Akasa Ganga Archives - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Theerthams (Holy Waterfalls) in Tirumala

Tirumala shrine is a source of many holy waterfalls (Theertham/ Teertham). These are the sacred places where many sages undertook penance and had a glimpse of the Lord directly. They remove all sorts of sins. Let us try to know about them in brief.

Let us visit them, absolve ourselves of all our sins and accrue merits.

Akasha Ganga / Akasa Ganga

It is two miles away from the Holy Lake of the Lord towards the north. In the past, Anjana Devi undertook penance here and obtained Anjaneya as the son. Hence, it is called Anjanadri. A Brahmin named Ramanuja did penance here and realised the presence of Lord Venkateswara Swami.

A holy dip in these waters on the Full Moon day of Mesha month with Chitta as the ruling star, results in liberation. A Brahmin who developed a donkey’s complexion got rid of it in the past due to a holy dip in these waters. There is a bus facility to this place. We can visit it on any day of the week. Vaishnava priests draw two vessels of this holy water every day for the Lord’s anointing ceremony (Friday Abhisekam).

Gogarbha Theertham (Pandava Theertham)

There is Gogarbha Teertham three kilometres away from Tirumala temple towards the North. It resembles a cow’s womb where several sages undertook penance. The Pandavas during their exile in the forest spent some of their time here and served Lord Srinivasa. Hence, it is known as Pandava Teertham.

There are statues of Pandavas in this cave. Tirumala’s guardian angel Rudra is here in the form of a big boulder. There will be an anointing ceremony for this Rudra on the day of Sivaratri every year with namaka, chamaka hymns. In the recent past, Malayala Swami undertook penance here for some time.

Papa Vinashanam

There is Papa Vinashanam water-fall 3 miles away towards the north of the temple. Holy dip in this water and sipping a little bit of it will absolve us of all our sins. Dridhamati who turned an eagle due to his sins attained liberation after bathing in these waters. A Brahmin was freed of a priest’s ghost (Brahma rakshasi). Bhadramati became rich by drinking this water.

The best way is to take a holy dip in it on the seventh day of Ashwayuja month during a Sunday joined by the Uttarashadha ruling star or on the twelfth day with the Uttarabhadra ruling star. Pilgrims can visit this on any day. There is a bus facility to this waterfall.

click here for the Google Maps location.

Jabali Theertham

There is Jabali theertham in the beautiful valley two miles away from the Holy Lake towards its north. Since Sage Jabali undertook penance here, it has become popular as Jabali Teertham. In the past, a Brahmin named Durachara was evicted of a priest’s ghost with a holy dip in it.

Agastya undertook penance here for some time and realised the presence of Lord Venkateswara Swami. There is an ancient Anjaneya Swami temple here run under the auspices of the Mahant Monastery. There are Sithamma Teertham and Dhriva Teertham nearby.

One can go by bus on the way from Tirumala to Papa Vinashanam to this place by walking for a mile.

click here for the Google Maps location.

Vaikuntha Teertham / Vaikuntha Theertham

There is a cave two miles away from the Holy Lake of the Lord towards the north-east. It is called Vaikuntha Cave and the water getting forth from here is called Vaikuntha Teertham. When Lord Srirama visited this place along with the monkey legion, the monkeys saw a big city and Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in this cave.

When they came out frightened, the cave was closed. Coming to know of it, Srirama told them that it was a heaven on the earth where Lord Vishnu moved about and they were lucky to get his divine darshan. There is no proper road to this place.

Chakra Teertham (Natural Rock Arch)

There is Chakra Teertham two miles towards the north-west of the main temple. There is a natural rock arch of 250 crore years old here and Chakra teertha a hundred feet away by its side. It appears the Lord ordered God Sudarshana to protect his devotee undertaking penance there.

A Brahmin named Sundara from Srirangam was relieved of his demonhood after bathing in these waters. Chakra Teertha Mukkoti is celebrated on the twelfth day of dark fortnight of Karthika. On that day, the priests from Tirumala go to this place to perform anointing ceremony, worship and offering of food to Sudarshana and Narasimha Swami.

Those who visit the Chakra teertham can also visit the nearby natural rock arch.

Sri Ramakrishna Theertham

Ramakrishna Teertham is 6 miles away towards the north of the main temple. In the past, sages Krishna and Ramakrishna performed penance here one after the other and realised the presence of the Lord and hence, it is called Ramakrishna Teertham.

On the Full Moon day of Makara masa with Pushya ruling star, Tirumala temple priests go over there to perform an anointing ceremony and worship Srirama and Krishna. Pilgrims can go by bus up to Papa Vinashanam and walk to the teertham.

Kumaradhara Teertham

This is six miles away from the Lord’s temple towards the north. We can go by bus up to Papa Vinashanam and walk to the place. A disease-ridden old man, it appears, turned a young man after bathing in these holy waters. Hence, it got the appellation of Kumaradhara.

