Every year, in the Jyeshtamasa, Jyeshtabhishekam is performed for three days, concluding on the day of the advent of Jyeshta Nakshatra.
This ritual, which is performed at the Kalyana Mandapam in Sampangi Prakaram, is also known as ‘’Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam’’.
This festival is typically observed to protect the ancient ceremonial idols of the deities from wear and tear, as they have been subjected to abhishekams performed over generations.
On the first day, the golden armour of Sri Malayappa Swamy is removed, and homas, abhishekams and Panchamrutha Snapana Tirumanjanam are performed.
After that, Sri Swami is adorned with a diamond armour. On the second day, a pearl armour is decked. On the third day, the deity is adorned with the gold armour again.
This gold armour is taken off again next year during the time of Jyeshtabhishekam only. Until then, Sri Swami participates in various festivals in the gold armour throughout the year.
