TIRUMALA, JUNE 27, 2026: The annual three-day Jyestabhishekam festival commenced with religious fervour at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on Friday.
Jyestabhishekam is observed every year during the month of Jyestha, concluding on the day of Jyestha Nakshatram. The festival 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.
Special rituals were performed in the Kalyana Mandapam at Sampangi Pradakshinam. The rituals commenced 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 the chanting of Sri Suktham, Bhu Suktham, Purusha Suktham, Neela Suktham and Narayana Suktham by Vedic scholars, the Utsava deities were ceremonially bathed with milk, curd, honey, coconut water, turmeric and sandalwood paste.
Lord Adorns Vajra Kavacham
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, the Lord will adorn the Mukta Kavacham (Pearl Armour), while on the concluding day, He will bless devotees in the Swarna Kavacham (Golden Armour).
TTD Executive Officer Sri M. Ravichandra, Additional EO Sri C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary, TTD Board Member Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, Deputy EO Sri Lokanatham, and other officials participated in the festival.
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