The Hindu : 'Mela' time again at Godavari

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 07, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

'Mela' time again at Godavari

By W. Chandrakanth

HYDERABAD July 6. The world has been a witness to the mega confluence of religious beliefs during the recent `Maha Kumbh Mela'. Now is the time for `Godavari Pushkarams', which is expected to attract a massive gathering from all over the country, especially from the South.

While the `Maha Kumbh Mela' is celebrated at three places along the Ganges, the `Godavari Pushkaram' is celebrated at several places along the course of the Godavari such as Basar, Kaleswaram, Dharmapuri, Bhadrachalam, Rajahmundry, Draksharamam, Pattisa and Antarvedi.

Godavari is known as `Dakshina Ganga' and the river festival is expected to attract a large congregation of the devotees during 12 days of celebration from July 30 to August 10.

`Pushkaram' is a celebration that comes once in 12 years and is always river-centric.

The line-up of `planetary energy' is believed to be such that the rivers attain `mystical powers' during `Pushkarams', which cure ailments and revitalise life.

Legend has it that `Pushkara' (in the form of water), is one of the eight forms of Lord Shiva.

Brahma, the creator, asked Shiva to be his associate in this form and help him in chalking out his creation. Soon the `Deva Guru', Brihaspati, demanded to keep Shiva with him.

`Pushkara' initially refused but joined him later for just 12 days, during his entrance and exit of different `Raasis'. `Brihaspati' (Jupiter) takes 12 years to circumvent the Sun.

All celestial beings, it is believed, reside in `Pushkara' during this period of his conjunction with various planets along with Jupiter.

A bath during this period is the most sought-after among devotees.

Only 12 rivers in the country have the exalted status of attaining divinity — the Ganges, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Saraswati, Yamuna, Kaveri, Bheema (Tamraparni), Pushkarini, Tungabhadra, Sindhu and Pranahita.

On July 30, Brihaspati makes his entrance into the `Simha Raasi', hence the celebrations of `Godavari Pushkarams'.

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