Besides Thirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple,there are many places in and around Thirumala and Thirupathi to visit and enjoy the divinity.The puranas says that there are about 66 crore Theerthams.
These sacred Theerthams are classified as Dharmaratiprada Theerthams,Gnanaprada Theerthams,Bhakthivairagyaprada Theerethams and Mukthiprada Theerthams.
The Abhijit Lagnam (Auspicious time) for the holy bath in the Theertham(Holywaterfall). It is believed that Devas, used to take bath in Tumburu Theertham during Abhijit Lagnam. There is no dress code for the Trekking, it is advisable to wear decent outfit. For Tumburu Theertham, the crowd will be high.
Tirumala Theertham Opening Dates Given Below:
The entry for Ramakrishna Theertham, Kumaradhara Theertham, Tumburu Theertham and Sesha Theertham is restricted on all days except the below-mentioned day.
The entry gates for all the Theerthams will be opened by the TTD Forest department to the devotees on the mentioned dates.
TTD makes the arrangements in collaboration with Forest Department to the Theerthams by providing Water and Food along the Trekking path. It is free entry for all devotees irrespective of the age.
Ramakrishna Theertham Mukkoti 17 January 2022
Kumaradhara Theertham Mukkoti 16 February 2022
Thumburu Theertham Mukkoti is on 18 March 2022
Chakrateertham Mukkoti is on 15 December 2022
Instructions for Devotees visit Theerthams:
- Papavinasanam Dam is the Entry Point for Theertham on Tirumala Hill. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) will provide Food and Water for the pilgrims.
- All the devotees are allowed in the early hours of the day from Papavinasanam.
- APSRTC Government-run direct buses are available from Tirumala bus terminus to Papavinasanam in the early hours.
- All the pilgrims are checked before entering the forest.
Note:
Better carry extra water bottles, Emergency Medical Kits, Torch lights and a stick if required.
Don’t leave any plastic waste like empty covers, water bottles, Snacks covers in the forest.
Don’t take Matchboxes or smoke in the forest.
Trekking Tips for Devotees to Visit Tirumala Theerthams:
The entry is free to all the devotees.Trekking in the forest for long hours. Advised to bring food and water.Puranas says by taking a holy dip in these Theerthams will relieve Devotee from all their Sins.Typically, TTD arranges for the supply of water and Buttermilk.
Not recommended for children.The entry is hot summer, so plan properly. It is advisable not to leave any plastic cover, Water Bottles in the forest. Do not deviate from the trekking path as it is in the deep forest. It is better to follow the group and check with the TTD staff along the path.
Swami Pushkarini/Srivari Pushkarani Tirumala:
Swami Pushkarini is the most sared places next the swami temple in tirumala.It was originally in Vaikuntam and belonged to Sri Maha Vishnu. It was set on Earth by Garuda, for the sport of Sri Venkateswara. It is adjacent to the Sri Venkateswara temple.
It is believed that bathing in the Swami Pushkarini on Mukkoti Dwadashi,is equivalent to bathing in the holy river, Ganges.The mukkoti of Swami Pushkarini (the merging of over three crore teerthams in Swami Pushkarini) occurs on Mukkoti Dwadasi (the twelfth day of the fortnight of Dhanur Masa). Distance From Tirumala Bus Station-1 Kms.
Teppotsavam(The wooden-float festival) of Lord Sri Venkateswara in the month of February/March and Avabhrudhasnanam or Chakrasnanam during Brahmotsavam takes place in the Pushkarini.On the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini is the Sri Varahaswami temple, while on its southern bank is the Sri Venkateswara temple.
Kumaradhara Theertham in Tirumala:
Kumaradhara Theertham is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu took penance after killing 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 from then on the pond came to be known as Kumara Theertham.
This bath in Kumaradhara Theertham would provide the advantage of having performed a Rajasuya Yajna, ritual. A devotee with attain salvation. Food and money can be donated here.
Bathing in this water is really refreshing and is said to wash away the evils and confer good fortune.Every pilgrim visiting Tirumala Tirupati must and should visit this place.
The best time for visiting this place is during the rainy season, this place looks even more beautiful with greenery around and with white water gushing out of the rocks.
