3-day Jyeshtabhishekam begins in Tirumala temple

Tirumala: The three-day holy annual festival Jyeshtabhishekam of Lord Venkateswara commenced amidst religious fervour in Tirumala on Thursday.

Following the Agama traditions, the religious fete will be held at Srivari temple every year in Jyesta masa and Jyesta Nakshatram.

In view of Coronavirus guidelines, the festival is being held in Ekantham at the Kalyana Mandapam in the Sampangi Prakaram in the shrine.

On the first day on Thursday, Snapana Tirumanjanam was performed to the deities Sri Malayappa Swamy and his consorts after which the idols were adorned with Ratna Kavacham.

Archakas say that pearl cover will be adorned to utsava idols on the second day and on the third day after Snapana Tirumanjanam, the idols will be decorated in a gold cover which will not be removed till the annual Jyestabhishekam next year.

TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy along with wife participated in the religious fete. Speaking to the media later, TTD chairman said darshan will commence from June 8, Monday onwards on a trial basis.

He said elaborate arrangements have been made by authorities for darshan keeping in view Covid restrictions.

TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal held a meeting with TTD senior officials and later said discussion was held on the modalities to be followed for providing darshan to devotees, duly complying the guidelines issued by both the Centre and state governments, covering all aspects including transport, accommodation, tonsure, darshan and prasadams to devotees visiting the shrine.