Theerthams at Tirumala - Tirupati Balaji Darshan packages

Theerthams @ Tirumala

               Tirumala Hill is a vast area with many peaks from which lakes & waterfalls rises. Of these, 108 are believed to be sacred and associated with various epic characters and miracles of Lord Venkateswara.

Sri Swamy Pushkarini
               The Swami Pushkarini belonged to Vishnu in Vaikuntam, and was brought to the Earth by Garuda for Vishnu's sport. On the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini is Sri Varahaswami's temple, while on its southern bank is Sri Venkateswara swamy temple. It is the sacred tank, even regarded as equivalent to the Ganga and other sacred rivers. A dip in the tank, cleanses the bather of all sins. The performance of the daily rites or even occasional rites on the banks of the Swamy Pushkarini is said to cure deformities of the body and ensure the avoidance of all types of hell. It grants the wishes of those who bathe in it. Like the Hill, all the tanks and lakes of Tirumala are sacred and known as Theerthas. There are 17 theerthas whose Holy waters are believed to mingle in the Swami Pushkarini to wash off their sins.

Chakra Theertham
               Chakra Theertham is also a famous pond in Tirumala, which is located next to Silathoranam and holds special importance. This place houses a Swayambu Lingam and is well-known for being a popular tourist spot in Tirupati. It is believed that when Lord Brahma observed grief at this site, Lord Vishnu plunged his Sudarshana Chakra for cleansing it. The Sudarshana Chakra then fell into a place, which later came to be known as Chakra Theertham. This pond is known for cleanse bathers of sins that would lead them to the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu.

Akasha Ganga Theertham
               Akasha Ganga Theertham is a popular waterfall, located near the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The waterfall is about 5 km from the main temple and the Tirumala Nambi family is allowed to take holy dip at this waterfalls. It is commonly believed that the theertham originates from the lotus feet of the main deity. The best time for visiting this place is during the rainy season, when the waterfall cascades down with full fervour.

Japali Theertham
               Japali Theertham is a popular pond in Tirumala, which is not very crowded like other theerthams in the region. It is located amidst deep woods and a shrine of Lord Hanuman, which attracts several visitors. The famous festivals celebrated at this site are Tumburu Phalguna Pournami, Chakra Kartika Masa - Ksheerabdi Dwadasi, Kumaradhara Magha Pournami and Ramakrishna Pushya Pournami. Tourists can also trek from the dense forest to reach this holy pond in Tirumala. Devotees also believe that the holy water of this theertham can wash away all the evils and sins that they have committed in their life.

Pandava Theertham
               Pandava Theertham is one of the holy theerthams in Tirumala, which is known for its divinity and sacredness. This theertham that has a story of salvation also holds some connection with Pandavas. It is believed that two Pandava brothers Yudhishtra and Arjuna took bath at this place. Pandava Theertham is situated at the bottom of the hill and faces the Narishma Hill.

Kumaradhara Theertham
               Kumaradhara Theertham is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu took penance after killing the demon named Tarakasura. It is also believed that a devotee of Lord Vishnu lost his way in the hills and started meditating. Lord Vishnu appeared before him and asked to take a bath in this pond. This holy dip transformed the man into a sixteen year old boy and the pond came to be known as Kumaradhara Theertham.

Papavinasam Theertham
              Papavinasam Theertham is around 2 miles from Tirumala and is a beautiful waterfall in the region. The devotees also believe a holy dip at this site can relieve them from their sins and evils. There are separate dressing rooms at this site for men and women, where they can change their dresses. The reservoir near the dam restricts the water flow in this theertham.

Pasupu Theertham
              Pasupu Theertham is a sacred water body in Tirumala, which is also called as punya theertham. This pond is situated very close to the main Sri Venkateswara Temple and can be reached by foot. It is also regarded very close to the celestial water bodies in heaven, which has a special association with Lord Venkateswara. The ideal time to visit this pond and surrounding region is during the monsoon rains, when the climate becomes very cool and pleasant.

Ramakrishna Theertham
              Ramakrishna Theertham is situated approximately 6 miles to the north of the main Sri Venkateswara Temple. Local inhabitants believe that a person named Krishna dug a pool, where a sage came for meditating. While this sage was meditating, an anthill was formed around him. For testing his concentration, Lord Indra sent down thunderstorm and lightening, but he failed to dislodge the sage sitting in this pool. The anthill was broken and Lord Srinivasa appeared at this site, who blessed the sage saying that a holy bath in this theertham on full moon day will cleanse all the sins.

Sanaka Sanandana Theertham
               Sanaka Sanandana Theertham is a famous waterfall in Tirumala, which is associated with two sages named Sanaka and Sanandana. It is believed that once these two sages went to Vaikuntham for seeing Lord Vishnu, but were not permitted by the guards called Jaya and Vijaya. These two sages then cursed the guards that they will take birth as Danavas or demons. After three rebirths, these two guards regained their original form and went back to Vaikuntham. Local inhabitants also believe that the theertham has some divine and yogic powers and devotees should take a holy dip in its water on the day of Margazhi.

Sesha Theertham
               Sesha Theertham is associated with the Adishesha or the Sheshnag of Lord Vishnu, who once stroked a torrent with his tail for quenching the thirst of Lord Vishnu. This site is known after Adishesha and is situated within the precincts of the main temple. Devotees taking holy dip in this theertham offer jaggery, salt and pepper to pray for the betterment of their health. Travellers also believe that by taking bath in this holy water, they can get relief from the Sarpa Dosha.

Sitamma Theertham
               Sitamma Theerthamis a holy water body that is located nearby the main temple in Tirumala. This water body lies close to Silathoranam and the Chakra Theertham. There is also a small temple of Swayambu Lingam at this site that is believed to hold some sacred powers. Lord Brahma once observed repentance at this site. Further, for cleansing this place, Lord Vishnu plunged the Sudarshana Chakram. The place where his Sudarshana Chakram fell is known as the Chakra Theertham. Large number of devotees take a holy dip at this place with the belief that it will cleanse away their sins.

Tumburu Theertham
               Tumburu Theertham is one of the natural watercourses, which dates back to the Vedic ages. Story behind the formation of the theertham states that a Gandharva cursed sage Agastya's lazy wife to became a toad that had to survive in this pond till the sage arrived. When sage Agastya came here with his disciples, the toad took the Gandharva form and hence the pond was known as Tumburu Theertham.

Vaikuntha Theertham
               Vaikuntha Theertham is located towards the north east of the main shrine of Lord Venkateswara. This holy theertham is associated with the Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Lord Rama. It is commonly believed that the monkeys from Lord Rama's vanara sena saw Vaikuntham at this place and hence it came to be known as Vaikuntha Theertham. This theertham is situated approximately 3km from the Tirumala Bus Station and is connected with several important destinations.