Other Idols in Tirumala - Sugriva Deity

Sugriva Deity

The Deity of Sugriva, the monkey-king and friend of Lord Rama, is seen with folded hands in a stance resembling prayer to the Lord. According to the temple legend, the Deity is seen in a scene of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Sugriva is seen with folded hands after he prays to Lord Rama, not to grant protection to Vibishana.

The exact date of consecration of the Deity is unknown though it is believed to have been installed along with the deities of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The deities of Hanuman and Angada are also believed to have been installed at the same time in the Ramar medai (Elevated platform of Lord Rama). When the deities of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were moved inside the garba griha, the Deity of Sugriva was moved briefly as well. In the mid-1990s, Sugriva's Deity along with other deities were moved to a room outside the sanctum sanctorum, where pilgrims are provided with blessings and thirtam (holy consecrated water).