After killing Tarakasura, Kumara Swami was afflicted by the sin of killing a Brahmin. He was relieved of it by undertaking penance in Kumaradhara theertham. A holy dip in this teertham on the Full Moon day of Magha month is quite rewarding.

Tumburu Teertham (Ghona Teertham)

It is situated around ten miles away from the Lord’s temple towards its north. It is also called Ghona theertham or Tumba theertham. Sage Tumburu and an atheist Sarvabaddha bathed in this theertham and attained ascetic perfection and liberation. This theertha mukkoti is held on the Full Moon day of Phalguna month. Thousands of devotees visit it on this day.

One can go by bus up to Papa Vinashanam and then walk to this place for seven miles. People are allowed to this theertham only on this day. In the cave nearby, 300 years ago Tarigonda Vengamamba and later Malayala Swami undertook penance.

Final Word – Pushkaradri

Besides the above, there are a number of teerthas and lakes on the slopes of Tirumala Hills like Jarahara teertham, Phalguni teertham, Sanakasanandana teertham, Kayarasayana teertham, Deva teertham, Asthi Sarovara teertham, Kataha teertham, Sesha teertham, Sankha teertham, etc. That is why, the Venkatachalam is also called “Pushkaradri”.

Hathiram Bavaji /Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji

Hathi means elephant in Hindi, and Bhavaji frequently chants Ram

Mahanthula Mattam

In the southwest direction of Ananda Nilaya, there is a big beautiful palace on a hillock. This palace is known as Mahanthula Mattam (monastery of Mahanth). Mahanth means a saint or a monk. A saint by the name of Bavaji had established this Mattam (a monastery).

He was a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara. People out of respect used to address him as ‘Hathee Ramji or Hathee Ram Bavaji or Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji or Hathiram Bhavaji.’ Hathee Ramji belonged to the Bhakti Tradition started by Swamy Ramanandji of North India. He was a great Vaishnavite.

Hathiramji Mutt, Tirumala

Abhayanandji

About 500 years back there was a Ramanand Matt in a village called Kredal Krela some 25 miles away from Delhi. A monk by the name ‘Abhayanandji’ was heading the matt. He was known as Mahanth of that matt i.e., monastery. Hathee Ramji was his disciple.

At the behest of his guru, Hathee Ram Bavaji started visiting holy places. Finally, he visited Tirumala Kshethra. Seeing the serenity of the place he selected Tirumala Kshethra for doing penance. He was further attracted by Lord Srinivasa’s Grace, Kindness and Benevolence.

By that time people used to say that if there is any God in this Kaliyuga, He is Venkata Nayaka (Kalou Venkata Nayakaha). So he decided to stay back there permanently. This determination made him establish a monastery on a small hillock near Ananda Nilaya.

Hathee Ramji was a great devotee of Rama. He thought Lord Venkateswara was no other than Ayodhya Ram and started worshipping Him more devotedly.

Bavaji offering food to devotees

Bavaji felt that God was not only dwelling in Ananda Nilaya but also in the hearts of His devotees. He could see God in every devotee who came for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan. This made him offer food to pilgrims and saints.

Lord Venkateswara was satisfied with the selfless services rendered to His devotees by the Bavaji. People say Lord Venkateswara used to answer every call of Bavaji.

Because of these feelings, devotees started visiting Bavaji’s monastery after having the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. This became rather a routine for every pilgrim.

Bavaji became very popular with pilgrims. They started giving first preference to Bavaji. They felt that Bavaji’s darshan was as good as Lord Srinivasa’s darshan because Lord Srinivasa Himself especially liked Bavaji.

Game of Dices

Every night after Ekantha seva silence used to prevail upon Tirumala Kshethra. When everybody was resting in their respective houses, Lord Venkateswara used to step out of Ananda Nilaya. He will visit Bavaji’s monastery and spend some time with Bavaji.

Hathiram Bhavaji playing dice with Lord Venkateswara

They used to play the game of dice. The play it seems had even some betting also. During the play, they used to have some heated discussions. Whatever the discussion it is only Bavaji to the upper hand. Maybe Lord Venkateswara used to lose the play to make His devotee win.

Lord used to derive immense pleasure when His devotee won and He lost the game. This was a daily routine in the monastery during nights.

No one can else see Lord Srinivasa

The disciples of Bavaji and his followers felt that their Guruji was talking to someone during the night. Sometimes they used to hear the rolling sound of brass dice. But nobody could see Lord Srinivasa. Soon the news of some invisible man playing dice with Bavaji spread like wildfire.

Rama Patram

People’s esteem doubled as far as Bavaji was concerned. To show their respect to Bavaji people right from commoners to Kings started donating according to their mite. With donations received from one and all Bavaji began to provide tasty food to pilgrims and visitors to the matt.

