Swami Pushkarini Theertham Archives - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

Origin of Swami Pushkarini

Generally, the term Pushkarini refers to a Theertha Thataakam (Bigger water pond) and Swami Pushkarini is nothing but jala roopam of the Kali Yuga daivam, ‘The Lord Srinivasa’ Himself. That is the Greatness of Swami Pushkarini of Tirumala Hills.

We can list out various facts about Swami Pushkarini from various Puranas, history and hearsay.

The first and foremost acceptable fact among them is thus – as already mentioned above in the beginning — Swami Pushkarini is part and parcel of the Vrajaa nadhi (Holy river) which remains under the Holy feet of the Lord Sriman Narayana at Sri Vaikuntam, also known as Parama Padham, a part brought to Adhi Varaha Kshethram by Garudaalwar at the command of Lord Venakatachalapathy, for His jalakreeda purpose with Goddess Padmavathi Ammavaru.

That is why it is also called as KONERI (kon means Swami, Eri means lake or Pushkarini).

Triveni Sangamam

As we all know that ‘Triveni Sangamam’ is the cluster of (joining of) three rivers namely Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi, but in that place where they join, only two rivers are visible to viewers viz. Ganga and Yamuna. River Saraswathi is not at all visible, as she is flowing underneath the two rivers as Antharwahini (flowing deep down below).

So, Goddess Saraswathi prayed to Lord Srinivasa to overcome this difficulty, and finally Lord gave her a boon saying that hereafter, Goddess Saraswathi can settle herself in the Swami Pushkarini itself in the river form visible to human eyes and also be known as Saraswathi Pushkarini along with the name Swami Pushkarini.

In the 11th century, King Saluva Narasimharaya constructed and developed the Pushkarini tank in such a manner useful for taking bath by the yathrikas before going into the temple for Srivari dharshan.

The Northern part of Pushkarini which is near Adhi Varahaswami temple is called as ‘Varaha Pushkarini’ and the part of Pushkarini near Srivari temple side is called as ‘Swami Pushkarini’.

In the centre of the Pushkarini, we find a huge “Neerazhi Mandapam” used during the Teppotsavam festival times. Malayappa swami is taken in procession in the four Mada Veethees, as ‘Veethi Prathakshanam during festival times, surrounding the Swami Pushkarini. Swami Pushkarini is situated in one and a half acre land area.

click here for the Swami Pushkarini location on Google Maps

Beliefs about Swami Pushkarini

Those who do snana (bath) in Swami Pushkarini, will get relief from their Paapa karmas (sins) and they will be given a warm welcome in the punya Lokha when they leave this world.

A prasthaavanam about Swami Pushkarini is found in the Sri Venkateswara Sahasranamam thus: “Swami Theertha Nivaasaaya Namaha” He who does Sandhya Vandhanam even at least one time in the Pushkarini is considered as Maha Thapaswi and he gets Moksha at the end of life.

108 Divya Theerthams

108 Divya Theerthams join in this Swami Pushkarini as Antharwahini. Aakaash Ganga, Paapa vinasam, Jaapaali, Sesha Theertham, etc, to name a few. Saptha Rishis, viz. Athri, Bruhu, Kuthsa, Vasihta, Gouthama, Kasyapa, Aangeerasa Rishis, regularly do the ritual of taking a dip in the Pushkarini before entering the Srivari temple for dharshan.

Muppatthu mukkoti devathaas (33 crore devathaas) take pride in having a dip in the Pushkarini, before swami Darshan.

Sloka 14

Sloka 14 of Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham says,

“Sri Swami Pushkarini -kaaplava-nirmalaangaa:
Sreyo Arthino-hara Virinja-sanandhanaadhyaa:
Dwaare Vasanthi-varavetha -hathotha Mangaa:
Sri Venkatachalapathey -thava suprabhatham.”

