Pushkarini
Pushkarini Details:The Pushkarini at Yaganti is far more than a mere temple tank; it is a sacred pond of immense religious significance, structurally integrated into the temple complex and located right outside the main shrine of the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple, acting as the primary source of holy wate r for the pilgrims, and its very existence is considered a miracle of nature and engineering. The pond is continuously fed by perennial natural spring water that flows out from the mouth of a sculpted rock projection resembling a cow's head (Gomukham), an intricate natural water channel that remains a hydrological marvel in the otherwise dry Deccan plateau region, ensuring the water level rarely dips below a certain mark, a phenomenon that has baffled scientists and delighted devotees for centuries. The water is believed to possess purifying and medicinal properties, and it is considered absolutely essential for every pilgrim to take a holy dip (Snanam) in the Pushkarini before proceeding to offer prayers to Lord Shiva in the main temple, as this act symbolizes the cleansing of both the body and the soul before entering the divine presence, making the dip an integral part of the Yaganti pilgrimage ritual. The Vijayanagara kings, who were instrumental in the development of the temple, constructed the surrounding stone steps and walls, giving the pond its current, sturdy, and elegant architectural form, transforming the natural spring into a formalized sacred bathing space that can accommodate hundreds of devotees simultaneously, providing a calm and spiritually charged environment for pre-worship purification and peaceful contemplation before undertaking the main darshan of the growing Nandi and the presiding deity, Uma Maheshwara.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes - 1 HourPlace Type:
Sub Place Category:Sacred Water Body, Temple TanEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Fees Structure:There are absolutely no entry fees or charges for accessing the Pushkarini or taking the holy dip, as it is considered a fundamental religious right for every pilgrim to use the sacred water body for purifi...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Fees Structure:There are absolutely no entry fees or charges for accessing the Pushkarini or taking the holy dip, as it is considered a fundamental religious right for every pilgrim to use the sacred water body for purification before worship, a tradition maintained free of cost by the temple administration.
Associated Costs: The only associated expense would be the voluntary cost of purchasing basic toiletries or clean towels from the local vendors outside the temple complex for personal use after the bath, or a small charitable donation to the temple's maintenance fund, which can be dropped into the designated donation boxes near the temple entrance, but this is entirely discretionary and not compulsory.
Water Quality Maintenance: The temple trust incurs significant cost to maintain the water quality and the structural integrity of the stone-cut steps and walls of the Pushkarini, relying heavily on the general donations made by the public and larger patrons of the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple to keep the perennial spring flowing freely and cleanly for all visitors, without imposing a ticket fee.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings:The Pushkarini is technically accessible to pilgrims 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but the most active and socially acceptable time for bathing is between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, corresponding to the period...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings:The Pushkarini is technically accessible to pilgrims 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but the most active and socially acceptable time for bathing is between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, corresponding to the period when the main temple is open and when the surrounding area is monitored and illuminated for safety, making it ideal for the pre-darshan ritual.
Ideal Visit Time: The absolute best time for a dip is the very early morning, specifically between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, particularly during the Kartika Masam (October to November), as the water is cleanest and the air is coolest, providing the most refreshing and spiritually potent experience, aligning with traditional Hindu practices of early morning purification rituals.
Duration Consideration: Allocate 30 minutes to one hour for the ritual dip, drying off, and a brief period of reflection, ensuring the purification ritual is performed without being rushed, thereby maximizing the spiritual benefit before proceeding to the main shrine of the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple for the primary worship.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Maha Shivaratri Celebrations: While the Pushkarini itself is not the focus, it plays an absolutely critical role during Maha Shivaratri (typically in February or March), the biggest festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, as...Sub Place Special Event:
Maha Shivaratri Celebrations: While the Pushkarini itself is not the focus, it plays an absolutely critical role during Maha Shivaratri (typically in February or March), the biggest festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, as tens of thousands of pilgrims take their mandatory holy dip here before queuing for the darshan of the Shivalingam, making the tank the most crowded and spiritually vibrant spot during this 3-day annual festival.
Kartika Masam Snanam: During the entire Kartika Masam (Hindu month, typically October to November), which is considered extremely holy, especially for Lord Shiva worship, local devotees and pilgrims perform Snanam (holy bath) in the Pushkarini before sunrise every day, turning the early morning hours into a period of continuous, devout ritualistic activity centered around the sacred water body, which is a spectacular sight.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Gomukham Close-Up: A detailed, close-up shot of the water flowing perennially from the beautifully sculpted cow's mouth (Gomukham) into the tank, capturing the natural hydrological marvel and the intricate stone...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Gomukham Close-Up: A detailed, close-up shot of the water flowing perennially from the beautifully sculpted cow's mouth (Gomukham) into the tank, capturing the natural hydrological marvel and the intricate stone carving, is an iconic photograph of the Pushkarini.