He was providing sumptuous food to one and all. But every day he used to eat one leaf by the name “Rama Patram” and used to fast and meditate.

People had high regard for Bavaji. They all knew that Bavaji was a favourite devotee of Lord Venkateswara. People became disease-free when they had the darshan of Bavaji. Their problems were solved by going near to Bavaji.

By his touch people received solace. He fed people but never had anything. His name and fame reached the nook and corner of the world.

King of Chandragiri Testing Bavaji

The King of Chandragiri once thought of testing the great pious monk Sri Bavaji. He called him and started criticizing him. He said: “People say that you not only converse with Lord Venkateswara but also play a game of dice with him. This is a publicity stunt to collect more and more money from innocent followers. You are cheating people.

Why the name Hathee Ram Bavaji

If what people say is true, then you eat a cartload of sugarcane and prove your greatness and spiritual strength. If you fail to prove yourself you will be driven out of Tirumala Kshethra”. On that night he ordered many cartloads of sugar cane to be brought.

The king locked Bavaji in the cattle shed and left the place. As usual, even on that day, Lord Venkateswara came to Bavaji. As usual, they played the game of dice. While playing with Bavaji He assumed the form of a Giant Elephant and started eating them. People outside the locked cattle shed heard elephants roaring. Somebody peeped through the keyhole. They saw a giant elephant.

Hathiram Bhavaji (Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji)

When they opened the door of the cattle shed, they could neither see the elephant nor the cartload of sugarcane. People were taken aback. They got themselves convinced that Bavaji is a great devotee and could do some miracles.

Out of respect, they began to address him as ‘Hathee Ram Bavaji’. In Hindi Hathee means an elephant. After knowing about the miracle, emperor Giridhar Das felt very happy. He approached saint Hathee Ram Bavaji and prostrated before him.

He asked to pardon him and take him as one of his disciples. He became Giridhar Das. He became a Viragi i.e., Bairagi. Some began to address him Bairagi. Disciples of Hathee Ram Bavaji began to call him by the name Viragi emperor, Bairagi emperor.

From that day onwards Hathee Ram Bavaji had kingly status. He had a crown, throne, palanquin etc. The palaces belonging to the king in Tirupati became the monasteries of Mahanth. Even though Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji had no administrative control over temple management he became a prominent person in most of the affairs connected with the temple and its day-to-day activities.

The tradition of offering fresh cow’s milk, and butter in the morning was introduced from that day onwards. He also started giving crude camphor Harati to the Chief Idol. Even to this day these services like offering fresh cow’s milk and butter are being carried out only in the name of Hathee Ram Bavaji.

Afterwards, because of the disciples and their donations, he acquired lands and property. Because of enormous movable and immovable property, the monastery acquired the status of a kingdom. It has now become a prominent guest house for pilgrims coming from far north and south.

Many Years in Service of Lord Venkateswara

After spending many years in the service of Lord Venkateswara, Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji settled down in an Ashram built between Gogarbha Theertham and Akasa Ganga. He started spending his time observing silence and also doing penance.

He used to have sweet Rama Patram only as his food. His penance was disturbed because of ever growing number of his devotees. Therefore on a Bahula Thrayodasi day of Aswayuja month, near Homagundam, a fireplace of Venugopala Swamy temple which he had himself constructed, attained Jeeva Samadhi.

Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji Barsi

A day before Naraka Chaturdasi in the Aswayuja masa i.e., two days before Deepavali even to this day his death anniversary is celebrated on a grand scale in the monastery. It is called ‘Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji Barsi’ (tomb). On that day the Idol of Laddu Gopala Krishna will be taken up to Venugopala Swamy temple which is very near Akasa Ganga Theertham, in procession.

Even to this day, T.T.D. provides two big umbrellas, two elephants and also a piped music party for this grand procession. There at the Venugopala Swamy temple poojas will be performed on a very grand scale. At the Samadhi apart from Abhishekam even special poojas will be performed.

A large number of devotees of Hathee Ram Bavaji, pilgrims, and the natives of Tirumala actively participate in this celebration.

On the southern side wall of the silver door (Nadimi padikavali) entrance we can see a sculpture. This sculpture depicts a dice play being played by Hathee Ram Bavaji and Lord Venkateswara. By their side, we can also see the sculpture of Giridhar Rayalu (Giridhar Das) the king of Chandragiri interestingly watching the game of dice.

Even this sculpture is gold-plated. The silver door entrance tower, it is said, was last renovated during the years 1472- 1482 A.D. There is one more similar sculpture at the exact point where Hathee Ram Bavaji and Lord Venkateswara played the game of dice. This sculpture is placed on an elevated platform in Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji’s monastery.

Tag: Akasa Ganga

Holy Waterfalls (Theertham) to be visited in Tirumala