One of the biggest in the world- once in 144 years Maha Pushkaralu
The Maha Pushkaralu or Maha Pushkaram is known as Maha Kumbh of the South. Pushkaralu happens once in twelve years like the Kumbh Mela. The Maha Pushkaralu happens only once 144 years. The Maha Pushkaralu which has begun on Tuesday is the first mega event for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. It is called Kumbh in Nasik of Maharashtra. When the Maha Pushkaralu took place last time, India was ruled by the British and there were no states called Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The next Maha Pushkaram will happen in 2159. None of us will be alive till then and because of that, this time at least five crore devotees are expected to take holy dip across the ghats in both the states.
The mighty river Godavari flows through Telangana and AP before joining the Bay of Bengal in AP. Pushkaralu or Kumbh takes place at Triambak and Nashik in Maharastra, Dharmapuri, Kaleshwaram, Basara and Bhadrachalam in Telangana State Rajahmundry, Narasapuram, Kovvur and Antharvedi in Andhra Pradesh State.
The origin of Godavari is at Trayambak which is a Jyothirlinga Temple, and then River flows around various temples like Basara Gnana Saraswati temple where the goddess was made by Vyasa Maharshi, then comes the Famous Badrachalam Sri Rama Temple and merges into sea at Antharvedi, a place of Lord Narsimha.
2015 it is being celebrated as “Maha Pushkaram”, as such an event occurs once in 144 years. It is called Maha Pushkaram as it is the 12th time the 12 year Pushkaram cycle is being held starting with Ashadha month on Chaturdashi (thithi) (14th day).
What is Pushkara or Pushkaram?
- Pushkaram or Pushkaralu (in Sanskrit and Telugu) is a massive festival dedicated to worshipping of rivers. Pushkara or Pushkar is a Sanskrit word derived from the element of Push (Pushti) meaning nourishment and Kara means one does it. Pushkara is the energy that nourishes. With reference to the sacred rivers, Pushkara means the one who energise the rivers and provide spiritual purification.
What is the religious importance of dip at Godavari Pushkaralu in Rajahmundry?
The Godavari originates near Nasik in Maharashtra. It flows for 1,465 kilometres, first eastwards across the Deccan Plateau then turns southeast, entering the West Godavari district and East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, until it splits into two watercourses that widen into a large river delta and flow into the Bay of Bengal. So many sub rivers merged to the Godavari till Papikondalu ( Papi Hills) near Rajahmundry. But after Papikondalu The River called as "Akhanda Godavari". So at Rajahmundry the river is more sacred and powerful.
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