Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Akasha Ganga Theertham

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Akasha Ganga Theertham

Akasha Ganga Theertham is one of the most sacred waterfalls in Tirumala. It is visited by almost every devotee who come to Tirumala to seek blessings of the Lord Venkateswara. This waterfall also holds high religious significance, as its holy water is used for Lord’s Abhishekam every day. Akasha Ganga Theertham has been mentioned in the Vedas.

Legends

Tirumala Nambi:

Tradition is that Tirumala Nambi, an ardent devotee of the lord used to collect water for the Thirumanjanam. One-day god as a hunter asked him for some water to quench his thirst but was refused saying that the water is meant for the Lord and not for an untouchable like the hunter. The hunter then pierced the pot with arrow and drank all the water. As Nambi protested, the hunter drew a bow and directed at the hillock, from which water gushed out. Mesmerized Nambi was asked to use that pure water for the Lord’s bath and then disappeared. Tirumalai Nambi was then convinced that the hunter was none other than the Lord himself. From then, water from here is used for the Lord.

Another saying is that, Nambi found the pot empty on reaching the temple and was not suspecting on the hunter but when Nambi went the next day, the hunter shot an arrow and told him that the water came out is an equally pure and nearer to the temple. then Nambi believed that the before day, water had already been accepted by God in the form of a hunter. Since then water is brought from akasha ganga.

Anjana Devi’s penance:

Anjana Devi performed penance for 12 years and Hanuman was born.

Origin of Akasha Ganga Theertham:

According to the legend, Akasha Ganga Theertham has originated from the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara. All the rituals of the temple are conducted with its waters, indicating the high importance of this waterfall.

Theertham

A bath in Akash Ganga Theertham provides the merit equivalent to performing hundred rituals. 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. Bathing is not allowed at this site, Devotees used to wash their hands and feet at this Theertha. The Tirumala Nambi family is allowed to take dip in the holy waters of Akasha Ganga.

It is said that during ancient time, priests used to cross the forests, and walks on the coarse landscapes to reach waterfall and bring its water for Lord’s Abhishekam early in mornings. However, when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) started taking care of temples of Tirupati, it created direct pipelines from the waterfall to the temple, simplifying the work to a large extent. Gogarbham, Papavinasam, Venugopala Temple are located on the way to Akasha Ganga Theertham. Pilgrims can visit these places taking an APSRTC bus or a Taxi.

Best Time to Visit

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.

Connectivity

Akasha Ganga Theertham is located at about 5 Kms to the south of the Venkateswara Temple. T.T.D runs free buses to this Holy Site. Even private taxis are available to this place at minimal charge. A.P.S.R.T.C do run buses to this waterfall. APSRTC buses are available from Kalyani Choultry near CRO from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day with a twenty-minute frequency. Taxis operate at a two-way fare of Rs. 25/- to Rs. 35/- per person for the two-hour trip.

Location