Reflection of the Gopuram: A wide-angle shot from the opposite bank of the pond during the early morning or evening, capturing the perfect reflection of the main Gopuram of the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple in the still waters, creates a highly aesthetic and symmetric image.
Devotees on the Steps: A candid photograph capturing the vibrant scene of devotees performing the holy dip on the stone steps, showing the ritualistic aspect and the community spirit of the pilgrimage, provides a powerful and authentic cultural photo-journalistic moment.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:Take the Holy Dip (Snanam) The most important activity is performing the traditional holy dip in the cool, sacred water of the Pushkarini, a mandatory purification ritual that should be done with reverence, ensuring that you enter and exit the water safely using the stone steps, an act believed to cleanse both physical and spiritual impurities.
Meditate by the Banks: After the dip, spend a few peaceful moments sitting on the stone steps near the water's edge, utilizing the tranquil and spiritually charged atmosphere for quiet prayer, contemplation, or meditation, absorbing the positive energy generated by the continuous flow of the sacred spring water.
Observe the Gomukham: Carefully observe the carved Gomukham from which the perennial water flows, appreciating the engineer...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
Perennial Water Miracle: The Pushkarini is exceptionally famous because it is continuously fed by a perennial natural spring flowing from the Gomukham, which maintains the water level throughout the year, even during seve...Why Famous Sub Place:
Perennial Water Miracle: The Pushkarini is exceptionally famous because it is continuously fed by a perennial natural spring flowing from the Gomukham, which maintains the water level throughout the year, even during severe summer drought conditions in the arid Deccan region, a phenomenon revered as a divine miracle and a testament to the sanctity of the land, attracting visitors year-round.
Purification Ritual: It is an indispensable part of the pilgrimage, as taking a holy dip here is mandatory before entering the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple to worship Lord Shiva, making the pond famous as a site of physical and spiritual purification, symbolizing the washing away of sins before seeking divine grace.
The Gomukham Idol: The beautiful, intricately carved cow's mouth (Gomukham) through which the spring water emerges is an iconic image of Yaganti, serving both a functional and a spiritual purpose, representing the sacredness of the cow in Hinduism and providing a striking photographic subject that is recognized across Andhra Pradesh's pilgrimage circuit. -
Architecture:
Pushkarini Architecture:
Water Source and Flow System: The Pushkarini's architecture is defined by its unique water inflow system, where a meticulously carved stone conduit, often referred to as the Gomukham (Cow's Mouth), directs the natural ...Pushkarini Architecture:
Water Source and Flow System: The Pushkarini's architecture is defined by its unique water inflow system, where a meticulously carved stone conduit, often referred to as the Gomukham (Cow's Mouth), directs the natural spring water into the tank, ensuring a perpetual fresh supply, showcasing the masterful hydraulic engineering knowledge of the Vijayanagara era artisans who seamlessly integrated this natural resource into the temple's structural design.
Dimensions and Structure: The pond is typically rectangular or square, generally measuring around 100 feet in length and 80 feet in width, with a depth that fluctuates but remains sufficient for a ritual dip, and it is surrounded on all four sides by perfectly dressed stone steps, often built using durable granite, allowing easy and safe access for hundreds of pilgrims simultaneously to perform their purification rituals and ablutions.
Stone Steps and Walls: The steps are wide and low-riser, designed for safe descent and ascent even when wet, with retaining walls built from robust, interlocking stone blocks without mortar, a hallmark of traditional South Indian temple construction, ensuring structural integrity against the constant pressure of water and the movement of devotees, providing a timeless, elegant setting for this vital ritualistic space. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Kempagowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, Karnataka (approx. 330 KMS), or the domestic airport at Kurnool (KJB) (approx. 110 KMS), with BLR offering better national and ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Sub Place Near Tourist Places for Each Time:Belum Caves (60 KMS), Ahobilam Temple (110 KMS), Mahanandi Temple (60 KMS), Oravakallu Rock Garden (70 KMS), Kondareddy Buruju in Kurnool (100 KMS), Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary (120 KMS), Srisailam Temple (180 KMS), Yaganti Math (5 KMS), Kolimigundla (40 KMS), Banaganapalle Fort (18 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: Be extremely cautious on the wet stone steps surrounding the Pushkarini, as they can be very slippery, particularly after heavy use or during the monsoon, and hold the surrounding ledges if available wh...
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Uma Maheshwara Swamy TempleYaganti Cave TemplesAdoni FortAhobilam TempleGandikota FortMahanandiMangampeta WaterfallsMantralayam Nallamalla ForestOravakallu Rock GardenRavadurg Gooty FortRollapadu Wildlife SanctuarySiddavatam FortThimmamma MarrimanuAraku Tribal MuseumAraku ValleyBheemili BeachBojjannakondaMore PlacesNote:-
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