How to reach Kumaradhara Theertham:
Interested pilgrims should trek deep into forest to reach this place. If interested in spiritual trekking, please leave your comment below. As we conduct regular spiritual trekking programs after seeking permission from Tirumala Forest department.
Pandava Theertham:
Famous for its holiness and purity, Pandava Theertham is one of the sanctified theerthams in Tirumala. This theertham has an association with the Pandavas and has a story of salvation. A legend says that during the 12 years of exile of the Pandavas in the forest, the brothers Yudishtira and Arjuna bathed in this place. Situated at the bottom of the hill, the Pandava Theertham faces the Narasimha Hill.
Bathing in the Pandava Theertham is said to clear the road to fortune. People can also donate cows here. Good fortune is conferred upon people who have a dip in this water and it is also said to wash away the evils. The temple authorities have built a podium sidetracking the flowing water to reach the hands of the devotees first. It is mandatory for every tourist visiting Tirupati to visit this place. This place looks green and stunning during the rainy season with pure water overflowing out of the rocks and so is the perfect time to visit. Gogarbham Theertham is also known Pandava Theertham.
How to reach Pandava Theertham:
Gogarbham, Papavinasanam, Venugopala Temple on the Tirumala Hills are some attention-grabbing places located on the way to Akasha Ganga Theertham. APSTRC buses or taxis are available for tourists interested in visiting these places.
APSTRC provides tickets to travelers using which they can get down at any place they wish, catch another bus and with the same ticket continue to the next place.
Akashaganga Theertham:
In the Vedas, which are some of the most sacred scriptures of the Hindu religion, Akasaganga Teertham was mentioned. According to legend, Akasha Ganga theertham originates from Lord Venkateswara’s lotus feet. All rituals of the temple are performed with its waters, which indicates the great importance of this waterfall. The Tirumala Nambi family can immerse themselves in the sacred waters of Akasa Ganga.
It is believed that Akasa Ganga Teertham has the power to clean up evil and bring luck to all who takes a dip in the water. The governance of the temple built a platform where running water was provided for the devotees.
It is one of seven holy theerthams in Seshagiri hills. According to legend, Akasha Ganga theertham originates from Lord Venkateswara’s lotus feet. All rituals of the Tirumala temple are performed with its waters, which indicates the great importance of this waterfall. It is said that in ancient times priests crossed the woods and traversed rugged landscapes to reach the waterfall and bring water to the Lord’s abhishekam early in the morning. However, when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) began taking care of the temples of Tirupati, it created direct pipelines from the waterfall to the temple, simplifying the work to a great extent.
How to Reach Akasha Ganga:
you can visit Akasha Ganga throughout the year, it is better to go during or after the monsoon.During the monsoons, the surroundings are covered with lush vegetation and the waterfalls seem more refreshing and wider. On their way to Akasa Ganga, pilgrims can also visit Papavinasanam, Gogarbham and Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple. These are also found in the Tirumala hills. There are government-operated buses, as well as taxi services that take tourists to all places of interest in Tirupati-Tirumala.
All the six locations can be visited in under three hours. You start from SriVari Padalu. Then return back to Silathoranam. The Rock garden and Chakra Theertham is located within the same complex. From here you go straight to Papavinasanam. On way back you can visit Akash ganga and stop for some time on the Gogarbham dam bridge. You will be travelling a maximum distance of 25 kms. From Tirumala you get private cars or jeeps for Rs.600 for 3 place attraction visit in about 2 hours time. Akasa Ganga, the sacred waterfalls, is situated at a distance of 2 km from Tirumala Bus Station and 26 km from Tirupati Railway station.
Deva Theertham:
Deva Theertham is located in the thick forest of Seshachala Hills, to the north west of the main Temple. A bath in this Theertham on Thursday when the star Pushya is on the rise, or on a Monday when the star Saravana is ascendant; destroys all sins and bestows merit, longevity, progeny and happiness in this world and beyond.
Taking bath here, One will be endowed with sons and grandsons. He will attain a long life. At the end of his life he goes to heaven and is honored in the world of the Moon. On who makes a gift of food on that day (will attain the same benefit ) as one who makes a gift of food through out his life.