The meaning of this slokha is that even the so-called dignitaries in the Deva Lokham, like Brahma and Shiva come down to earth to take a bath in Swami Pushkarini to clean their celestial body and purify themselves before entering the swami temple for darshan and getting His mercy and favour.

Sri Sudarsana Alwar

During festival times, like

Vaikunta Dwadasi,
Rathasapthami,
Padmanabha vratham,
Kaisika dwadasi,

Sri Sudarsana Alwar is taken for Snanam (sacred bath) in the Varaha Pushkarini on behalf of the main deity.

An interesting anecdote

One time, the veteran Upanyasakar (commentator) came to Tirumala for Srivari darshan and he was doing the Sandhya Vandhanam ritual in the Swami Pushkarini.

At that time a layman took a dip in the Pushkarini saying GOINDA, GOINDA repeatedly. The wrong Utterance of the fine holy word GOVINDA, as GOINDA by the layman, perplexed Swamiji very much. He thought of correcting the layman by calling him nearer.

At that moment a surprising thing happened. The layman was raising his hands above the head in the direction of Lord Venkatesa, and started uttering the following words.

“O, Lord, Venkateswara! Last year also I came here and called you ‘GOINDA’ and as a Prati Upakaaraa, you are kind enough to bring me here this year also to have a bath in the Pushkarini and to have a nice dharshan of you! What a kind of name you have! I cannot explain in words”.

The moment Swamiji heard these words of the layman, felt ashamed of his thought of calling him near for correcting his words. He thought for a while, “When the Lord himself likes the layman calling Him “GOINDA”, who am I to correct it as GOVINDA?”

Procedure for swami darshan

There is a prescribed procedure laid down in shashtras to be followed by everyone, Whoever comes to Tirumala for Srivari darshan, should first take a bath in Swami Pushkarini and then visit the Adhi Varaha swami temple, only then they should try to get into the temple for Swami darshan.

But nowadays devotees do not adhere to this strict procedure as they are afraid that they will miss the main Lord’s darshan if they follow the procedures either because of heavy rush or because of their heavy schedule.

Among Alwars, Kulasekhara Alwar’s mention of Swami Pushkarini is apt and worth noting here. In his Perumal Thirumozhi Prabhandam, Alwar mentions Swami Pushkarini as “ Koneri” and wishes that it would be nice and worthy for him to take birth in the Thiruvekatamudayan’s hill, at least as a stork bird in the Koneri Theertha Thataakam.

The devotees to the Tirumala Hills are advised to come prepared to stay on Tirumala Hills to have Swami Darshan as per the procedures laid down in the shashtras as well as by God Himself.

The article “Swami Pushkarini – The Path for Salvation” published in Sapthagiri Magazine by “Sri M.R.K. Sateesh Babu”

Swami Pushkarini

Swami Pushkarini is a sacred lake located on Venkatachala Mountain adjacent to Ananda Nilayam where the deity resided after he arrived from heaven on his divine vehicle. Of the seven lakes in Trilokas,

Swami Pushkarini is the most significant and prominent lake that lies on the northeast side of Sri Venkateswara Swami temple. It is one of the iconic places on earth that has the divine and angelic power to bless the devotees with materialistic and worldly comforts.

In many of the Puranas and mythological books, the glory and significance of Pushkarini are cited clearly.

Vamana Purana

In the ancient age, there was a sage called Markandeya. He performed penance to propitiate Brahma to get blessed with a boon from him. Convinced with his austerity, Brahma appeared before Markandeya to bless his deep-delved desire.

Sage Markandeya requested Brahma to give him the energy to visit all heavenly lakes in Trilokas to offer prayers and to do service with devotion. Brahma answered Markandeya that it was impossible to visit all seven lakes, but suggested Markandeya visit ‘Swami Pushkarini’ where he could gain the fruit of his burning desire with a single dip in the lake’s water on Dwadasi Day in Dhanurmasa at dawn when all heavenly lakes enter the Pushkarini (12th day, the day that comes before full moon day in December.

