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Sringeri Temples List

August 2, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Sringeri

Here is the list of temples inside Sringeri Temple Complex:

Sri Sharadamba Temple – The Temple consists of granite stones. The Mahamandapam also has huge stone pillars and have carvings of deities like Durga, Raja Rajeshwari, Dwarapalakas and Devis according to the Shilpa Sastras. The door of the temple has Gold covering and is unique because it has 8 panels with figures of Ashtalakshmi inscribed on them.

Sri Torana Ganapati Temple – The unique shrine is a simple silver door with an idol of Ganapati on the top. It is also customary for devotees to first have darshan of Torana Ganapati and then proceed to visit Sri Sharadamba.

Sri Vidyashankara Temple – The Temple exists since 1338 AD and shows Chalukyan and Dravidian style of architecture. The Garbhagrah is on the west side with Vidya Ganapati and Durga as the main deities. Also, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva govern the other three sides.

Sri Janardhana Temple – The Temple exists since the 9th century. The Temple is for Lord Vishnu as Janardhana. The idol of Lord Janardhana has Sridevi and Bhudevi on both sides. Priests cover the idol with Sandal paste throughout the year.

Sri Adi Shankaracharya Temple – The idol of Sri Adi Shankaracharya is present in a pose of a Yogasana with four disciples and a Shiva Linga in front.

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple – A small Temple for Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita is present on the right of the temple.

Besides these Temples, Sri Adi Shankaracharya established four guardian deities in the four directions to protect the town. They are Kalabhairava in the East, Anjaneya in the West, Durga in the South, and Kalikamba in North.

What is Sringeri Mutt?

Near Sringeri Temple, there is a famous monastery known as Sringeri Mutt which was established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. Gurus of the mutt follow Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The gurus believe that the Brahman is the ultimate cosmic spirit and all gods in scriptures are just manifestations of Brahman.

They believe in the innermost self of the human being – Aham Brahma Asmi, which means “I am the Universal spirit”.

The gurus at the mutt teach that an individual must imbibe the good habits of the guru in addition to revering and listening to the guru’s teachings.

The mutt has produced so many scholars. The swamis of this matha consider themselves as the descendants of Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

The mutt runs a few colleges and a hospital. It also maintains some temples and Vedic schools across India. The Sringeri temple is maintained by the mutt. The mutt also strives hard to preserve the natural beauty of Sringeri.

Here is everything you want to know about Sringeri Temple

Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu

August 2, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Blog

Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu. Most temples across the country and certainly almost every temple in South India have a black square stone pedestal with nine idols arranged on it. One of the enduring memories of childhood, apart from the pilgrimage vacations, is that absolutely pleasurable dizziness that comes with the nine circumambulations of this set of Navagraha idols! Another enduring memory is the navagraha homa conducted before every auspicious occasion at home and the mandatory trip to the Navagraha Temples.

The belief that there is some power beyond man that affects his life is an old one. Our ancient sages identified constellations and aligned their movements to man’s fortunes and marked nine celestial bodies, the sun, the moon, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Rahu and Ketu, as the nine grahas that impact man’s life, based on their position and arrangement at the time of his birth. Ever since these nine planets have been worshipped by the man in his pursuit of happiness or in times of misery.

The popular understanding of “Navagraha Temples” is the cluster of nine Shaivaite shrines, around Kumbakonam, in Tamil Nadu where each of the nine grahas, Surya (sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Buddh (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu have a temple assigned to them. The Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu owe their origin to Sage Kalava, who was not only a seer but also an excellent astrologer.

On examining his horoscope, Sage Kalava found that the planetary arrangements predicted that he will be afflicted with leprosy. He prayed to each of the nine grahas and his fervent devotion caused them to reverse this eventuality. When Lord Brahma came to know of this he was enraged, since grahas are not meant to offer boons. He cursed them to have the dreaded disease instead and banished them to earth to a place called “vellurrukku vanam” or the ‘forest of the white flower’.

The navagrahas prayed to Shiva and begged him to free them from the curse. Convinced of their repentance, Shiva freed them from the curse and assigned the territory to them with the caveat that they should bless the devotees who pray to them there. Each graha was assigned a village which then became its sthala or abode. Subsequently, temples were built in their honour, with most of them dating to the 7th and 9th century except the Surya Temple which was built in the 11th century.

List of Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu

The Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu pilgrimage consists of a visit to all these nine temples and can be done in one, two or seven days with the visit being aligned to the day special to the graha. Each temple has its own legend and lore and its own method of worship.