How to Reach Deva Theertham:
Only with right guide we can reach this place ,it is not advisable to trek hills with improper information. To reach this Deva Theerham should trek seshachala hills from kukkala doddi or through old papavinasam in Tirumala.
Japali Theertham:
Japali Theertham in he midst of a beatiful forest environment on the way to Akasha Ganga.Here we can found also Dhriva Theertham and sitamma Theertham as well as an Hanuman temple near to it.It is beleved that Rama and Sita stayed in Tirumala along with Hanuman(with Sri Anjaneya) at this location. There is a tree in the premise of the temple in which one visualize Lord Ganesha.
Japali Theertham is deep inside the woods.One has to trek for an hour to reach Japali hanuman temple but its worth visiting. One bath in this Japali theertham will help the pilgrims to get rid of all negative vibrations tormenting them.
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.
Japali Timings:
The Japali Hanuman temple and pond open from ,morning 6.00AM to Evening 06.00 PM. It is suggested to visit this Theertham and temple during day time as the temple is through dense forests.During the festivals and special occasions temple will be opened for extra hours.
How to Reach Japali:
Buses will be available with a frequency of half an hour.
one can reach japali in your own vehicles as well,ow ever you need to walk for 1km inside foest to reach Japali Hanuman Kshetra.
APSRTC runs Buses between CRO office,Tirumala to Papavinashanam daily.You can alight Japali Theertham.
Chakra Theertham:
This Chakra Theertham is located just near to Sila Thoranam and may be 2 to 3 Kms from Tirumala Shrine.From there we need to clib a good number of steps to reach Chakra Theeretham. This place houses Swayambu Lingam. It is believed that Lord Brahma wished to observe Penance and to clean this place.Lord Vishnu Plunged the Sudarshana Chakram. The Sudarshana Chakram fell in to a place which later came to be known as Chakra Theertham. Taking bath in this pond, is believed to wash your sins. Good number of devotees take bath in this pond.
How to Reach Chakra Theertham:
You can reach this Chakra Theertham by cab/Jeep. TTD Free bus services are also available from Tirumala Bus Stand to this place. Trip Duration including travelling time 30mins.No entry fee,Morning hours is best time to visit. The waterfall here is an amazing sight to behold and is the location where the idol of Lord Venkateswara is brought during the Brahmotsvam celebrations.
Kapila Theertham:
Kapila Theertham is a famous waterfall situated inside Kapileswara Swamy Temple at the foot of Sheshadri Hills in Tirupati. This is a unique waterfall where the water of mountain streams drop from a height of over 100 feet into a large pond in the temple premises. It is one of the must visit tourist places in Tirupati.It is a distance of 4 km from Tirupati Railway Station & 25 km from Tirumala Tirupati Temple of Lord Venkateswara.
Kapila Theertham temple is the only Shiva temple in the vicinity of Tirupati. It is also said to be one of the 108 sacred teerthas (springs) on Tirumala hills. The Siva lingam here is made of brass. A huge stone statue of a seated bull Nandhi, greets devotees at the entrance to the temple.According to legend, Saint Kapila Maharishi was said to have lived here, worshipped and meditated in the cave in front of the idol of Lord Shiva, hence the placed is named after the saint as Kapila Theertham. Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Kapila with a vision of himself and his consort. This temple received very good support from the Kings of Vijayanagara between 13th and 16th centuries, especially from Krishna Devaraya.
There are many sub-shrines with-in the main temple premises. Temples for Kamakshi, Vinayaka, Subhramanya, Agastheeswara and Sri Krishna are few among them. Both the temple and the waterfall are considered to be highly sacred. A holy dip here is believed to rid the devotees of all sins. This is a good place to visit during the monsoons as the water fall looks breathtaking. The waterfall would be empty in late winter and summer seasons.The famous festivals celebrated in the temple are Brahmotsavam, Annabhishekam, Maha Shivarathri and Vinayaka Chaturthi. Kapileswara Swamy Brahmotsavam is the biggest event of the temple celebrated in during the month of February. Another auspicious day is the full moon day in the Karthika Month.
