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).
------------------------------------
Oppiliappan Koil Varadachari Sadagopan
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