Malayappa swami

Malayappa swami is the current utsava murti (presiding deity) in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. Malayappa swami is worshipped during religious ceremonies and processions wherein it would be inappropriate to use the main deity (for example one which requires the deity to be carried or moved). The two deities are worshipped equally and believed to be non-different in personality.

The Malayappa deity is classed as a Swayambhu and was discovered in 1339 AD. Initial records state his original name as Malai Kuniya Ninra Perumal (Lord stood on the hill which bowed low to Him)

Ugra Srinivasa was the first utsava murti at Tirumala temple. In the 14th century AD, it is said that during the procession, fire broke out in the village and destroyed most of the houses. A vision appeared to a devotee stating that Ugra Srinivasa needs to be replaced by a new murthi that would be discovered in the glades of the mountain.

The murthi was found in the place mentioned, a place where the hills appeared to bow very low and hence he was initially known as Malai Kuniya Ninra Perumal. Over the course of time, his name was shortened to Malayappan or Malayappa swami. The location where he was found is still known as Malayyappan Konai (Malayappa's corner).

Malayappa swami is seen in the standing pose and is a replica of Dhruva bera. The two upper arms hold the sankhu and chakram while the two lower arms are in yoga poses. The right arm is in the Varada hasta pose (boon giving) and the lower left arm is in the Katyavalambita pose (palm perpendicular to the ground and resting on the hip). The idol stands about three feet tall on a platform of about 14 height.

Along with the idol, his consorts - Sridevi and Bhudevi were also found and accepted as Swayambhu idols.

The idol of Sridevi is always placed on the right hand side of Sri Malayappa swami. The idol is 26" in height and stands on a 4" pedestral. The panchaloha idol is seen with the left hand in the Kataka hasta pose. In this pose, the fingers are partially closed, as if holding a lotus. The right hand hangs loosely on the side and the fingers are held in the Gajakarna pose.

The idol of Bhudevi is always seen on the left hand side of Lord Malayappa swami. The idol is very similar to the idol of Sridevi to signify that Sridevi and Bhudevi represent the two equal spirits of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. The only difference in the idols is the swap in the hand poses. The idol of Bhudevi has her right hand in Kataka hasta pose and the left in Gajakarna pose.

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Wikipedia