Visiting timings: 5AM to 8PM
Papa Vinasanam Thirtham in Thirumala:
Papavinasam Tirumala,is around 5 km from main temple and is a beautiful waterfall in the region.It is believed that the holy waters of this place dissolve the sins of the devotees. Hence this place is known as Papavinasanam . It is believed that this water comes from the feet of the Lord. This was a natural waterfall, but the water is arranged to flow from the mouth of Lions. . There are separate dressing rooms at this site for men and women, where they can change their dresses . A reservoir is constructed here, which supplies water to the whole of Tirumala
The reservoir near the dam restricts the water flow in this theertham.A bath in papa vinasanam thirta frees the devotee from the consequence of the sins of core previous births. A salagrama stone can be donated here.Bathing in this water is really refreshing and is said to wash away the evils and confer good fortune. There is a platform built by the temple governance where the running water is diverted for devotees to take the water first in hand. Every pilgrim visiting Tirumala Tirupati must and should visit this place.
Best time to visit Papavinasanam Thirtham:
The best time for visiting Papavinasanam Tirumala is during the rainy season, this place looks even more beautiful with greenery around and with white water gushing out of the rocks.
Timings for Papavinasanam Theertham:
Morning 6.00AM to Evening 06.00 PM.
How to reach Papavinasam:
- You can visit along this place some Other places like Gogarbham, Papavinasanam, Venugopala Temple are located on the way to Akasha Ganga Theertham.
- Pilgrims can visit these places taking Free bus or a Taxi.
- T.T.D runs free buses to this Holy falls
- Private taxis are available to this falls.
- A.P.S.R.T.C buses are available from Kalyani Choultry near CRO from 5 a.m every day with a twenty minute frequency
Google map for Papavinasana Theertham:
Dhruva Theertham Tirumala:
Dhruva Theertham, place where Dhruva Maharishi did penance for Maha Vishnu so the theertham named after him. This theertham is easily reachable from Japali Theertham. It is 30 mins walk from Japali Theertham to this place. Water here comes out of the rocks, Path to this Theertham is a mud road thru the forest.
If one drinks water from this theertham or sprinkls theertham water on their head will bless devotee with gnyana and will live happily.Here Water comes out of the rocks,Path to this Theertham is mud road through the forest.
Note: It is highly suggested to ask the locals or the shop vendors for directions to this Theertham.
Best time to visit Dhruva Theertham:
Best time to visit this theertham is in the months of Nov-Dec-Jan.
Dhruva Theertham Tirumala Map:
Narasimha Theertham Tirupathi:
Narasimha Theertham is one of the most sacred theertham in Tirumala.It is located in the heart of the Tirupathi Town.The theertham is also known as Manchineella Gunta.It is an ancient potable water tank maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Tirupathi.Water from this tank considered scared and is hence,used to fill up Govindaraja Pushkarani and Ramachandra Pushkarani for conduct of rituals like Theppostsavam,Chakrasnam etc.It is assumed that the water comes from Malwadi Gundam in Tirumala Hills.An Idol of Ranganatha in reclining posture can be found at the banks of the Thheertham.This Idol was brought from Sri Rangam to get installed in the prent main Govindaraja Swamy Temple but during transit got fault so left here.
How to Reach Narasimha Theertham:
Narasimha Theertham is situated at about 1.5 Kilometer from Tirupathi Railway Station,2 Kms from Tirupathi Central Bus station and 20Kms Tirumala venkateshwara swamy Temple.
Best time to visit Dhruva Theertham: 5AM to 8PM
Sanaka Sanandana Theertham Tirupati:
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 Vaikuntam for Lord Vishnu Darshan, but they are not permitted by the guards Jaya and Vijaya at the Entrance of Vaikuntam . 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 Vaikuntam.
How to reach Sanaka Sanandana Theertham:
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 Bathing in this water is really refreshing and is said to wash away the evils and confer good fortune. Pilgrim can plan to visit this Holy site after finishing Darshan and visiting Theerthams nearby Main Temple.
The best time for visiting this place is during the rainy season, this place looks even more beautiful with greenery around and with white water gushing out of the rocks.
FAQS:
How many theertham are there in Tirumala?
In actual, there are about 108 Theerthams around Thirumala, located around widespread Seshachalam hills, but most of them are not accessible through road, one should trek little deep into Seshachalam hill ranges and few of them are very difficult to reach.