About Krishna Pushkaralu
- Krishna Pushkaram is a festival of River Krishna which normally occurs once in 12 years. The Pushkaram is observed for a period of 12 days from the time of entry of Jupiter into Virgo (Kanya rasi). Pushkaram has been an age old practice in southern states Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Start Date: 12th August 2016 End Date: 23rd August 2016 Number of Days Celebrated: 12 Days
- Ghats in Vijayawada: Durga Ghat, Pushkara Ghat, Padmavathi Ghat, Metla Bazar , ithanagaram Ghat, Punnami Ghat, Siva Kshetram
- Ghats In Kurnool District: Patala Ganga (Srisailam), Sangameswaram
- Ghats in Karnataka: Chikodi (Bagalkot), Raichur (Krishna Taluk)
- 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 and seek 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
