Krishna Pushkaralu 2016
Krishna Pushkaralu marks the time during which water from the 12 holy rivers is divinely mixed with
River Krishna. Among the several hundreds of rivers flowing throughout the length and breadth of
our country, River Krishna holds a prominent place in our hearts and minds.
River Krishna is the fourth largest river in India. The delta region of the river is one of the most fertile
areas in our country and a site for prosperous agriculture. The river is the lifeline for states like
Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It also supports an indispensable variety
of flora and fauna that survive on the water from the River. Modern man depends on this river, not
only for water but also for electricity, as there are about 13 hydroelectric power projects and dams
built on this river.
The origins of River Krishna have been traced to the hills and plateaus of Mahabaleshwar in
Maharashtra. The Panchganga Temple is the site of the origin where the river drops out of a
“Gaumukh” or a Cow’s mouth.
The beginnings of the Pushkaralu can be traced back to a legend. As per the story, a Brahmin in a
village performed severe penance dedicated to Lord Shiva. He was granted a boon by the Lord that
he will have the power to purify the holy rivers. As a result of this power, his name eventually became
Pushkar meaning “the one who nourishes and purifies”. The God of Planets and Guru, Brihaspati
requested Pushkar to purify the 12 holy rivers when he travels from one zodiac sign to another every
year.
As per the beliefs, the first 12 days when the Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters the zodiac sign Virgo (Kanya
Rasi) is celebrated as the Krishna Pushkaralu. It is believed that on the first 12 days and the last 12
days of Jupiter in any zodiac sign, Pushkar travels with Brihaspati and purifies the holy rivers
Krishna Pushkaram 2016
The festival of Krishna Pushkaralu is celebrated once every 12 years to honour River Krishna andseek her blessings. Although the occasion is celebrated all over Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the
focal point of the festivities is the city of Vijayawada.
The festivities of Krishna Pushkaralu held in 2004, attracted over 30 million visitors to the city and
ghats of Vijayawada. This year, the sacred 12 days festival of Krishna Pushkaralu begins on 12 August
2016 till 23 August 2016 in Vijayawada. Large crowds of visitors, tourists, saints, and priests are
expected to attend the festival with great enthusiasm and thankfulness to our mother nature.
Krishna Pushkaralu Dates
The grand festival of Krishna Pushkaralu will be held from 12 August, 2016 - 23 August, 2016.
Krishna Pushkaram Ghats
Although theoretically one can take a holy dip anywhere along the length of River Krishna during
Krishna Pushkaralu, the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have organised and
constructed several bathing ghats with facilities like changing rooms and guards in Vijayawada.
The below list depicts the different bathing ghats and the location that a pilgrim can visit in
Vijayawada:
Ghats
Nearest Bus Stop
Durga Ghat
Durga Temple, Ravi Chettu Centre
Pushkar Ghat
VMC Office, PNBS
Padmavathi Ghat PNBS
Metla Bazar
Bandar Locks
Sithanagaram Ghat PNBS, Sithanagaram
Punnami Ghat
Hotel Punnami, Kummaripalem Centre
Siva Kshetram
Mandadam Centre
In Telangana, following areas have been developed to receive visitors for the Krishna Pushkaralu
2016:
• In Mahboobnagar District - Beechupalli, Rangapur, Alampur, Nadi Agraharam, Chintarevula,
Nandimalla (Narayanpet), Krishna, Pasupula and Panchadev Padu (Maktal), Chellepad
(Weepanagandla), Jataprole (Weepanagandla), Somasila (Kollapur), Malleswaram,
Manchalakatta and Lingala.
• In Nalgonda District - Wadapally in Damaracharla mandal, Mattapally in Mattampally
mandal and Nagarjunasagar in Peddavura mandal, Mellacheruvu mandal, Utlapally in
Peddavura mandal, Adavidevulapally in Damaracharla, Mahankaligudem in Nereducharla
are locations for Pushkaram
Poojas conducted at Krishna Pushkaralu
• Pindapradanam – This is a unique ritual in which the devotee offers Pindas (leaf with
offerings to the departed souls is set afloat in water) to ancestors who were deceased. It is
done with the belief that their souls will be set free and attain salvation.
• Mahasankalpam – The Pooja is performed by priests on the banks of River Krishna for
removing one’s bad karma and sins.
• Laghusankalpam – This ritual involves taking a holy dip in the River during Krishna
Pushkaralu by uttering the names and gotras to appease God and fulfill your wishes in this
life.
• Sariganga Snanam – This ritual is performed for a better family life, especially better
relations with children and spouse.
• Prayaschittam – This ritual means that men and women accept their mistakes and
misdeeds to God and seek forgiveness.
• Gouri Pooja – Kumkum Archana and Gouri Pooja are performed to appease Goddess Gouri
(Goddess Parvati) and seek her blessings during Krishna Pushkaralu.
Ganga Pooja – It is believed that during the Krishna Pushkaralu period, water from the 12
holy rivers is divinely mixed with River Krishna. The Ganga Pooja is performed to seek the
blessings of all the Rivers at once.
• Musivayanam – It is a tradition in which a married woman is respected and treated with
gifts. These gifts can also be offered to the husband when the wife dies. It is believed that by
doing this Pooja, the wife’s soul can attain salvation.
Do's and Don'ts at Krishna Pushkaram Ghats
Do’s
• Take a dip in the River Krishna only at the authorised Bathing Ghats mentioned in the list
above.
• Pilgrims should take a dip at the bathing Ghat that is nearest to them to avoid traffic hassles
during Krishna Pushkaralu.
• Pilgrims must follow rules and regulations imposed at the Bathing Ghats as well as in and
around the city to enable the smooth organisation and conduction of the festival.
• It is imperative that people visiting the city and the sacred Ghats remain alert and vigilant.
Unidentified and unaccompanied baggage must be reported immediately to the nearest police
official or security booth.
• Cleanliness and sanctity of the place should be maintained at all costs. Garbage and other
kinds of refuse must be disposed off ONLY in dustbins.
• Pilgrims should arrive at the bathing Ghats with minimum baggage. It is the pilgrims'
responsibility to take care of their belongings
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