Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam – Jestabishekam
Festival
The
annual gold ornament cleaning festival is called Jestabishekam (first
of anointing) and is celebrated during the Tamil
month of Aani (June–July).
The idols of all deities are abluted with water brought in large vessels of
gold and silver.
It is celebrated
in Tamil month Aani (June-July) in order to rid the accumulated impurities. In
that day sanctum sanctorum is being cleaned, specially made herbal oil prepared
in the temple is being applied on Periya perumal.
Namperumal
and Goddesses golden plates (Kavacham or Angil in Tamil) are being cleaned by
goldsmith. More priests and devotees visit to Cauvery to take holy water in
Gold and Silver pots.
Gold pot
is brought over the elephant. Gold pot has been donated by Vijayaranga Chokka
Nayakar in 1734. In meanwhile it was looted by some robbers, and then by god’s
grace it was recovered. This inscription has been engraved in Telugu language
in this gold pot.
More
silver pots being filled up with Holy Cauvery water and brought to the temple.
On the way from Cauvery to temple Vedas are being recited. Then pots are put in
the Western side, all the idols installed in “Thiruvennaiyali Praharam”.
Golden
plates removed from the idols and handed over to Jeer Swamiji and Vadhula
Desikar Swamy. Then plates are being cleaned by goldsmith. After public worship
plates are being fixed up in evening.
The
annual gold ornament traditional cleaning festival is called Jestabishekam.
This is done in traditional style and celebrated during the Tamil month of Aani
(June–July). The idols of all deities are traditionally cleansed with water
brought in large vessels of gold and silver.