Tirumala, nestled in the Eastern Ghats of India, is known for its sacred temples and rich spiritual history. Among the numerous religious events held here, the Brahmotsavam festival stands as one of the most celebrated occasions dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. As we delve deeper into the mystical surroundings of Tirumala, we discover the significance of the sacred waters that flow through this holy land.
The Legend of Tirumala’s Seven Sacred Hills
Tirumala is often referred to as the “home of seven sacred hills,” with each hill bearing great spiritual significance. Ancient scriptures describe the front part of the hill as Venkataadri, the middle as Narasimhaadri, and the back as Srisaila. Together, these hills form a part of the divine Sheshaparvata, said to be the resting place of Lord Venkateswara.
These hills not only shelter a plethora of flora and fauna but also serve as a source of numerous sacred waters known as punya teerthas (holy waters). The spiritual importance of these waters is such that it is believed they possess the power to cleanse one’s soul and lead the devotee toward salvation.
The Sixty-Six Crore Sacred Teerthas of Tirumala
According to the Brahma Purana and Skanda Purana, Tirumala is home to 66 crore sacred teerthas. The term “punya teertha” refers to water that brings spiritual prosperity and is considered to have divine properties. Each of these teerthas has unique significance, categorized based on the virtues they grant—Dharma, Jnana, Bhakti, Vairagya, and Mukti (righteousness, wisdom, devotion, detachment, and salvation).
Dharma-Prada Teerthas: Waters That Bestow Righteousness
Dharma-prada teerthas are believed to instill righteousness and the pursuit of moral duty in those who either bathe in or reside near these waters. There are 1,008 such teerthas, each one revered in ancient texts for promoting virtues and spiritual dedication.
Jnana-Prada Teerthas: Waters That Bestow Knowledge
The sacred waters classified under Jnana-prada teerthas are known to bestow divine wisdom upon devotees. Devotees firmly believe that by engaging with these teerthas, one can attain spiritual enlightenment. There are 108 such sacred waters, some of which include:
- Manu Teertha
- Indra Teertha
- Rudra Teertha (11 variations)
- Aditya Teertha (12 variations)
- Prajapati Teertha (9 variations)
- Ashwini Teertha
- Ganeswara Teertha
- Narada Teertha
- Vishnuvardhana Teertha
- Vasudeva Teertha
These sacred waters are essential stops for those seeking higher knowledge and wisdom.
Bhakti and Vairagya-Prada Teerthas: The Pinnacle of Spirituality
These teerthas surpass even the Jnana-prada teerthas in importance. Bathing in these holy waters is believed to not only cleanse sins but also foster divine devotion and detachment from worldly desires. There are 68 Bhakti-Vairagya teerthas, including:
- Chakra Teertha
- Vajra Teertha
- Narasimha Teertha
- Vishvaksena Teertha
- Kumara Dhara Teertha
- Pandava Teertha
Among these, Chakra Teertha is considered exceptionally powerful for removing the obstacles of life, while Pandava Teertha is famous for its mythological connection with the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.
Mukti-Prada Teerthas: The Path to Salvation
Perhaps the most revered of all teerthas are the Mukti-prada teerthas, which are said to grant moksha or salvation. These seven teerthas are known for their extraordinary ability to free one from the cycle of birth and death. The seven Mukti-prada teerthas are:
- Swami Pushkarini Teertha: Located near the Venkateswara temple, this teertha is believed to be the most supreme of all. A bath in these waters during the Dhanurmasa (early morning period) on the sacred Dwadashi day is highly auspicious.
- Kumara Dhara: Known for its connection to Lord Muruga (Kartikeya), this teertha is particularly potent during the Makha Nakshatra on the full moon day in the month of Kumbha.
- Tumburu Teertha: Highly revered during the Meena month when Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra coincides with a full moon, this teertha is believed to purify devotees of all their past sins.
- Rama Krishna Teertha: Associated with Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, this holy water is particularly powerful when visited during the full moon in the Pushya month.
- Akaasha Ganga Teertha: This teertha flows through the Tirumala hills and is most sacred during the Chitra Nakshatra in the month of Mesha.
- Paapa Vinaashanam: As the name suggests, this teertha is known to wash away sins. It is especially potent during the Ashwayuja month on the Saptami or Dwadashi days.
- Pandava Teertha (Gogarbha): This teertha holds historical significance, with its name tied to the Pandavas. It is most beneficial during the Vrishabha month, particularly on Sundays or Tuesdays during the Dwadashi phase.
The Annual Mukkoti Festival: Honoring the Sacred Waters
Among the many festivals held in Tirumala, the Mukkoti festival is dedicated to honoring the sacred waters of Swami Pushkarini, Kumara Dhara, and Tumburu. This festival is celebrated with grand rituals, drawing thousands of devotees seeking spiritual purification.
The grandeur of the Mukkoti festival highlights the importance of the teerthas in the spiritual lives of devotees. Taking a ritual bath in these teerthas during the festival is said to cleanse one’s soul and bring immense spiritual benefits.
Conclusion: Embracing the Divine Waters of Tirumala
The sacred teerthas of Tirumala are not just natural water sources; they are considered gateways to spiritual elevation. Whether one seeks knowledge, righteousness, devotion, or liberation, the holy waters of Tirumala provide a path to achieving these spiritual goals. Each drop from these sacred waters is believed to carry the essence of divine grace, making them central to the spiritual journey of countless devotees.