Vamana Purana - Swami Pushkarini — PC – Sapthagiri Magazine, Article on “Swami Pushkarini – The Path for Salvation” by “Sri M.R.K. Sateesh Babu”

As suggested, Markandeya visited Swami Pushkarini, performed his services, and offered prayers with devotion. The inborn desire of the sage was fulfilled.

Varaha Purana

Once upon a time, there was a king called ‘Sanka’. He was a great devotee and also a great warrior. He used to rule the kingdom on the four wheels of Dharma. Unfortunately, the kings of his neighboring kingdoms felt jealous of his prosperity, and allied to defeat the king by hook or by crook. The news was like a bolt in the blue to ‘Sanka’.

Despite his undaunted endeavor, the king was unable to protect his kingdom. It had become a herculean task to protect himself from them. They seized his kingdom and made ‘Sanka’ to run for his life. Escaping from his enemies, Sanka reached his teacher. Pitied with his condition, the teacher suggested ‘Sanka’ to visit Swami Pushkarini to offer prayers after having a bath in it.

Varahapurana - Swami Pushkarini — PC – Sapthagiri Magazine, Article on “Swami Pushkarini – The Path for Salvation” by “Sri M.R.K. Sateesh Babu”

Understanding the greatness of Pushkarini, Sanka took a bath in Pushkarini and offered prayers to God with dedication. While he was still in the lake offering prayers, God appeared before Sanka and blessed him with his lost prosperity. The coalition that was formed by his enemies failed and they returned to his kingdom. ‘Sanka’ had become a sovereign king with the blessing he received from God on his visit to Swami Pushkarini.

Swami Pushkarini is at the forefront of all sacred lakes. It has the power to fulfill the inborn desires and also to bless the Devotees with all prosperity.

Skanda Purana

Once there was a king named Nandu in Chandravamsa. He had a son called Dharmagupta. He was brought up by the king with utmost care. After he had attained the age to rule the kingdom, the king assigned the responsibilities of his kingdom to his young son and left for the forest. He ruled the kingdom with ease. One day, Dharma Gupta went to a forest. Even before he had returned from the forest, it became night.

Suddenly, a lion chased him. To escape from a lion, the king climbed a tree where he found a bear. It was there on the tree, protecting itself from the lion. On seeing the bear, the king was shocked with fear. The bear observed the king’s anxiety and communicated with the king in human language. It told the king not to get afraid of it and also suggested the king take a rest for a few hours as he was very exhausted.

Convinced by the bear’s conversation, the king had slept without hesitation. While the king was sleeping, the lion tried to convince the bear with pleasing words and asked the bear to push the king from the top of the tree. Though the bear was an animal, it tried to keep its promise. It refused to betray the king. It said that if he does so, there will not be redemption from sin. It suggested the lion leave its greediness.

Skandapurana - Swami Pushkarini — PC – Sapthagiri Magazine, Article on “Swami Pushkarini – The Path for Salvation” by “Sri M.R.K. Sateesh Babu”

After the king had woken up from sleep, the bear took a rest. The lion played the same trick that it had done before. The king, who was convinced by the lion’s words, left his promise and pushed the bear from the top of the tree. The bear opened its eyes and balanced itself without falling. It cursed the king for his ingratitude to become a lunatic. From then onwards, the king had become a mad person wandering all the places.

Some of his followers recognized him and took him to his father who was in the forest performing austerity. The old king felt sad. On the suggestion of the Sage Gemini, he took his lunatic son to Swami Pushkarini. He dipped in Pushkarini along with his son.

The very next minute, Dharmagupta, his son recovered from his curse and regained his previous intelligence. From this, it is evident that Swami Pushkarini has the power to redeem from the all-time sin.

Brahma Purana

Once Goddess Saraswathi, with a desire to gain more veneration and fame than any other river including Ganga, formed as a river. Sage Pulasthya visited the place where Goddess Saraswathi formed a river. He felt that the Goddess had not shown reverence to him. With anger, he cursed Goddess Saraswathi that her desire would not come true.