1. Suryanar Kovil dedeicated to Sun

The temple dedicated to the sun is at Suryanar Kovil, which is supposed to be Vellurukku Vanam of yore. The interesting feature at the Suryanar Kovil is that this is the only Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu where the main deity is the graha itself. In the other eight temples, the main deity is Shiva while the graha is placed in an auxiliary shrine.

However, the first prayer, even here, is offered to Vinayaka to whom the navagrahas prayed as part of their penance, then to Shiva and Parvathi and lastly to Surya who stands on a one-wheeled chariot driven by seven horses symbolizing the seven days of the week. Facing him is Guru (Jupiter) who is positioned so that he may absorb some of the intensity of the sun’s rays before they reach the devotee – a fact that ancient India knew from ages before. Today, research in astronomy has discovered that Jupiter protects the earth from many comets and other bodies that may strike the earth and possibly eradicate a significant portion of it. The shrine of Surya is surrounded by shrines of the other eight grahas.

2. Navagraha Temple – Moon

Chandran or the moon is worshipped at Thingaloor. Legend has it that during Amrithmanthan, an Asura assumed the form of a deva and consumed some nectar. This was spotted by Surya and Chandra who informed Vishnu about it. An angry Vishnu cut the asura into two with his Sudarshana Chakram. Since the asura had consumed a significant bit of nectar by then, he did not die. His head merged with the body of a snake while his body joined the head of another snake and thus were born Rahu and Ketu. Obviously, they went behind Surya and Chandra. Rahu caught up with Chandra and started swallowing him. It is believed that Chandra prayed to Shiva at Thingalur and secured his complete form, fifteen days after Rahu had swallowed him. This explains the waning and waxing face of the moon. The main shrine at Thingalur is that of Shiva as Kailasanathar, while the shrine for Chandra, standing on a chariot drawn by ten horses, is an adjunct shrine. A very peaceful, almost somnolent temple, Thingalur attracts very few visitors except those on the Navgraha beat.

3. Navagraha Temple – Mars

Vaitheeswaran Temple is where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or the “God of healing” and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. It is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamilnadu associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka).

4. Navagraha Temple – Mercury

Budhan (Mercury), riding on a lion, is worshipped at the Shwetharanyeshwara Temple in Thiruvenkadu. Again, this is a very significant Shiva temple and one forgets that one is at a navagraha temple. As Lord of the White (Shwetha) Forest (Aranya), Shiva is said to have danced the tandava, seven times here. He stands here with five faces and as Aghora (Furious) Murthy who destroyed the demon Marutwasura by opening his third eye. Legend has it that Shiva sent Nandi first to slay this demon not once but twice. However, Nandi was vanquished and injured badly, the marks of which are seen on the Nandi idol which, incidentally, stands outside Parvathi’s and not Shiva’s shrine as he does always. Thiruvenkadu is a small village. One ticks the box as having prayed to Budhan here and moves on to worship Guru at Alangudi.

5. Navagraha Temple – Jupiter

Guru (Jupiter) is worshipped at the Apathasahayeshwara Temple at Alangudi. As Apatha (crisis) Sahayeshwara (one who helps), Shiva is said to have drunk (kudi) the poison (Ala) that rose from the celestial churn, here. It is also believed to be the place where he taught divine wisdom to the errant Devas as Lord Dakshinamurthy. Guru is held by devotees in great esteem as he is believed to influence marriage prospects as well as wisdom and intellect. He rides on a chariot driven by eight horses representing eight branches of knowledge. Consequently, this temple at Alangudi attracts many devotees, especially on Thursday.

6. Navagraha Temple – Venus

Sukran (Venus) is worshipped at the Agneeswarar Temple at Kanjanur. This temple is easy to miss as it is in a small nondescript village and has no visibility other than being a Sukran temple. In fact, we had to call for the priest from his house, when we reached there. Believed to be the place assigned to Sukran, Shiva stands here as Agneeshwara who granted Agni an audience. It is also believed to be the place where Brahma had a vision of the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi. Although we were not privy to this, there is a firm assertion that the oil poured on the idol for Abhishekha is fully absorbed by the idol and nothing falls off. And yet, this is a very peaceful temple where prayer comes easily.

