››› KARTIKA SHUDHA PRATIPAT MAHA ABHISHEKA (Deepavali)
This is more popularly known as BalipAdya or Deepavali. This is the holy day on which the Vamana incarnation of the Lord blessed the great devotee Bali. There are many activities in the Matha to prepare for this abhisheka. Since this event falls within the ChAturmAsya period (the four month period in the Hindu calendar when it is forbidden to partake certains of food or to offer them to the Lord), only certain types of fruits can be used in the abhisheka, unlike the Ramanavami abhisheka, when there was no restriction. Hence only Bananas and other simple ingredients used during the Panchamruta are used in this abhisheka.
On the chosen day, after performing his prescribed morning activities (chants and other religious chores that every ascetic must perform everyday), the swamiji starts the proceedings by taking a samkalpa (a symbolic oath to perform a task) to perform the abhisheka. By then his assistants would have completed all the necessary arrangements and would be waiting for him. The swamiji starts the proceedings by removing the ornaments adorning the Moola Rama icon. He then performs abhisheka using Milk, Curds (Yogurt), Ghee, Honey, Sugar and fruits in turn. He then performs a MangalArathi. After this, the remnants of the abhisheka are removed and once again abhisheka is performed with water, to cleanse the deity. This is called UdvArchana. After this the icons are anointed with sandalwood paste. While all this is happening, it is customary for scholars of the Matha to recite literary works by Sri Raghavendra swami, like the Sri RamachAritrya manjari, Upanishad khandartha and so on. After everything is completed, the icon is safely stored in the appointed container. This is called Bhujangana. At this point it may be said that the Maha abhisheka has reached a logical stage. After this, the swamiji performs the traditional puja that is performed daily.
On the next day, the swamiji finishes his mandatory activities and performs the abhisheka again. This is called Mari or Maru abhisheka. After this, the icon is adorned with traditional ornaments and daily puja is performed. With this, the Maha abhisheka has fully concluded.
Normally, the Rama Navami abhisheka is performed in Nava Vrundavana or Anegundi since it coincides with the Aradhane of Sri Kaveendra teertha. The Deepavali abhisheka is performed in Mantralaya or some other convenient location.