Festival idols to give darshan sans Swarna Kavacham

Tirumala: The devotees of Lord Venkateswara will have a rare opportunity to see the festival idols (processional deities) from June 19 to 23 at Tirumala, as the deities will take part in the rituals without their armour (Kavacham) during the period.

Ahead of Jyestabhishekam or Abhidheyaka Abhisheka Utsavam in Tirumala from June 24 to 26, the ritual of removal of Kavacham on festival idols will take place on June 19. Usually, the armour of the deities will be removed five days prior to this three-day annual fete, following the age old practice in the temple.

After the second bell on Tuesday in Srivari temple, the festival idols of Lord Sri Malayappa Swamy, Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi will be brought to the Ranganayakula Mandapam. The Swarna Kavacham adorned to the deities will be removed.  

Following the removal of Kavacham, the processional deities bless the devotees during Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva without Kavacham till June 23.

On the first day of Jyestabhishekam on June 24, after Snapana Tirumanjanam, Sri Malayappa Swamy cheers the devotees in Vajra Kavacham, followed by Muttangi Kavacham on June 25 and in Swarna Kavacham on June 26.  This golden armour remains on the processional deities till Abhideyaka Abhishekam next year.