With Maha Pushkaralu ending in another day, many people are rushing towards the nearest best place to take a holy dip. The others are still wondering what exactly is this spiritual trip all about!!
For the people who are unaware of what Pushkaralu are, here are some interesting facts!!
1. “Pushkaram” means a time span of 12 years can also be translated as a festival celebrated after 12 years.
2. Pushkaralu is celebrated over 12 Godavari tributaries each of which is confined to unique zodiac sign.
3. Gods come down to take a holy dip. It is believed that the waters posses holy powers and taking a holy dip will enhance one’s spiritual, physical and mental abilities.
4. Whereas MahaPushkaralu for every 144 years. This year July 12, was marked as the commencement of “Godavari MahaPushkaralu” celebrations for devotes all across India. The Next MahaPushkaralu will be held in 2159.
5. Nashik
The best places to attend Pushkaralu are Triambak and Nashik in Maharashtra, Dharmapuri, Kaleswaram, Basara and Badrachalam in Telangana State, Rajahmundry, Kovvur and Antharvedi in Andhra Pradesh.
6.Basar Temple
On the banks of Godavari where it emerges, is the Jyothirlinga Temple atTriambak, and flows uptoBasaraGnanaSaraswati Temple in Telangana, and then to famous Badrachalam Sri Rama Temple and merges into the sea at Antharvedi in Andhra.
7. As per the 2003 Pushkaralu statistics at least 2 crore people attended the Godavari Pushkaralu at Rajahmundry and Basara. Sources are atleast 7 crore people would visit this year.
8. Maha Shiva Lingam is the biggest attraction during Pushkaralu.
9. The importance of this festival is very much felt in the Andhra regions. They have named two districts after Godavari. Even trains are named after the great river Godavari as “Godavari Express” and “Gouthami Express”.
10. Koti Linghala Ghat is the longest Ghat in India, which stretches over 1045 metres.
11.National Geographic Channel will be filming the whole occasion and telecast it on a later note.
12. APSRTC will be providing 1500 special servicesalong with 700 local buses. Indian railways will be running special trains and private airway services have also been launched for the devotees.
By: Lilian Rebekah
