The History of Utsava Murthy, Malayappa Swamy at Tirumala Hills

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In the Hill Shrine, the utsava bera(or murthy) is

called 'Malayappan', ranks next in importance to the Dhruva Bera so

far as the devotees and pilgrims are concerned. But, in actual

worship, however, the kautuka bera or Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy is more

important than the utsava bera.

As the history of Tirumala Temple says, only after Malayappa Swamy

included in the sanctum as utsava bera, the number of Festivals

increased in the Hill Shrine. We have references in the early Tamil

Classics and in the songs of Azhwars that the Vengadam Hill is known

for its festivals. But the first festivals in the Hill Shrine, which

are documented are the ones which were instituted in 614 A.D. by the

Pallava princess, Saamavai. Brahmotsavams are one of the main

utsavams, but, during and after the days of Yadava-raya kings, the

number of festivals increased. Several new and colourful occasions

were introduced like Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam, Teppotsavam, Parveta

Utsavam etc.,

So Malayappa is kept busy thru out the year. It is this bera that is

most often seen by the devotees. Naturally it is decorated

elaborately with splendid ornaments of gold studded with diamonds,

pearls, corals and other precious stones.

As the legend says, it was the Snapana Bera(or Ugra Srinivasa

Murthy) that was used as the processional image, before the present

Utsava bera Malayappa Swamy with two consorts found. There is also a

practical consideration in this change. As the snapana bera is only

one and a half foot tall, while the Utsava bera(Malayappan) is three

feet tall, and therefore better suited for processions and public

displays. And it is likely that before the Snapana bera was

introduced, the kautuka bera might be used for the purpose, for the

festivals were instituted at the same time as the kautuka bera was

consecrated(614 AD). There's a provision for this in Vaikhanasa

Agama, as we read in Bhrugu Samhitha-Yagnaadikaram, that when the

utsava bera is not available, the snapana bera may be used for

festivities; and when even the Snapana bera is not available, then

the kautuka bera can be used.

 

There is a legend regarding the discovery and introduction of the

utsava bera Malayappa Swamy in to the Shrine. In former days, when

once the snapana bera was used as processional idol, was taken out

on the streets of the temple, fire broke out frequently causing

considerable damage and distress. It was then revealed by the Lord

in the form of invoking in to one of an Archaka that this snapana

bera was unsuited for the purpose of Utsavams, because of its

ferocious nature(Ugra Svabhavam), and that a substitute idol would

be found in a glen on the slopes of the hill. When a search was

made, the present utsava murthy with consorts was found and that

place is other wise called from then as Malayappa Kona(dense forest

in Seshachalam Hills). Since then the snapana bera is confined to

the sanctum, except for one day in a year i.e on the day of Kausika

Dvadasi. It was in the year 1339 A.D., the consecration for

Malayappa Swamy done.

The idols of Malayappa Swamy are made in panchaloham(an alloy of

five metals, gold,silver,copper,lead,iron). Malayappa is 27 inches

in height, and stands on a lotus pedestal which is 9 inches high.

Sridevi stands to his right and is of 24 inches tall, standing on a

pedestal 4 inches high. Bhudevi, who stands on the left side of

malayappa is about the same size. The two consorts are each two

armed, one of the hands being held in the kataka posture and the

other hanging loosely and gracefully.

Malayappa is four armed, the two upper hands holding conch and

discus and the two normal hands in the boon-bestowal(varada right)

and the hip holding(katyavalambita) postures. He is not an exact

replica of the main deity in the sanctum, as regards the ornaments

and proportions. This idol appears to be an early ancient chola work.

(as far as silpa sastra is concerned).