Swami Pushkarini Tirumala – Origin, Legends, Rituals & Beliefs
Significance of Swami
Pushkarini
- Sacred Theertham:
Swami Pushkarini is considered the jala roopam (water form) of Lord
Srinivasa Himself, making it inseparable from the deity’s sanctity.
- Purification:
Bathing in the Pushkarini is believed to cleanse sins (paapa vimochana)
and grant entry into punya lokha.
- Mandatory Ritual:
Shastras prescribe that pilgrims first bathe in Swami Pushkarini, then
worship Adhi Varaha Swami, and only then proceed for Srivari darshan.
Origins & Legends
- Vaikuntha Connection:
Pushkarini is said to be part of the Vraja Nadhi flowing under Lord
Narayana’s feet in Vaikuntham, brought to Tirumala by Garuda at
Srinivasa’s command for divine play with Goddess Padmavathi.
- Saraswati’s Boon:
Goddess Saraswati, invisible at Triveni Sangamam, was granted visibility
in Swami Pushkarini, hence it is also called Saraswati Pushkarini.
- Royal Patronage:
King Saluva Narasimharaya (11th century) developed the tank for pilgrims’
ritual baths.
Structure & Features
- Varaha Pushkarini:
Northern side near Adhi Varaha Swami temple.
- Swami Pushkarini:
Southern side near Srivari temple.
- Neerazhi Mandapam:
Central pavilion used during Teppotsavam (float festival).
- Area:
Spread over ~1.5 acres, surrounded by Mada Veedhis where processions
occur.
Rituals & Festivals
- Ramanuja Avatara Utsavam (April):
Includes Udayavar Mangalasasanam, where priests recite praises to
four deities (Srirangam, Tirumala, Kanchi, Melkote).
- Teppotsavam:
Malayappa Swami is taken on floats in the Pushkarini.
- Vaikunta Dwadasi, Rathasapthami,
Kaisika Dwadasi: Special rituals include sacred baths
for Sudarsana Alwar in Varaha Pushkarini.
Beliefs
- Divya Theerthams:
108 sacred waters, including Akasha Ganga, Papavinasam, Jaapaali, and
Sesha Theertham, invisibly join Pushkarini.
- Sapta Rishis & Devas:
Rishis and 33 crore devas are believed to bathe here before Srivari
darshan.
- Scriptural Mentions:
- Sri Venkateswara Sahasranamam
– “Swami Theertha Nivaasaaya Namaha.”
- Suprabhatham Sloka 14
– Even Brahma and Shiva purify themselves here before darshan.
- Kulasekhara Alwar – Longed to be born even as a bird in Koneri (Pushkarini).
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