Swami Pushkarini | Tirumala Temple Tank

Swami Pushkarini 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. Pilgrims bathe here before entering the main temple.

Tirumala Swami Pushkarini Lake:

• On the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini is the Sri Varahaswami temple, while on its southern bank is the Sri Venkateswara temple.
• Bathing in this Pushkarini is equivalent to bathing in all sacred rivers.
• There are 17 sacred lakes that mingle with this Swami Pushkarini.
• It has a state-of-the-art recycling facility and water is treated before it gets into and recycled continuously.
• Swami Pushkarini was a pleasure tank of Sri Maha Vishnu in Vaikuntham, and was brought and set on Earth by Garuda, for the sport of Sri Venkateshwara.
• The waters of all holy rivers, including the Ganga, are believed to be present in this tank. Considered as equivalent to the Ganges and other sacred rivers. A dip in the tank cleanses the bather of all sins. The performance of the rites here is said to cure deformities of the body, purifies one’s body, fulfill their wishes and bestow temporal prosperity.
• Dip here is considered equal to taking a sacred dip in all the Theerthams, including the Ganga.
• According to Vamana, Varaha and Skanda Puranas, it is believed that on the occasion of Mukkoti Dwadashi (11th day in the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Dhanur-December-January), more than three crores of sacred Theerthams converge into the Swami Pushkarini.
• The wooden-float festival of Lord Sri Venkateswara in the month of February/March and Avabhrudhasnanam or Chakrasnanam during Brahmotsavam takes place in the Swami Pushkarini.
• Bhavishya Purana says that Chandra dynasty ruler Shankanna got back the kingdom he lost to his enemies after penance and a holy dip in Swami Pushkarini.
• Rishis like Markandeya and Kashyapa and Indra, Chandra, Subramanya, Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman have derived full benefit from taking the holy dip in this tank.
• Waters of 17 Tirumala Theerthams are believed to merge into the tank. They are Kapila Theertham, Vajra Theertham, Vishvaksena Saras, Panchaayudha Theertham. Agnikunda Theertham, Brahma Theertham and Saptarishi Theertham.
• It is very usual and highly probable to find a water tank either beside or nearby every Hindu temple constructed during ancient and medieval times. The waters of the tank were strictly for temple purposes only like for the God’s bath, for drinking purposes and for the folk that stay and live by the temple like the priests’ families and workers. The water is famous for holy dip and for the temple’s special occasions when the divine images are taken in the temple boat.