7. Navagraha Temple – Saturn

This is not something one can say about the Shaneeswara Temple at Thirunallar. If devotees throng to Vaitheeswaran Kovil for Shiva, hordes of them congregate at the Dharbaranyeshwara Temple at Thirunallar, not for Shiva but for Shani (Saturn), especially on Saturdays. Here one forgets that one is at a Shiva temple! From Amitabh Bachchan to the man-next-door, there are not many who can resist a prayer at this temple to propitiate Shani who is feared for his malevolence! Shani (Saturn) is the only planet to have the term of Easwara or Lord suffixed to his name. The most popular of the Navagraha temples in Tamilnadu, it is the richest of them all. It is believed that King Nala was rid of the malevolence of Shani when Lord Shiva as Darbharanyeshwara stopped Shani from following Nala into the temple. The Shaneeswara shrine is thus located in the inner courtyard of the temple. All those wishing to rid themselves of the evil influence of Saade Saati and the two and a half year influence of Shani, ensure that they visit this temple.

8. Navagraha Temple – Rahu

Rahu, familiar with many because of Rahu Kala, is worshipped at the Naganathaswamy temple at Thirunageshwaran. The distinctive feature of this navagraha temple is that Rahu is depicted with a human face with his consorts while in most other temples he is depicted in his supine form. It is also believed that the milk poured on Rahu during the Rahu Kalam Abhisheka turns blue as it falls on the idol before turning white when it touches the ground. We missed seeing this as the navagraha tour is quite time bound and one is not always lucky to be here at Rahu kalam. One possible explanation could be that the idol is made of blackish blue sapphire so that milk poured over that appears bluish. But then, when has faith needed an explanation?

9. Navagraha Temple – Ketu

And finally, Ketu is worshipped at a small village called Keezhperumpallum in the Naganathar Swami Temple. As the second half of the Asura who ate the nectar by deceit, Kethu is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness here and received a pardon.

Conclusion

The Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu tour, unless specified, does not follow the chronology from Suryanar Kovil to Keezhperumpallam. The route is based on the location of the temples and the time at one’s disposal. Most devotees, like us, use Kumbakonam as a base, as all but one of the temples are within twenty to thirty kilometres of Kumbakonam. Most hotels in Kumbakonam arrange Navagraha tours but it is advisable to equip yourself with some basic information that can be had from reliable websites of the temples.

A visit to the Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu threw up many revelations and realizations. It was a revelation that the Shaivaite cluster of Navagraha temples is different from the Vaishnavaite cluster that is followed by Iyengars of the South. It was a revelation that despite the ubiquitous presence of technology, there is still one facet of man that has been untouched by it all and is governed by faith, myth, lore and legend. It was a revelation that despite the myth, lore and legend, the mobile phone has penetrated into the tiniest of villages and thank God for that. Finally, it was a profound realisation that the Navagrahas are the bureaucrats who administer the retribution for our karma, good or bad, for, in every temple, the prime deity is still the Lord who is the force within us.

Gokuldham Temple Darshan Timings

May 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Blog

Here are the Gokuldham Temple Darshan Timings

6 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM. Open on all days of the week. The temple is located in Mumbai at Goregaon East.

9 Navratri Rituals you must follow in 2019

August 2, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Blog

Navratri (“nava” i.e. 9 + “ratri” i.e. nights) means “nine nights”. This ritual is observed twice a year, in spring and in autumn. During Navratri, Hindus undertake nine days of fasting and worshipping. The Divine Mother or Devi is worshipped by her own command for nine days and in different forms. This festival is celebrated with various rites and rituals as believed by the devotees and hence, the commencement of all the rituals makes it more auspicious. Here is a list of some popular rituals undertaken for Navratri.

Ritual 1 – Worshipping the 9 forms of Goddess Durga

Navratri Worship — 9 Forms of Durga during Navratri

It is believed that Goddess Durga has 9 forms. All these nine manifestations of the goddess are worshipped during the Navratri and each manifestation has its own significance. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one goddess each and the devotees worship accordingly. These 9 forms of the goddess are as follows-

Shailputri Mata
Brahmacharini Mata
Chandraghanta Mata
Kushmanda Mata
Skanda Mata
Katyayani Mata
Kalratri Mata
Mahagauri Mata
Siddhatri Mata

Ritual 2 – Ghatsthapana

During this religious festival, instalment of a pot in one’s pooja room is meant to be auspicious. This installation of a pot is termed as “Ghatsthapana”. This pot symbolises the universe and is filled with a mixture of seven kinds of grains and covered with coconut.

Ritual 3 – Lightening of Akhand Jyoti

Akhand Jyoti Navratri — The lighting of Akhand Jyoti during Navratri

As the name suggests “Akhand” means uninterrupted and “Jyoti” means light. During this festival, a lamp is lit for nine days continuously and taken care so that it doesn’t go off. Burning of it for all nine days non-stop is said to put an end to negative energies and make the devotees aware of their consciousness. It is also believed that this Akhand Jyoti is the medium through which one worships “Adi Shakti” i.e. Goddess Durga.

