Kurnool: Due to poor water quality in Pushkarini at Srisailam, devout pilgrims who come from all across the country have not been performing sacred ablutions here. Instances of pilgrims developing skin diseases, rashes and digestive disorders is not uncommon here.
There is a stand-off between Srisailam Devastanam and Kanchi Kama-koti Guest House from where drain water has been copiously filling up the Pushkarini. A temple official said that due to its proximity, the Kanchi property was letting out its drain into the Pushkarini, a fact that was denied over the years.
Kanchi property maintains that the dirty water comes due to a spring that has a bad source. But the temple officials said that there is no truth in this.
A representation has been given to endowments minister K.E. Krishna Murthy to address the issue on a war footing. The temple executive officer is confident that a solution could be worked out with the active support of the government.
Water has a major role in Hindu rituals. After performing darshan, one has to take a dip in the holy Pushkarini to absolve himself of the sins, accor-ding to Hindu philosophy. A pilgrim said Pushkarini at Srisailam is a nightmare as one cannot afford to be a willing carrier of the germs and the sludge bacteria.
Now pilgrims go down all the way to the Pathalaganga to take a dip in the Krishna river.
A pilgrim said taking bath at Pathalaganga is also fraught with physical challenges for the aged and the infirm.
