Pushpagiri Seeks Giripradakshina Route, Better Facilities To Boost Pilgrimage Tourism
Safety arrangements along the river are also inadequate. Strong whirlpools in some stretches pose a threat to visitors, with two or three persons reportedly drowning every year.
KADAPA: Pushpagiri, a prominent pilgrimage centre in YSR Kadapa district, lacks an organised hill circumambulation route, apart from basic facilities. This is limiting the shrine’s potential to emerge as a major religious destination. Significantly, located about 16 km from Kadapa town, Pushpagiri is located at the confluence of five rivers – Penna, Kumudvathi, Bahuda, Mandakini and Papagni. It is surrounded by hills and greenery. Importantly, both Vaishnavite and Shaivite temples are at the same location, giving it a religious significance. Vaishnavites regard Pushpagiri as Madhya Ahobilam, while Shaivites consider it Madhya Kailasam.
Chenna Kesava Swamy and Vaidyanatheswara Swamy temples are the principal attractions. Penna River flows near the feet of Lord Chenna Kesava Swamy. Devotees visit the river confluence to perform religious rituals and immerse the ashes of deceased family members, particularly those unable to travel to Varanasi. Shrines of Kamalambika, Kamakshi and other deities too draw devotees to Pushpagiri, popularly known as Dakshina Kashi. Inscriptions and historical accounts point to the antiquity of the temple complex. Local religious traditions associate the site with Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have installed the Sri Chakra there.
One of the major demands of devotees is a dedicated Giripradakshina route around the hills. Priests of temples as well as officials say the surrounding hills have the scope for the ritual. But the route has to be finalised and developed with the facilities required for devotees. "Pushpagiri has a cluster of ancient temples and attracts thousands of devotees. If facilities are developed for Giripradakshina around the hills, the number of visitors will increase considerably. It would give devotees a unique spiritual experience," said area’s priest M. Seshusarma. Shortage of drinking water, accommodation and road connectivity is another concern. Despite the Penna River flowing close to the temples, adequate drinking water facilities are not available. There are no proper choultries or accommodation facilities for devotees wishing to stay overnight.
The road from Kadapa needs improvement. The existing road is inadequate, while the approach through villages via Khajipet is in poor condition. These difficulties discourage families and elderly devotees from visiting the Pushpagiri shrines.
Safety arrangements along the river are also inadequate. Strong whirlpools in some stretches pose a threat to visitors, with two or three persons reportedly drowning every year. Warning boards and safety measures are missing at several vulnerable locations, raising concerns over the safety of pilgrims entering the river for religious purposes.
Religious leaders and devotees say Pushpagiri could emerge as a major pilgrimage destination in south India if infrastructure is improved. With its five-river confluence, ancient temples, sculptures, and scenic surroundings, Pushpagiri combines religious and historical traits with natural beauty.