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Pushkarani in Hinduism – Holy Water Tanks in Hindu Temples

What is a Pushkarani? Temple water tanks are known as Pushkarani in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and in some temples in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The most famous is the Swami Pushkarini at the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple


The pushkaranis are sacred water bodies (referred as Tirthas or Teerth) and the water in it are used for the bathing the presiding deity in a temple. Large Pushkaranis are used for Theppam festivals – float festival when the presiding deities move on the water body on specially designed boats. The Pushkarani also serves to maintain the water levels in the region.

Devotees consider taking bath in the positively charged water bodies as highly auspicious.

There is a belief that all gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon take bath in certain pushakarinis during specific occasions. Taking holy dip in the pushkarini after the divine event washes away all sins.

Pushkaranis are often built within the temple complex or in its front (outside). Some of the most important ones are mentioned in the Puranas and there are stories about how they were formed.

Some of the popular Pushkaranis are the big stepped Tirtha at Srirangam Ranganatha Temple known as Chandra Pushkarini. Swami Pushkarini at the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, Surya Pushkarini at Uraiyur near Kumbakonam.

Sadly some of the Pushkaranis are without water for major part of the year and water is specially pumped during festive occasions.