Goddess Saraswathi felt humiliated by this curse. She cursed Pulasthya that his sons would become monsters and fight against Mahavishnu. Realizing his mistake, the sage requested the Goddess to take back her curse. As it was not possible to do it, she blessed Pulasthya that his last son Vibhisana would become the devotee of Sri Mahavishnu and bring a good name to his family.

Brahmapurana - Swami Pushkarini — PC – Sapthagiri Magazine, Article on “Swami Pushkarini – The Path for Salvation” by “Sri M.R.K. Sateesh Babu”

After this incident, Goddess Saraswathi, who desired to flow as the sacred river, did penance to fulfill her desire. Sri Mahavishnu appeared and said that he could not erase the curse but he could bless her to be the lake that is as mighty as the Ganges to erase the sins of the devotees who will take a dip in her water. From then onwards, Goddess Saraswathi has become ‘Swami Pushkarini’ (the sacred lake).

Bhavishath Purana

It is said that Sri Rama visited Swami Pushkarini, while he was in search of Sita. Ravana abducted Sita. To trace out Sita, Rama crossed the mountains and reached the place where Hanuma resided. He met Hanuma and thereby helped Sugreeva in killing Vali.

While they were about to move in search of Sita, Anjana Devi, mother of Hanuma, requested Rama to visit her hermitage. Though Rama said that he would come later, Hanuma compelled Rama to come over there.

Bhavishath Purana - Swami Pushkarini — PC – Sapthagiri Magazine, Article on “Swami Pushkarini – The Path for Salvation” by “Sri M.R.K. Sateesh Babu”

On his request, he visited her hermitage, blessed the sages, and visited Swami Pushkarini. He dipped in the water and offered obeisance. It is said in Purana that Rama could trace out Sita only after taking a bath in Swami Pushkarini.

Sri Swami Pushkarini Theertham

To take a bath in a sacred pond ‘Sri Swami Pushkarini’ –
To serve with devotion ‘a teacher,
To offer prayers to God on ‘Ekadasi’, ……….. is magnificent, marvelous, and memorable.
Likewise, To take birth as a human being,
To lead life successfully on earth and
To take a bath in ‘Swami Pushkarini’….
……….. is good, great, glorious.

Of all sacred lakes (theerthas) ‘Swami Pushkarini’ is the most pious and virtuous lake. It is situated in the sacred premises of ‘Tirumala Temple’, the abode of Kaliyuga – Lord Venkateswara. It is said in Puranas that this sacred lake was brought by Garuda, the vehicle of Sri Mahavishnu on onto the mountain at the command of Sri Mahavishnu.

So it is called ‘Swami Pushkarini’. It is also mentioned in the Puranas that a single dip in the sacred water of a lake would wash away the sins of an individual and bestow temporal prosperity.

Every year, on Vaikunta Ekadasi of the bright fortnight in Dhanurmasa (November/ December) all the three & half crore holy Theerthas enter this Swami Pushkarini. In connection with this auspicious occasion, the event of Divine Chakra Snana Ceremony (sacred bath) is performed on the bank of Swami Pushkarini soon after the early morning rituals to Sri Venkateswara Swami in the Sanctum Sanctorum in Tirumala Temple.

CHAKRA SNANAM — Chakra Snanam – Holy Dip of Chakra in Swami Pushkarini – Tirumala

From Ananda Nilyam, after the morning rituals ‘Sudharshana Chakrathalwar’ was moved in the streets in procession and brought to the sacred lake for a bath. After the sacred bath in the holy lake, ‘Chakrathalwar’ is decorated with jewels and gems and taken back to its original place. All the Devotees avail this opportunity to participate in the Chakra Snana Ceremony and take a holy dip in Swami Pushkarini after the ceremony is performed.

Tag: Swami Pushkarini Theertham

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala