Abhideyaka Abhishekam

Abhideyaka Abhishekam is a festival conducted in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh in India.

The purpose of the festival 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).

The festival lasts three days[1] and on each of these days, after the second bell, the lord and his consorts are taken to the Kalyanotsava mantapa (Hall used for celestial wedding) and Snapana Tirumanjanam is conducted amidst vedic chants.

The festival is considered as Arjitha Seva (paid service) and hence devotees can pay to view the performance of the 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), one laddu and one vada.

Lord Malayappa swami as seen after Abhideyaka Abhishekam in his diamond kavacham
Lord Malayappa swami and his consorts as seen in their pearl kavacham during Abhideyaka Abhishekam festival
Lord Malayappa swami and his consorts as seen in their gold kavacham during Abhideyaka Abhishekam festival