Ritual 4 – Sowing of Barley

Barley Sowing Navratri — Sowing of Barley during Navratri Festival

In a pot of sand or copper, barley seeds are sown. Barley is the symbol of first fruit and signifies growth, affluence and abundance. Hence, it is worshipped as well as taken care of all nine days. It is believed that the length of the barley shoots determines the quantum of income and prosperity that a family will have.

Ritual 5 – Offerings to Goddess Durga

Different kinds of offerings are made to Goddess during 9 days of Navratri as a token of thanksgiving from the devotees for listening to their prayers and keeping them away from ill happenings. The offerings are in the form of fruits, food, clothes, jewellery, etc.

Ritual 6 – Enchanting of Durga Sapshatti Paath

Reciting of the Durga Sapshatti Paath during Navratri is considered to be extremely auspicious. If not completely one can choose to recite particular Adhyayas as each adhyaya has its own significance. Enchanting the same sanctions the devotee with peace, tranquillity, wealth and prosperity in life.

Ritual 7 – 9 Colours for 9 Days

Navratri Colours 2019 — 9 Colours for 9 Days of Navratri

All the nine days of Navratri have a colour in their name. All these colours hold certain significance and devotees prefer wearing those nine colours accordingly or as per the day. Those nine colours are as follows – Green, Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Indigo, Violet, Pink and clothes with hues of golden.

Ritual 8 – Singing and Dancing

Navratri Garba — Garba and Dandiya are popular dances during Navratri

Singing and dancing during Navratri is now a part of festivity and fun and also a reason to dress up and catch up with your friends. But generations back it was believed and is still believed that singing and dancing in front of the idols of Goddess is auspicious and brings good luck. When goddess observes you to be happy and praising her in this form bestows you with more joy and happiness in life.

Ritual 9 – Kanya Bhoj

Kanya Bhoj Navratri — Kanya Bhoj during Navratri

In Hindu Religion girls from the age group of 1-12 are termed to be as the little goddesses. Hence, on the ninth day, small girls are called over to various people’s houses and then first worshipped and later served with food. Further, they are offered with sweet beetle leaves, chunari, gifts, etc as we offer the goddesses.

Follow all these rituals and your Navratri will be all the more fun, perfect and filled with happiness and prosperity.

Krishna Pushkaralu

August 11, 2016, Sasidhar Darla 34 Comments Filed Under: Blog

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.

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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.

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Pushkar Ghats in Andhra Pradesh

