Krishna Pushkaralu -2016
The Krishna river is the fourth largest river,
which is about 1,300 kilometers long. It originates from Mahabaleswar of
Maharashtra and exits into the Bay of Bengal at Hamsaladeevi. The river flows
through Karnataka and ends its journey in Andhra Pradesh before reaching its
final destination viz., Bay of Bengal.
About:
Krishna Pushkaralu is a festival of River Krishna
which normally occurs once in 12 years. The Pushkaralu is observed for a period
of 12 days from the time of entry of Jupiter into Virgo (Kanya rasi).
Background:
As per the legend, there lived a Brahmin in a
village. He did severe penance towards Lord Shiva. As a result of it, Lord
Shiva granted a boon because of which he was blessed with a power to purify the
holy rivers.
- Thenceforth he was known as Pushkar (the one who nourishes). While traveling from one zodiac sign to another, Brihaspati aka Jupiter requested Pushkar to make the 12 sacred rivers holy. Various pujas and rituals were performed during the Pushkaralu.
Events:
The festival lasts as long as Jupiter remains in
the corresponding zodiac sign. Major crowds will throng during the first 12
days.
- The first 12 days when the Jupiter enters the zodiac sign and the last 12 days when it exits the zodiac sign are considered as most auspicious.
- The first twelve days are known as Adi pushkaram, and the last twelve days are called Anthya Pushkaram.
- It is believed that during the above period of twenty-four days, Pushkar will be traveling with Jupiter as it moves from one Zodiac sign to another and will be making any river holy..
- Krishna Pushkaralu commences on 12th August 2016 in the morning.
