The sacred epics describe that every stone, tree, sand particle, air, bird, and animal dwelling in the Seshachala ranges, home to the world-famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara, is imbued with divinity.

According to the Brahma Purana and Skanda Purana, there are approximately 108 of holy teerthams (sacred water bodies) within the green cover of the Seshachala ranges. These teerthams have been renowned for their sacredness and divinity from ancient times to the present day. Each teertham holds legends and stories of salvation that continue to draw lakhs of pilgrims to Tirumala daily.

These sacred teerthams are classified into four categories:

1. Dharmaratiprada Teerthams: A holy dip in these teerthams is believed to inspire individuals to lead a moral life combined with spiritual discipline, which is foundational for achieving salvation. According to the Puranas, there are approximately 1008 teerthams in this category.

2. Gnanaprada Teerthams: These teerthams are believed to endow pilgrims with wisdom, knowledge, and introspection. A dip in the Gnanaprada teerthams is thought to gift this path of wisdom. There are 108 teerthams in this category, including notable ones such as Manu, Indra, Vasu, Rudra (11 in number), Aditya (12 in number), and many others.

3. Bhakti Vairagya Prada Teerthams: Considered more sacred than the Gnanaprada teerthams, these teerthams are said to help individuals renounce materialistic ways of life and embrace bhakti yoga (the path of devotion). There are 68 teerthams in this category, including Chakra, Vajra, Vishwaksena, Panchayudha, Halayuda, Narasimha, and others.

4. Muktiprada Teerthams: These teerthams are considered the holiest, offering liberation and self-realization. There are seven Muktiprada teerthams, with Swamy Pushkarini being the most prominent. According to temple legend, Swamy Pushkarini originated in Vaikuntam and was brought to Earth by Garuda for the sport of Sri Venkateswara. A holy dip in Swamy Pushkarini is believed to be equivalent to bathing in all 66 crore teerthams.

Festivals are held annually for these teerthams at auspicious times as prescribed by the shastras. Key festivals include:

- Mukkoti Dwadasi: Celebrated on the twelfth fortnight of Dhanurmasa for Swamy Pushkarini.

- Gogarbham or Pandava Teertham: Celebrated on Suddha Dwadasi Sunday in the Vrishabha month or Bahula Dwadasi day falling on Tuesday.

- Papavinasanam: Celebrated on a Sunday with Sapthami tidhi in the Aswayuja month or on Dwadasi day in unison with the star Uttarabhadra.

- Akasaganga: Celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Mesha in unison with Chitra Nakshatra.

- Tumburu: Celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Meena (Pisces) with Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra.

- Kumara Dhara: Celebrated on Magha Pornami in the month of Kumbha.

- Ramakrishna: Celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Makara (Capricorn).

Pilgrims visiting Tirumala customarily bathe in these sacred teerthams, believing that it will absolve them of their sins.


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Source / TikTok: It's My Tirupati, Śrī Vaikhānasa Āgama, Trawell.In, Thirumala Hills