Ghat	Location
*Vijayawada*
Bhavani Ghat	Bhanipuram, Vijayawada
Durga Ghat	Near Prakasam Barrage, Beside Model Guest House, Vijayawada
Krishnaveni Ghat
Padmavathi Ghat	Opp.PNBS, Krishna Lanka, Vijayawada
Punnami Ghat	Bhavanipuram, Near Punnami Hotel, Vijayawada
Vijaya Krishna Ghat	Kanakadurgamma Varadhi, Vijayawada (Urban)
Gollapudi Main Ghat	Gollapudi, Vijayawada
Surayapalem Ghat	Suraypalem, Gollapudi, Vijayawada
Ibrahimpatnam
Ferry Ghat
Sangamam Ghat
Guntupalli Ghat	Guntupalli, Ibrahimpatnam Mandal
Tummalapalem-1 Ghat	Tummalapalem, Ibrahimpatnam Mandal
Tummalapalem-2 Ghat	Tummalapalem, Ibrahimpatnam Mandal
Damuluru Ghats-1 & 2	Damuluru, Ibrahimpatnam Mandal
*Avanigadda*
Vekanuru-1 Ghat	Vekanuru, Avanigadda
Vekanuru-2 Ghat	Vekanuru, Avanigadda
Edlanka Ghat	Edlalanka, Avanigadda
South Chiruvolu Lanka Ghat	Chiruvolu Lanka, Avanigadda
Kothapeta Ghat	Kothapeta Village, Avanigadda
Puligadda Ghat	Puligadda Village, Avanigadda
*Mopidevi*
K.Kothapalem Ghat	Kokkiligadda Kothapalem, Mopidevi
Bobbarlanka Ghat	Bobbarlanka, Mopidevi
Mopidevi Warf Ghat	Mopidevi
Kosuruvaripalem Ghat	Kosuruvaripalem, Mopidevi
Pedakallepalli Ghat	Pedakallepalli, Mopidevi Mandal
Pedakallepalli Ghat-1	Pedakallepalli, Mopidevi Mandal
Pedakallepalli Ghat – 2	Pedakallepalli, Mopidevi Mandal
*Koduru*
Hamsaladeevi Ghat	Hamsaladeevi, Koduru Mandal
Ullipalem Ghat	Ullipalem, Koduru Mandal
Salempalem Harijanawada Ghat	Salempalem, Koduru Mandal
Pittalanka Padavalarevu Ghat	Pittalanka, Koduru Mandal
Kummaripalem Ghat	Kummaripalem, Koduru Mandal
V.Kothapalem Ghat	V.kothapalem, Koduru Mandal
Thotlavalluru
Royyuru Ghat	Royyuru, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Vallurupalem Ghat	Vallurupalem, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Thotlavalluru Ghat	Thotlavalluru
Chagantipadu Ghat	Chagantipadu, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Devarapalli Ghat	Devarapalli, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Illuru -1 Ghat	Illuru, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Illuru – 2 Ghat	Illuru, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Illuru – 3 Ghat	Illuru, Thotlavalluru Mandal
Penamaluru
Yanamalakuduru Ghat	Yanamalakuduru, Penamaluru mandal
Pedapulipaka Ghat	Pedapulipaka, Penamaluru mandal
Chodavarm Ghat	Chodavarm, Penamaluru mandal
Kasaranenivaripalem Ghat	Kasaranenivaripalem, Penamaluru mandal
*Kanchikacherla*
Gani Atkuru Pushkar Ghat	Gani Atkuru, Kanchikacherla Mandal
Chevitikallu Pushkar Ghat	Chevitikallu, Kanchikacherla Mandal
Kunikinapadu Pushkar Ghat	Kunikinapadu, Kanchikacherla Mandal
Munnaluru Pushkar Ghat	Munnaluru, Kanchikacherla Mandal
Chandarlapadu
Punnavalli Ghat	Punnavalli, Chandarlapadu Mandal
Kasarabada Ghat	Kasarabada, Chandarlapadu Mandal
Ustepalli Ghat	Ustepalli, Chandarlapadu Mandal
Gudimetla Ghat	Gudimetla, Chandarlapadu Mandal
Gudimetla – 2 Ghat	Gudimetla, Chandarlapadu Mandal
Popuru Ghat	Popuru, Chandarlapadu Mandal
*Jaggaiahpeta*
Sri Vedadri Village Ghat	Vedadri, Jaggaiahpeta Mandal
Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Ghat	Vedadri, Jaggaiahpeta Mandal Directions
Sri Ravirala Village Ghat	Ravirala, Jaggaiahpeta Mandal
Sri Bhavani Muktheswara Swamy Vari Ghat	Mukteswarapuram, Jaggaiahpeta Mandal Directions
Uttaravahini Ghat	Mukteswarapuram, Jaggaiahpeta Mandal
Machilipatnam
Vadapalem Ghat	Vadapalem, Machilipatnam Mandal
China Yadara Ghat	China Yadara, Machilipatnam Mandal
Bhogireddy palle Ghat	Bhogireddy palle, Machilipatnam Mandal
*Ghantasala*
Papavinasama Ghat	Ghantasala
Srikakulam Ghat	Srikakulam, Ghantasala Mandal
*Challapalli*
Ramudupalem Ghat	Ramudupalem, Challapalli Mandal
Pamidimukkala
Inapuru Ghat	Inapuru, Pamidimukkala Mandal
*Nagayalanka*
T.Kothapalem Village Ghat	T.Kothapalem Village, Nagayalanka
Sri RamaPada Kshetram Ghat	Nagayalanka
Nagayalanka 7th Ward Ghat	Nagayalanka
Brahmananda Puram Ghat	Nagayalanka
Gullalamoda Ghat	Gullalamoda, Etimoga Village, Nagayalanka

Pushkar Ghats in Telangana

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.

Don’ts

Do not throw litter, bottles, clothes, flowers etc. into the river. Remember that you are worshiping the River as a goddess. It is a lifeline to our civilisation and hence must be given utmost respect.
Use of plastic bags and soaps is prohibited for bathing in the Ghats during Krishna Pushkaralu.
Washing of clothes or relieving yourself openly in and around the bathing Ghats is prohibited during Krishna Pushkaralu.
Since the number of people visiting the venues will be large, it is better to be patient and wait for one’s turn to bathe than just pushing and shoving for a chance.

Krishna Pushkaralu Emergency numbers

LandLine Numbers : 0866-2474700 ; 0866-2474701

Mobile Numbers : 7702201597;7702201598;9000705973;9866449521