Pushpagiri – Hub of Temples

Pushpagiri is one of the holy places in Kadapa district for Hindus. This place is located on the banks of river Pennar (Pinakini) about 16Kms from Kadapa city. Pushpagiri is famous for its numerous temples. This is the only holy place for both Saivas and Vaishnavas (two divisions of Hindu religion). Vaishnavas call it as ‘Madhya Ahobilam’ and Saivas as ‘Madhya Kailasam’. Pushpagiri, also called as ‘Second Hampi’ is one of the important Advaitha mutts established by Sankaracharya. This is the only place in AndhraPradesh where the holy peetham of Sankaracharya located.

Among several temples situated in Pushpagiri, Chennakesava Swamy temple is the largest one. According to the inscriptions belongs to 13^th Century (before 1298 A.D), which were found in the temple complex, Chennakesava Swamy temple is the ancient and large temple of all. It has a lofty gopuram with sculptures depicting scenes from the epics. Floral motifs and Engraved pillars with different sculptures are main attractions of the temple. The dancing Ganapati and Krishna preaching the Bhagavad Geetha to Arjuna are remarkable pieces of Art.

Devotees believe that by taking a dip into amrita sarovar (pool) located in Pushpagiri, destroys their sins. According to local legend, when garuda is carrying amrutam from Indra loka, one drop of it fell into the sarovar and turned the pool into sacred one. One day an old farmer vexed with his wretched life jumped into the pool to commit suicide. The fall transformed him into a young man. The astonished farmer made his wife and oxen to take dip in the pool. They also turned into young. The news of the sacred pool spread all over the place and all people started thronging at this place to become young.

The news reached Satya Loka, Brahma invoked the help of Lord Vishnu & Lord Siva. They instructed Anjaneya to close the pool. Anjaneya dropped a hill in the pool, but instead of sinking the hill started floating like a flower. Then Lord Vishnu & Lord Siva decided to clamp their feet at the ends. The imprint of the foot of Siva became famous as Rudrapada and that of Vishnu’s as Vishnupada.

Trikuteswara, Durga, Shiva, Rudrapada and Devi are the other remarkable temples located in Pushpagiri that one have to visit. These temples are famous for their architectural precision and images.

Temple Festival:

In Pushpagiri, annual temple festival conducted every year for 10 days during march-April.

Other temples located in Pushpagiri:

• Trikuteswara Temple
• Durga Temple
• Shiva Temple
• Devi Temple

Photo Gallery:

Click here to View Pushpagiri Photo Gallery…