Akasa Ganga Theertham is located at a distance of about 4 km from the Temple of Tirumala Balaji, Akasa Ganga attracts devotees to its Theertham and captivates them with its serene waterfalls. This is without a doubt one of the best places to visit Tirumala / Tirupati.
One of the most sacred waterfalls in the country the waterfalls of Akasha Ganga are visited by almost all the devotees who come to Tirumala in search of Sri Venkateswara’s blessings. This waterfall also has great religious significance, since its holy water is used for the Lord’s Abhishekam. Everyday silver potful of water from this Theertham is brought by one of the seven families of Acharyans, for the daily Thirumanjanam [divine bathing] of the Srinivasa.
This is the place where Anjanadevi performed penance for 12 years and Hanumaan was born. Akasaganga literally means Ganga from the heavens. Believed that the Theertham originates from the lotus feet of the main deity
In the Vedas, which are some of the most sacred scriptures of the Hindu religion, Akasaganga Teertham was mentioned. According to legend, Akasha Ganga Theertham originates from Lord Venkateswara’s lotus feet. All rituals of the temple are performed with its waters, which indicates the great importance of this waterfall. The Tirumala Nambi family can immerse themselves in the sacred waters of Akasa Ganga.
It is said that in ancient times priests crossed the woods and traversed rugged landscapes to reach the waterfall and bring water to the Lord’s Abhishekam early in the morning. However, when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) began taking care of the temples of Tirupati, it created direct pipelines from the waterfall to the temple, simplifying the work to a great extent.
It is believed that Akasa Ganga Teertham has the power to clean up evil and bring luck to all who take a dip in the water. The governance of the temple built a platform where running water was provided for the devotees.
Although you can visit Akasa Ganga throughout the year, it is better to go during or after the monsoon. During the monsoons, the surroundings are covered with lush vegetation and the waterfalls seem more refreshing and wider. On their way to Akasa Ganga, pilgrims can also visit Papavinasanam, Gogarbham and Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple. These are also found in the Tirumala hills. There are government-operated buses, as well as taxi services that take tourists to all places of interest in Tirupati-Tirumala.
Tirumala Akasa Ganga Theertham History:
Tradition is that ‘Sriman 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 an 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 suspected of the hunter but when Nambi went the next day, the hunter shot an arrow and told him that the water that came out is 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.