abhidhyeyakam means defensive shield or armour (that which cannot be destructed). To fight against the evils of the earth, the Lord Malayappa Swami emerged with this defensive armour in Kaliyuga, one of the Yuga mentioned in Hindu Mythology. Since the special abhishekam, celestial bath is conducted to this special "Armour of God". This occasion of South Indian Hindus is also called Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam. As this festival takes place in the month of Jyestha it is also known as "Jyesthabhishekam".
Purpose of Abhideyaka Abhishekam
The reason of Abhideyaka Abhishekam is to conduct special Abhishekam to protect the Utsava deities, Lord Malayappa Swami and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi from damage that might occur while conducting processions and Tirumanjanam (holy baths).
Occasion of Abhideyaka Abhishekam
Abhideyaka Abhishekam is performed in the Hindu calendar month of Jyesta. In the Gregorian calendar, Abhideyaka Abhishekam falls in June to July. Because of the association with the Jyesta month, the festival is also called as Jyestabhishekam.
Celebration of Abhideyaka Abhishekam
Abhideyaka Abhishekam lasts three days and on each of these days, after the second bell, the Lord Malayappa Swami and his consorts are taken to the Kalyanotsava mantapa (Hall used for celestial wedding) and Snapana Tirumanjanam is conducted amidst Vedic chants.
Snapana Tirumanjanam
Snapana Tirumanjanam involves performing a bath to the deities involving holy and consecrated water mixed with spices including turmeric. The lord and his consorts are attired in different kavacham (armours) on each of these days. Lord Malayappa Swami and his consorts as seen in their gold "kavacham" during Abhideyaka Abhishekam festival is the special attraction to the tourists. The Svarna kavacham is adorned to the Lord and his consorts throughout the year as well.
Arjitha Seva
Abhideyaka Abhishekam is considered as Arjitha Seva (paid service) and hence devotees can pay to view the performance of the Abhideyaka Abhishekam. The purchase of a ticket allows access five people to the Kalyanotsava mantapa and the primary ticket holder is gifted Vastram (One upper cloth and a blouse) and one laddu and one vada.
