HOLY THEERTHAMS

The vast stretch of Venkatadri Hill abounds in holy Theerthams in the form of lakes, waterfalls and tanks. A sacred dip in these Theerthams is believed to confer all the benefits to the devout and also washes away any sins committed.

Swami Pushkarini

This sacred tank, situated beside the main shrine, is considered the most important of the holy Theerthams. Vishnu’s mount Garuda is said to have brought this sacred tank from Vaikuntam (Heaven) to Bhoolokam (Earth). The waters of all holy rivers, including the Ganga, are believed to be present in this tank. The devout believe that by bathing in this Theertham, they wash off their sins, rid themselves of diseases and fulfill their wishes.
Bhavishya Purana says that Chandra dynasty ruler Shankanna got back the kingdom he lost to his enemies after a penance and holy dip in Swami Pushkarini. Rishis like Markandeya and Kashyapa and Indra, Chandra, Subramanya, Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman have derived full benefit from taking the holy dip in this tank, according to Vamana, Varaha and Skanda Puranas. It is believed that on the occasion of Mukkoti Dwaadashi (the twelfth day in the bright fort night of the lunar month of Dhanur corresponding to December-January), more than three crore sacred Theerthams converge into the Swami Pushkarini. Hence laths of devotees aspire for a holy dip on this day. It is considered equal to taking a sacred dip in all the Theerthams, including the Ganga. On this occasion, the Lord’s Chakram is taken out in a procession and given the sacred dip in the Pushkarini. The waters of 17 Theerthamns are believed to merge into the tank. They are Kapila Theerthamn, Vajra Theertham, Vishvaksena Saras, Panchaayudha Theertham. Agnikunda Theertham, Brahma Theertham and Saptarishi Theertham.

Kapila Theertham

Situated at the foot of Seshadri, this Theertham is sanctified by a Lingam known as Kapileshwara. According to Varaha Puranam, this Lingam was originally worshipped by Kapila Maharishi in Paataalaloka (Netherworld). Once it surfaced on the Earth through a deep concavity. The Devas started worshipping the Lingam and consecrated it at this spot. It was through the same concavity that Kamadhenu, the boon-giving celestial cow, also emerged on the Earth. The small pond or Sarovar in front of the Lingam is the Theertham. A holy dip here is believed to confer maximum benefit and rid the devout of sins. Bhavishyottara Puranam says that Vakuladevi , before going to Aakaasharaja to discuss Srinivasa’s marriage to Padmavathi, had a sacred bath in Kapila Theertham, as ordained by the Lord.

Vajra Theertham

This is situated near Kapila Theertham. Gautama Maharishi had once cursed Indra for his illicit relationship with the Rishi’s wife Ahalya. By taking a sacred dip here, Indra is said to have been redeemed of the curse.

Vishvaksena Saras

Vishvaksena, son of Varuna, did severe penance and was blessed with a form identical to Vishnu and also to be the Lord’s commander-in-chief. Hence it is considered very sacred.

Panchaayudha Theertham

They are five of them and are named after the five weapons of Lord Vishnu Shanku (Conch), Chakram (Discus), Gadha (Club), Saaranga (Bow) and Nandaka (Sword). They are close to the Vishvaksena Saras.

Agnikunda Theertham

This is another sacred Theertham , but is not reachable.

Brahma Theertham

A dip here is said to expel the sins of killings and other crimes.

Saptarishi Theertham

These are seven Theerthams and are situated near the Brahma Theertham. They are named after seven great sages Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Vasishta and Jamadagni.

The other holy waters include Kumaradhara Theertham, Phalguni Theertham, Sanaka-Sanandhana Theertham, Jabali Theertham, Thumburu Theertham, Akasha Ganga and Papavinasanam water falls, Vaikunta Theertham, Sesha Theertham and Pandava Theerthain.